VAUXHALL VX220 TO MAKE WORLD PREMIERE AT GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

Vauxhall’s keenly awaited new two-seater sports car, the VX220, will make its world debut at the 70th Geneva International Motor Show (2-12 March 2000).

Powered by the new aluminium 2.2-litre ECOTEC engine with 147PS on tap, the VX220 reaches 60mph in under six seconds, and can reach a top speed of 137 mph.

Its performance potential has been maximised through a mid-engine configuration and lightweight aluminium chassis with independent, double wishbone suspension on all four wheels. The result is highly responsive steering and fast, sure-footed cornering.

The final production version of the VX220 features the same design cues - muscular wheel arches and flanks - as its concept predecessor presented to acclaim in Geneva and later in London last year.

Integrated into the car´s body, striking features include the three-dimensional headlamps and tail lights, the large air intake ducts behind the doors (to provide additional engine cooling) and the two vertically arranged exhaust pipes.

"The VX220 is the natural conclusion to our philosophy of creating a pure sports car," says Dr. Doris Bernhardt, head of the VX220 project. "Every decision was based on whether it made the car a more dynamic drive."

A safe but uncompromising sports car is the result, through such features as a roll-over bar, ABS, a driver airbag and seat-belt tensioners but without luxuries such as power steering, air conditioning and central locking, to keep the weight to a minimum.

The interior of the VX220 reflects its performance sportscar character. Instruments have been kept to a minimum with just two dials – engine rev counter and speedometer – with LCD displays activated when needed.

Sculpted sports seats are complemented by a leather steering wheel and aluminium gear knob. The optional leather interior is available in black, blue, red or beige.

The fold-down roof of the VX220 is easily stowed away and fits neatly behind the seats. A silver-coloured hard top is available as an option. The boot of the VX220 offers a loading space of 206 litres, located behind the mid-mounted engine.

All aluminium chassis
The VX220’s bonded aluminium chassis guarantees high torsional rigidity despite the car´s low weight – necessary for precise control and optimal crash worthiness in case of a frontal or side impact. An integrated, steel roll-over bar provides additional protection.

A combination of the VX220’s powerful engine and a kerbweight of around 850 kg means top of the class power to weight ratio of 5.8 kg/bhp. The composite body rides on double wishbone suspension. Advanced geometry and compliance tuning optimises wheel control to maximise grip and handling.

The high speed cornering abilities of the VX220 are further enhanced by a wide track (1450mm/57 in at the front, 1488mm/58.6 in at the rear), a low centre of gravity and precise steering. Four ventilated, 288mm disc brakes provide the stopping power with ABS as standard.

Specially developed Bridgestone Potenza tyres (175/55 front and 225/45 R17 rear) are fitted to 17 inch alloy wheels, which retain the five spoke design seen on the 1999 concept, with widths of 5.5 inch at the front and 7.5 inch at the rear.

New aluminium lightweight engine
Low weight and high performance characterise the new aluminium 2.2 litre ECOTEC engine which powers the VX220. The engine is constructed from aluminium alloy and weighs a mere 138 kg.

In the VX220, this engine produces 147PS at 5800 rpm with a maximum torque figure of 203Nm – with 90 per cent of this available at 1800 rpm. In addition to the performance, this engine is fuel efficient delivering around 35mpg (according to MVEG standard) while also complying with the future Euro IV emissions standard. VX220 uses a compact, 5-speed cable operated gearbox.

Production starts in July at a new factory on the Lotus site in Norfolk. The car is due to go on sale in the UK in September.

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