Lotus unveils street-legal Elise S Cup

CURRENTLY ON SALE IN EUROPE ONLY

   Lotus unveiled its new 2015 Elise S Cup car last week, and though it’s described as a no-compromise track-day car, it is legal on the street…at least in the U.K. and the rest of Europe, where it’s currently on sale.

   The Elise S gets takes parts from the track-only Cup R model including a front splitter with winglets, new side skirts, a new spoiler and air diffuser. Lotus says the new bodywork produces 145 pounds of downforce at 100 mph.

   Inside the Elise S Cup comes with a roll bar and new sport seats with the S Cup logo. Lotus does the prep work for a fire extinguisher and kill switch.

   Output is pegged at 217 hp at 6,800 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. That in a car weighing just 2,050 pounds, giving it a power to weight ratio of 9.44, about in line with a Chevy Camaro SS. Top speed is 140 mph, while the 0-to-60 sprint ticks off in 4.2 seconds. Fuel economy is a lovely 31 mpg in the European cycle.

   The Elise Cup S costs about $66,000, converted from euros, though as of now, it won’t be sold here.