Without the likes of you Sean I would have packed it in years ago! I did a search on the 250 Cup and there are so few videos on it I figured I ought to do something about it.
Totally agree, driving it is a joy, feeling very natural, agile and in good balance. Driver can receive the signal from the road condition continuously. It helps me to discover a car in basic how the feeling it should be. I cannot think of selling it in future. Absolutely one of the best driver's cars.
Great video again. I am so glad that you took the the time to do it. This Elise is so iconic and everybody wants one, understanding that it is (was) just unique. Not so many youtube tests of the best lightweight sportcar ever. Yours is great. I was wondering if I should replace the standard exhaust when I will get mine, the answer is no😂. I hope you will film your 250 Cup again (hard topless). The next Emira will be great too but it will be another car, and the last to sound I am afraid. 👍
Many thanks. Factory pipes sound great these days, on all the cars. Customs guy asked me as I was boarding a ferry once 'Is it as much fun as it looks?' sums it up well for me. That's exactly what it is.
@@DrPittenstein Metallic white, black alloys, red interior, looks like it pops on Lotus website :) hard top, AC, stereo, sound insulation also (I need some comforts after all) lol
It’s been a long wait but just 2 weeks away from picking up my 250 - actually saw it in the flesh yesterday at the dealer, looks great however I did see another 250 with the full carbon kit and that looked even more stunning.
Great review! And as a bonus you added a picture of my "championship gold" car in the sneak preview but it's not for sale yet haha! Looking forward to see your next car...
I was hoping you might be tempted by an Emira! Your Cup 250 has definitely been an inspiration for what is coming but I have to wait for a few more months while you are enjoying yours. Cheers!
Let's wait and see, I'm curious regarding the Emira but still very satisfied with my Cup250. If they made me CEO I'd make a final edition Cup400 with the Mercedes 4-pot engine...
@@mansfield1971 they would have sold a lot more if we knew what we know now, including one to me! Everyone assumed there would be a Cup 270 shortly after the 260 and probably a 280 after that!
Thanks again Craig, yes it's a real shame is that too few people bought them. Elise is more relevant today than ever. People seem to like the 'roadracer' image but actually want luxury and don't care what a car weighs. BMW M cars are heavier and more popular than ever. Nothing for us but to enjoy the back catalogue now and let everyone else get on with it!
@@DrPittenstein Sorry misunderstanding. I meant I was on track alongside it, not was actually driving it. The owners a chap called Simon, I think he said they had to go through SVA for the UK one.
@@DrPittenstein Good News! I'm looking forward to content about it. My Sport 240 was supposed to arrive in November. The dealer said yesterday that it has arrived in Japan, so delivery shouldn't be too far off.
@@jonathanknight8251 congrats, so close to going for a 240 myself, closer to original concept plus nicer on road, Cup 250 is more like 4cyl Exige and that remains a very special thing.
Looks like it's all coming back full circle for you. Do like the elise cup....got a feeling from the review you need another 500rpm from the engine :-)
Yes feels good for nearer 8,000rpm to me, barely breaking a sweat at 7200rpm but should be bomb proof with the limiter set where it is. Great package though, I think adjustable dampers might be the perfect finishing touch.
The supercharged 2ZR produces considerably more torque and over a broader rev range than the supercharged 2ZZ did. The gearing is suitably slightly higher to compensate for the lower max revs. In terms of real world performance, the 2ZR is quicker, rendering the desire for more revs only an emotional one. Not to discount emotion, of course ;-)
No, long delays currently, doubt I will see it until November. I'm not in any great rush as I'll never be able to pick up a brand new Elise again. A moment to savour!
Great review, thank you. Can't wait to take delivery of mine soon, as an addition to my Elise S1. I hope I will be able to sort out a near-perfect driving position for my 36'' inseams... (Planning to remove the seat adjustment runners in order to do so, and to mount an aftermarket steering wheel with a flat bottom such as a Sparco L360 or Momo MOD. 88) How tall are you ? What do you think of the driving position on your side, with that regretfully non-adjustable steering column? Also, is this the stock exhaust that we hear in the video?
