Vauxhall VX220
The Vauxhall VX220, a mid-engined, targa-topped, 2-seater was introduced in early 2001. It was built for GM, along with the left hand drive version (the Opel Speedster) at the Lotus Cars, Hethel, Norfolk plant in England alongside the Lotus Elise S2. It was based on the Elise chassis, modified to accept the GM engine in preference to the K-series Rover engine used by the Elise. It carried the internal model identification Lotus 116 and the code name Lotus Skipton.
The normally aspirated version used the Astra 2.2 Ecotec engine giving 147 bhp in a car weighing 870 kgs. The Turbo model, introduced in 2003, used the 2.0 litre engine, producing 200 bhp but weighing 930 kgs. A final version, the track-orientated VXR220, based on the turbo model, was tuned to give around 220 bhp and used Lotus-style 16" front wheels which allowed the fitment of special sports tyres to gain better road holding.
The car was hailed by the motoring press as a great drivers' car and won several accolades.
