I designed the roof on this and the S2 Elise. Also worked on the Aero and cooling ! Also the Vanquish, whilst at Lotus. This was called Project Skipton.
@@smileyspeedsterI did somewhere. The orange Opel Speedster from the Geneva motorshow, I painted matt black, to use as a mule to drive around whilst designing the roof
I’ve owned one of these for 17 years now, running around 300bhp. Its performance is new M3 territory, seriously quick car and a absolute hoot to drive.
I worked in the powertrain integration team for the VX220/Speedster at the GME/Opel International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim and this video brings back fond memories! Some years have passed, but if I recall correctly, the VX220/Speedster had the wheelbase extended about 14cm with the help of an additional subframe that was bolted to the Elise tub. The purpose was mainly to improve stability and calm down the handling to make the car more „everyday usable“. Also, the turbo engine and the naturally aspirated engine are completely different. The naturally aspirated is the L850 Z22SE MPFI with 2.2 litre. Basically a GM US design that later was available as 2.2 direct injection, 1.9 and 2.4 litre naturally aspirated and supercharger equipped engines and as three different 2.0 turbo engines (mainly for Saab, dubbed 1.8t, 2.0t and 2.0T, despite all being 2.0 litre). The 2.4 existed in a version with variable valve timing, mainly or possibly only for Alfa Romeo. The 2.0 turbo in the VX220/Speedster is however the completely different Family I engine and an older design than the L850. Btw, my boss had some pretty intensive arguments with Lotus and what was considered their somewhat sloppy assembly of the gearing linkage. The gear shift precision was something that never got quite right for the VX220/Speedster. My first experience with the GM Dudenhofen Proving Ground 5km high speed „bowl“ 22 degrees banking was in a pre-production Speedster at Vmax. Not the ideal vehicle to start learning how to drive on steep banked curves and the fear turned my legs into jelly. Later, I spent many hours in Vectra, Signum and Saab 9-3 development cars in the „bowl“ and especially the long wheelbase Estate and Signum felt so much safer than the VX220/Speedster. A lot less exciting though!
Ah, the Opel "Teststrecke" in the forest. I remember passing by that thing often with my parents, when I was a kid, wondering what Opel was doing out there. I heard that most of the forest around the track has been taken down.
Great to hear from someone who was so well connected to how this car came about. I'm sure you probably have another few development stories from back in the day as well....😉
I had VX220T and the Previous owner had a VXR turbo and supporting mods to take it to nearly 280bhp, suspension was uprated to Nitron, which apparently cost 4k and the Yokohamas grippiest tyres. This car absolutely flew. 120mph was easily achievable and the way it went around corners was unbelievable. Stamping on the throttle mid bend would make it grip more. Subarus and Mitsubishi EVOs would disappear behind and the Steering and handling were Sublime!! Definitely a Car i wish i kept😢
I remember Jeremy Clarkson testing this car back then and he liked it better than the Elise, which he said understeered, and the Vauxhall didn't. He literally said "the only thing that will get me out of here is when it runs out of petrol". I was flabbergasted by that review after his eternal Vectra bashing.
Ahh - Jeremy Clarkson: Fashions an argument based on a skerrick of truth, laces it with myths and exaggerated misinformation and delivers it in a bombastic manner. Humorous though.
I ran the company who coated the fuel tanks for the vx and the lotus. There were slight differences in the fill and vent pipes but basically the same. 😊
I remember when this car first appeared on top gear and they were very impressive with the driving dynamics,I personally think it's a great looking lightweight sports car
I really like this channel. I used to skip through the videos but now I prefer these to the high end car reviews. Real reviews of great cars by a sensible guy. It just works. 👍
I was a member of the Opel Owners Club Of South Africa in the early to mid 2000`s and we all lusted after one of these, one club member actually imported one out from Britain and it was always mobbed and drooled over at events... At this time the range toppers from Opel were the Coupe Turbo and the Astra OPC (only 130 imported in and sold out before they landed), so one of these with the same engine was badly wanted but never supplied to us at the bottom of Africa...
I have a supercharged 2.2 VX220. An absolute pleasure to own and drive. Supercharged VXs have a much more linear power delivery with no delay for turbo spooling. Power is immediate.
Had a fav 5 years with my VX220, love them. The reason your car feels a little less feelsome on the front end is the aftermarket track day tyres and wider wheels.
Over the Elise, you mean? With that - and that the name Speedster is just better - I fully agree. Somehow the Elise looks too petite, too cute, (dare I say in this day and age) too girly to me.
I love the VX220 and really love the Z20LET motor that powers it. It's always been a fact of life that Vauxhall build great engines but can't build a chassis if their lives depended on it. My personal solution is throwing Vauxhall engines in my Triumph bodies which DO handle. But this works too! It's just a shame that prices are out of my budget now (and also my 70 year old skeleton complains on entry and exit)
I've always been fascinated by these VX220s, even when they were launched. I loved the styling. Every once in a blue moon, Vauxhall brought out a gem. Prince Henry, HP Firenza, Lotus Carlton, Monaro. I wonder if they ever made a VX220 in JPS colours, like another T-topped GM sportscar.
I've always thought the VX220 looks great! Shame Vauxhall didn't carry on making them.... im sure there'd be a market for a modern version of the VX. Cracking stuff as always Jack buddy 👍
I worked for Vauxhall and loved this car great to drive and great value. I actually prefer the styling and think it was superior in its mechanics. It is also rarer.
on looks alone, very pretty - I was surprised by the Vauxhall badge when I first saw one years ago. Its like something from Le Mans at 3/4 scale - oh yes.
I've always preferred the S1 Elise to every car that followed, still do. It's the most pure incarnation, with the best lines. ...but for an Opel/Vauxhall these are very cool. I still remember being chocked when they launched, and I had a sit in one at a local Opel dealer. They may be easier to get in and out of than an Elise, but young me found it difficult none the less 😄 Anyways: Fun seeing one again. Don't think I've seen one irl in the last ....15 years or so.
