Before Opel released the serial version of the Speedster, in 1999, the conceptual Opel Speedster roadster was introduced in Geneva, created jointly with the specialists of the English company Lotus. A double car was built on a new aluminum frame and equipped with a 4-cylinder Ecotec engine with an aluminum block and a cylinder head. The unit volume of 2.2 liters and power 147 liters.
from. The conceptual Speedster turned out to be quite easy (less than 800 kg), which had a positive effect on the acceleration rate. To “hundreds” the car accelerates in less than 6 seconds, and the maximum speed is 220 km / h. The average fuel consumption of about 7 l / 100 km.
The concept aroused interest and deserved a positive reaction from the public, which influenced Opel's decision to put the Speedster on the conveyor. At the same showroom, the car received the title of the most beautiful gig year. In short, a year later, the Opel Speedster serial model saw the light. The car has not changed much since last year. Remains the same compact (3790 x 1711x 1112 mm).
In combination with a low center of gravity and an accurate, truly sporty steering gear, it exhibits excellent behavior at high speeds. The widespread use of aluminum in the suspension made it possible to reduce unsprung masses, which had a very positive effect on the Speedster's handling. By the way, aluminum is widely used in the trim. The engine is driven by a button located on the front panel. Braking is provided by ventilated disc brakes on the entire wheels.
Bridgestone Potenza tires (175/55 at the front, 225/45 at the rear). The name of the novelty from Opel is not new, the Americans at the beginning of the last century called it a sports car body. Models with this name are found in Porsche and Plymouth. Translated from English, “Speedster” means the master of speed (from the words speed - speed, steer - to control). In 2002, at the Paris Motor Show, Opel presented an interesting conceptual innovation Eco-Speedster, built on the basis of the Speedster roadster. The concept differs from a serial sample in a closed body and a modified bumper, but the main highlight is under the hood.
The car was equipped with a 1.3-liter diesel turbo engine with a multi-point injection system and a turbine with variable blade geometry. Ecotec engine, 112 hp allows the Eco-Speedster to reach a speed of 250 km / h and drive 100 kilometers on 2.5 liters of diesel fuel. In the production of the car were used carbon fiber materials, which made it possible to reach a weight of 660 kg. Pleasantly surprised and aerodynamic properties. The drag coefficient is only 0.20 Cx. Eco-Speedster will remain an exhibition exhibit, Opel's primary task was to present a new diesel engine, which is a joint development of the concern GM and the Italian Fiat.
In April 2003, Opel expands the Speedster Roadster model range, introducing a charged version with a 2-liter turbo engine and 200 hp. The ideal in terms of controllability of weight distribution was achieved thanks to the mid-engine layout (the engine is located immediately behind the driver's seat). It turns out that each horsepower carries only 4.65 kg. With the new engine, the 930-kilogram Opel Speedster can accelerate to one hundred kilometers per hour in just 4.9 seconds. At the same time, the maximum speed of the novelty reaches 240 kilometers per hour.
In addition to a more powerful power unit, the new model differs from the base model by a slightly modified aerodynamic body kit, a modernized design of the front part of the body, and also will receive larger 17-inch wheels. The highlight of the Speedster Turbo is a very light and tough purebred racing chassis. Its basis is spatial aluminum monocoque and fiberglass body panels.
In the fall of 2005, the premiere of the new generation Speedster is expected in Frankfurt. The novelty will be built on the same chassis as the American model Pontiac Solstice. At the same time, it will receive other settings for the chassis, and will be completed with four-cylinder engines with a capacity from 120 to 140 horsepower. Plus, the layout of the car will also allow the use of six and eight-cylinder engines.
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