Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Adam S: Geneva 2014

Vauxhall has revealed its most powerful Adam model, the S, at the Geneva motor show. Pictures and details here

Vauxhall has revealed the Adam S at the Geneva motor show. The new model will be the most powerful Adam in the range, boasting 148bhp and a top speed of 138mph. It made its debut along side the new Astra VXR Extreme.

The Adam S is very much a performance model, despite not wearing the VXR badge. The turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine produces 148bhp and 162lb ft of torque, 50 per cent more power and 70 per cent more torque than the naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre model on which the S is based.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Featuring dual cam phasing for continuously variable valve timing, and a turbocharger integral to the exhaust manifold, the engine is one of Vauxhall’s most efficient. Vauxhall says it has also employed many weight-saving measures, such as a hollow-frame cast iron engine block, hollow-cast camshafts and a plastic inlet manifold.

To help handle the extra power, the Adam gets a specific suspension set-up, with ‘direct, sharp performance steering’, and new VXR performance brakes all-round. The new 18-inch wheels wear 225/35 R18 tyres.

Externally, the model ‘gives further impressions of features from the future production model’, with a special red paint job, carbon accents on the grille and mirrors. There is a new front lip spoiler, rear boot spoiler, side skirts and a re-designed rear bumper to house a new exhaust tail pipe.

Inside there are Recaro leather sports seats, and the show car is fitted with Vauxhall’s ‘Red ‘n Roll’ design theme. This consists or red leather for the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever – with red on the dials and door cards too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

De Tomaso Pantera (1971-1992) review – the forgotten 1980s supercar
De Tomaso Pantera
Reviews

De Tomaso Pantera (1971-1992) review – the forgotten 1980s supercar

The Pantera is an oft-forgotten, much-misunderstood supercar. Driving the rare GT5-S version shows it deserves its place among the greats
15 Sep 2026
Dodge Charger review – it’s fun, but is it still a Ford Mustang rival?
Dodge Charger Sixpack
Reviews

Dodge Charger review – it’s fun, but is it still a Ford Mustang rival?

One of the last muscle cars standing hedges its bets with a choice of pure ICE and pure electric power. We drive both
17 Sep 2026
BMW M5 (F90, 2017 - 2023) review – a 600bhp saloon for £35k
BMW M5 Competition F90
In-depth reviews

BMW M5 (F90, 2017 - 2023) review – a 600bhp saloon for £35k

The F90 BMW M5 added polish and all-wheel drive to Munich’s super saloon formula, making it quicker than even its 2026 successor
15 Sep 2026