GM's über-powerful roadster: VX220 Turbo

Take a look at most supercars today and you'd be hard pressed to find one that doesn't output massive amounts of power and torque.

Take the new AMG-tuned Mercedes CL 65: it's got 1000Nm of torque, which is simply astromonical. It also weighs more than two tonnes, which severely handicaps its potential.

The power-to-weigh ratio issue is highlighted brilliantly by the new GM roadster, which is pipped by the CL 65 AMG in the 0-100km/h dash by a scant two tenths of a second.

Despite this closeness, its 2.0-litre engine is one third the size and eight cylinders short of Mercedes 6.0-litre beast.

The car in question is not new - the Vauxhall VX220. This little puppy (also sold in Germany as an Opel Speedster) has been around for about three years, praised by most not for it's cramped interior, but for its grin-inducing on-road character.

It was also shown at a few Australian motor shows in 2001, with Holden badging, but public reaction wasn't deemed high enough to warrant importing the tiny two seater.

It's a damn shame too.

Anyway, the 2.2-litre engine that first shipped with the VX220 is the same mill used in the Astra SRi Holden sells locally, developing a rather lame 110kW of power and a more acceptable 203Nm of torque.

Even with such a dated EcoTec mill, the VX220 hit 100km/h from rest in a very quick 5.6 seconds.

One could hazard a guess and suggest that GM was, and still is, trying to beat Lotus at its own game - only the VX220/Speester is built by Lotus Cars in Hethel, England.

Now, in 2003, Vauxhall has decided to address a few concerns of VX220 owners by improving it in a number of areas - most notably its power-to-weight ratio - but also in terms of cabin comfort.

Using the same engine that was shown at the Melbourne Motor Show in the Holden Astra Turbo, the aptly named VX220 Turbo was unveiled in March 2003, Geneva.

The 2.0-litre, 16-valve forced induction engine is located behind the driver, placed just in front of the rear axle for a low centre of gravity.

With the installation of the turbocharged mill, Vauxhall had to make a few modifications. No. 1 on the list was to re-jig the the exhaust system, and a turbo heat shield and undertray were also added.

Engine noise entering the cabin has been reduced via improved insulation, plus the suspension has been tweeked to suit the extra oomph.

While the VX220 Turbo retains the same double wishbone suspension of its precursor, spring and damper rates have been increased to provide a somewhat stiffer setup, improving high speed stability.

One of the biggest gripes of VX220 owners, particularly in the UK, was that the interior didn't reflect the heady performance.

In answer to this, the interior décor of the VX220 Turbo has been improved, while still retaining a minimalist feel many Lotus Elise owners would be familiar with.

For starters, more leather and fabric (two tone for seats) gives the interior a more filled-out look, while at the same time providing for a somewhat cushier ride.

NVH levels have been reduced, the dashboard has a new, more upmarket finish and there's also leather inserts in the doors. A new-look instrument cluster also made the cut, complete with a spiffy - yet ultimately practical - gear change light.

While the open two seater retains its highly-lauded aluminium chassis and reinforced fiberglass body, a couple of styling changes have resulted, implemented to improve aerodynamics more than anything else.

Front and rear spoilers have been tweaked to increase negative lift at speed, and the lateral air ducts (located behind the doors) have been dramatically enlarged.

They make even the new WRX STi's gaping bonnet scoop look a little pedestrian in comparison.

The front grille has been modified and together with same-sized, but different style 17-inch wheels, the VX220 is a rather pleasant-looking roadster. Oh, and that very suave, vertical-mount twin exhaust outlet has been retained.

While the original car weighed a tad more than 800kg, the rear-wheel drive Turbo variant tips the scales at a bulkier 930kg, but the extra power from its turbocharged engine means better performance all round.

Compared to the lighter, nato-atmo 2.2-litre model, which dashes from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, the Turbo makes the same journey in just 4.7 seconds, which puts many larger, so-called "performance" cars to shame.

Yes, that means you CL 65 AMG.

It's power-to-weight ratio is very impressive, and this is highlighted by the fact that it accelerates from 80 to 120km/h in 6.7 second in fifth gear, and just 5.1 seconds in fourth.

Using its diminuitive 1998cc mill, it churns out an impressive 147kW of power @ 5500rpm. Peak torque of 250Nm, on the other hand, reaches it maximum output @ 1950rpm, making for a wide 3550rpm power band.

Flexibility is the VX220 Turbo's middle name, and together with what is regarded as a delightfully nimble chassis, the engine provides for a more than ample partner.

Cars like the recently upgraded 2003 Porsche Boxster and even the upcoming Nissan 350Z Roadster will be given a big shock when they're toasted off the line by the quirky, yet exceedingly quick VX220 Turbo. Truly, its 4.7 second 0-100km/h dash speaks volumes for its performance capabilities, and let's not forget the all those boy-racers across Europe who will no doubt increase turbo boost for even more power.

Sadly, like was mentioned above, the impressive little roadster hasn't sparked much interest in Australia and has little-to-no chance of ever appearing here, at least under the Holden banner. The VX220 (and its Opel counterpart) will be on sale in Europe by mid year, with the UK getting first dibs on March 24, prices at £25,495, roughly $69,000 in local currency.

It could easily compete against the likes of the RX-8, 350Z and others in the $60-$80k price range, and would still trounce them for both straight-line and corner speed. We sure know what we want for Christmas...