The New Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition is the Fastest of its Kind

Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition (Credit: © Lotus)

Lotus is at is once again. It’s taking one of its already awesome models, tweaking it a bit, and releasing it as a limited-run special edition. Typically, this type of stuff doesn’t sit well with fans, but, as usual, Lotus did just enough to the new Elise 250 Special Edition to make it worthy of its title.

This exclusive model celebrates the 50th anniversary of the automaker’s Hethel test track, and it has all the performance goodies needed to make it a true track monster.

The Elise 250 Special Edition is based on the Elise Cup 250, so it comes with a 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine. And like its donor car, it checks in with 243 horsepower at 7,200 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque between 3,500 and 5,500 rpm. This power works its way through a six-speed manual transmission, through an electronic differential lock for enhanced traction when exiting corners, and out to the rear wheels.

Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition (Credit: © Lotus)

While this powertrain isn’t knock-you-socks-off awesome, its performance numbers speak for themselves. This tiny two-seater hits 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and tops out at 154 mph. Additionally, this rig lapped the Hethel test track in just 1 minute 34 seconds, setting a new production record for the Elise.

Like most Lotus models that preceded it, the Elise 250 Special Edition achieves this outrageous performance without massive output numbers through careful weight management. This special edition tips the scales at just 899 kg (1,981 pounds), which is a 32 kg (70.5-pound) weight loss relative to the Cup 250 this rig is based on.

This weight loss comes from the careful use of carbon-fiber and aluminum. While Lotus didn’t dive too deep into what is crafted from aluminum, it did mention that the front splitter, rear wing, tailgate, front access panel, and seats are all made from carbon-fiber. For an added touch of lightness, buyers can also opt for a carbon-fiber hard top.

Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition (Credit: © Lotus)

While it is lighter than the Cup 250, it also carries over all of the chassis bits from its donor car. This includes the Bilstein sport dampers, Eibach coaxial springs, double-wishbone suspension, AP Racing dual-piston front calipers, Brembo single-piston rear calipers, and a track-prepped antilock braking system.

Inside, buyers are treated to dark blue or dark gray leather wrapped around the carbon-fiber seats and contrast stitching. Optionally, buyers can add in iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, cruise control, auxiliary driving lights, full carpet, floor mats, and additional sound insulation.

Lotus will release only 50 examples of the Elise 250 Special Edition and each one will start from £47,900 ($62,722). As is true with all Elise models, this limited-run sports car is not available for purchase in the U.S.