Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3
The fastest road-going Elise ever, honed for the track with extreme lightness.
- Power
- 243 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 3.9 s
- Top speed
- 154 mph
- Est. value
- $55k–$75k
About the Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3
Launched in 2016 as the ultimate evolution of the Series 3 Elise, the Cup 250 replaced the Cup 220 with more power and less weight. It features a comprehensive aero package including a fixed rear wing and large front splitter, generating 155kg of downforce at its 154mph top speed. The car was developed in Lotus's 'Lightweight Laboratory', utilizing a lithium-ion battery and carbon-fibre seats to shave 21kg off its predecessor. It remains one of the most tactile and focused driving machines of the modern era, offering a pure connection to the road that few contemporaries can match.
Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3 specs
The Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3 produces 243 bhp (181 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 154 mph (248 km/h).
| Make | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Model | Elise Cup 250 |
| Generation | S3 |
| Trim | 1.8 Supercharged |
| Years | 2016–2021 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 200 built |
| Engine | 1.8-litre supercharged inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,798 cc (1.8 litres) |
| Induction | Supercharged |
| Power | 243 bhp (181 kW) at 7,200 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,200 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 3.9 s |
| Top speed | 154 mph (248 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 931 kg (2,053 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 261 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3 worth?
A typical Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3 is estimated to be worth $55,000 – $75,000 (about £41,000 – £56,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3 rarity in CarSpot
The Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Lotus Elise Cup 250 S3 fun facts
- The Cup 250 lapped the Hethel test track in 1 minute 34 seconds, making it the fastest production Elise ever recorded at the time.
- Though sold as a roadster as standard, a carbon-fibre aero pack was available to further reduce weight to just 921kg.
- Lotus limited the global production of the Cup 250 to just 200 units per year to maintain its exclusivity.
