Opel Eco-Speedster

It's not often that we get seriously excited about performance records. But when they are set by a machine powered by the 1.3-litre diesel unit that will go under the bonnet of the new Vauxhall Corsa - as well as Fiat's new Punto - it's hard not to feel a shiver of anticipation about the future.

We've been keen to take the wheel of the ECO-Speedster since it debuted at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. The lightweight marvel is based on a Vauxhall VX220, and uses a tuned engine, carbon fibre body and hi-tech aerodynamics to offer stunning performance.

Longer, lower and lighter than the VX, the ECO-Speedster weighs only 660kg. With a drag co-efficient of just 0.20Cd, it's also one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in the world.

The newcomer is powered by a 112bhp turbocharged CDTI version of the 1,251cc four-cylinder CDI ECOTEC direct-injection common-rail diesel developed by GM and Fiat. This is mated to a five-speed Easytronic clutchless shift-by-wire gearbox, which is operated by buttons on the steering wheel.

The cabin is spartan, with just a snug bucket seat, small instrument display and tiny suede-trimmed wheel. Ultra-light gullwing doors close with a click, leaving you encased in a near-empty cockpit. Despite its futuristic looks, the Speedster is far from being a space-age drive, though. Visibility is poor, and the fuel-saving tyres mean the car is no racing machine through bends.

Still, on the track at 100mph, wind noise is non-existent, and there's hardly any rolling resistance. Another surprise is the acceleration. The 0-60mph dash takes only 8.8 seconds, and the note of the exhaust is pure Porsche. What's more, you can't tell the ECO-Speedster is a diesel, whether you're sitting in it or standing next to it.

Three of these amazing machines have been built so far, and sources tell us that the next step is to convince motorsport's governing body, the FIA, to allow them to enter races like the N