The
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo version, unveiled in March 2003 had a short life being taken out of production just two years later along with the rest of the VX220 range. The VX220, a semi-convertible, two seater sports cars was introduced in 2000, and was built according to Vauxhall’s specifications by
Lotus at their plant in Norfolk, England. In Europe and The United States, the left hand drive version was marketed as the Opel Speedster. Many of the cars design and production characteristics were derived from the
Lotus Elsie S2.
During the short time that the Turbo version of the
Vauxhall VX220 was on the road it succeeded in creating a positive impression, especially among racing journalist who described it as a “ fine road car” not falling short from the Elise in performance.
When compared to the standard VX220 the major external differences were to be found in the front and rear spoilers which had been altered. This was done in an effort to increase negative lift when the car was at full speed. In addition dramatic enlargements had been to the lateral air ducts to allow improved air cooling, which were located behind the car doors. These changes succeeded in giving the VX220 turbo a dramatic effect that might have been lacking in its counterparts, and this may even be accented by the Turbo version’s alloy wheels that while the same dimension seem to stand out more. Spoilers added to the front and rear are both subtle and effective, as well as modification to the front grille. Even to the casual observer; anyone could see that the car was built for speed. To add a further touch of turbo class, lettering indicating the fact was widely displayed on the car, which also came in some additional and widely exotic colors that were not available in the standard model.
The interior of the 2003
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo has the typically Spartan look that you would expect to feel in a car that has been produced by
Lotus, even if it was to meet
Vauxhall specifications. Their influence is most widely felt in the use of leather and fabric trims, and some effort to provide an exclusive car feel can also be witnessed in the two tone trim using aluminum and metal for effect. The new look is carried through to the main instrument cluster and fuel gauge.
One major plus for driver and passenger alike is the considerable efforts made to reduce engine noise within the cockpit, whilst retaining the throaty roar of the turbo engine but at considerably lower decibels.
Power to the wheels of the VX220 Turbo is through a two-liter, sixteen valve, turbocharged engine, which earned its spurs on Vauxhall’s Astra GSi. The major difference being that engine is installed in the VX220 in the rear, in front of the rear axle.
Maximum power from the turbo unit, comprising a cast iron block and aluminum head with twin overhead (DOHC) camshafts can reach 200 horse powers at 5500 rpm. While the original car weighed in at 800kg, the Turbo version has another 130 kg to carry. However the turbo engine’s extra power makes for vastly improved performance across the board. The car’s vital statistics were certainly eye popping including 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds (0-100 km/h); a power to weight ratio of 4.9 kg/hp; and a top speed of 151 mph.
Standard brakes remain at 288 mm diameter discs all rounds but with the Turbo there is the added option of lightweight ventilated and cross-drilled discs.
The chassis in the turbo version remains more or less identical to the highly capable chassis of the VX220 with a few minor changes made to take the extra power of the turbo engine into account.
The 2003
Vauxhall VX220 Turbo version made an impression in the short time it was available and is still cherished by those who had the good sense to acquire one.
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April 2, 2008, 10:15 am
