new Limited Edition Lotus Exige 360 Cup, continues the brands sporting prowess with this Limited Edition.

• Limited edition - 1 of 50 - Exige V6 Cup
• Increase in power of 10 PS
• New lightweight louvered tailgate and front access panel

Lotus Motorsport redefines the Exige V6 Cup with the introduction of the Exige 360 Cup. New lightweight panels and an increase in power mean the Lotus Motorsport Cup model continues to provide a benchmark in handling and performance.

The Exige 360 Cup bespoke styling signals an evolution in design, with an option of four colours (Metallic White, Metallic Grey, Metallic Black and Metallic Silver) and stealth matt black roof, front access panel and louvered tailgate. 

This design is a limited edition run of 50 vehicles and each of these special Exige 360 Cup cars will receive a numbered Lotus Motorsport build plate.

This new model boasts an increase in power of 10 PS with freer flowing induction and a sports exhaust system, which combined with a low vehicle weight of 1130 kg gives an incredibly pure driving experience on road and track. The powertrain updates also give the Exige 360 Cup a sportier soundtrack to enhance the driving experience.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented: “The V6 Cup was a favourite amongst many knowledgeable customers with its incredible track performance and distinctive design. 

I am excited about the introduction of the new 360 Cup which moves the game forward with striking new design features and performance upgrades that offer phenomenal ability on road and track.”

The Exige 360 Cup uses the track proven aero package from the Exige V6 Cup withan aerodynamically optimised front splitter, rear diffuser and wing. Together with the flat underside these aerodynamic aids offer 42 kg of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h).

The chassis on the Exige 360 Cup is a Lotus designed stiff and lightweight bonded aluminium chassis with double wishbone suspension all round. The car is fitted with track focused 2-way adjustable suspension and a 4-dynamic mode (drive, sport, race and off) system, including launch control.

New features for the Exige 360 Cup include a bespoke lightweight front access panel, new lightweight rear tailgate and louvered panel. The Exige 360 Cup has a distinctive design, updated grooved brake discs for improved performance, Motorsport Red wheels, embroidered seats and dash panel.

The options available for the Exige 360 Cup include a new red Alcantara interior, adjustable anti-roll bars, Öhlins race dampers, fire extinguisher and electrical cut-off, FIA carbon seats, air conditioning and removable steering wheel.

The Exige 360 Cup is on sale now through the Lotus dealer network with prices starting at £62,995 (MSRP) including 20% tax.

As with all Lotus Motorsport Cup models the Exige 360 Cup is eligible for Lotus Cup race series.

CANADA - The newly launched Nissan Micra takes to the track in the Nissan Micra Cup.

A first in Canadian motorsports takes place in one week when the Nissan Micra Cup kicks off its inaugural season. Canada's most affordable racing series, the Nissan Micra Cup, will commence on Friday, May 22, at the legendary Circuit Mont-Tremblant, as part of the annual Spring Classic, and heralding in a new era of one-make racing.

What was still but a dream six months ago became a reality for promoter JD Promotion & Competition and Nissan Canada. This series, considered the most affordable in Canadian motorsport, is already an apparent success with more than twenty-five drivers expected to contest the first race this Saturday and Sunday.

"The Nissan Micra, this subcompact, fun-to-drive car, is extremely well-suited to the track, as proven through over 35 hours of extensive testing, in addition to the long hours each of the 25 Micra Cup race cars spent in weekend-long testing sessions this month with their respective drivers," says Jacques Deshaies, owner of JD Promotion & Competition. 

"Seeing the idea to offer Canadians an affordable, exciting racing series come to fruition brings me immense joy. I am thankful to Nissan Canada for helping me realize this dream, and with a car that has truly risen to the challenge – the stock Nissan Micra S."

Drivers from a plethora of different backgrounds and experiences will be on the track: from Marc-André Bergeron - well-known to the Canadian sports fans for his fruitful hockey career, will be driving for Nissan Trois-Rivières; as well as two female drivers, 

Valérie Chiasson and Valérie Limoges. After shining last year in the Canadian Touring Car Championship and in prototypes, Valérie Chiasson has set her sights high for her Groupe Nissan Gabriel Micra. Valérie Limoges returns to the competitive fold with the H. Grégoire Team Nissan Micra.

The Nissan Micra Cup will also have two global track stars on the grid, coming from the Nissan GT Academy. Abhinay Bikkani from India and Thanaroj Thanasitnitiket from Thailand, will kick off their Canadian motorsport debuts this weekend at Circuit Mont-Tremblant.

