Differences between Cup 380 & 430

[GER]

I have checked a few reviews and photos but am still not 100% clear so I thought I would just ask!

For background, I have been contemplating upgrading the power in my Cup 380. The logical but expensive option is to take it to Germany have Komotec do the big dog version.

However, most my cars are modified and I am fond of the fact that the Cup is still ‘standard’.

Hence I find myself enquiring about buying a 430 Cup.

In close inspection, it seems that Lotus dropped some of the Aero that was standard on the full spec 380 Cup. Things like Titanium exhaust and Magnesium wheels seem the same but details such as the carbon barge boards are missing from the 430 Cup, as well as the winglets under the sides of the rear bumper. I understand that the front number was updated to improve aero flow and hence they dropped the canards.

from a side profile the Cup 430 looks like it’s missing bits to me. I guess my actual question is: were the Cup 380 Aero parts available from factory on the Cup 430 to those who ordered from new?

Pic of my Cup side profile for reference.

Thanks

Greg

[Tex]

I had the factory option of having the barge boards and rear canards fitted to my Cup430 but not the front canards as per the 380’s. 

Most folks would not have bothered as me, as they didn’t add any aero benefits only aesthetics but also weight . I have subsequently fitted them as I think they look good

The Cup430 front and rear clams  are unique and no other model has it. How much aero or benefit it adds is debatable though but negated the need for bolts ons.

I do think a Cup380 is a great starting point for performance upgrades and I particularly like the KT EX490 kit, although very pricey and even worse if you add the gearbox

[MrD]

I doubt there is any performance difference in real life between a 380 and a 430 - even though the numbers might suggest otherwise. Definitely not enough to make you 'upgrade' from a 380 CUP (which is already brilliant) to a 430 CUP. Going komotec/jubu is a completely different option however but cheaper given the prices of the 380/430 CUP models.

Remember that the 430 also has this heavy chargecooled supercharger on top which might offset some of the extra performance - people talk about heaksoak but I never experienced this on my V6 cup albeit I don't live in a hot climate country neither attended a very warm TD yet.

Best thing would be to have a go in one but for reference, my Alias23'd V6 cup with some weigh shaving (forged wheels, Li battery and lightweight exhaust) is in par with a 410 (if not quicker).

 

[auRouge]

On 15/07/2023 at 15:17, GER said:

In close inspection, it seems that Lotus dropped some of the Aero that was standard on the full spec 380 Cup. Things like Titanium exhaust and Magnesium wheels seem the same but details such as the carbon barge boards are missing from the 430 Cup, as well as the winglets under the sides of the rear bumper. I understand that the front number was updated to improve aero flow and hence they dropped the canards.

Hi,

Remembered reading this blurb when considering I was considering a 430 CUP. 
 

A lot of extra parts.. Am sure a chat with Phil at B&C in Guildford will answer your question in full. 

Hope it helps. 
Brij 😉

 

With 55 hp, or 15%, more power than the limited production Exige Cup 380 model it succeeds, and 220 kg of downforce, it’s a monster of a car. Compared to the Exige Sport 350, it has 24% more power and generates the same downforce at 100 mph as the Exige Sport 350 does at its maximum speed of 170 mph. Lotus’ expertise in lightweight design has played its part in reducing the overall dry weight by 12 kg to 1,059 kg, with the vehicle down to 1,056 kg in its lightest configuration. This, combined with the dramatic jump in raw power, raises the Cup’s power to weight from 355 hp / tonne (Cup 380) to 407 hp / tonne. With 430 hp at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm (325 lbft) of torque from 4,000 rpm, 0-60mph is dispatched in 3.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds) with a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). Helping to harness all that power, the Cup 430 benefits from a comprehensive range of new aero elements. A new ultra-lightweight front clam with unique carbon fibre ducts has wider radiator apertures and a new mesh pattern grille to provide a more combative aspect and to allow for a new front splitter and air curtain mechanism to reduce drag. The lightweight rear clam panel supports the larger, straight motorsport wing to increase downforce without impacting upon the car’s overall drag coefficient. The new design front and rear clam panels are 6.8 kg lighter than those on any other Exige.

At the heart of the car lies Lotus’ most formidable engine, a 3.5-litre supercharged and charge cooled V6 producing 430 hp and 440 Nm. Unapologetically aggressive, the Exige Cup 430’s 220 kg of downforce is developed through the careful management of airflow under and over the car. Vital in keeping the Cup at the top of timing sheets, it’s designed to make the most of 440 Nm (325 lbft) of torque delivered from 4,000 rpm, and delivering the lowest of lap times no matter the track. This not only includes the new front clam panel, incorporating a new design of splitter and carbon fibre air blades, but also the high mounted rear wing. The new body introductions combine form and function, with the new hybrid carbon composite panels not only saving weight, but also delivering the car’s distinctive new styling and aerodynamic set up. Balancing downforce over the entire car was a priority with, when compared to the Exige Cup 380, a greater percentage of downforce allocated to the front to ensure accurate high-speed turn in (36% increased to 45%). The new 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. The cut-out sections behind the rear wheels, also reduce wheel arch pressure, whilst the new lightweight aluminium diffuser is 1 kg lighter. Crowning all of this is the carbon fibre straight rear wing, raised higher to further boost downforce, clearly signaling the car’s aggressive intent and pursuit of aerodynamic excellence.

Available as standard with a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission, the Exige range features Lotus’ acclaimed open-gate manual gearbox design. Precisely aligned for fast and seamless shifts, it has recently established itself as a favourite of Lotus customers. To transfer the increased power and torque from the engine to the gearbox, a new 240 mm diameter clutch has been fitted (up 12 mm compared to the Exige Cup 380) which increases the clutch surface area by 11%. Engine note and tone also play big parts in the Cup’s repertoire. With the new induction and supercharger configuration, and a high-flow titanium exhaust system as standard, the Cup 430 sounds like no other Exige at speed. In addition, the titanium exhaust removes 10 kg from beyond the rear axle. The Lotus Exige Cup 430 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 (1%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% slip) as well as “off”, displayed via the instrument cluster. The composite concept continues into the Cup’s cabin with visible-weave, handmade sections including a new lightweight carbon fibre binnacle surround, Lotus’ bespoke carbon race seats, with new lightweight seat runners, and carbon door sills. Colour keyed inserts for the revised lightweight sports seats, transmission console, HVAC surround and window switches are also standard, along with a centre console, door cards and dashboard trimmed in Alcantara®, with leather or tartan as a no cost option, along with contrast stitching and an Alcantara® steering wheel. In total, the lightweight interior of the Exige Cup 430 is 2.5 kg lighter than on the Cup 380. All the lightweight standard items help reduce the total mass by 29 kg which more than offsets the increase in weight from the chargecooler and cooling system (+15 kg), new higher rated clutch (+0.8 kg) and wider brake discs (+1.2 kg) resulting in an unladen weight of 1,093 kg and 1,059 kg dry. By selecting the airbag deletion option, the customer can take the lightest possible dry weight of the Exige Cup 430 to 1,056 kg.