I remember how I learned about this car & the Lotus Elise when I was quite young while playing some kinda Need For Speed on friend's Xbox... Those were my 2 dreams cars for a while
Many years ago a friend bought a VX220 nearly new, he gave me a drive, I bought a summer car Elise S2 because of the fabulous experience. I just preferred the Elise S2 looks and fuel economy, less hassle being non turbo, as we already had a performance turbo car which was killing the bank account.
Thanks Jack 🙏🙏. Vauxhall's advertising at the time totally missed the mark, a great shame as we may have more of these running about! For a fleeting second as you accelerated, you could see the 'should I have this instead of the FrankenElise' look on your face.......!
Just, today, bought an NA VX220 with 13,800 miles ans 2 owners from new. Registered June 2001. COMPLETELY standard. I'm in love already judging by the 30 mile drive home.
@@gregsmith1070 Well, yeah! I've only had it 3 weeks so not much can go wrong in that time. I've put around 150 (very pleasurable) miles on it, mostly in the Peak District, and it's always an occasion taking it for a spin..... :)
@@rippy123456 I'm 5' 11'' , 60 next year and find it a breeze to enter exit. I can move the seat WAY back beyond my comfortable driving position, Best way, let's be honest, is to get in one....
I did invite you on another vlog. You're welcome to drive my NA. Pretty standard. Bigger exhaust and stuff, but not supercharged. It's only 160 bhp but obviously with 100+kg less weight. Also, as the guys at the Lotus staff reunion were keen to point out, the extra weight is at a higher centre of gravity. Whatever eh.....its not a quick car by today's standards and in straight lines will be lots slower than the turbo, but how quick can you go these days? Its got a bigger boot though! 😂
No lag either. I spoke to a seller who is a mechanic and he said that stops the tail end kicking out on you. Linear and progressive throttle response. Something I wanted after owning a classic Scooby STi! The only significant upgrade from that would've been mid engine or 6 cylinder, preferably both. Or a Bike!
The Elise is definitely the sharper car and the 8500rpm 2ZZ is more fun, especially when supercharged. The VX220 is far better value though and I would guess that they're a rarer car? I prefer the looks of the Elise the Lego looks of the VX but that's subjective.
Loved my Opel Speedster! Drove it several times from Sweden to Nürburgring to do laps, little worried when "stau" on Autobahn that the radiator would crack but it never let me down.
👍Thanks for video. I always thought these were interesting cars and maybe got a bit of an undeserved bad wrap just because of the Vauxhall badge. We shouldn't forget that Vauxhall and Lotus gave us some other performance classics like the Lotus Carlton.
I remember all too well how quick these can be when pushed hard. Pleasantly docile when driven normally - the downside for me was fuel consumption coupled with a small fuel tank. A single 60 mile round trip, driven enthusiastically was about all you'd get. Still want another one but never found one at a time when had sufficient disposable...
10:08 says it all to me... I always felt they "lack" something in comparison to an Elise (S1) also, especially if the S1 is properly dialed in and has some extra oomph... I remember going for a test drive on these when they came out (the NA Opel Speedster), with a friend who owned an Elise also. We arrived at the time in his Ford Orion (just because we didn't want to give away that we owned an Elise), and after out test drive the sales guy asked our opinion. Both my friend and I replied that there was not as much feel in the brake pedal as in our cars, and the handling was a bit too much understeering. The sales guy looked at us and went "I've never driven a car that drives better than the Speedster", to which my friend and I replied in unison "well, you've never driven an Elise then, we both own one..."
As an American, I hate you just a little bit (not really!) for having access to this car. This is one of those "cars from my 20s that I'd have sold my plasma to own." Thanks for the review!
I believe the VX used cast-iron hubs at the front end instead of the alloy ones the elise uses hence increasing unsprung weight. That might be what the difference is in the feel.
There was a listing recently in Toronto, Canada for one of these in yellow (non turbo model), very clean example, low mileage, imported from the UK. I thought about looking at it but just couldn’t come to terms with the General Motors derived engine, couldn’t do it.
Always preferred these over the Elise. If you want similar thrills for cheaper, try an MR2 Turbo! They are a hilarious drive. Worse chassis, but much better yamaha-tuned turbo engine
Seven bots so far today! I do like the VX220 but I have to say I like the Elise better. This is as you say a bit odd in the GM line up but well done to Lotus for stepping up and producing the goods. I don't think the grill looks right on the car and overall it is not as smooth in design as the Elise but as a package it does work well. Thanks Jack for the review. 👍👍
In Germany I've seen a few of these as Opel Speedsters. Most notably one that crashed rear-first underneath a guardrail - still inside the city, 50kph limit, road leading outside and upcoming 70kph limit. Probably drove like a hooligan.
Now you need to do a Tesla Roadster. The best of the breed though was the Lotus Europa. I took my VX220 to a Lotus day at Hethel - I wasn't allowed to park in the Lotus parking.
There was a third YT tyro who used to fling all types of hot wheels along those roads. I wondered what might happen if all three were negotiating that s-bended dip at the same time. The area is the SE Cotswolds, a bit north of Burford.
Having driven many variants of the elise chassis these feel top heavy to an Elise, possibly due to the thicker clams maybe? the mass is higher? Although lower.. None the less, the VX is a great part of the legacy of the original and arguably the purist of Elise chassis cars.. the S1 Elise.. so respect your Elders!! For me when carving up the roads the Elise S1 is a scalpel and vx220 is more a steak knife... it requires less finesse to cut the meaty roads but looses some of the rewards iin doing so.. which is fine. But I will keep my S1 thanks not because of the badge but because how it drives.
This and the beefed up models of the Monaro certainly did stand out in the Vauxhall line up. GM saw fit to bring the Monaro to N.A. under the Pontiac badge but this car never made it, which is too bad.
