Schneegz

From Edmund's Inside Line

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=106780#1

From Lotus to…Saturn? Opel Plans Sky-based Speedster Replacement
Date Posted 08-09-2005

RUESSELSHEIM, Germany — General Motors' Opel subsidiary here will partner with Saturn on a new two-seater aimed primarily at European enthusiasts. The successor to the Lotus-derived Speedster will be based on the upcoming Saturn Sky.

Opel phased out production of the Speedster in late July, according to Automotive News Europe. The original two-seater was introduced in 2000 and had a total production run of around 7,000 Speedsters.

The new model, which will be assembled in GM's plant in Wilmington, Delaware, will share components and perhaps some body panels with the 2007 Saturn Sky, which in turn is a sister model to the Pontiac Solstice. GM sources say Saab also may get a two-seater off the so-called Kappa platform.

GM executives have said Saturn and Opel will work more closely together in the future on product development.

The front-engine, rear-drive Speedster replacement may be called Opel GT, the name of the tiny sport coupe from the late '60s that resembled a scaled-down version of the Corvette.

What this means to you: Could Saturn get some world-wide buzz? If so, maybe you'll find yourself in one in a few years.

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

bleh

rx8wannahave

I hope the best for GM with their Sky and Solstise (something like that)...they look pretty good!

babylou

It means GM can cut costs at Saturn since it will be mostly the import brand for Opel products in the USA. Which ain't a bad thing.

brillo

I'd take the miata over either but I do like the way the Sky looks. Saturn has some nice looking cars coming out over the next year, I hope they drive the part and can help GM.

Schneegz

I live in Germany now, and from what I understand Opel used to be the car you would buy if you couldn't afford a VW. However, lately they've been producing some very eye-catching designs, like this Astra. If GM brings these cars to the States, I could see GM's (or at least Saturn's) fortunes begin to turn around as they attract younger buyers.

KYLiquid

i heard that saturn dealers may turn into opel dealers as opel tries to comes back to the US. I wish we would get the opel speedster...who know, I dont think it will happen anytime soon

babylou

The whole point of the original post was to point out that the Opel Speedster is dead and will be replaced by the Saturn Sky.

KYLiquid

doh, serves me right for scaning thru posts at work.