6.3.2003
GME at Geneva: Speedster/VX220 Turbo world premiere
In zero to 100 kilometers an hour in 4.9 seconds, the Speedster/VX220 Turbo is sure to impress sport car enthusiasts who value performance and individuality
Visitors who like plenty of power and sports car handling won't be disappointed when they see the new Vauxhall/Opel Speedster/VX220 at the Geneva Motor Show.
When interviewed at the show, Carl-Peter Forster, Opel Chairman and Managing Director explained, "The Speedster/VX220 Turbo is aimed at sports car enthusiasts who value power, performance and individuality more than luxurious electronic devices."
This no-nonsense roadster demands that anything not necessary can be discarded in order to save weight. The Speedster/VX220 Turbo is more affordable than other exotic models and is therefore accessible to a younger and wider public.
Power performance
With its exceptional price and performance and power weight ratio of 4.7 kg/hp, the open-air two-seater has no rivals. The original Speedster/VX220 with its 2.2 ECOTEC engine, 108 kW (147 hp) was sufficient to whisk the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.9
Opel/Vauxhall has now installed its 147 kW (200 hp) 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine in its thoroughbred roadster. Originally seen in the top versions of the Astra Coupe and Astra Cabrio, this well-known engine has generous reserves of power and can achieve high on-road performance.
The Speedster/VX220 Turbo sprints from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.9 seconds, and can continue to accelerate until it reaches its 243 km/h limit imposed by rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. Thanks to a flat torque curve, 250 Newton meters are available between 1950 and 5500 rpm; there is also plenty of pulling power in the intermediate gears. In 4th gear the Speedster/VX220 Turbo needs only 5.1 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h, and the same sprint takes only 6.7 seconds in fifth. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a close-ratio five-speed gearbox.
Designed to deliver
Opel has devoted considerable attention to the acoustic tuning of the newly developed twin-pipe exhaust system, eliminating unwanted noise from the driveline and boosting the lower frequencies of the sound spectrum.
The engine has a breathy intake sound and the typical hiss of a turbocharged engine with a closed throttle. The result is a sonorous, growling sound that emphasizes the Speedster/VX220 Turbo's exceptional performance.
In addition to their technical function, these details mean the Speedster/VX220 Turbo´s design is even more dynamic. Special 17-inch alloy wheels with a sporty 5-spoke design reinforce its dynamic looks.
The interior is dominated by the extensive use of aluminum. New optional extras such as cross-drilled disc brakes are also available while a new exhaust system gives this top performer the engine sound of a racecar.
Exclusively built
The sports-car specialists at Lotus Cars in England assemble the Opel/Vauxhall Speedster/VX220 Turbo by hand. Three days are needed for each car to pass through the complete production and quality process.
Upon completion, each Speedster/VX220 Turbo goes through a series of tests on Lotus´ in-house proving track. The exclusivity of owning a Speedster/VX220 Turbo is reflected in the dashboard with a mounted plaque listing its individual production number.
Hans H. Demant, Opel's Technical Director says, "The Speedster Turbo uncompromisingly combines a powerful engine with consequent weight-saving design in a single exciting high-performance sports car. Our development and manufacturing competence paired with Lotus Engineering's rich sports car heritage and expertise have been brought together to develop the Speedster Turbo."