Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Opel Speedster also known as the Vauxhall VX220 is a mid engined, targa topped, two seat sports car sold by the German automaker Opel, which was introduced in July 2000. It was built in both RHD and LHD versions, at the Lotus Cars plant in Hethel, Norfolk, England. It was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999, and went into full production the following year.
The entire car weighs only 875 kg (1,929 lb), which made it 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than the similarly sized Toyota MR2. At launch, the Speedster's all aluminium alloy 2.2 L Z22SE engine produced 145 hp (147 PS; 108 kW), making the Speedster considerably more powerful than the Elise was at launch.
As an answer to calls for a more powerful version of the Speedster, Opel introduced a new two litre turbocharged version of the Ecotec engine, which produced 200 hp (203 PS; 149 kW), but also weighed slightly more, at 930 kg (2,050 lb).
Moreover, in 2004, a limited run of sixty track focused Speedsters were produced for the United Kingdom. The cars, badged Vauxhall VXR220, were equipped with larger brakes, upgraded tyres and lowered suspension, and tuned to produce 220 hp (223 PS; 164 kW). Other features included more performance oriented seats and unique Speedline alloy wheels. The wheels were 16 in at the front and 17 in at the rear, the same as the Elise. Calypso Red was the only available exterior colour.
The Opel Speedster also known as the Vauxhall VX220 is a mid engined, targa topped, two seat sports car sold by the German automaker Opel, which was introduced in July 2000. It was built in both RHD and LHD versions, at the Lotus Cars plant in Hethel, Norfolk, England. It was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999, and went into full production the following year.
The entire car weighs only 875 kg (1,929 lb), which made it 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than the similarly sized Toyota MR2. At launch, the Speedster's all aluminium alloy 2.2 L Z22SE engine produced 145 hp (147 PS; 108 kW), making the Speedster considerably more powerful than the Elise was at launch.
As an answer to calls for a more powerful version of the Speedster, Opel introduced a new two litre turbocharged version of the Ecotec engine, which produced 200 hp (203 PS; 149 kW), but also weighed slightly more, at 930 kg (2,050 lb).
Moreover, in 2004, a limited run of sixty track focused Speedsters were produced for the United Kingdom. The cars, badged Vauxhall VXR220, were equipped with larger brakes, upgraded tyres and lowered suspension, and tuned to produce 220 hp (223 PS; 164 kW). Other features included more performance oriented seats and unique Speedline alloy wheels. The wheels were 16 in at the front and 17 in at the rear, the same as the Elise. Calypso Red was the only available exterior colour.
