Lotus Exige 360 Cup

Limited run of uprated 360hp Exige Cups goes on sale - move quickly if you want one though!

We liked the Lotus Exige Cup a lot when we drove it. So news there's a new one with a bit more power and some minor visual tweaks is something to file under 'cheering'. Called the Exige 360 Cup it has - surprise! - an extra 10hp to take peak output to 360hp, gained by fitting what Lotus describes as "freer flowing induction and a sports exhaust system." The supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 already sounded pretty good but with those mods should be even more expressive, this kind of power in a car with a kerbweight of just 1,130kg (around 45kg less than a standard V6 Exige) the kind of numbers we can all rally behind.

Looks the part, goes like it too thankfully

Distinct from the standard car, Exige Cups are officially Lotus Motorsport products and therefore eligible to race in Lotus Cup race series across the globe with minimal upgrades. As it stands the car gets a pukka track aero pack, two-way adjustable dampers, new grooved brake discs and now features a revised front access panel and louvred tailgate. The Motorsport chassis also features added adjustment in the suspension hardpoints over and above what you can tweak on the road car and is prepped and ready for competition equipment like a full cage, fire extinguisher system and remote electrical cut-out if you're serious about taking it racing.

Inevitable comparisons will be made with the Cayman GT4 but, in reality, this is an 'RS' level product properly stripped back and prepared for the track. Beyond the option of red Alcantara trim for the cabin the extras sheet is notably lacking in 'lifestyle' upgrades and instead offers stuff like Ohlins dampers, FIA carbon seats, removable steering wheel and adjustable anti-roll bars.

Just 50 will be built and given the £62,995 (including VAT) pricetag we'd have to say you'll have to move fast to secure one. Just four colours are offered - silver and metallic grey, black or white - set against matt black front panel, roof and engine hatch. New red Motorsport wheels set the whole package off rather nicely, working on the basis if you're choosing to buy a car that drives like it took a wrong turn leaving the paddock it should probably look the part too.