Hi yes the exhaust was stock but obviously a later (MY17.5 onwards) Cup 250. I am 1.88m and fit comfortably but wouldn't want to be much taller for an Elise. I am much more comfortable on the 'wrong' side I find Elises really hard to get in and out of on the left side! I also like the gears coming towards me as I go up them rather than pushing them away but just to keep you happy the weight distribution on all Lotus cars is better in left hand drive because you sit in front of the gearbox. On rhd cars we sit in front of the engine. Lotus factory race cars were always LHD!
I have concerns but hopefully they will prove to be unfounded. My view at the moment is based on speculation so trying to keep it in check until the next car is officially revealed. I have a feeling that I will remain a fan of the 'old' unpopular cars that nobody else bought but we will see.
Gret video, enjoyed it. I also have a blue/white SR and will cherish it forever. How would you compare the 250 Cup to the V6 Exige? Obviously your V6 Cup was a real, compeition dept Cup so very raw, but in general as a road use fun car: Elise or V6 Exige? (Or does the hint at the end of this video answer that one?).
Much appreciate you taking the time to watch it all the way to the end. Yes my Blue SR was absolutely fantastic, faultess in 5 years. Best road drives of my life were had in that car. I'm very fortunate to have an Evora so I prefer to have an Elise alongside that. Less overlap, more contrast. If just one car perhaps Exige V6. My Cup was really tough car, thrilling and outstanding on track. More exciting than the Elise for sure but I did trips of the Alps in both and I'd pick the Elise SR to do it again. Partly because of the roof off in the mountains, partly because it had just the right amount of performance and grip to entertain more at lower speeds. Partly because of some Elise magic which probably comes from being lighter and even better balanced.
Elise Cup 250 combines elements of my Elise SR and the Exige V6 Cup. Stamina on track is exceptional. Not as fast as Exige of course but it can lap hard all day without stressing the brakes or tyres. Cheaper car to track for sure and better balanced, more forgiving on the limit. Better choice for those starting out with trackdays. Exige is more aggressive car, more exciting but perhaps better suited to more experienced track drivers. Exige Cup 430 is quite an animal! Elise is still huge fun on track for anyone, one pro race driver I know prefers the Elise because he enjoys scalping faster, more expensive cars!
@@DrPittenstein Thanks for the detailed response! Always been a fan of your channel. Keep up the great work. Documenting these cars has suddenly become very important as we will not see their like again after this year. Glad to hear you still have the Evora GT430. (Your Copse comparison of the Evora and Exige was facinating!).
@@samueldowney2806 Yes I'm sure the Exige could be improved with some set up but the Evora is definitely more composed on standard factory settings. Hope to get back to Silverstone on fresh tyres and see what laptime I can do. GT430 is very fast on track but eats tyres and brake pads much faster than an Exige.
I'm around 188cm and have no problem fitting in an Elise, owned 111r for 5 years and Exige V6 Cup for another 5 years but I like small cars. Much taller people will struggle. Gordon Murray famously can't fit in an Elise and has never driven one as a result. Problem isn't headroom it's kneeroom as the wheel is placed quite low and is fixed, not adjustable. My hands are close to my knees when driving. I really like it but Evora is better suited for taller people.
@@lucafak QR wheel would be nice, had one in my Exige but it might be hard to find someone prepared to remove the airbag wheel. I tried on another car once and no one would touch it for fear of being sued if I had an accident.
@@DrPittenstein It’s not difficult to do. Have you thought about doing it yourself? A few basic tools and a few CZcams videos later, and it should be a snap.
Hi, i'm 1.91 cm, Elise 1.11S + Cup 250 owner. If you are looking for the perfect toy for the week-end, Elise first generation. Cup 250 is good too, daily drivable + week-end.
