GM Introducing 2007 Opel GT

RUSSELSHEIM, Germany — In an impressive example of how global collaboration can work, General Motors on Thursday rolled out the 264-horsepower 2007 Opel GT, the European variant of the Saturn Sky Red Line.

The Opel roadster, which hits showrooms in March, will start at the equivalent of $39,675.

The new Opel two-seater will be built at the Wilmington, Delaware, plant next to its sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. The Opel GT is nearly identical to its American sibling, except for a few changes that include badging, grille trim and taillamps.

Jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers on both sides of the Atlantic, the Opel GT is equipped with a 264-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine based on the 2.2-liter direct injection unit available in the Vectra model range since 2004 and on the 2.0-liter turbo induction unit that made its debut in the Vectra GTS in spring 2003.

It has an output of 264 hp at 5,300 rpm and maximum torque of 260 pound-feet at 2,500 rpm. The engine is linked to a five-speed manual transmission.

The roadster accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of approximately 143 mph.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes, an electronic stability program and power accessories.

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