Vauxhall Adam S: Geneva 2014

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.

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.