I saw one of these with Skoda badges in Portsmouth just after it came out. They looked professionally fitted but don’t know if this was an official car or just a one off
Did you btw already review an Europa? IIRC, those also had Opel Engines (around 200HP) and were not very common. Somehow I ended up with an S2 Elise, but the Europa always gave me some "ick", not sure if I like it more than the Elise itself. Thanks for this Review... I will always prefer "the real thing", even if the Speedsters may be even more rare than a "regular" S1, S2 or S3. LIKE!
I had a Tubby, pretty standard performance wise - just the pre-cat removed and a Larini. I also had several Elises so could compare. Couldn't agree more with the point about "something slightly muted compared with the Elise". I'm referring to direct comparison with the S1 specifically. When asked about it by my Elise buddies I used to say how Elise like it was, and guess at 97% like, just to illustrate the point - a random unscientific figure but seemed appropriate. Another point I remember about it though was how much easier it was to drive quicker. Went out quite a few times on hoons with Elises and Exiges and until they came out with supercharged ones it was significantly more accelerative, which I hadn't expected. I have nothing to gain by saying that and not bragging, as said I had Elises as well...it was just fact that it was faster than the numbers would lead you to think. It wasn't more fun than the Elise though, speed doesn't equal fun. Ultimately I sold it to buy another Sport 160 despite knowing it was more expensive, slower, older, less "livable" and more flawed. I still considered it an upgrade. I'd happily have one back in my life - the aftermarket supercharged ones must be something else again!!
....and look at what Vauxhall produce now....UTTER DROSS. Having driven a prototype/development version of this about 20 years ago (VX220 Sprint)I found it a fantastic car. Always been curious of the Turbo model.
Tend to agree. The original Vauxhall company now long since gone. However, GM Europe as Opel/Vauxhall produced a lot of good affordable cars for decades including some really popular models. Now, rebadged PSA cars. I have had many pre-PSA Vauxhalls over the years and was always quite happy with them as nicely engineered cars that provided good value. Sadly, those days are gone.
@@Steve-GM0HUU Unfortunately GM pushed all the costs of global GM small-medium car and small engine (up to 2.0-2.4L) development onto Opel and Vauxhall, without letting Opel and Vauxhall reap the profits from that. Hence the continual losses. Under PSA, at least Opel and Vauxhall are profitable. The loss of engineering is a shame but GM setting up Opel to lose money every year is not fair practice by GM, in my opinion. At least GM didn't just close down Vauxhall and Opel, like they did with Holden...
@@TassieLorenzo I always wondered what was going on with GM Europe reporting losses but continuing to produce cars for years 😄. All I know is that I don't plan to to buy any PSA Vauxhalls. The cars are less appealing to me yet more expensive.
Jack. Have you ever driven a Honda converter Elise? Do you want to? I have a very similar S1 to yours that I recently converted. Might make an interesting side by side comparison?
Do you have any hands on with the latter S2's by any chance, as they changed the motor latter on to have more power, by a considerable margin, basically putting it up where this was before the chip, the early ones were 120, 130 before the Toyota motor was implemented, also the sharpness might just be down to the tire choice, tell him to put some cross climate 2's on it and take it out again, they're speed rated for what that thing could do, and the wheels do look smaller somehow, like more S1 like just from the back, like the tire patch might be less than an elise maybe even add a shock tower reinforcement brace, the monte carlo bar to the front or a stiffer front anti roll bar to give some more grip to the wheels heck maybe take it a chassis aligment shop as it could be it just needs some adjustment and it should be as ripe as rain also its fun to see this as I remember this thing from Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2, they had the whole range of them in the game, although I always thought the numbers were off on the elise as didnt they have like 200 brake horsepower, turns out the early ones didnt, so maybe this VX modification got back to lotus, and was the reason why they bumped it up and I guess when i get one, I can ask you about it and what I should do with it then if you know the S1 really lol granted all we got are the S2's over here with the latter motor but the more I read about the S1, the more I think its a future classic, plus you can always just adapt the roof to it provided the hole is still the same size and shape really. kinda like the viper and the window arrangement people have made over the years for the ole corvette ZR1 killer, ironically another lotus made product too
I Strongly Suspect that more of these would've sold in the UK if: 1: It had been badged as an Opel a la Manta and Monza, and 2: It hadn't been marketed by Griff Rhys-Jones standing his Y-fronts.....
Never made it to Australia. The Elise was stupid money here. I think the S1 was only a few thousand pounds more than the MGF in the UK. Here, the S1 was twice the price of an MGF. I must see if I can import one to Oz. Thanks Jack.
I see the MGF in your profile picture! Isn't the MG F a mass-produced MX-5 competitor, whereas the Lotus Elise is a low volume exotic by comparison? So the prices are (IMO) fair. Of course Lotus Australia, or the private importer, can charge what they like. Are you sure the price difference was only 5-10% in the UK?! That doesn't sound right IMO. If true, then on retained values the Elise has fared much better than the MG F -- but surely the Elise has high used values compared to MG F even in the UK, precisely *because* the Elise was expensive when it was new?
@@TassieLorenzo how did I get this so wrong? I was told that there was only a few thousand pounds difference. I have just checked online and there was a considerable difference. In Australia the difference was almost three times and it appears that was similar in the UK. I think I will go and sit in the idiot corner. And yes I had an MGF for twenty years and also ran a MGTF in hillclimbs and was always beaten by those Elise things.
I know a few years ago some guys here in Sweden swapped the engines for Saab turbo powerplants and pushed them up to about 400hp and perhaps beyond. That is some serious power to weight ratio! (My memory is fuzzy but I think they were only for track use though)
@@user-ih7gc7dt9l Honestly cant remember. The build I was referring to was called the "Badster" I think. Possibly could gain more info by searching that, although most text might be in swedish though :(
@@user-ih7gc7dt9l oem (Getrag F23) gearbox mates up to the Saab B207R engine (same ecotec famlily) clutch plate needs an upgrade with that power though.
