Following the January unveiling of the track-only Lotus Elise S Cup R, we can now show you development of a street-legal version of the same model. The British brand is yet to officially announce the impending arrival, but this prototype makes the announcement for them.

While burning rubber around the Nurburgring circuit, the Elise S Cup R exhibits a set of fully working headlights and the mesh grille between the taillights that provides extra cooling for the engine has been removed.

The same aggressive body kit has been maintained and it will also appears to sport the same 17-inch forged alloy wheels while the FIA-compliant roll cage has naturally been removed.

The track version's power comes with a 1.8-liter supercharged engine and a six-speed manual gearbox so it is safe to assume the same powertrain is being used here. It’s quite likely it also comes with a sport-tuned suspension (with adjustable springs and dampers), high-performance brakes and a "triple-pass" radiator.

The saying is oft uttered when discussing anything Lotus, and has become a core mantra for many an automotive enthusiast. "Simplify, then add lightness," were the famous words said by Lotus founder Colin Chapman. It seems one fan of the brand took this ethos to heart... well, part of it anyway.

A 2001 Lotus Exige is being offered for sale in Australia, and it takes addition of lightness part pretty seriously. This car actually started life as an Elise, but the owner converted the body to that of an Exige. Not just a standard Exige body, mind you, but one formed completely from carbon fiber. That should help drop a few pounds off the ol' curb weight.

Now, the other part of the equation is about simplicity. The owner of this car chose to ignore that when they installed an Audi inline five-cylinder 2.2-liter turbocharged engine. Paired with a six-speed gearbox, this combination should prove quite potent under the skin of the Exige. Especially when the engine has been tuned to produce 550 horsepower.

The asking price is right around $100,000, which isn't crazy considering we're dealing with a surely insane Lotus and a car sale in Australia. Have you ever priced out a car being sold Down Under? You would be shocked... and whoever buys this Lotus will no doubt be shocked the first time they stomp on the throttle.

Production limited to 81 units

Lotus is celebrating their Formula One "provenance" by introducing the limited edition Exige LF1.

Based on the Exige S, the special edition features a black and gold exterior with red accents and special badging. The car has also been equipped with golden wheels and the Race Pack that includes a Dynamic Performance Management system, high-performance brakes and Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tires.

The black and gold theme continues in the cabin as the model has two-tone leather / fabric seats with embroidered headrests and embroidered seat backs. There's also air conditioning and an individually numbered carbon fiber plaque.

Power is provided by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 350 PS (257 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, It enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds before hitting a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph).

Buyers will also receive an "Exige LF1 Membership" that includes a factory tour of Lotus Cars in Hethel and a tour of the Lotus F1 Team headquarters at Enstone. The membership also includes a Romain Grosjean 1:2 scale replica helmet, a Lotus F1 car key fob, a Lotus F1 Team USB stick and special discounts on the company's lifestyle products.

Production will be limited to 81 units and the model will be available in all markets except the United States.

The convertible version of the Lotus Exige S, the Exige S Roadster, isn't quite as mental as its coupe cousin. It has a sleeker look, a nicer interior with plush hand-stitched, heated leather seats and softened suspension. But don't for one second think it's gone soft; this is still a supercharged Exige and, as we discovered in this video review, it'll still rip your entire face off.

Launched last year in Europe but unavailable in the United States, the Lotus Exige S Roadster is one of the most exciting drop-top models on sale today. At least that’s what the folks from XCar said about the car after taking it for a test drive.

The Exige S Roadster is 10 kilograms (22 lbs) lighter than the coupe, as it lacks a metal roof, as well as a rear wing and front splitter. While not quite as hardcore as the Exige S coupe, the roadster is nevertheless a car for driving enthusiasts.

It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds, just like the coupe, but has a top speed limited at 145 mph (233 km/h) – the coupe reaches 170 mph (274 km/h).

Powered by the same 345 hp 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine, the Exige S Roadster feels “marginally more sensible.” That’s not a bad thing, as it’s better suited for road driving.

See what the Lotus Exige S Roadster is like to drive in the video posted below the break.

Lotus will pull the covers off the Elise S Cup R racer at the Autosport International 2014 show in Birmingham (January 9-12), alongside the more powerful Exige V6 Cup, Exige V6 Cup R and Evora GT4.

The latest addition to Lotus Motorsport’s stable, the Elise S Cup R, builds on the road-going Elise S’ capabilities, transforming into a track-only race car. The car is powered by a mid-mounted, supercharged 1.8-liter Toyota engine producing 217 hp (220PS) and 250 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque. The engine control module (ECM) has motorsport-specific mapping

The Lotus Elise S Cup R sports a bespoke livery and a CFD proven aerodynamic body kit including revised front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing.

The manipulation of air-flow creates extra downforce and together with the adjustable dampers and springs contribute to quicker lap times – the Elise S Cup R is around 4 seconds faster than the standard Elise S over a 2.2-mile lap.