Elise Cup 260 or Exige Cup 260? Obviously doesn't rev like an Exige 260 but Elise 260 would be much firmer and makes 44% more downforce but you might not notice that on the road. Straight line all three are very similar but Elise 260 is the fastest on track, also has the widest tyres.
ive just received mine. It would have been interesting to see this car with an ecoboost Ford engine, which I had on my westfield sport 250. That engine I feel knocks spots off the smaller toyota engine and it feels much more torquey with the turbo and much more powerful even though in theory its not. You loose the top end benefit but so much power low down..... Or the honda engine from the type R i had in the Nomad, again a much better engine in my opinion. However, now the elise has had its run in service, I will see what its like around 6-7000 revs at the weekend.... Its a god looking car, but it was indeed time to call it a day and lets see what the Emira is like with probably a 350 HP 4 cylinder engine from who knows who.......
Elise Cup 250 has a good balance between low down torque, mid range pull and top end fizz for me. I also think that turbos are not ideal on track where spiky power delivery can upset the balance on the limit, accepting that few will be driven on the limit, it is absolutely something Lotus should care about in a Cup car. We'll see about the Emira but I'm certain Lotus won't make another sub 1000kg car again.
@@DrPittenstein im sure your right, they talked about luggage space, comfort, just there you have another 300 kilos ;). ENgine noise will be missing too...4 cyl and porsche dont sell as many caymans as they would like... hard for lotus, but I believe it will be a great looking car, the Evira is stunning design...with the green strip for the top gear czcams.com/video/1CcxnlXca3w/video.html it looks great
@@garymurraya agreed although I think the more pure, raw, communicative drivers cars will be more sought after in the years ahead. EVs are going to do refinement and luxury so much better than petrol burners.
Firmer, sharper with a bit more energy at the top end but torque is the same so straight line acceleration is similar. Aero makes genuine downforce so it's super stable at speed especially for such a small, light car. But main benefits of a Cup version are to be felt on track as you might expect. It does feel quite a bit more 'racy' on the road too but there will be times when a 220 on the softer dampers would be better suited to a bumpy B road.
RIP Lotus Elise. What do you think of Lotus' future plans? I wasn't pleased with the looks of the Lotus Emira in the teased images, and I also think the name Emira sucks.
I hope they will keep making an affordable exotic to replace the Elise (mine was £25k new back in 2006, so much cheaper than a new one even with inflation). But it's just not going to happen with emissions taxes and EVs on the way. Cars are getting bigger and much heavier and the lightweight sports car is going to die off :(
Thanks Dr P - insightful as always - love the Elise - will never give mine up .. 🎯👍🏼
Loved your video. I remember the roads in UK as I lived in Cotswolds 83-86.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching
Couldn’t agree more with your comments. Always enjoy your analysis and videos. 👍🏻
Many thanks, much appreciated.
Good to see you back .
Oh wow.... great video & VERY exciting news, can't wait to see what you have planned :-). Thanks for keep-on posting.
Without the likes of you Sean I would have packed it in years ago! I did a search on the 250 Cup and there are so few videos on it I figured I ought to do something about it.
@@DrPittenstein Great stuff Dr.P :-)
Totally agree, driving it is a joy, feeling very natural, agile and in good balance. Driver can receive the signal from the road condition continuously. It helps me to discover a car in basic how the feeling it should be. I cannot think of selling it in future. Absolutely one of the best driver's cars.
Nicely put. Agree absolutely.
Great video again. I am so glad that you took the the time to do it. This Elise is so iconic and everybody wants one, understanding that it is (was) just unique. Not so many youtube tests of the best lightweight sportcar ever. Yours is great. I was wondering if I should replace the standard exhaust when I will get mine, the answer is no😂. I hope you will film your 250 Cup again (hard topless). The next Emira will be great too but it will be another car, and the last to sound I am afraid. 👍
Many thanks. Factory pipes sound great these days, on all the cars. Customs guy asked me as I was boarding a ferry once 'Is it as much fun as it looks?' sums it up well for me. That's exactly what it is.
Great video !! Can't wait to collect my Elise Cup 250 Final edition next month. Thank you.
Thanks, what spec are you going for?
