Opel has revealed its Adam S city car, which will make its debut at next month's Paris Motor Show. The S combines a turbocharged 1.4-liter ECOTEC engine with an upgraded chassis to give the standard Adam some extra sporting credentials.
Central to Opel's changes is the turbocharged motor hiding under the bonnet. Producing 110 kW (150 hp), Opel claims the 1.4-liter motor will send the Adam S from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds, which is slower than a Fiat 500 Abarth's 7.9 second sprint, but significantly faster than the naturally aspirated 1.4-liter Adam, which needs a glacial 12.5 seconds to reach the same speed.
By virtue of being turbocharged, the Adam also gains 70 percent more torque than its sibling, with 220 Nm (162 lb.ft) on tap. The extra power and torque is channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Despite the extra performance, the Adam S should still return fuel economy figures of 6.4 l/100km (37 mpg). This fuel economy figure is helped by the standard installation of an auto start/stop system, as well as weight-saving measures like hollow-cast camshafts.
As well as being lightweight, the engine is also cleverly packaged. The car's turbocharger is integrated into its exhaust manifold to help keep the motor small.
To show that you're not driving a garden-variety Adam, Opel has spread some sporty styling touches around the car's exterior. A red roof package is available and 18-inch "Propeller" style wheels hide red brake calipers, while the car's front bumper features a more pronounced chin spoiler. At the back, Opel modestly claims the Adam S' rear spoiler provides "sufficient" downforce.
A small rear spoiler is not Opel's only handling-based change. The Adam S is fitted with OPC performance brakes, and comes with a sharper chassis and steering tune than the standard car. Tires are 225/35 all round.
With its focus on personalization, it's no surprise that there are plenty of interior options on the new Adam S. All cars can be specced with leather Recaro seats, and flashes of red are present throughout the interior. For drivers who want to feel more racy, Opel will even finish the Adam's roof lining in a checkered flag pattern for "additional racing flair."
Order books open in November, with cars set to hit the showroom floor in early 2015.
Source: Opel