"With so many new markets becoming interested in motorsport, the Elise S Cup R gives us the perfect entry level track-car," said Rupert Manwaring, head of Lotus Motorsport. "Whether the focus is racing or simply developing your driving skills on a race circuit and having fun, the incredible handling and ease of use with low running costs make the Elise S Cup R an intelligent choice."

The car is eligible for entry to the production class in the 2014 Lotus Cup series which include Lotus Cup UK, Lotus Cup Europe, Lotus Cup Italia, Lotus Cup USA, Lotus Cup Japan, Lotus Cup Thailand, Lotus Cup China and Lotus Ladies Cup.

Despite being unveiled last year, the Lotus Exige S Roadster has been missing in action ever since. That will all change this summer, as the British automaker has confirmed it’ll be heading to dealerships – at least in Europe.

The fastest convertible Lotus has never made, it’s the first Exige model to come fitted with a soft-top straight off the assembly line. Powered comes from a 3.5-liter V6 borrowed from the Exige S coupe with 345 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The roadster variant will actually be weight about 22 pounds less than the coupe allowing it to hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds. The top speed however has been reduced from 170 mph to 145 mph. Standard on the Exige S Roadster will be a six-speed manual transmission with the automaker’s Serial Precision Shift (SPS) paddle-shift transmission available as an option.

Lotus is claiming fuel economy of 28 mpg on the European cycle and options include a race pack which adds track-optimized suspension settings and launch control. There will also be a more bare bones interior option for those looking for a true, sporty drive.

Lotus has no plans to offer the Exige (which is essentially the front half of an Elise and the rear half of an Evora), in North America

The first thing you need to know is that this is the Lotus Exige S Roadster, unchanged from the Exige S even in price and officially the fastest convertible Lotus has ever made. The second thing you need to know is that if you live in the US, you won't be getting this car.

Now that that's out of the way, the lack of a roof, rear wing and front splitter help make it 22 pounds lighter than the coupe, coming in a 2,565 pounds, and the supercharged 3.5-liter V6 in this topless blossom discharges 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For historical comparison with a non-convertible, those numbers nearly match the 2004 Lotus Esprit V8 Final Run edition - which had twin Garrett turbochargers. Yet the Exige S gets from a stoplight to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds, nearly a full second quicker than that Esprit. Fair play, though, the Esprit did weigh 3,040 pounds.

It will be fitted with a six-speed manual only, and cost 52,900 pounds ($79,667 US), 55,378 euros ($71,404 US) or 8,500,000 yen ($82,078 US), depending on where you live. Here in the US we'll be sticking with the track-only Exige V6 Cup and Cup R models. The press release below offers more on the fine points.

Press Release

Get ready for the fastest ever Lotus convertible!

22 May 2013 -- This summer the critically acclaimed Lotus Exige S loses its roof and gains a new character. As capable as its coupe counterpart, the Exige S Roadster retains all the intent of a race-bred sports car but also possesses the poise of a sleek convertible.

Sitting alongside the Exige S, Exige Cup and Exige Cup R, the Exige S Roadster completes the Exige line-up and enhances the track focused collection by providing a new facet to the range. Powered by the same 3.5L V6 as the coupe variants and weighing in at 10kg less than the Exige S at 1166kg, none of the exhilarating performance of the phenomenal Exige range is compromised, yet the driver is only 'two clicks and a roll' away from cruising in open-top style thanks to the lightweight, factory-fitted soft top.

Achieving 0-60 mph from standing in 3.8 seconds, delivering 345 hp at 7,000 rpm (350 PS) and 295 lb. ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, the Roadster matches the coupe's mechanical performance and retains its £52,900 price tag, but style takes an understated approach having shed its rear wing and front splitter to maximize airflow over its sleek silhouette.

The introduction of the new Exige to the Lotus product range has provided a new opportunity for the Norfolk based sports car brand to expand and strengthen its production resource, generating new jobs and opportunities for skilled individuals who want to be part of the Lotus story.

The Exige S Roadster is the perfect car for a 'joy' ride; what better way is there to enjoy the panoramic views of the world's most beautiful roads than when they are enhanced by the purposeful roar of a V6 soundtrack and to feel the wind in your hair and sun on your skin?

Exige S Roadster is now available to order with the full list of options and extras as available on the Exige S coupe, with the extra interior option of quilted leather seats and door trim details.

The Exige S Roadster at a glance:
· Max Power 345 hp (350 PS) at 7,000 rpm
· Max Torque 295 lb. ft. (400 NM) at 4,500 rpm
· 0 – 60 mph 3.8 seconds
· 0 – 100 km/h 4.0 seconds
· Max Speed 145 mph (233 km/h)*
· Weight 1166 kg

The Exige S Roadster in more detail:
Engine: Mid-mounted, transverse 3.5-liter DOHC V6 VVTi, 24-valve equipped with Harrop HTV 1320 Supercharger.

