Vauxhall VX220 Turbo I gallery (2000–2005)

The Vauxhall VX220 (sold in continental Europe as the Opel Speedster and designated internally as the Lotus Type 116) was introduced in 2000 as a purist, track-focused lightweight sports car. Developed through a close technical partnership with Lotus Cars, it was manufactured at Lotus's production facility in Hethel, Norfolk. The vehicle was engineered around a bonded and riveted extruded aluminum tub derived from the Lotus Elise Series 2, but featured a longer wheelbase and wider track to accommodate GM powertrains and modern safety systems like ABS and a driver airbag. Its two-seater roadster/targa body utilized lightweight glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) composite panels, keeping the total curb weight to an astonishing 870–930 kg. Initially, the VX220 was powered by a mid-mounted naturally aspirated 2.2-litre GM Ecotec engine (Z22SE) developing 147 hp. In 2003, Vauxhall launched the VX220 Turbo, utilizing a 2.0-litre turbocharged Z20LET engine generating 200 hp, capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. A limited-run, track-tuned VXR220 producing 220 hp arrived in 2004. All variants were paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Production ceased in 2005.