Lotus Elise Cup 250 arriving in April

More power and less weight make Cup 250 the quickest production version of Lotus’ star

The fastest ever Elise? Now, there’s a thing.

And it’s on its way. The Cup 250 is lighter and more powerful than the existing Cup 220 model, and the first ones will be reaching their owners in April.

The newcomer is technically similar to the 220 in many ways, with brakes and suspension that come straight from the world of motorsport.

Admittedly, it’s only the fastest production Elise, not the fastest full stop. But with a combination of 240bhp (the same as the track-only Cup R) and 931kg, that’s unlikely to weigh on your mind when behind the wheel.

You can get the weight down even lower by adding various carbon fibre body accoutrements from the options list. As it is, the seats are already made of the stuff – combine that with a lighter battery and new wheels, and you have the recipe for a successful diet.

The aforementioned carbon body parts include things like splitters and diffusers. Even without them, the Cup 250 generates more downforce than before – an extra 66kg’s worth at 100mph, says Lotus. Between that and being both 21kg lighter and 26bhp more powerful, you have yourself one speedy little weapon.

The 1.8 engine is largely the same one, of course, though it does now have enhanced management software to let you engage Sport mode when you want to go for it. Lotus being Lotus, ‘sport’ actually means something – it’ll let you attack apexes without getting its nanny on at the first sign of understeer.

As well as those carbon bits, the options list includes things like leather, carpets and a roof. Take it as it comes, and it’s cost you £45,600.