RETROWEEK #2: A new generation of Opel Speedster
Review of Opel Speedster
The Opel Speedster, also known as the Vauxhall VX220 in the United Kingdom, is a sports car produced between 2000 and 2005 by Opel, a subsidiary of General Motors. Developed in collaboration with British Lotus, this compact two-seater shared many of its components with the Lotus Elise, resulting in a lightweight, agile sports car.
Also as a Speedster Turbo!
The Opel Speedster was powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine that produced 108 kW (147 hp). This made for impressive acceleration, with a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h. Later, a turbo variant was introduced with a 2.0-liter turbo engine that produced 147 kW (200 hp), further improving performance. This version could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and reached a top speed of 243 km/h.
Lightweight
The Speedster’s chassis was made of aluminum, which contributed to the car’s low weight, about 875 kg. This light weight, combined with a low center of gravity and rear-wheel drive, provided excellent handling and driving experience. The suspension and steering were tuned for sporty driving, which endeared the Speedster to car enthusiasts looking for a pure, unfiltered driving experience.
Nice and Spartan
The interior of the Opel Speedster was spartan, with a focus on functionality and weight savings. The interior offered minimal luxury, but this was offset by the excellent driving experience the car offered. The seats were set low and offered good lateral support, which was essential to the car’s sporty character.
Many fans!
Although the Opel Speedster never became a commercial success, it has a loyal fan base and is appreciated for its driving performance and purist approach to sports driving. Production ended in 2005, but the Speedster remains an iconic model in Opel history. Indeed, why would Opel not develop a new generation built in a small edition? We say do it!
New Opel Speedster
How do we determine the design of a new Opel Speedster? Simple, using AI. We give as specific a description as possible. AI does the rest of the work. The following Opel Speedster designs were the result.
