AFTER MARANELLO AND Zuffenhausen comes Aachen, the German Opel tuner Steinmetz from the city of Aachen claims. Having seen the Kermet the Frog-green Opel Funster we are almost ready to believe the Opel wizards. The out-of-the-box 147 bhp Opel Speedster is big fun to drive – now imagine the same car with 220 bhp.

The engine behind the leather bucket seats is basically the Opel 2.0-litre 16V turbo engine normally delivering 192 bhp in for instance the Opel Astra Coupé or the Zafira Turbo OPC. But why go with 192 if you can choose 220 bhp Steinmetz asks.

It sure is good fun to handle the Speedster – this is why the 2-seater is named Steinmetz Funster. Customizing includes grill, 17 and 18 in wheels, suspension, wing and a lot of turbo-power.

The Funster-suspension is based on test-driving at der Nordschleife, Nürburgring and at public roads. We know from other Steinmetz models that the Germans are very good at this specific point, this is why we think, the Funster is more than just strong - is still the almost perfect balanced midengine car.

To the normal 147 bhp normal-aspiration Speedster Steinmetz delivers front grill, wheels and exhaust from the Funster-kit.


FACTS
· Two Speedsters from Opel-tuner Steinmetz
· Two editions: Steinmetz Speedster and Steinmetz Funster
· Steinmetz Speedster – 147 bhp and 203 Nm
· Steinmetz Funster – 220 bhp and 280n Nm
· Steinmetz Speedster – 5.8 kg/bhp
· Steinmetz Funster – 4.0 kg/bhp
· Ferrari 360 Modena – 3.3 kg/bhp
· Speedster and Funster - 215/45 x 17
· Speedster and Funster - 255/35 x 18

Images
Steinmetz Funster with big wing and special rear lights – the image with a wing car with stock rear light is showing an earlier prototype. Stock Opel Speedster with grill, wheels and exhaust – but no wing or Formula 1-scoop (or turbo).