Vauxhall VXR220

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, 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.
It was sold as the Vauxhall VX220 in the United Kingdom and shared much in common with the Lotus Elise, although Opel claimed few parts were interchangeable.

The car also features bodywork made entirely of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). 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 turbo version was able to reach a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. The car was hailed by the motoring press as a great drivers' car and won several accolades, including Top Gear's Car of the Year in 2003.
The 2.2 NA (naturally aspirated) version was considered the easier drive of the two standard variants, and some journalists recommended that the Opel/Vauxhall car was better value for money than the Lotus (such as Jeremy Clarkson in his DVD of 2003, Shoot Out).

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.