In total, no less that nine rookie drivers are expected at Circuit Mont-Tremblant next weekend, including three drivers representing Groupe Albi Le Géant: Olivier Pelletier, Claude Leclerc and Marc-Antoine Demers, who, albeit a novice road racer, has displayed his talent in NASCAR competitions these past few years. 

The six other novice drivers are Frédéric Bernier, Mario Berthiaume, Yves Aubé, Chris Sahakian, Metod Topolnik and Canadian karting champion Francis Mondou. Also entered is veteran Quebecker Jacques Bélanger, a multi-time past champion in different categories and someone who is very familiar with all of the tracks being used for this first season of the Nissan Micra Cup.

"The Nissan Micra Cup race cars are ready, the competitors have been anxiously waiting months to race, and their excitement is contagious! 

Everyone at Nissan Canada and motorsport fans across Quebec will be on the edge of their seats when the Nissan Micra Cup commences next weekend," says Christian Meunier, president of Nissan Canada Inc. "For some drivers, victory and the title are clearly their goals. For others, it's the idea of being able to practice motorsports in the best possible conditions, and Nissan is delighted to help offer that through the Nissan Micra Cup."

Next Friday May 22, the drivers will be in action for the two half-hour free practice sessions. On Saturday, May 23, qualifying is scheduled as of 9:30 a.m., followed by the first of the two races at 1:30 p.m. The second round will be contested on Sunday at 1:40 p.m. The Nissan Micra Cup races will all be 30 minutes in duration. 

For more information on the Nissan Micra Cup and its drivers, visit www.nissan.ca/micracup.

Nissan Micra Cup 2015 Season Schedule:
May 22-24		Classique de printemps, Circuit Mont-Tremblant
June 5, 6, 7		Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada
July 25-26		Classique d'été, Circuit Mont-Tremblant
July 31-August 2		Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières
August 15		Circuit St-Eustache
September 25-27		Classique d’automne, Circuit Mont-Tremblant

About the Nissan Micra Cup

Sanctioned by Auto Sport Québec (ASQ) and presented by JD Promotion & Compétition with the support of Nissan Canada, the Nissan Micra Cup exclusively features the stock Micra 1.6 S M/T model with minor modifications, including NISMO suspension - to render it race-ready.

Unlike most motorsport events, each competing Nissan Micra race vehicle will have the exact same specifications, resulting in a competition that truly reveals the most skilled drivers. The Nissan Micra Cup race vehicles remain equipped with the Nissan Micra's stock 1.6-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) and stock 5-speed manual transmission. 

More than 25 Nissan Micras will compete on each race weekend which will include two hours of track time consisting of: a 30-minute trial, a 30-minute qualifying session and two 30-minute races.

Young karting drivers, the average Canadian looking for an entry point into motorsport competition, or anyone who wants to experience the rush of adrenaline inherent with racing cars are all well-suited to this series. In summary, the Nissan Micra Cup is for people who are passionate about motorsports, want to experience all the fun and thrills of racing, but without spending staggering amounts of money.

About the Nissan Micra

In 2014, the Nissan Micra returned to Canada after 23 years as an all-new model, offering Canadians unbeatable value with the lowest starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in Canada at $9,998. One item that sets the 2015 Micra apart is its agility. 

Micra is easy to drive and park, thanks to excellent all-round visibility and turning radius, electric power steering and a power to weight ratio that surprises. Powering the front-wheel drive Micra is a DOHC 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm.

Niall Mackenzie announced as Ducati TriOptions Cup Ambassador.

Niall Mackenzie will take on the prestigious role of Ambassador for the 2014 Ducati TriOptions Cup following in the footsteps of such luminaries as Ducati legend and four times World Superbike Champion, Carl Fogarty and 2003 World Champion, Neil Hodgson.

Niall will begin his role at Brands Hatch on Easter weekend where the first round of Ducati TriOptions Cup takes place. This new race series is an evolution of the hugely popular 848 Challenge that now sees the new 899 Panigale as the predominant machinery in this prestigious one-make championship.

The former 500cc GP rider and three times British Superbike Champion will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the series and will be on hand to give advice and support to the Ducati riders in the paddock. Niall will also be a familiar face at the Ducati UK hospitality welcoming guests and sponsors as well as interviewing the Ducati riders during a race weekend.

Niall Mackenzie, Ducati TriOptions Cup Ambassador

“I was proud to finish my career with Ducati and it is great to renew that relationship. I am a big fan of one-make championships and look forward to seeing everyone in action for what should be a fantastic season.”

