Lotus unveils Exige Cup 430 Type 25

The new Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 is based on the celebrated Exige Cup 430, and references the Type 25, one of Lotus’ all time single seater icons.

Using the same high-performance installation as the Exige Cup 430, the Type 25 employs a supercharger and chargecooler designed specifically for the unique demands of the engine. With a blistering 430 hp at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm (325 lbft) of torque from 4,000 rpm, 0-60mph is achieved in just 3.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds) before reaching a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). With all this power, the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 is one of the fastest ever road cars to lap the Hethel circuit, covering the 2.2 miles in just 1 minute 24.8 seconds.

While the car has been built for the road, it has a definite track focus. Motorsport inspired aerodynamics play their part in defining the car’s performance. The carbon front splitter with trailing lip helps separate and speed airflow under the car and the inclusion of new air curtain elements into the front clam panel efficiently moves air though to the front wheel cavities to help reduce turbulence and drag generated by the front wheels. The front louvers reduce the pressure within the front wheel arches, increasing downforce. At the rear, large cut-out sections behind the rear wheels also reduce wheel arch pressure, boosting downforce. Coupled with the high-set rear wing and rear diffuser, these elements work in harmony to generate up to 220 kg of downforce.

The car comes as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and features Lotus’ open-gate manual gearbox, designed specifically for fast and fluid shifts. The Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 also includes a variable traction control function, linked directly to the ECU. The six-position rotary switch is located on the steering column, and only active with ESP switched to off, with five pre-set traction levels as well as “off”, displayed via the instrument cluster.

“We are proud to have named this unique Lotus Exige Cup 430 in honour of the Lotus Type 25, a car which left an indelible mark on the development of motorsport. It was revolutionary when introduced and the first car to win Lotus a Constructor’s World Championship, the first of seven. It is a perfect example of Lotus’ design philosophy – light, yet incredibly strong and peerless on the racetrack,” said Jean-Marc Gales Group Lotus CEO. “That same ethos, our company DNA, is found in the Exige Cup 430 Type 25, which is lighter than its predecessors and even more powerful. Combined with a class-leading balance in handling and agility, it’s our ultimate point-to-point two-seater sports car.”

The Exige is renowned for its ride and handling, but the Exige Cup 430 Type 25 sharpens this further with Nitron three-way adjustable dampers (tuning rebound, as well as low-speed and high-speed compression) and Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, as standard. The car’s motorsport theme continues with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (215/45 ZR17 front and 285/30 ZR18 rear), fitted to ultra-lightweight, fully machined, forged aluminium wheels in black sun rims, while forged, four-piston AP Racing brake calipers and race-derived two-piece, J-hook brake discs provide improved bite and consistent stopping power after extended track work. Contrasting colour brake calipers, set against the black wheels complete the car’s distinctive exterior.

Composite technology plays a considerable role in the Exige’s construction, with every area reconsidered in order to shed unnecessary mass. The car’s composite body panels influence the car’s styling as well as its aerodynamics and include high-gloss visible weave carbon components include front splitter, front clam, air blades, unique bargeboards, roof panel, rear tailgate, straight-cut wing and diffuser surround. The extensive weight saving even extends to the lightweight titanium exhaust system, fitted as standard, which is 10kg lighter than the stainless-steel alternative.

“Although the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 is street legal, it blurs the line between road and race car to provide owners with an unbeatable blend of power, road holding, intuitive handling at any speed,” added Gales. “On everyday open roads it rewards its driver with a pure analogue experience, like only a Lotus can, yet venture onto the track and you’ll find a depth in performance that only the very best driver can truly exploit. Like the Lotus Type 25 in 1963, this car is without any rival.”