I always love an underdog, and should prefer the VX220. I just don't thought. I think it's a bit ugly, like the Mk3 MR2. I absolutely love the Elise though. You don't buy a 2 door, lightweight sports car, to be 'more comfortable' do you ? If you want comfort you buy a fast coupe (like I did with my OG M2). The Elise was just perfect as it was. Vauxhall pre release media drive event, on track at Jerez, saw journalists experience the VX220 Turbo's combination of boosty urge and a hair-trigger chassis balance. No fewer than five cars were crashed on the event, with one hitting a barrier after the hack driving it claimed to have lost control when he sneezed. The NA 2.2 handled better with the aluminium engine, but was slow. The Turbo was too boosty but faster, shame it had an iron block which upset the handling. I never heard anything similar about the Elise, it was praised for it's amazing turn in and balance. The Vauxhall also suffered from lots of niggly issues, like the paint bubbling which the Elise never suffered from. Leaking roofs, brakes catching alight from a bit of track day use, and the brakes in general poor with single channel ABS, some parts are ridiculously expensive and impossible to get hold of (headlamps for example), removing one fuse would stop the speedo and odometer working so most of these have covered much more mileage than they 'say', rev hang when you lift off the throttle, weird straight ahead steering where you had to pull the wheel out of the middle (the Elise didn't suffer this), engine 50Kg heavier than the Elise yet only 4cm longer wheelbase - hence the snappy handling issues, etc etc. The Elise commands a much higher price, because it's a much better car. By modern standards they are not even that quick really, 4.7 to 60, and 13.6 1/4 mile, although at the time I guess they were pretty fast.
In 2012 I had a VX220 na and Clio 172 Cup. I disliked the VX so binned it off after 6 months. Now have a '98 S1 Elise and it feels so much better to drive than the VX. The VX 2.2 felt lethargic and gutless compared to the S1 K Series.
Great car but having driven one whilst the engine is certainly effective, it didn't think it suited the car. Can see why the Elise is favoured as the engine choices are better suited.
Ah bummer, I thought this was a new car coming to market. I was getting excited for a second. Not that a Vauxhall would be at dealerships in the US. But hey, a man can dream.
It had the HP of that era, linked to the weight (845 kilo for the NA, and 930 kilo for the Turbo) on an elise platform. I think you are referring to the GM kappa platform, that started development around 2002, but only released the Solstice in 2006. The GXP had 260 bhp, but had to drag 1350 kilo along, making it more of a GT then a sportscar.
Around 500 built, mostly overseas but around 100 RHD for the UK - came in S or SE (only 4 x SE in the UK) - shares many parts with the VX and Elise S2 - think VX mechanicals and S2 internals (seats, HVAC, trim etc....).They still run the VX 17" tyre combination. Bought one in 2007 and still have it now. Great car. From a financial point of view - Lotus' most profitable car !
Rumours are that a contract was made between GM and lotus for 10k engines (and the vx220 project stopping at around 7200) and gearboxes, "forcing" lotus to come up with Europa SE.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
I designed the roof on this and the S2 Elise. Also worked on the Aero and cooling ! Also the Vanquish, whilst at Lotus. This was called Project Skipton.
Nice job. I did a couple of Ginettas roofs back before they were sold to Lawrence!
Also...Why Skipton?!? I lived there for a bit!
Do you have any pictures or memorabilia left from the era?
The VX community would gobble that up.
@@smileyspeedsterI did somewhere. The orange Opel Speedster from the Geneva motorshow, I painted matt black, to use as a mule to drive around whilst designing the roof
That roof looked very easy to take off and put back on. Porsche could do with you sorting out the Boxster Spider
Aston Vanquish was called Project Bolton, Elise S2 Project Monza Lotus M250 Project Monaco
I’ve owned one of these for 17 years now, running around 300bhp. Its performance is new M3 territory, seriously quick car and a absolute hoot to drive.
I worked in the powertrain integration team for the VX220/Speedster at the GME/Opel International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim and this video brings back fond memories! Some years have passed, but if I recall correctly, the VX220/Speedster had the wheelbase extended about 14cm with the help of an additional subframe that was bolted to the Elise tub. The purpose was mainly to improve stability and calm down the handling to make the car more „everyday usable“. Also, the turbo engine and the naturally aspirated engine are completely different. The naturally aspirated is the L850 Z22SE MPFI with 2.2 litre. Basically a GM US design that later was available as 2.2 direct injection, 1.9 and 2.4 litre naturally aspirated and supercharger equipped engines and as three different 2.0 turbo engines (mainly for Saab, dubbed 1.8t, 2.0t and 2.0T, despite all being 2.0 litre). The 2.4 existed in a version with variable valve timing, mainly or possibly only for Alfa Romeo. The 2.0 turbo in the VX220/Speedster is however the completely different Family I engine and an older design than the L850. Btw, my boss had some pretty intensive arguments with Lotus and what was considered their somewhat sloppy assembly of the gearing linkage. The gear shift precision was something that never got quite right for the VX220/Speedster. My first experience with the GM Dudenhofen Proving Ground 5km high speed „bowl“ 22 degrees banking was in a pre-production Speedster at Vmax. Not the ideal vehicle to start learning how to drive on steep banked curves and the fear turned my legs into jelly. Later, I spent many hours in Vectra, Signum and Saab 9-3 development cars in the „bowl“ and especially the long wheelbase Estate and Signum
felt so much safer than the VX220/Speedster. A lot less exciting though!
Ah, the Opel "Teststrecke" in the forest. I remember passing by that thing often with my parents, when I was a kid, wondering what Opel was doing out there. I heard that most of the forest around the track has been taken down.
Great to hear from someone who was so well connected to how this car came about.
I'm sure you probably have another few development stories from back in the day as well....😉
I had VX220T and the Previous owner had a VXR turbo and supporting mods to take it to nearly 280bhp, suspension was uprated to Nitron, which apparently cost 4k and the Yokohamas grippiest tyres.
This car absolutely flew. 120mph was easily achievable and the way it went around corners was unbelievable. Stamping on the throttle mid bend would make it grip more. Subarus and Mitsubishi EVOs would disappear behind and the Steering and handling were Sublime!! Definitely a Car i wish i kept😢
Sounds mega. They look like a right weapon with some mods there is one that comes to my local cars & coffee in yellow
I remember Jeremy Clarkson testing this car back then and he liked it better than the Elise, which he said understeered, and the Vauxhall didn't. He literally said "the only thing that will get me out of here is when it runs out of petrol".