Transmission: 6-speed manual with sports ratios only from launch. Paddle shift options for Exige S Roadster will be considered subject to demand.

Suspension: Fully independent double wishbone suspension with front and rear anti-roll bar. Bilstein high performance gas dampers and Eibach coaxial springs.

Braking & Dynamic systems:
· AP-Racing four-piston calipers, ventilated and cross drilled rotors.
· Lotus / BOSCH Developed ABS/ESP system.
· Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA).
· Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).
· Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
· Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (Lotus DPM).

Wheels & Tyres: Lightweight cast alloy wheels (17" front and 18" rear) clad with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.

Pricing: Prices below are an illustration of pricing structures in selected markets only.
Exige S and Exige S Roadster
UK (incl VAT) - £52,900 GBP
EU (Excl Taxes) - € 55,378 Euros
Japan (Inc Taxes) - ¥8,500,000 YEN

The Exige V6 Cup and Exige V6 Cup R Lotus Racing variants are available in North America for track use only. The Exige V6 Cup is priced from $98,950 for the base model and the Exige Cup R from $109,950 (both prices excluding the $1,500 destination charges).

Fuel consumption for Exige S is – urban 19.5 mpg – 14.5 litres / 100km, extra urban 37.2 mpg – 7.6 litres / 100km, combined – 28.0 mpg – 10.1 litres / 100km. CO2 emissions 236 g CO2 / km.

There’s a thin line between Lotus’ track specials and road-going models and the British sports car manufacturer has just made it thinner by announcing the Elise S Cup.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the new model is the road-going variant of the Elise S Cup R track-exclusive model unveiled early this year.

Lotus has announced that it has completed testing of the Elise S Cup, which also benefits from feedback gained during the Elise S Cup R’s first season of racing. The new Elise S Cup has been tested on the Lotus test track and at the Nürburgring.

Positioned as a more dynamic, track-oriented model than the Elise S, the Elise S Cup sports the same unique aerodynamics package as the R version. The combination of front splitter and winglets, barge boards, rear diffuser, rear wing and a fixed roof create 66 kg (145.5 lbs) of downforce at 100 mph (161 km/h) and an impressive 125 kg (275.6 lbs) of downforce at top speed. As a result, Lotus says the Elise S Cup generates enough downforce in the corners of the Lotus test track to beat the Elise S by 3 seconds a lap.

Just like the R model, the Elise S Cup is powered by a supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder Toyota engine producing 217hp (220PS) at 6,800 rpm and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 4,600 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with sport ratios, the engine allows the Elise S Cup to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds and to reach a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). Since it weighs just 932 kg (2054.7 lbs), the Elise S Cup has an impressive power to weight ratio of 233 hp per tonne.

In the UK, the Elise S Cup is priced from around £43,500, including VAT but excluding on the roads costs. In the European Union, the model starts at around €47,500, excluding taxes, on the roads costs and delivery.

Currently available for order

Lotus has officially unveiled their street-legal Elise S Cup.

Described as a no comprise track-day and road car, the model is heavily influenced by the Elise S Cup R and features an aerodynamic body kit that includes a front splitter, winglets and bargeboards. The model also has a fixed roof, a rear wing and a massive rear diffuser.

Lotus says these modifications increase downforce by 66 kg (145 lbs) at 100 mph (161 km/h) and 125kg (275 lbs) at the car's top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).

Besides the aerodynamic styling tweaks, the car comes with a "T45 specification" roll bar which allows for future upgrades including the installation of a competition harnesses and a full roll cage. There's also a modified electrical system which allows for the easy installation of accessories such as a kill-switch and a fire extinguishing system.

Power is provided by a supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 217 bhp (162 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed manual transmission which enables the 932 kg (2055 lb) model to accelerate from 0-60 mph from 4.2 seconds before hitting the aforementioned top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h). The car is also three seconds faster around the Hethel track than the standard Elise S.

The Elise S Cup is currently available to order and pricing start at £43,500 in the U.K. and €56,525 in Germany.

Most hardcore Elise version yet might not look a lot different than the rest, but it gives a new meaning to the term ‘giant slayer’.

The Lotus Elise has been around for quite some time now, but this deprives nothing of its sheer talent to excite the driver.

The latest Cup 250 is replacing the Cup 220 at the top of the Elise’s range, giving it the title of the fastest street-legal Elise. Lotus has gone mental on the already-lightweight body of it, saving an additional 21kg for a total of 931kg (2,052 lbs) with power getting a bump to 243hp from the supercharged Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre engine.

Lotus also claims that the new Elise Cup 250’s new aero suit helps it generate true downforce which contributes massively around Hethel’s test track. Thanks to the company’s targeted revisions, the new range-topping Elise beats the Cup 220’s lap time there by four whole seconds.

Carfection reviews the latest Elise, offering their feedback on what the Cup 250 feels like in its natural habitat.