And, inspired by the...

And, inspired by the 2003 VX Lightning concept which was developed at General Motors" Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, the model will replace the VX220 in the Vauxhall line-up.

However, while the Lightning was produced to commemorate 100 years of the Luton-based firm, the GT is primarily intended for the European market. As a result, the VX name will be dropped in favour of the GT badge, which looks back to Opel"s classic 1968 coupé.

Fans of the lightweight VX220, which shared its underpinnings with Lotus"s Elise, shouldn"t expect a similar driving experience from the GT. Unlike its mid-engined predecessor, the new roadster adopts a front-motored, rear-wheel-drive layout, and will have greater refinement.

But that doesn"t mean it won"t be fast. The GT uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit with 260bhp. Performance is predictably brisk, with a 143mph top speed and the sprint from 0-62mph taking less than six seconds.

Platform

The GT uses the same platform as the American market"s Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice, and will be built alongside them in Delaware in the US from spring next year. All models get an electrically operated fabric hood which folds neatly behind a sculpted panel.

Despite the car"s striking looks and eye-opening performance, Vauxhall is yet to throw its full weight behind producing its own version of Europe"s Opel GT. It"s likely that the UK firm will tweak the left-hand-drive-only model for the British market, but the company is also considering another option. The roadster may be sold through Vauxhall"s dealerships as an Opel-badged machine imported to order.

No matter what route it takes to the UK, the GT is likely to be keenly priced. Ready to take on BMW"s Z4, it should start from around чЈ20,000. Meanwhile, General Motors is also set to reveal another convertible at Geneva. Saab will pull the covers off its own roadster, which will be the spiritual successor to the firm"s classic Sonnet two-seater.