I was flabbergasted by that review after his eternal Vectra bashing.
Mr Clarkson is a prick. The Vectra sold in millions.
@@Team33Team33 he did like the wing-mirrors ...... does anyone else wonder what ever happened to him?
@@MrVorpalsword Presumably Mr. Clarkson's "farm" is not too far from this test road!
Ahh - Jeremy Clarkson: Fashions an argument based on a skerrick of truth, laces it with myths and exaggerated misinformation and delivers it in a bombastic manner. Humorous though.
@user-oe1mb9hu9i to fleet buyers ...
Only an idiotic private buyer would have bought one.
In comparison to the Mondeo, Vectras were utter garbage
I ran the company who coated the fuel tanks for the vx and the lotus. There were slight differences in the fill and vent pipes but basically the same. 😊
@@JamesScarborough-i1w fukinell is this where all the storytellers come wheres enid blyton
I remember when this car first appeared on top gear and they were very impressive with the driving dynamics,I personally think it's a great looking lightweight sports car
I really like this channel. I used to skip through the videos but now I prefer these to the high end car reviews. Real reviews of great cars by a sensible guy. It just works. 👍
I was a member of the Opel Owners Club Of South Africa in the early to mid 2000`s and we all lusted after one of these, one club member actually imported one out from Britain and it was always mobbed and drooled over at events...
At this time the range toppers from Opel were the Coupe Turbo and the Astra OPC (only 130 imported in and sold out before they landed), so one of these with the same engine was badly wanted but never supplied to us at the bottom of Africa...
I have a supercharged 2.2 VX220. An absolute pleasure to own and drive. Supercharged VXs have a much more linear power delivery with no delay for turbo spooling. Power is immediate.
These were rare in their time.... always thought it looked a bit sharper than the Elise 🤔
Definitely better looking than the Elise, S1 and S2!
Test drove one back in 2001 and bought a house instead… but you’ve reminded me of that test drive and now I’m in the classifieds 😂
Had a fav 5 years with my VX220, love them. The reason your car feels a little less feelsome on the front end is the aftermarket track day tyres and wider wheels.
Dare I say it, but I actually always preferred the Vauxhall… although I wish it had been called the ‘speedster’ in the UK
@@PatrickHostler
I agree. Vauxhall would have sold more if they called it a Speedster.
Over the Elise, you mean? With that - and that the name Speedster is just better - I fully agree.
Somehow the Elise looks too petite, too cute, (dare I say in this day and age) too girly to me.
Yep, they should have kept the Opel Speedster brand/name for the UK, might have sold more as I'm sure badge snobbery didn't help with such a car
I love the VX220 and really love the Z20LET motor that powers it. It's always been a fact of life that Vauxhall build great engines but can't build a chassis if their lives depended on it. My personal solution is throwing Vauxhall engines in my Triumph bodies which DO handle. But this works too! It's just a shame that prices are out of my budget now (and also my 70 year old skeleton complains on entry and exit)
I've always been fascinated by these VX220s, even when they were launched. I loved the styling. Every once in a blue moon, Vauxhall brought out a gem. Prince Henry, HP Firenza, Lotus Carlton, Monaro. I wonder if they ever made a VX220 in JPS colours, like another T-topped GM sportscar.
I've always thought the VX220 looks great! Shame Vauxhall didn't carry on making them.... im sure there'd be a market for a modern version of the VX.
Cracking stuff as always Jack buddy 👍
I worked for Vauxhall and loved this car great to drive and great value. I actually prefer the styling and think it was superior in its mechanics.
It is also rarer.
on looks alone, very pretty - I was surprised by the Vauxhall badge when I first saw one years ago. Its like something from Le Mans at 3/4 scale - oh yes.
I've always preferred the S1 Elise to every car that followed, still do. It's the most pure incarnation, with the best lines. ...but for an Opel/Vauxhall these are very cool. I still remember being chocked when they launched, and I had a sit in one at a local Opel dealer. They may be easier to get in and out of than an Elise, but young me found it difficult none the less 😄 Anyways: Fun seeing one again. Don't think I've seen one irl in the last ....15 years or so.
I remember how I learned about this car & the Lotus Elise when I was quite young while playing some kinda Need For Speed on friend's Xbox... Those were my 2 dreams cars for a while
Many years ago a friend bought a VX220 nearly new, he gave me a drive, I bought a summer car Elise S2 because of the fabulous experience. I just preferred the Elise S2 looks and fuel economy, less hassle being non turbo, as we already had a performance turbo car which was killing the bank account.
Thanks Jack 🙏🙏. Vauxhall's advertising at the time totally missed the mark, a great shame as we may have more of these running about!
For a fleeting second as you accelerated, you could see the 'should I have this instead of the FrankenElise' look on your face.......!
Marketing was awful if not intentionally bad
Just, today, bought an NA VX220 with 13,800 miles ans 2 owners from new. Registered June 2001. COMPLETELY standard. I'm in love already judging by the 30 mile drive home.
Still good?
@@gregsmith1070 Well, yeah! I've only had it 3 weeks so not much can go wrong in that time. I've put around 150 (very pleasurable) miles on it, mostly in the Peak District, and it's always an occasion taking it for a spin..... :)
Can I just ask, do you think someone who is 6,3 would fit in and be able to drive comfortably?
@@rippy123456 I'm 5' 11'' , 60 next year and find it a breeze to enter exit. I can move the seat WAY back beyond my comfortable driving position, Best way, let's be honest, is to get in one....
I did invite you on another vlog. You're welcome to drive my NA.
Pretty standard. Bigger exhaust and stuff, but not supercharged.
It's only 160 bhp but obviously with 100+kg less weight.
Also, as the guys at the Lotus staff reunion were keen to point out, the extra weight is at a higher centre of gravity.