Tim Maccabee, Managing Director, Ducati UK

“Ducati UK has continued its strong support of British Superbikes through the Ducati TriOptions Cup and our hospitality presence in the paddock.  The Cup has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and this year race fans will have the chance to see the incredible spectacle of around twenty five 899 Superbikes lining up on the grid. Niall Mackenzie will be a great asset to the championship helping the riders throughout the season through his guidance and sharing his knowledge and experience –we are immensely proud to have him as our series Ambassador.”

The Ducati TriOptions Cup debuts at Brands Hatch, 18-21 April over the Easter weekend, part of an eight round calendar that visits some of the best circuits in the UK as well as an overseas round at Assen in September.

Felix Baumgartner to drive AUDI R8 at Nurburgring 24 hour.

• Austrian extreme athlete starts racing career

• Audi race experience as seasoned campaign team
• Le Mans winners as prominent team-mates

Following his stratosphere jump in 2012, extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner is tackling his next big challenge on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The Austrian will obtain a racing license and become a race driver with the Audi race experience team on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. 

The Audi race experience makes it possible for Audi’s customers with sporting ambitions to enter racing. But never before has the program, which the Audi driving experience has been running since 2010, had as prominent a driver as this one. “It’s fantastic that we’re cooperating with Felix Baumgartner this year,” says Klaus Demel, the head of the Audi driving experience. “As an extreme athlete, Felix Baumgartner has been thrilling millions of fans around the world with his daring actions that combine ingenuity and exceptional technical demands. Now we’re familiarizing him with our sport, offer him a professional environment with our team, and are very excited about this new, joint challenge.” 

As a guest entrant, Baumgartner has been gathering some racing experience in recent years during occasional runs in the one-make cups of the Volkswagen Group. The big difference in the 2014 season: the Audi R8 LMS ultra provides him with a 419 kW (570 hp) ‘pure-bred’ GT3 race car. The 44-year-old is completing an extensive preparation program before competing in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring on June 21/22, 2014. His team-mates are equally prominent: The five-time Le Mans winner Frank Biela (D), the three-time Le Mans winner Marco Werner (D) as well as the GT and sports car pro Pierre Kaffer (D) will be his colleagues in the cockpit.

 “This task is totally exciting and I’m looking forward to driving races in an Audi,” says Felix Baumgartner. “During initial tests in the road-going Audi R8 I got to know the Nürburgring, and in the Audi R8 LMS ultra I’ve clocked a few kilometres on various tracks as well. I regard this task as one of the major projects in my life. The environment is perfect, the atmosphere is fantastic, and I feel really well taken care of by the Audi race experience. But it’s also clear that I’m basically starting from scratch because this sport is new for me.”

Former professional rally driver Josef ‘Sepp’ Haider, now the Audi race experience’s sporting director, is one of the instructors of his Austrian compatriot. “Felix is approaching his new task in exactly the manner that is the hallmark of a pro,” says Haider. “He’s eager to learn, has good judgment of the physical conditions, and is totally motivated. All team members have come to respect him in the initial tests. I’m very much looking forward to our joint journey.”

The team will be fielding another R8 LMS ultra in the 24-hour race. The drivers of this car have already been confirmed. Already last year, Dominique Bastien (USA), Rahel Frey (CH) and Christian Bollrath (D) formed a team. Christiaan Frankenhout (NL) will be supporting the Audi race experience as a driver for the first time.

Felix Baumgartner’s 2014 Nürburgring program:

March 21–22 VLN, test and setup runs
April 05–06 Qualification race, Nürburgring 24 Hours
April 26 VLN, 56th ADAC ACAS H&R Cup
May 17 VLN, Adenauer ADAC Simfy-Trophy
June 21–22 Nürburgring 24 Hours

The Lotus Elise S Cup R makes global debut at Autosport 2014

The Elise S Cup R takes its place in the stable alongside big brothers the Exige V6 Cup and Exige Cup R and the mighty Evora GT4 in Birmingham between 9th and 12th January 2014, illustrating the variety of appeal of the Lotus Motorsport family.

The Lotus suite of products caters for all levels of experience, budget and talent! Enjoying motorsport could not be more rewarding than through the legendary Lotus marque. Be it a novice shopping for a 1-day driving experience or comprehensive driver training, experiences and courses are available through Lotus Driving Academy; or for Lotus owners looking to race their road cars at weekends, or indeed take racing a step further by entering their Lotus to compete around the world through the global Lotus Cup network; or indeed take part in the almighty GT and endurance series with the outstanding Evora GT4 – there is a Lotus to suit.

Showcasing the latest from the Lotus Motorsport collection at this year’s Autosport show:

Elise S Cup R

Evolving from the road-going Elise S, Lotus is delighted to present the mid-mounted, transverse, 1.8 litre Elise S Cup R. Boasting bespoke livery and aerodynamic body kit, the Elise S Cup R takes a purposeful stance on the iconic Elise aesthetic – that points straight to the track!

