Vigo Motor Show: Opel GT

Wow, what car is that?! A Opel.

It will be one of the reactions the Opel GT triggers as it makes its way through the streets, much like the Speedster did in its day. However, the Opel GT is a different vehicle, more powerful and refined than the rugged Speedster, and much more affordable.

Although it may be a recent model for us, it isn’t for General Motors, since it is nothing more than a derivative of the American Pontiac Solstice, from which it differs in design in areas such as the front end. That front end, by the way, clearly recalls another model in the group, the Corvette, but without losing the traits of the German brand.

Being a Opel is a burden it carries in its name, but those who know how to value what it offers for the price it is offered at won’t hesitate to get one. It has 264 horsepower at 31,400 euros, which is a staggering figure compared to its rivals; on top of that, the power-to-weight ratio gives it blistering performance: a top speed of 230 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

A lightweight chassis, a 2.0T ECOTEC engine producing 262 horsepower thanks to turbocharging… it won’t be a pure thoroughbred with a hard-earned name, but at that price nothing can rival it. For example, one of its main rivals is the Honda S2000 2.0 VTEC, which, with 241 horsepower, rises to 41,600 euros.

And although we haven’t been able to test it, everyone points to its width and low height off the ground giving it flawless stability and cornering; besides, it is rear-wheel drive, so the fun is guaranteed.

The driving position reflects all of the above well: being a roadster, you feel your tailbone settle onto the floor as soon as you get comfortable in the seat. I also liked the sloping center console, whose glossy black plastics make it resemble many current Opel models, and the gear lever position is quite good. Even so, I found its size a little small, and I would position it a bit deeper and give it greater length (but this is a show test… not a road test!). The steering wheel is perfectly fine, familiar as always.

The only extra this unit had was the leather upholstery; the rest of the equipment visible is part of the model’s standard specification: ABS, ESP, electric windows, electric mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, radio with MP3, anti-theft alarm and air conditioning.

With all of this, the star of the show was priced at 33,050 euros. Don’t even think about paying that if you want good luggage space (reduced by the folded fabric roof) or to carry more than two people; the Opel GT isn’t built for that.

Now, if you’re looking for exceptional handling, performance and fun… congratulations, this one is yours. You won’t be able to walk into a bar and rest your keys on the counter, but you are guaranteed that nobody with a car at a similar price will come close to it… on the track, of course.

Photos | Eduardo Mariz
Thanks to the dealership Autoviasa.