Whatever eh.....its not a quick car by today's standards and in straight lines will be lots slower than the turbo, but how quick can you go these days?
Its got a bigger boot though! 😂
Have a 2.2 NA and love it. Not as quick as this but still plenty of fun on the twisty stuff.
And a lot lighter than the Turbo
No lag either. I spoke to a seller who is a mechanic and he said that stops the tail end kicking out on you. Linear and progressive throttle response. Something I wanted after owning a classic Scooby STi! The only significant upgrade from that would've been mid engine or 6 cylinder, preferably both. Or a Bike!
@@stuartjenkins9339 An Exige 430 perhaps?
Such a interesting little car and as rare as hens teeth. I think I've only ever seen 5 or 6 on the road and 1 of them was only a month or so ago
Great review as usual, but why wearing only one shoulder strap?
The Elise is definitely the sharper car and the 8500rpm 2ZZ is more fun, especially when supercharged. The VX220 is far better value though and I would guess that they're a rarer car? I prefer the looks of the Elise the Lego looks of the VX but that's subjective.
Loved my Opel Speedster! Drove it several times from Sweden to Nürburgring to do laps, little worried when "stau" on Autobahn that the radiator would crack but it never let me down.
👍Thanks for video. I always thought these were interesting cars and maybe got a bit of an undeserved bad wrap just because of the Vauxhall badge. We shouldn't forget that Vauxhall and Lotus gave us some other performance classics like the Lotus Carlton.
I remember all too well how quick these can be when pushed hard. Pleasantly docile when driven normally - the downside for me was fuel consumption coupled with a small fuel tank. A single 60 mile round trip, driven enthusiastically was about all you'd get. Still want another one but never found one at a time when had sufficient disposable...
Cool stuff. Always had a soft spot and they've aged well.
I look forward to talking to you about this vs. an Elise at some point Jack..maybe at that event in a few weeks...👍🦊
10:08 says it all to me... I always felt they "lack" something in comparison to an Elise (S1) also, especially if the S1 is properly dialed in and has some extra oomph...
I remember going for a test drive on these when they came out (the NA Opel Speedster), with a friend who owned an Elise also. We arrived at the time in his Ford Orion (just because we didn't want to give away that we owned an Elise), and after out test drive the sales guy asked our opinion. Both my friend and I replied that there was not as much feel in the brake pedal as in our cars, and the handling was a bit too much understeering. The sales guy looked at us and went "I've never driven a car that drives better than the Speedster", to which my friend and I replied in unison "well, you've never driven an Elise then, we both own one..."
Great little car, test drove the turbo when new, loved it.
Is the parking brake on? Looks like the "P" is lit up, and the handbrake lever is not released while driving?
Wow.
Saw one on the M11 last week, had not seen one for years!
Love the vid. Thanks
As an American, I hate you just a little bit (not really!) for having access to this car. This is one of those "cars from my 20s that I'd have sold my plasma to own." Thanks for the review!
I believe the VX used cast-iron hubs at the front end instead of the alloy ones the elise uses hence increasing unsprung weight.
That might be what the difference is in the feel.
The Opel front end looks better to me, especially when blacked out. Thank you for reviewing this forgotten car.
I just bought my first VX 5 months ago, it's silver and awesome too!
@@Dj_Ganty nope no you havent no mates neither nope
I can see you had so much fun, and I feel you may get one soon.
Still very cool. I think they did am yellow and bright blue colours. A car like this has to have a screaming colour.
Rare, but head turning.
There was a listing recently in Toronto, Canada for one of these in yellow (non turbo model), very clean example, low mileage, imported from the UK. I thought about looking at it but just couldn’t come to terms with the General Motors derived engine, couldn’t do it.
Always preferred these over the Elise. If you want similar thrills for cheaper, try an MR2 Turbo! They are a hilarious drive. Worse chassis, but much better yamaha-tuned turbo engine
Oooh lovely, this is one of my dream cars! Thanks for the review, mate!
Seven bots so far today! I do like the VX220 but I have to say I like the Elise better. This is as you say a bit odd in the GM line up but well done to Lotus for stepping up and producing the goods. I don't think the grill looks right on the car and overall it is not as smooth in design as the Elise but as a package it does work well. Thanks Jack for the review. 👍👍
They're slowly ruining an already crap platform no doubt. Seems like the utube dudes can't quite "keep up" with them as well.
In Germany I've seen a few of these as Opel Speedsters. Most notably one that crashed rear-first underneath a guardrail - still inside the city, 50kph limit, road leading outside and upcoming 70kph limit. Probably drove like a hooligan.
So apart from the styling, which is always a personal choice, it is a better car to live with.
I was soundly beaten by one of these in my considerably modified Saab 9000 aero. Very impressive little car!
@@user-ih7gc7dt9l my grandma was always blowin saab 9000 s and shes bin dead 33 years
a bloody great looking car! still lovely looking, inside and out. I prefer its more mature styling over the Elise's
Now you need to do a Tesla Roadster. The best of the breed though was the Lotus Europa. I took my VX220 to a Lotus day at Hethel - I wasn't allowed to park in the Lotus parking.
Disappointing, should have had an honourable spot
Europa engine map was awful.
How often do you and Harry see eachother on these test drives?? :)
There was a third YT tyro who used to fling all types of hot wheels along those roads. I wondered what might happen if all three were negotiating that s-bended dip at the same time. The area is the SE Cotswolds, a bit north of Burford.
@@TheMdog8 don’t forget another car man turned farmer who lives in that neck of the woods.
You used to see them regularly, I can't remember when I last saw one.
The All were bought by Russian childs
Having driven many variants of the elise chassis these feel top heavy to an Elise, possibly due to the thicker clams maybe? the mass is higher? Although lower.. None the less, the VX is a great part of the legacy of the original and arguably the purist of Elise chassis cars.. the S1 Elise.. so respect your Elders!!
