Lotus Releases the Fastest Race-Prepped Elise, and it is Available in the U.S.

Lotus Elise Race 250 (Credit: © Lotus)

Lotus is on a roll under the careful guidance of Jean-Marc Gales as it’s released some awesome back-to-roots cars as of late. Today, Lotus reveals another sports car that harks back to the days when the automaker focused on lightening first and power second.

This new rig, known as the Elise Race 250, is the result of countless hours of finding new and creative ways to cut weight. The Elise Race 250 features an aluminum chassis that weighs only 150 pounds, a 22-pound-lighter lithium-ion battery, 13-pound-lighter carbon-fiber seats, and lightweight alloy wheels. For those looking to take the lightening to a new level, there is also the optional Carbon Aero Pack that swaps out the front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser, and side floor extensions with carbon-fiber replacements, saving another 22 pounds. With all the lightening option boxes checked, the Elise Race 250 checks in at just 1,984 pounds—68 pounds less than the Elise Cup 250.

In addition to all the weight reduction, Lotus also focused on making this track-only rig friendlier in the corners. To do so, it added an adjustable front anti-roll bar, Nitron one-way adjustable dampers, Eibach coaxial coil springs and double-wishbone suspension, and staggered wheels wrapped in Yokohama AO48 rubber. The standard Full Aero Package also helps out in this department with 145.5 pounds of downforce at 100 mph and 342 pounds of downforce at its 154 mph top speed. AP two-piston calipers up front and Brembo single-piston units handle the braking duties.

Lotus Elise Race 250 (Credit: © Lotus)

The racing focus continues inside the cabin with FIA-approved seats, six-point racing harnesses, a removable steering wheel, a polycarbonate windshield, an A-frame harness bar, and an FIA-approved roll cage.

Under its hood, the Elise Race 250 has the same powertrain as the Cup 250, giving it a 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder with 243 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This four-pot pairs with a six-speed manual transmission for a 1-minute 33.5-second trip around Lotus’ test track, besting the former fastest race-prepped Elise—the Cup 220 R—by a half second.

Since the Elise Race 250 is a track-only rig, it is actually legal to sell it in the U.S., and it checks in at $76,200. In the U.K, this race-prepped Lotus will run you £53,500 (VAT included). There are no details on when this model will be available for order.