24 replies to this topic

[alanwetherall]

When I buy into a new model of car I always like to know its history.. 

I know it’s a bit nerdy (well very nerdy) but that’s the way I am. Has any member ever researched the detailed history of the range. The Wikipedia site gives a good introduction as well as all of the car magazine reviews when the car was launched and when the launch of the turbo version came about. The detail I am after is like, are there any original sketches of the cars, what was the real reason GM put money into lotus. Why is the car just that bit longer and wider than the Elise? Why the 2.2 engine and not a smaller one, (For example, if you go to the British Motor museum at Gaydon you can see the original sketch from Alec Issignis of the first Mini.) This museum has a fantastic range of cars well worth the visit. They also allow car clubs to hold events there.

 

Many thanks for any input

alan

 

[smiley]

Some reading material.

https://jalopnik.com...o-lo-1788600405

The Z22SE was back then the lightest and most powerfull they had available as an NA within opel/vauxhall.

 

The only range of sketches were incorporated in a hardcover book, given in limited supply with a vx220 purchase.
https://www.amazon.c...0/dp/B00VGGYKD0
Pretty rare to come by.

To my knowledge nothing else was ever released.

Edited by smiley, 21 September 2018 - 05:06 PM.

[h8ten]

For those that pre-ordered one, there were updates by way of a handout document sent through the post with a bit of a background, from memory (18 years ago now) each one building up to an extra information pack over and above the hardback book.  I have them all, in the house, somewhere.

[Tony H]

There was something up on here not too long ago with loads of beard stuff from the development of the car. Had pics of the clay body sculptures etc.

[alanwetherall]

Excellent info so far keep it comming, it makes me want to dig further. I told you I was a bit nerdy. I like the "loads of beard stuff" comment where on the site is this article

thanks

all

alan

[Tony H]

I found it!

http://vauxpedianet....all-e01---vx220

[willow]

I found it!

http://vauxpedianet....all-e01---vx220

 

That is an epic collection of information and has ruined all the plans I had for today.....

[smiley]

I think all the sketches from the hardcover are in there.
Can anyone confirm?

[OneYet]

I found it!

http://vauxpedianet....all-e01---vx220

 

Brilliant! 

Thanks a lot. 

[alanwetherall]

This is totally brilliant. just what ive been looking for I want a copy or ill even have it colour printed if I can download it

alan

[jonnyboy]

Awesome bedtime reading the Mrs is getting none tonight! 

[navx]

I may be persuaded to give over my hardcover VX220 book for the right price

This is totally brilliant. just what ive been looking for I want a copy or ill even have it colour printed if I can download it
alan

[Mattyboi]

I've just a got a new job and one of the head engineers there was involved in the development of the VX220 at Lotus engineering. He quized me on my mods during my technical interview. I'll pick his brains when I start in December.

[alanwetherall]

Cant wait for the inside track, keep me posted, what type of work does he do

alan

[Mattyboi]

I design engines and work for a large industrial engine company. He's a consulting engineer at the new company, so advises on all the work going.

[alanwetherall]

im a retired engineer and one of the coolest visits I ever made was to the Mercedes engine plant at Brixworth. I also sold a Life Software system to Cosworth engineering in Northampton. We were sitting next to their test bay when a engine was screaming along next to us at 11,000 rpm. The software basically tracked the life of each component in the engine. When I suggested that when a component went over its life cycle the software show a big BANG on the screen they were not amused. 

[Mattyboi]

We could use some software like that! I'm looking forward to quizzing him. I did ask him if he was responsible for the loo of doom but he laughed and said that was someone else!

[Rosssco]

I'm just happy to know the VX220 was created by a lady called Doris..

[Mattyboi]

Good job they didnt name it after her like they named the Elise after, well, Elise.

Edited by Mattyboi, 25 September 2018 - 10:04 AM.

[Rosssco]

Good job they didnt name it after her like they named the Elise after, well, Elise.

 

Doris.org.uk is probably also a cheap domain name..