@@DrPittenstein Metallic white, black alloys, red interior, looks like it pops on Lotus website :) hard top, AC, stereo, sound insulation also (I need some comforts after all) lol
@@MAVERICK-ti1hm sounds mega, still waiting for mine…
It’s been a long wait but just 2 weeks away from picking up my 250 - actually saw it in the flesh yesterday at the dealer, looks great however I did see another 250 with the full carbon kit and that looked even more stunning.
Congrats and enjoy. End of an era at Lotus.
Great review! And as a bonus you added a picture of my "championship gold" car in the sneak preview but it's not for sale yet haha! Looking forward to see your next car...
I was hoping you might be tempted by an Emira! Your Cup 250 has definitely been an inspiration for what is coming but I have to wait for a few more months while you are enjoying yours. Cheers!
Let's wait and see, I'm curious regarding the Emira but still very satisfied with my Cup250. If they made me CEO I'd make a final edition Cup400 with the Mercedes 4-pot engine...
@@GrijzeRemmel I'd vote for you as CEO on that basis! Enjoy the 250 and I hope you shoot some more videos of it.
At last the mystery is solved... wishing you lots of fun with your brandnew 250 cup "final edition" in this great color!!
Great video, the Elise really gets under your skin! Hope that’s a cup 260 in the sneak peaks!
I'd love a Cup 260, slightly obsessed with it but none available in the UK unfortunately.
Just the 1 uk registered cup 260.
@@mansfield1971 they would have sold a lot more if we knew what we know now, including one to me! Everyone assumed there would be a Cup 270 shortly after the 260 and probably a 280 after that!
Wonderful review. Shame we won’t see cars like this again from Lotus.
Thanks again Craig, yes it's a real shame is that too few people bought them. Elise is more relevant today than ever. People seem to like the 'roadracer' image but actually want luxury and don't care what a car weighs. BMW M cars are heavier and more popular than ever. Nothing for us but to enjoy the back catalogue now and let everyone else get on with it!
Somebody says that a 1.6 136hp is also funny enogh...I think so, but the 250 cup is the coolest one with that exterior kit❤
1.6 would be great but the Elise is even more fun with the extra power for me.
Maybe a 260 Cup on the way. They look gorgeous in that colour scheme. Thanks for yet another excellent video.
Thanks for watching. I'd love a Cup 260 but they only made 1 in the UK and that was red. Still, good inspiration though...
@@DrPittenstein I was on track with it on Monday, lovely car but like you say the only one in the country. Could always whack the 430 wing on a 250 😉
@@ImBarryScottCSS Great to have you on here. Lots of questions about that car! I'm not sure the Evora wing is actually any bigger!
@@DrPittenstein Sorry misunderstanding. I meant I was on track alongside it, not was actually driving it. The owners a chap called Simon, I think he said they had to go through SVA for the UK one.
@@ImBarryScottCSS sorry, my bad, bet it looked v.cool while being eaten alive by Exige V6s!
Greetings from Germany, I have also a Focus RS as daily and an Elise Cup 250 to enjoy
Nice combination. Covers a lot of bases.
Thanks for the video. Think you've done the right thing, look forward to seeing it.
Thanks 👍 Won't be arriving until September but really looking forward to it. I don't think there will be another one quite like it.
@@DrPittenstein has it arrived yet?
@@jonathanknight8251 literally just been sent some pictures today, your timing is impeccable!
@@DrPittenstein Good News! I'm looking forward to content about it. My Sport 240 was supposed to arrive in November. The dealer said yesterday that it has arrived in Japan, so delivery shouldn't be too far off.
@@jonathanknight8251 congrats, so close to going for a 240 myself, closer to original concept plus nicer on road, Cup 250 is more like 4cyl Exige and that remains a very special thing.
Looks like it's all coming back full circle for you. Do like the elise cup....got a feeling from the review you need another 500rpm from the engine :-)
Yes feels good for nearer 8,000rpm to me, barely breaking a sweat at 7200rpm but should be bomb proof with the limiter set where it is. Great package though, I think adjustable dampers might be the perfect finishing touch.
