Sitting alongside the Astra VXR EXTREME on Vauxhall’s Geneva stand was a car with half the power but one that certainly raises a bit of interest. It’s the new Adam S and it’s the fastest model yet thanks to a 150PS turbocharged engine.
Vauxhall Adam S
Now before you start thinking this is the Adam VXR we’ve been waiting for, it isn’t. What you’re looking at here is VXR-lite. OK, so the suspension has been tweaked and there’s a VXR braking system that sees discs fitted to each wheel. There’s a bit of extra body-kit too although the changes aren’t that dramatic. This is Vauxhall testing the public reaction and if there’s enough demand for the S we may see a full-fat VXR later on.
Bolting a turbo to the Adam’s existing 1.4-litre petrol engine has seen a power increase of 50% to 150PS, with torque up by 70% to 220Nm. There’s a manual six speed ‘box too, replacing the five-speeder. The top speed is quoted as 137mph but there are no acceleration figures so far.
Styling changes include a new rear spoiler, carbon-effect trim, front lip spoiler, sill extensions and an extended rear bumper more prominent exhaust. Recaro Performance seats make an appearance in the cabin.
Vauxhall describe the Adam S as ‘close to production’ but it’s hard to see what they’d need to change to make this a reality.
Vauxhall Adam S
