OPEL Speedster 2001-2005 Photos, engines & full specs

GM signed an agreement with the British carmaker Lotus, and the result was one of the most exciting cars ever made by Opel: the Speedsters.

Opel lacked a proper sports car on the market, something to stun the customers. GM knew that and thought that a Lotus Elise chassis paired with a powerful engine should match perfectly. In a way, they did, but not as good as they wanted. But GM achieved the target and, all of a sudden, everybody started to talk about the Opel Speedster in 2001.

The car's exterior was flawless for its times. Its angular design with short front and swept-back headlights were unique in the carmaker's range. The reversed trapezoidal grille matched the overall roadster's design and Opel's design language, while the silver A-pillar that supported the raked windshield covered about half of the interior. Its wide B-pillars were extended to the back of the car in sloped lines. On the sides, behind the doors, the designers added a pair of angular air intakes to cool the engine.

Inside, the Speedster offered limited room for two adults but no cupholders nor storage pockets in the door cards. The carmaker had difficulties finding a place to put the stereo and installed it on the passenger side, just like Lotus did with the Elise. As for the seats, the carmaker knew what to chose and installed sport bucket seats with high-bolstered areas and leather upholstery.

Until 2002, Opel offered the Speedster with a naturally aspirated 2.2-liter engine which GM also used in Chevrolet Cavalier or the Opel Astra. After 2002, the carmaker replaced that unit with a 200 hp turbocharged, two-liter powerplant developed by Opel Performance Center (OPC).