“Savage” New Lotus Exige Cup 430 revealed

Lotus has revealed its latest range-topping Exige — the Cup 430.

The new, high-performance version of the sports car has seen some major revisions — the main feature being the engine from its larger stablemate, the Evora GT430.

Despite the more powerful engine and the addition of a rear wing, weight is kept down with the introduction of ‘ultra-lightweight’ front and rear clam bodywork, featuring carbon-fibre air intakes. The Exige Cup 430 is 6.8kg lighter than any other in the range as a result, and has a power-to-weight ratio of 401bhp per tonne.

All of this has led to the Exige Cup 430 becoming the fastest production car around Lotus’ Hethel test track, with a lap time of 1:24.8 — 1.2 seconds faster than the previous record-holding Lotus 3-Eleven.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus, said: “This is the car that we have always wanted to build, and I am sure that all Lotus enthusiasts will be delighted with the end product. As well as a significant power hike, the Cup 430 has benefited from extensive development in areas essential to Lotus’ DNA, in order to ensure that the full potential of the Exige’s incredible chassis can be exploited.

“This car has no rivals – inside or outside of its price bracket – and it’s no exaggeration when we say that nothing can keep up with this Exige on the road or track.”

The Lotus Exige Cup 430 begins at £99,800 and is now available to order, although delivery dates have yet to be confirmed.