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Resplendent in bright orange paintwork, the VX220's stage occupied a significant portion of the Vauxhall stand, where as the diminutive sports car sat small on this stage - but with huge presence.
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The influence of Lotus Engineering is immediately obvious in the Elise-like proportions. Indeed, the VX220 is a mid-engined two-seater with a stiff aluminium chassis and a composite body - very familiar!
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So, why give General Motors a competitor with which to challenge the great Elise? Well, it isn't a threat apparently. For starters, the name VX220 refers to the new 2.2-litre four-cylinder 'Ecotec' engine (by Lotus) and comes with nearly 150bhp - a sizable chunk more than the standard Elise has. The VX220 (to be tagged 'Speedster' outside the UK) will also have a more luxurious specification than the minimalist Elise, adding weight and distancing the cars even further.
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Either way, Lotus will not lose out - the VX220 will be produced (at a few thousand units a year) in Hethel, alongside it's little Lotus brother. Expect the production version to appear later next year, possibly at Geneva 2000.
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Back to Vauxhall @ The 1999 London Motor Show
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