The latest race car from Lotus, the new Elise Race 250 distils the famous company’s engineering expertise into one hardcore, track-orientated package.
Eligible for many race series around the world, this sensational new Elise has been developed to meet the high demands of the track, with a raft of performance-orientated features as standard. Packing a supercharged, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with a 6 speed manual gearbox, the Elise Race 250 boasts 243 hp (246 PS) at 7200 rpm and an impressive 250 Nm of torque between 3500 rpm and 5500 rpm.
Delivering a level of ability you’d expect from one of the world’s most famous racing marques, every aspect of the Lotus Elise Race 250 has been optimised to help slash lap times. This covers track-oriented features including Nitron adjustable dampers, uprated brake pads, FIA approved carbon fibre race seat with six-point racing harness, a removable steering wheel and a polycarbonate rear windscreen.
The Lotus Elise Race 250 also features a full aero package, including front splitter, rear diffuser, floor extensions and a rear wing. As a result, the car’s design generates substantial downforce, equal to 66 kg at 100 mph and 155 kg at maximum speed of 248 km/h. As befitting a race car, the cabin of the Elise Race 250 is fitted with an A-Frame harness bar and an FIA compliant front roll-cage section, fire extinguisher, battery isolator and front and rear towing eyes. The front headlamps are replaced with lightweight composite blanking panels.
The arrival the new Elise Race 250 coincides with the 50th celebrations for the founding of the famous factory in Hethel, Norfolk, when in 1966, founder Colin Chapman moved Lotus to the purpose-built facility. Today, all Lotus cars are developed on the same test track responsible for the company’s famous Grand Prix racers. As the spiritual home of Team Lotus, its heritage includes seven World Constructors’ Championship titles and six World Drivers’ Championship.
