- 1,115
- Rivera
- Tsukishima-TDUDT
The Opel Speedster is a UK-built mid engined, targa-topped, 2-seater sports car from the German automaker Opel introduced in the summer of 2000. It was built in both right-hand drive and left-hand drive versions at the Lotus Cars plant in Hethel, Norfolk, England. It was sold as the Vauxhall VX220 in the UK, and as the Opel Speedster in the rest of Europe. It was branded the Daewoo Speedster in the Asian market, in both right and left hand drive.
The Speedster’s lightweight was achieved through several different methods. The most significant and revolutionary component was the aluminum chassis. Formed of bonded aluminum sheets in tub shape, glued and riveted together as a premiere for the automotive industry, the Lotus designed chassis only weighted 150 lbs. The Speedster’s weight was driven down even more by the use of lightweight carbon fiber on sections of the under-tray. The general proportions of the Speedster are of a very small car — a two-seat convertible with only a small stowage space for luggage. The short 91.7 inches wheelbase also keeps the car’s profile trim and compact. Finally, Speedster’s weight was kept down by stripping away many of the comfort elements that are considered mandatory in a high-priced car. The interior of the car defines the term “Spartan” as much of the aluminum tub is left exposed, and many of the interior components have large holes drilled through them to cut weight further.
The heart of the Speedster Turbo was the familiar transverse 122 cui 16 valve, turbocharged engine used on that time Astra GSi. In the Speedster Turbo however, the engine was installed just in front of the rear axle. It was built of a cast iron block and had an aluminum head with twin overhead (DOHC) camshafts.
The maximum power for the turbo unit was 200 hp at 5500 rpm, while engine torque was an impressive 185 lbs/ft between 1950 and 5500 rpm. Other differences between it and the normally aspirated 134 cui include the compression ratio (8.8:1 for the Turbo and 10:1 for the NA), and a reduced oil capacity, but increases in cooling capacity and battery power for the Turbo.
The power is transferred to the rear wheels for both models by the same Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox. However, on the Turbo both final drive and fifth gear ratios were raised to make better use of the increased power and torque.
Curb Weight: 929 kg
0 - 100 Time: 4,7 seconds
Top Speed: 243 km/h
