Autocar Towers was an office in uproar earlier today after this picture (above) entered circulation. It clearly shows an aluminium cup-holder in what would appear to be the cabin of a brand new Lotus, and not just any Lotus, but the recently announced Exige S Performance Pack.Several road testers insisted it must be a fake, but the image’s veracity was later confirmed. It was taken, according to one photographer, during our first drive in the new Lotus this week, and clearly shows that it’s now possible to order your Exige, once considered the most focussed, hardcore track sensation on British shores, with the dreaded beverage receptacle.So what are the implications of this cruel truth? Has Lotus abandoned its uncompromising, purist-centric approach to sports car making? Is the new Exige S a traitor to the principals that made its maker’s reputation? And will the wretched implement in question hold your extra large caramel macchiato upright while cornering at 1.5g?Click here to read the answers to all these questions, and more, in our exclusive first drive on the Lotus Exige S Performance Pack.