For me when carving up the roads the Elise S1 is a scalpel and vx220 is more a steak knife... it requires less finesse to cut the meaty roads but looses some of the rewards iin doing so.. which is fine.
But I will keep my S1 thanks not because of the badge but because how it drives.
This and the beefed up models of the Monaro certainly did stand out in the Vauxhall line up. GM saw fit to bring the Monaro to N.A. under the Pontiac badge but this car never made it, which is too bad.
The extra wheelbase in the rear subframe
I had one of these, Amazing Car.
Great Handling, Absolutely Rapid.
160Mph Very Easy. Wish I never sold it, prices have doubled since I sold mine.
@@TESTA-CC doubled you say but you never had one
I saw one of these with Skoda badges in Portsmouth just after it came out. They looked professionally fitted but don’t know if this was an official car or just a one off
You should test the Tesla Roadster too as a comparison of all the variants based on this chassis.
I do like the aesthetics of the Elise, but I do like the 220 and looks great in a dark colour.
This is one car I really really wanted brought to the United States. I was deeply disappointed when gm dropped the ball and didn’t bring it here.
I really like that car. I have my Opel Speedster 2.2 since 2002 from new! I won't give it away!
I still have mine from new too. 23/02/2002 #1645
@@SteveDull #2390
@@sonkekoster3105 you dont own it thats why ha ha silly
Did you btw already review an Europa? IIRC, those also had Opel Engines (around 200HP) and were not very common.
Somehow I ended up with an S2 Elise, but the Europa always gave me some "ick", not sure if I like it more than the Elise itself.
Thanks for this Review... I will always prefer "the real thing", even if the Speedsters may be even more rare than a "regular" S1, S2 or S3.
LIKE!
Love it, if only it had been available with LHD for sale in the U S..
Opel speedster on the main land. LHD
I had a Tubby, pretty standard performance wise - just the pre-cat removed and a Larini. I also had several Elises so could compare. Couldn't agree more with the point about "something slightly muted compared with the Elise". I'm referring to direct comparison with the S1 specifically. When asked about it by my Elise buddies I used to say how Elise like it was, and guess at 97% like, just to illustrate the point - a random unscientific figure but seemed appropriate.
Another point I remember about it though was how much easier it was to drive quicker. Went out quite a few times on hoons with Elises and Exiges and until they came out with supercharged ones it was significantly more accelerative, which I hadn't expected. I have nothing to gain by saying that and not bragging, as said I had Elises as well...it was just fact that it was faster than the numbers would lead you to think. It wasn't more fun than the Elise though, speed doesn't equal fun. Ultimately I sold it to buy another Sport 160 despite knowing it was more expensive, slower, older, less "livable" and more flawed. I still considered it an upgrade. I'd happily have one back in my life - the aftermarket supercharged ones must be something else again!!
Vx220 turbo is a cool looking sports car. If it was available in America I might have bought it.
If I still had my 2006 Lotus Europa, I would let you test drive it as a comparison, super rare, only 256 made.
....and look at what Vauxhall produce now....UTTER DROSS.
Having driven a prototype/development version of this about 20 years ago (VX220 Sprint)I found it a fantastic car.
Always been curious of the Turbo model.
Tend to agree. The original Vauxhall company now long since gone. However, GM Europe as Opel/Vauxhall produced a lot of good affordable cars for decades including some really popular models. Now, rebadged PSA cars. I have had many pre-PSA Vauxhalls over the years and was always quite happy with them as nicely engineered cars that provided good value. Sadly, those days are gone.
@@Steve-GM0HUU Unfortunately GM pushed all the costs of global GM small-medium car and small engine (up to 2.0-2.4L) development onto Opel and Vauxhall, without letting Opel and Vauxhall reap the profits from that. Hence the continual losses.
Under PSA, at least Opel and Vauxhall are profitable. The loss of engineering is a shame but GM setting up Opel to lose money every year is not fair practice by GM, in my opinion.
At least GM didn't just close down Vauxhall and Opel, like they did with Holden...
@@TassieLorenzo I always wondered what was going on with GM Europe reporting losses but continuing to produce cars for years 😄. All I know is that I don't plan to to buy any PSA Vauxhalls. The cars are less appealing to me yet more expensive.
Jack. Have you ever driven a Honda converter Elise? Do you want to? I have a very similar S1 to yours that I recently converted. Might make an interesting side by side comparison?
Love this Opel/Vauxhall.
Do you have any hands on with the latter S2's by any chance, as they changed the motor latter on to have more power, by a considerable margin, basically putting it up where this was before the chip, the early ones were 120, 130 before the Toyota motor was implemented, also the sharpness might just be down to the tire choice, tell him to put some cross climate 2's on it and take it out again, they're speed rated for what that thing could do, and the wheels do look smaller somehow, like more S1 like just from the back, like the tire patch might be less than an elise
maybe even add a shock tower reinforcement brace, the monte carlo bar to the front or a stiffer front anti roll bar to give some more grip to the wheels
heck maybe take it a chassis aligment shop as it could be it just needs some adjustment and it should be as ripe as rain
also its fun to see this as I remember this thing from Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2, they had the whole range of them in the game, although I always thought the numbers were off on the elise
as didnt they have like 200 brake horsepower, turns out the early ones didnt, so maybe this VX modification got back to lotus, and was the reason why they bumped it up
and I guess when i get one, I can ask you about it and what I should do with it then if you know the S1 really lol granted all we got are the S2's over here with the latter motor
but the more I read about the S1, the more I think its a future classic, plus you can always just adapt the roof to it provided the hole is still the same size and shape really.
kinda like the viper and the window arrangement people have made over the years for the ole corvette ZR1 killer, ironically another lotus made product too
I Strongly Suspect that more of these would've sold in the UK if:
1: It had been badged as an Opel a la Manta and Monza, and
2: It hadn't been marketed by Griff Rhys-Jones standing his Y-fronts.....
Had one VX56FOX. Still about somewhere today.
Never made it to Australia. The Elise was stupid money here. I think the S1 was only a few thousand pounds more than the MGF in the UK. Here, the S1 was twice the price of an MGF. I must see if I can import one to Oz. Thanks Jack.
