Lotus introduces the Exige V6 Cup - a lighter, track-focused Exige S

With production of the Exige S at Hethel now well underway, Lotus has turned its hand to producing a harder, faster and more track-ready version, due to be launched at this weekend’s Lotus Festival at Brands Hatch.

Power remains the same as the standard Exige S, with 345bhp on tap from its 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, but with a kerb weight of 1080kg Lotus has managed to strip 96kg from the leather trimmed Exige S.

Performance drops to 3.8 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint (down from 4.0 seconds) with an identical top speed of 174mph.

There will be two variants of the Exige V6 Cup a track-day version priced at £62,995 and a full-on competition-spec car starting at £74,995 (Prices include VAT @ 20%) – that compares with £52,900 for the Exige S.

The V6 Cup may have lost weight, but that hasn’t stopped Lotus from adding a few choice components to aid its pace around the corners. Lotus Dynamic Performance Management is fitted as standard, which enables the driver to switch the engine and traction settings between Touring, Sport and Race.

It comes with Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tyres all round, compared to the Exige S which is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres as standard and the more track-biased Trofeos available as an option.

Design wise the V6 Cup comes with an aerodynamically optimised front splitter, rear diffuser and wing, multi-adjustable suspension; and race-ready kit such as a heavy-duty roll cage, 4 or 6-point harnesses, isolator switches, FIA-approved fire extinguisher, tow eyes, removable steering wheel and HANS-compliant race seats.

In addition to its availability as a track-day car, the Exige V6 Cup is intended for new and current Lotus Cup series including Lotus Cup UK, Lotus Cup Europe, Lotus Cup Eastern Europe, Lotus Cup Italy, Lotus Cup Japan, and the Lotus Ladies Cup (Hungary). There will be a version for the USA which will also be on display at Brands Hatch this weekend.