Vauxhall VX220 Turbo

What is already one of the most capable chassis on the road has had further development to harness the extra engine power over the 2.2 litre 16v. A quick glance at some vital statistics confirms why the new VX220 Turbo promises to be something special: engine power output of 200 hp; 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds; 0 to 100 mph in under 13 seconds; a power to weight ratio of 4.9 kg/hp; a top speed of 151 mph.

Engine

The heart, quite literally, of the VX220 Turbo is the familiar transverse two-litre, sixteen valve, turbocharged engine being used to good effect in the new Astra GSi. In the VX220 Turbo however, it is installed just in front of the rear axle. It is constructed of a cast iron block and aluminium head with twin overhead (DOHC) camshafts.

Maximum power from the turbo unit is 200 hp @ 5500 rpm, while engine torque is an impressive 250Nm from 1950 rpm all the way to 5500 rpm. Other differences between it and the normally aspirated 2.2 include the compression ratio (8.8:1 for the Turbo and 10:1 for the 2.2), and a reduced oil capacity, but increases in cooling capacity and battery power for the Turbo.

Chassis

Only minor changes have been made to the capable chassis of the VX220, to accommodate the extra power of the turbo engine. The basic principles stay the same: a super rigid lightweight aluminium chassis, double wishbone suspension, high performance brakes with ABS and unique Bridgestone tyres.

Changes have been made to the spring and damper rates, which have been increased at the front and rear by 7% and 11% respectively to improve body control and high speed stability. The new tuning provides improved passenger isolation and comfort over road impacts.

Standard brakes remain at 288 mm diameter discs all round but with the Turbo there is the added option of lightweight ventilated and cross-drilled discs.

In Detail

engine	Water Cooled, Cast Iron, Inline-4
position	Mid Transverse
valvetrain	DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Sequential Multi Point Fuel Injection
displacement	1998 cc / 121.9 in³
bore	86 mm / 3.39 in
stroke	86 mm / 3.39 in
compression	8.8:1
power	149.1 kw / 200 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	100.1 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	215.05 bhp per tonne
torque	250 nm / 1950-5500 rpm ft lbs
driven wheels	RWD
front brakes	Vented Discs w/ABS
f brake size	x 288 mm / x 11.3 in
rear brakes	Vented Discs w/ABS
r brake size	x 288 mm / x 11.3 in
front wheels	F 43.2 x 14.0 cm / 17 x 5.5 in
rear wheels	R 43.2 x 19.0 cm / 17 x 7.5 in
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Over Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil Over Dampers
curb weight	930 kg / 2050 lbs
wheelbase	2330 mm / 91.7 in
front track	1450 mm / 57.1 in
rear track	1488 mm / 58.6 in
length	3786 mm / 149.1 in
width	1708 mm / 67.2 in
height	1117 mm / 44.0 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.58:1, 2.02:1, 1.35:1, 0.98:1, 0.79:1, :1
final drive	3.63:1
top speed	~243.0 kph / 151.0 mph
0 – 100 mph	~4.7 seconds