Opel Calibra
The Opel Calibra (badged as a Vauxhall in the UK) was launched in 1989, a front-wheel drive coupe based around the running gear of the Cavalier saloon which had been launched the year before.
The Calibra is considered by some the most stylish Vauxhall/Opel ever, but being based on the Cavalier chassis its ride and handling were not significantly better than that of the family car from which it grew.
Power was initially from 2.0 8-valve and 16-valve injection engines but in 1992 a 2.0 turbo with four wheel drive and a top speed of 150mph was added to the range.
In 1995, the Cavalier was replaced by the Vectra but the Calibra coupe continued until the end of 1997 when it was finally axed from the Vauxhall/Opel range. This left the marque without a coupe until the Astra Coupe was launched in 2000.