The Elise S Cup R’s motorsport-specific map in the engine control module (ECM) and  CFD proven aero pack ensure the Elise’s small physique packs a mighty punch! With revised front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing, clever manipulation of air-flow creates extra downforce – and combined with adjustable dampers and springs, lap times are reduced by circa 4 seconds on a 2.2 mile lap over the standard Elise S.

Rupert Manwaring, Head of Lotus Motorsport commented, “Developing the Elise S Cup R was a natural step following the success of the Exige V6 Cup R; with so many new markets becoming interested in motorsport, the Elise S Cup R gives us the perfect entry level track-car. 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”.  

Exige V6 Cup and Exige V6 Cup R

The critically acclaimed Exige V6 Cup and the race-only Exige V6 Cup R give a taster of where talent and ambition can take you if the Elise S Cup R whets your appetite! The road legal Exige V6 Cup offers a turn-key solution for track enthusiasts who want the flexibility of driving to the track and race before driving home, whilst the track only Exige V6 Cup R is a pure-bred track car with simply one objective.

Both are equipped with bespoke exterior liveries and interior trim, steel main roll hoop incorporating ‘A’ frame, harness bar, FIA approved fire suppression system, Internal & external battery isolator switches, competition driver’s and passenger’s seat with 4 point harnesses, Pirelli Corsa tyres, 4 mode DPM, 2 piece brake discs, exhaust bypass switch, Multi adjustable suspension, removable quick release steering wheel, baffled wet sump system, front and rear towing eyes, Lotus Racing specific chassis number.

Proving its race intent, the Exige V6 Cup R is modified further to include a FIA compliant Roll Cage, motorsport specification carbon fibre rear wing, carbon fibre lightweight louvered engine cover, optional 6 speed sequential transmission with ‘paddle-shift’ operation and race tuned shift strategy, FIA FT3 70 litre capacity fuel cell, FIA and HANS compliant carbon fibre drivers seat with 6 point harness, Pirelli Corsa tyres ,variable traction control, multi-adjustable competition specification suspension with front and rear anti roll bars, removable quick release steering wheel and baffled wet sump system with single rear mounted oil cooler.

Evora GT4

Dominating the line-up is the awesome Evora GT4 shown in the iconic Black & Gold Lotus livery. Developed from the award-winning Lotus Evora sportscar, the Lotus Evora GT4 race car is engineered and developed in conjunction with a number of prestigious technical partners to deliver world-class chassis, steering and brakes, resulting in exceptional handling.

A naturally-aspirated V6 engine is managed by Cosworth Electronics Systems, delivers 360 ps @ 6500 rpm and 445Nm of torque @ 5500 rpm powering the rear wheels through a 6-speed sequential gear box, with ‘paddle shift’ gear selection.

FIA approved design and safety features secure the car’s entry to 12 of the world’s leading GT series and can be easily modified for the demands of endurance events should the driver seek even more demanding pursuits! The Evora GT4 currently holds the Austrian GT4 title and is due to compete in the 2014 European GT4, British GT4 and the Dubai 24 hours.

Lotus Cup

All cars on display are eligible for entry in the 2014 Lotus Cup series which operates under the banners Lotus Cup UK, Lotus Cup Europe, Lotus Cup Italia, Lotus Cup USA, Lotus Cup Japan, Lotus Cup Thailand, Lotus Cup Asia and Lotus Ladies Cup.  The Lotus Cup is open to all Lotus owners and their Elise, Exige, Evora, 340R and 2-Eleven.

Lotus Racing partner and Lotus Cup Italia organiser PB Racing chooses Autosport International to launch its 2014 programme. PB Racing President Stefano d'Aste says, “We have a very exciting 2014 season planned for Lotus Cup Italia; we have been working in close collaboration with Lotus Racing to produce a very special car exclusively for our customers; the Elise S Cup PB-R which reaches 225hp, and being lightweight it’s the perfect mix for an easy and fun drive! It is our promise to make Lotus Cup Italia easy for teams, dealers and customers to compete in and as such technical assistance will be available on site for all events, with hospitality for partners and sponsors and a fully managed programme – it’s the full package for rookies or experienced drivers and anyone in between!”

Track only Elise S Cup R added to Lotus range.

Following the success of the Exige V6 Cup and its hardcore sibling the Exige V6 Cup R, the Lotus Elise S is adorned with the Lotus Motorsport magic to present the track-only Elise S Cup R.