I see the MGF in your profile picture! Isn't the MG F a mass-produced MX-5 competitor, whereas the Lotus Elise is a low volume exotic by comparison? So the prices are (IMO) fair. Of course Lotus Australia, or the private importer, can charge what they like.
Are you sure the price difference was only 5-10% in the UK?! That doesn't sound right IMO. If true, then on retained values the Elise has fared much better than the MG F -- but surely the Elise has high used values compared to MG F even in the UK, precisely *because* the Elise was expensive when it was new?
@@TassieLorenzo how did I get this so wrong? I was told that there was only a few thousand pounds difference. I have just checked online and there was a considerable difference. In Australia the difference was almost three times and it appears that was similar in the UK. I think I will go and sit in the idiot corner. And yes I had an MGF for twenty years and also ran a MGTF in hillclimbs and was always beaten by those Elise things.
I know a few years ago some guys here in Sweden swapped the engines for Saab turbo powerplants and pushed them up to about 400hp and perhaps beyond.
That is some serious power to weight ratio! (My memory is fuzzy but I think they were only for track use though)
That would be awesome! I wonder what gearbox they used.
@@user-ih7gc7dt9l Honestly cant remember. The build I was referring to was called the "Badster" I think. Possibly could gain more info by searching that, although most text might be in swedish though :(
@@user-ih7gc7dt9l oem (Getrag F23) gearbox mates up to the Saab B207R engine (same ecotec famlily)
clutch plate needs an upgrade with that power though.
I'd love to be able to buy something like this today, but new. I never liked the front end of the Elise.
I always love an underdog, and should prefer the VX220.
I just don't thought.
I think it's a bit ugly, like the Mk3 MR2.
I absolutely love the Elise though.
You don't buy a 2 door, lightweight sports car, to be 'more comfortable' do you ? If you want comfort you buy a fast coupe (like I did with my OG M2).
The Elise was just perfect as it was.
Vauxhall pre release media drive event, on track at Jerez, saw journalists experience the VX220 Turbo's combination of boosty urge and a hair-trigger chassis balance. No fewer than five cars were crashed on the event, with one hitting a barrier after the hack driving it claimed to have lost control when he sneezed. The NA 2.2 handled better with the aluminium engine, but was slow. The Turbo was too boosty but faster, shame it had an iron block which upset the handling.
I never heard anything similar about the Elise, it was praised for it's amazing turn in and balance.
The Vauxhall also suffered from lots of niggly issues, like the paint bubbling which the Elise never suffered from. Leaking roofs, brakes catching alight from a bit of track day use, and the brakes in general poor with single channel ABS, some parts are ridiculously expensive and impossible to get hold of (headlamps for example), removing one fuse would stop the speedo and odometer working so most of these have covered much more mileage than they 'say', rev hang when you lift off the throttle, weird straight ahead steering where you had to pull the wheel out of the middle (the Elise didn't suffer this), engine 50Kg heavier than the Elise yet only 4cm longer wheelbase - hence the snappy handling issues, etc etc.
The Elise commands a much higher price, because it's a much better car.
By modern standards they are not even that quick really, 4.7 to 60, and 13.6 1/4 mile, although at the time I guess they were pretty fast.
I had one of these in the past. Front would lift at high speed. Could kick myself for selling is now!
The cap suits you Jack.
To me it looks great and aged very well
Mishas partner at vulkan alpha has a nice modified one..
I remember the launch, everyone loved it ❤ 🇬🇧 😊
Please test one of the last hydragas suspension Equiped MG with mid engine
There is a test coming out but it’s of the later MGTF with normal spring shocks..
I loved my astra 1.7 Izuzu turbo diesel.
The frontwheels were super narrow to make it more civiliced for opel
In 2012 I had a VX220 na and Clio 172 Cup. I disliked the VX so binned it off after 6 months. Now have a '98 S1 Elise and it feels so much better to drive than the VX. The VX 2.2 felt lethargic and gutless compared to the S1 K Series.
Great car but having driven one whilst the engine is certainly effective, it didn't think it suited the car. Can see why the Elise is favoured as the engine choices are better suited.
My response to the title "What do you mean? It's a Lotus"
Would love one, dream car!
Loved these
Ah bummer, I thought this was a new car coming to market. I was getting excited for a second. Not that a Vauxhall would be at dealerships in the US. But hey, a man can dream.
You can get the superb Pontiac Solstice in the US!
@@TassieLorenzo And overseas got the even better Opel GT!
Kind of a shame that Vauxhall did not go on to refine these into something even more amazing.
haven't seen this since the old days of Need for Speed Hot Pursuit.
I bought one because I liked Metropolis Street Racer on the Dreamcast.
I always thought that these had more hp, closer to that of the Solstice GXP
It had the HP of that era, linked to the weight (845 kilo for the NA, and 930 kilo for the Turbo) on an elise platform.
I think you are referring to the GM kappa platform, that started development around 2002, but only released the Solstice in 2006. The GXP had 260 bhp, but had to drag 1350 kilo along, making it more of a GT then a sportscar.
Isnt the Lotus Europa SE just a rebodied VX220? same engine and chassis from the VX.
I believe there was lots of spare parts that lotus needed to use so that was why the Europa came about and why there wasn't too many of them
Around 500 built, mostly overseas but around 100 RHD for the UK - came in S or SE (only 4 x SE in the UK) - shares many parts with the VX and Elise S2 - think VX mechanicals and S2 internals (seats, HVAC, trim etc....).They still run the VX 17" tyre combination. Bought one in 2007 and still have it now. Great car. From a financial point of view - Lotus' most profitable car !
Rumours are that a contract was made between GM and lotus for 10k engines (and the vx220 project stopping at around 7200) and gearboxes, "forcing" lotus to come up with Europa SE.
Nice Opel Speedster
Very pretty car, arguably better than the Elise. The Turbo was plenty fast, a little tuning and they were rocket ships.
Good comparison