The supercharged 2ZR produces considerably more torque and over a broader rev range than the supercharged 2ZZ did. The gearing is suitably slightly higher to compensate for the lower max revs. In terms of real world performance, the 2ZR is quicker, rendering the desire for more revs only an emotional one. Not to discount emotion, of course ;-)
Great video 👍🏻
Thanks 👍
Any sign of your Elise FE yet DrP.... exciting hey :-)
No, long delays currently, doubt I will see it until November. I'm not in any great rush as I'll never be able to pick up a brand new Elise again. A moment to savour!
@@DrPittenstein Thanks for the reply... oh well, when it arrives, it arrives !
Great review, thank you. Can't wait to take delivery of mine soon, as an addition to my Elise S1. I hope I will be able to sort out a near-perfect driving position for my 36'' inseams... (Planning to remove the seat adjustment runners in order to do so, and to mount an aftermarket steering wheel with a flat bottom such as a Sparco L360 or Momo MOD. 88)
How tall are you ? What do you think of the driving position on your side, with that regretfully non-adjustable steering column?
Also, is this the stock exhaust that we hear in the video?
Hi yes the exhaust was stock but obviously a later (MY17.5 onwards) Cup 250. I am 1.88m and fit comfortably but wouldn't want to be much taller for an Elise. I am much more comfortable on the 'wrong' side I find Elises really hard to get in and out of on the left side! I also like the gears coming towards me as I go up them rather than pushing them away but just to keep you happy the weight distribution on all Lotus cars is better in left hand drive because you sit in front of the gearbox. On rhd cars we sit in front of the engine. Lotus factory race cars were always LHD!
Congrats, enjoy the Cup 250 and post some videos if you get the chance, there aren't enough on YT!
Amazing car , your thoughts on the new lotus cars ?
I have concerns but hopefully they will prove to be unfounded. My view at the moment is based on speculation so trying to keep it in check until the next car is officially revealed. I have a feeling that I will remain a fan of the 'old' unpopular cars that nobody else bought but we will see.
Gret video, enjoyed it. I also have a blue/white SR and will cherish it forever. How would you compare the 250 Cup to the V6 Exige? Obviously your V6 Cup was a real, compeition dept Cup so very raw, but in general as a road use fun car: Elise or V6 Exige? (Or does the hint at the end of this video answer that one?).
Much appreciate you taking the time to watch it all the way to the end. Yes my Blue SR was absolutely fantastic, faultess in 5 years. Best road drives of my life were had in that car. I'm very fortunate to have an Evora so I prefer to have an Elise alongside that. Less overlap, more contrast. If just one car perhaps Exige V6. My Cup was really tough car, thrilling and outstanding on track. More exciting than the Elise for sure but I did trips of the Alps in both and I'd pick the Elise SR to do it again. Partly because of the roof off in the mountains, partly because it had just the right amount of performance and grip to entertain more at lower speeds. Partly because of some Elise magic which probably comes from being lighter and even better balanced.
Elise Cup 250 combines elements of my Elise SR and the Exige V6 Cup. Stamina on track is exceptional. Not as fast as Exige of course but it can lap hard all day without stressing the brakes or tyres. Cheaper car to track for sure and better balanced, more forgiving on the limit. Better choice for those starting out with trackdays. Exige is more aggressive car, more exciting but perhaps better suited to more experienced track drivers. Exige Cup 430 is quite an animal! Elise is still huge fun on track for anyone, one pro race driver I know prefers the Elise because he enjoys scalping faster, more expensive cars!
@@DrPittenstein Thanks for the detailed response! Always been a fan of your channel. Keep up the great work. Documenting these cars has suddenly become very important as we will not see their like again after this year. Glad to hear you still have the Evora GT430. (Your Copse comparison of the Evora and Exige was facinating!).
@@samueldowney2806 Yes I'm sure the Exige could be improved with some set up but the Evora is definitely more composed on standard factory settings. Hope to get back to Silverstone on fresh tyres and see what laptime I can do. GT430 is very fast on track but eats tyres and brake pads much faster than an Exige.
It really does sound a bit like a rorty, cammy carb-fed 80s rally car doesn't it?