Evolving from the 1.6 litre Elise platform, this is the first time the supercharged Elise S’ mid-mounted, transverse, 1.8 litre 2ZR-FE engine has been used in a Cup variant. Priced at £39,125 + VAT and boasting bespoke livery and aerodynamic body kit, the Elise S Cup R showcases the marriage of form and function perfectly so that performance is optimised yet retains its stylish and iconic aesthetic.

Performance is enhanced over the road-going Elise S thanks to a motorsport-specific engine control module (ECM) and a CFD proved aero pack comprising; front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing. Despite the extra body kit and race-ready additions, Lotus Motorsport manages to maintain the road car’s light weight of just 924 kg. These modifications and the clever manipulation of air-flow to create extra downforce, combined with adjustable damper and springs, reduces lap times by 4 seconds on a 5 km lap over the standard Elise S.

The Lotus S Elise Cup R is eligible for entry to the production class in the 2014 Lotus Cup series which operates under the banners 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.  The Lotus Cup is open to all Lotus owners and their Elise, Exige, Evora, 340R and 2-Eleven. To make a statement on some of the best tracks in the world, the Elise S Cup R has a selection of bespoke colour and trim options courtesy of the Lotus Design team.

The Elise S Cup R at a glance:

Enhancements:	FIA Compliant Rollcage ( As previous Cup versions) FIA Compliant Fire Extinguisher Motorsport Mapped ECU Electronic Battery Isolator 6 Point Race Harness (Driver Seat) Hans Compliant Race Driver's Seat TrackSpecification Front Tow Eyes Quick Release Steering Wheel Body Kit Brake Pad Upgrade Single way adjustable Dampers Hardtop Motorsport specification triple-pass radiator Polycarbonate Rear Screen Forged Alloy Wheels
Options:	FIA Fuel Cell Air Conditioning Race Passenger Seat (with 4 point race harness fitted) Ultra-lightweight Motorsport Wheels
Powertrain:	All alloy, 1.8 litre DOHC 4 cylinder, dual VVT-i, 16 valve with Magnuson R900 supercharger utilising Eaton TVS™ technology;
Torque:	181 lbft / 250 Nm
Transmission:	6-speed manual gear box as standard
Suspension:	Up Rated TCA Kit
Brakes:	Twin-piston fixed aluminium alloy front brake calipers. Single-piston sliding rear brake calipers.  288 mm diameter, 26 mm thick front and rear cast-iron cross-drilled & ventilated brake discs
Wheels:	Forged Alloy
Tyres:	Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS tyres F: 175/ 55 R16 & R: 225/ 45 R17
Safety systems:	Lotus ABS/ EDL

Real horsepower meets 310PS in preparation for the Audi International match in Windsor Great Park

• 38mph speed limit at Guards Polo Club matches the maximum speed a horse can reach
• HRH Prince of Wales to present prestigious trophy
• Audi England team  will play Equus & Co USA Polo team for the prestigious Westchester Cup on Sunday, July 28
• Audi will sponsor the match for the second year in succession

The speed limit at Guards Polo Club in the stunning Windsor Great Park is a symbolic 38mph – the maximum speed of a horse – so it is probably the only place where the Audi A6 allroad quattro (pictured) with its 310 horsepower would find itself neck-and-neck with the real thing.

This royal venue plays host to the Audi International on Sunday 28 July 2013 at 3pm, and the public event is one of the highlights of the summer season, set to attract large crowds to witness England pit their wits against the USA for the prestigious Westchester Cup. Britain's proudest new grandfather, Prince Charles, will present the historic trophy to the winning team in what is the UK’s first staging of the Cup in 16 years.

Other VIPs due to attend the Audi International include Eddie Redmayne, Naomie Harris, Zoe Saldana, Angela Scanlon, Ophelia Lovibond, Tuppence Middleton and Alexandra Roach. Around 70 ‘very important ponies’, representing a total value of around £2.5 million, will also be present, some of which have been flown in especially from the US.

Prince Charles will hope to avoid the fate of his great grandfather King George V, who handed over the Westchester Cup to the American polo team following its win against England in 1921. The attached photograph from that year shows the cup being taken under police protection to Buckingham Palace where it was delivered to the King to present to the Americans.

The USA's win in 1921 levelled the Westchester Cup series 4-4.  Since then, the Americans have taken a 10-6 overall lead, though England have won the last two encounters in 1997 (when the Cup was last played on English soil) and 2009 (in Palm Beach, USA).

Since 1886 England have squared up to America a total of 16 times to claim the Westchester Cup, which is older than tennis’s Davis Cup by 14 years, and golf’s Ryder cup by 40 years.