VX220 Supercharged VSE Exhaust
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- Road Test: 2003 Vauxhall VX220
At the end of the last century, Lotus faced a dilemma - its Elise Series-1 would not meet the new EU crash regulations and needed changing. Around the same time, Vauxhall wanted a sports car to fill a big gap in their product line-up. A deal was struck and Lotus developed the VX220 for Vauxhall and Lotus then went on to use the new VX220 tub for the Series-2 Elise.
The VX was initially powered by the 147bhp 2.2 ecotec engine also used in the Astra, Vectra etc... Later on, a more powerful 2.0 turbo was fitted.
Our road test features a 2003 2.2 with an aftermarket Eaton supercharger.
Looks:
Distinctive. Arguably, some would say that the VX is not as pretty as its Hethel-based cousin. Instead of flowing curves the VX has much more angular proportions, almost like it was designed on an etch-a-sketch. The design theme continues onto the interior: lots of exposed aluminium surrounded by angular black plastic.
Driving:
It's well documented about the contortionism needed to enter the Lotus Elise, the VX is slightly worse as it has a wider sill to straddle. Once sitting snugly in the wafer thin seats, press the push button start located in the middle of the dash and the engine bursts into life with a loud bark. This car has the VSE (Vauxhall Sports Exhaust) fitted, which proves quite offensive to the ears on idle and low speeds but epic once as the revs rise.
Handling is excellent as you'd imagine, not as direct as a Caterham but still far beyond conventional cars (It'll hopefully improve too once the Pirelli's are replaced).
Stats:
Power: 250bhp
Weight: 870kg
0-60mph: 3.86secs
Top Speed: 150mph+
Costs:
VX's can be found for as little as £6k with a Cat-C or Cat-D history. A decent example will still fetch around £8k, add another couple of grand for a turbo.
A stage 2 supercharger conversion the same as the featured car currently costs £5,465 at Courtenay Sport.
Running costs aren't too bad due to its light kerbweight, expect low to mid 30's mpg with average driving.
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/ 12grandauto
Two of my fave things.. Foo Fighters and a VX220. I have at least one of those things in my garage :-)
awesome video, fantastic car!
Very nice video. Where does 0-60mph in 3.86sec come from?
Great vid. buy one before they all get crashed and become properly rare , I've had two
Stock internals?
Foo fighters?
just don't drive it in the wet....believe me! ;(
How come?
@@markl76 Mid engine, rear wheel drive, no assists, you can figure it out.
You have to be careful or be experienced and ready to catch snap oversteer. Most people are not.