The newest addition to the Lotus Exige lineup is the Cup 380, and the British sports automaker has put a great deal of thought into its design. It’s a street-legal track car for the European weekend enthusiast who would like their motoring outings to profoundly stimulate the adrenals.

As in the Exige Race 380, the 3.5L supercharged V6 engine is made by Toyota, which in the context of the Cup 380 is tuned to 357 horsepower. The gearbox is the same six-speed manual—a nice touch for the traditional sports driver.

The Exige Cup 380 features Lotus’ Dynamic Performance Management; three preset driving modes—race, sport, and drive—as well as variable traction control, which may be set by the driver for road conditions. In keeping with the track sensibilities of the model, options include an FIA compliant roll cage and racing harness, among others.

The mid-engine design Cup 380 weighs in at a little over a ton, with a great deal of carbon fiber worked into the design: a special front splitter, diffuser surround, and side air-intake pods are among the components built from the super rigid, lightweight material. Weight-saving considerations have also eliminated some of the creature comforts of the traditional roadster, in order to improve track-style performance, yes, but also to keep the marketing aesthetic on track.

The Exige Cup 380 will get to 60 in 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 175MPH, which is plenty quick by anyone’s estimation. But the car’s appeal may rest in its extraordinary dexterity, by way of the traction control, the front louvers and aero blades that increase downforce significantly, and the wide rear tires.

If Lotus brings the Exige Cup 380 to U.S. shores, buyers in the market for a nimble sports in the $125K range will have another option to carefully consider.