Opel launches GT Roadster in Europe

Posted Thu Jan 25 2007 8:30 PM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

General Motors’ European division has just launched the hot two-seater Opel GT Roadster, the latest achievement from its badge-engineering exercise between Saturn and Opel. The GT Roadster follows the classic roadster definition perfectly with its powerful front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive layout, sporty cockpit and tailor-made fabric roof. With a wide stance, sleek silhouette, long, front-hinged hood and short overhangs, plus a €30,675 price tag, the car is sure to become an instant classic.

For that sum you get a 264hp 2.0L intercooled turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection technology and a 0-62mph time of 5.7seconds. Standard equipment includes 18in wheels, leather steering wheel and gear knob plus a manual soft-top with a heated rear glass window.

The Opel roadster will be built at the Wilmington/Delaware plant in the US, alongside its Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky sister models. Development work was a shared effort between design teams in the US and Europe and the vehicle even shares some engineering characteristics with the current Corvette, such as part of the architecture. The cars will hit showrooms next month.

MotorAuthority