MSX ST2 Stelvio

Introduction

For the C50 series ST2 coupe, MSX elected to produce a stand alone model that doesn't share any body panels with the ST2 hatch or wagon. By adopting the unique body design it went from being a low roof two door hot hatch to a proper sports car to rival the likes of the Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ and Mazda MX-5

Development
The ST2 Stelvio was conceived as part of a plan to restructure MSX's small car lineup, where the FWD ST3 would be avaliable as a sedan, hatch or wagon, and the RWD ST2 as a coupe only. This plan was later dropped, and an ST2 hatch and wagon are currently under development, with a body design independant of the Stelvio. The ST3 has been released as an AWD sedan only.

The ST2 Stelvio was designed to offer maximum driving enjoyment at a reasonable price, with low running costs and a great potential for customisation. The car shares a heavily overhauled version of the CML platform with the forthcoming MSX ST2 and XT5.

Performace
The base model, known simply as ST2 Stelvio has a 1.6 litre turbo 4 cylinder with 136kW(182hp) and 260Nm (192 ft lb) with a six speed manual and RWD. It is considered a very nice car to drive with excellent handling, but has a lack of power in the base 1.6. Other models are availiable from MSX, these are the S, with a 208hp/280Nm 2.0 litre turbo four, and the GT, with a 230hp/300Nm 2.5 litre inline 6. MSX/R also offer GTS and GTSR models, which both have a 2.8 litre twin turbo inline 6 with 350hp and 441Nm. These MSX/R models have 8 piston brakes and stiffer suspmension. The GTSR also has a 6 speed manual transaxle gearbox

Omega Amega
The ST2 Stelvio was joined shortly after release by the an Omega version, known as the Amega. The Amega is built alongside the ST2 Stelvio at MSX's factory in Cologne Gernany. The two cars have different front and rear styling, and where the MSX is manual only, the Amega offers a 6 speed DCT auto.