If You don't mind me asking, how tall are You? Would You recomend it for someone 185/190 cm tall? Great video.
I'm around 188cm and have no problem fitting in an Elise, owned 111r for 5 years and Exige V6 Cup for another 5 years but I like small cars. Much taller people will struggle. Gordon Murray famously can't fit in an Elise and has never driven one as a result. Problem isn't headroom it's kneeroom as the wheel is placed quite low and is fixed, not adjustable. My hands are close to my knees when driving. I really like it but Evora is better suited for taller people.
@@DrPittenstein thank you for your accurate answer. I would probably fix the seat to the floor, fit a wheel spacer and the quick release steering kit.
@@lucafak QR wheel would be nice, had one in my Exige but it might be hard to find someone prepared to remove the airbag wheel. I tried on another car once and no one would touch it for fear of being sued if I had an accident.
@@DrPittenstein It’s not difficult to do. Have you thought about doing it yourself? A few basic tools and a few CZcams videos later, and it should be a snap.
Hi, i'm 1.91 cm, Elise 1.11S + Cup 250 owner. If you are looking for the perfect toy for the week-end, Elise first generation. Cup 250 is good too, daily drivable + week-end.
Do you know how it compares to a Cup 260? What are the differences?
Elise Cup 260 or Exige Cup 260? Obviously doesn't rev like an Exige 260 but Elise 260 would be much firmer and makes 44% more downforce but you might not notice that on the road. Straight line all three are very similar but Elise 260 is the fastest on track, also has the widest tyres.
ive just received mine. It would have been interesting to see this car with an ecoboost Ford engine, which I had on my westfield sport 250. That engine I feel knocks spots off the smaller toyota engine and it feels much more torquey with the turbo and much more powerful even though in theory its not. You loose the top end benefit but so much power low down..... Or the honda engine from the type R i had in the Nomad, again a much better engine in my opinion. However, now the elise has had its run in service, I will see what its like around 6-7000 revs at the weekend.... Its a god looking car, but it was indeed time to call it a day and lets see what the Emira is like with probably a 350 HP 4 cylinder engine from who knows who.......
Elise Cup 250 has a good balance between low down torque, mid range pull and top end fizz for me. I also think that turbos are not ideal on track where spiky power delivery can upset the balance on the limit, accepting that few will be driven on the limit, it is absolutely something Lotus should care about in a Cup car. We'll see about the Emira but I'm certain Lotus won't make another sub 1000kg car again.
@@DrPittenstein im sure your right, they talked about luggage space, comfort, just there you have another 300 kilos ;). ENgine noise will be missing too...4 cyl and porsche dont sell as many caymans as they would like... hard for lotus, but I believe it will be a great looking car, the Evira is stunning design...with the green strip for the top gear
czcams.com/video/1CcxnlXca3w/video.html
it looks great
@@garymurraya agreed although I think the more pure, raw, communicative drivers cars will be more sought after in the years ahead. EVs are going to do refinement and luxury so much better than petrol burners.
How does it compare to a S3 220S
Firmer, sharper with a bit more energy at the top end but torque is the same so straight line acceleration is similar. Aero makes genuine downforce so it's super stable at speed especially for such a small, light car. But main benefits of a Cup version are to be felt on track as you might expect. It does feel quite a bit more 'racy' on the road too but there will be times when a 220 on the softer dampers would be better suited to a bumpy B road.
RIP Lotus Elise. What do you think of Lotus' future plans? I wasn't pleased with the looks of the Lotus Emira in the teased images, and I also think the name Emira sucks.
The name Emira doesn't do much for me either. I suspect I'll remain a fan of the 'old' cars but we will see soon enough.
I hope they will keep making an affordable exotic to replace the Elise (mine was £25k new back in 2006, so much cheaper than a new one even with inflation). But it's just not going to happen with emissions taxes and EVs on the way. Cars are getting bigger and much heavier and the lightweight sports car is going to die off :(
RRR can take an Elise to 260bhp easily, and 300bhp if you want to spend real money
345bhp V6 Exige might be a better buy for those wanting more power