Without doubt the knockout car in Opel’s lineup, the Speedster is even more outrageous now that they’ve decided to turbocharge it to a thumping great 200 bhp. And it’s just gone on sale here at E50,963 ex-works.

With a 2.0-litre engine (1998cc, 4-cylinder 16 valve) pumping 200 bhp and 250 Nm of torque from 1950 - 5500 rpm, it can really claim to be a real supercar.

Here’s what it does. Weighing just 930 kg, it goes from standing to 62 mph in a blistering 4.9 seconds. It dashes from 50 mph to 75 mph in fifth gear in 6.7 seconds, and in fourth gear in just 5.1 seconds. And it has a top speed of 150 mph. It is not surprising really when you consider the Speedster Turbo is based on Lotus racing technology.

The double triangle wishbone suspension provides the platform for the high performance potential while its colour-keyed front and rear spoilers provide the aerodynamics. The side mounted ‘gills’ provide additional cooling air needed by the turbo engine.

The two-seater’s looks are particularly striking. Taut surfaces, muscular wheel arches and vertical flanks characterise the styling. And the two vertically stacked exhaust pipes are as eyecatching as those large air intakes behind the doors.

Speedster sits on special 17-inch light alloys, there’s a modified radiator grille, a redesigned interior and lots of ‘exclusive’ gear worthy of the turbo badging.

Inside are bucket seats with integrated head restraints, a three-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather covering, and aluminium pedals, gear shift knob, handbrake lever, window cranks and centrally placed ignition start button. Instruments dials are ringed in silver. There’s a new easier-to-read fuel gauge with LED bar graphics. And there’s a warning lamp in the rev counter which lets you know when to shift gears, just like in Formula 1.

Also Formula Oneish is the impact-absorbing front-end design.

Optional extras include a twin speaker radio as well as a ‘touring package’ with black carpeting and noise insulation mats underneath . Also available is a colour-keyed hardtop - in addition to the standard canvas ragtop.

The Speedster is assembled by hand by the sports car specialists Lotus Cars in Hethel, north east of London. And every finished car undergoes a special test drive on the racetrack adjacent to the plant before being released to the customer.

To sum up, if you have the cash then get the Speedster and watch your license!