Opel Omega

Not to be confused with Oldsmobile Omega.
Opel Omega

Opel Omega B2 sedan
Overview
Manufacturer Opel (General Motors)
Production 1986–2003
Body and chassis
Class Executive car (E)
Layout FR layout
Chronology
Predecessor Opel Rekord
Successor none

The Opel Omega is an executive car engineered and manufactured by the German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2003. The first generation, the Omega A (1986–1993), superseded the Opel Rekord, was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, and was available as a saloon or estate. The second generation, the Omega B, was manufactured from 1993 to 2003.

Rebadged variants of the Omega were marketed worldwide, including in North America as the Cadillac Catera, in Great Britain as the Vauxhall Omega and South America as the Chevrolet Omega. Re-engineered versions were manufactured in Australia since 1997 as the Holden Commodore (and its derivatives) since 1999, which were in turn exported to South America as the Chevrolet Omega and the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina.

Production of the Omega was discontinued in 2003 with no direct replacement, apart from the Australian re-engineered versions that carried on until 2006 as a sedan and 2007 in other guises. After vacating the executive car segment, Opel's tried to fill the market void with "expensive" versions of the then-existing Vectra and Signum ranges. Opel re-entered the market segment in 2008 with the Insignia.

Omega A (1986–1993)

Omega A
Overview
Also called Vauxhall Carlton
Chevrolet Omega/Suprema
Production 1986–1993
Assembly Rüsselsheim, Germany
São Caetano do Sul, Brazil
Body and chassis
Related Holden Commodore (VN)
Holden Commodore (VP)
Holden Commodore (VR)
Holden Commodore (VS)
Powertrain
Engine Petrol
Straight-4
1.8 L 18NV
1.8 L 18SV
1.8S L E18NVR
1.8 L 18SEH
2.0i L C20NEJ
2.0i L C20NEF
2.0i L C20NE
2.0i L C20SE
2.4i L C24NE
Straight-6
2.6i L C26NE
3.0i L C30LE
3.0i L 30NE
3.0Si L C30NE
3.0i L C30SEJ
3.0 L C30SE
Irmscher Straight-6
3.0 Evo 500 C30XEI
3.6i L C36NE
3.6i L C36NE
4.0i L C40SE
Lotus Carlton
3.6i L C36GET
Diesel
Straight-4
2.3 L D 23YD
2.3 L TD 23YDT
2.3 L TD 23DTR
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual (Lotus Omega)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,730 mm (107.5 in)
Length 4,687 mm (184.5 in)
4,730 mm (186.2 in) (estate)
Width 1,772 mm (69.8 in)
Height 1,445 mm (56.9 in),
1,480 mm (58.3 in) (estate)
Curb weight 1,150 kg (2,535 lb)

Development

The original Omega went into production in September 1986, as a replacement for the Opel Rekord, which had been in production since 1978. Sales began in November. The body was designed as an evolution of the previous Opel design theme engineered more towards aerodynamics in view of higher fuel prices and the general drive towards more fuel efficiency. The result was a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.28 (0.32 for the Caravan). The whole development program cost 2 billion Deutschmark.

It was voted European Car of the Year for 1987.[1]

Compared to the Rekord, the Omega featured many modern technological advances, which were new to Opel in general, if not to the volume segment European automotive market. These included electronic engine management, ABS, on-board computer (which displayed parameters such as momentary fuel consumption or average speed), air-conditioned glove compartment and even the then-fashionable LCD instrument cluster (available in CD version from 1987 but dropped in 1991). More importantly, the Omega came with a self-diagnose system (which is now a standard feature in present-day cars), whose output could be read by appropriately equipped authorised service stations.

The Omega A's platform was also modified to form the basis of the Australian second generation Holden Commodore up to 1997, commencing with the 1988 VN series.

Engines

All of the Opel Omega models used a longitudinally-mounted engine with a rear-wheel drive setup, with a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic transmission. The engine range consisted of 1.8 L, 2.0 L and 2.4 L four-cylinder units (as well as 2.0 L, 2.3 L Diesel, and 2.3 L turbodiesel) to 2.6 L, 3.0 L, and 3.0 L-24v six-cylinder units. The 1.8 L and 2.0 L four-cylinder petrol engines were all based on the Family II design, whilst the six-cylinder units and the 2.4 L four-cylinder were based on the older Opel CIH (Cam In Head) family.

In Brazil, car was sold as Chevrolet Omega and was powered by 2.0 L I4 or 3.0 L I6 Opel engines until 1994. Since the discontinuation of the Omega A in Germany, General Motors do Brasil needed new engines to continue production. The 2.0 L I4 was replaced by 2.2 L I4 engine (116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp), 197 N·m (145 lb·ft)), and the 3.0 L I6 was replaced by 4.1 L (250ci) Chevrolet Straight-6 engine (168 PS (124 kW; 166 hp), 285 N·m (210 lb·ft)), which was tuned by Lotus and equipped with multi-port fuel injection. Chevrolet Omega was produced until 1998.[2][3][4]

Petrol
Engine Cyl. Power Torque Notes[5]
18NV 1.8i 8V I4 83 PS (61 kW; 82 hp) 135 N·m (100 lb·ft) MY 1986-1987
18SV 1.8 I4 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) MY 1986-87
E18NVR 1.8S I4 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) 143 N·m (105 lb·ft) MY 1987-90
18SEH 1.8i I4 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) 160 N·m (118 lb·ft) MY 1986-92
C20NEJ 2.0i I4 99 PS (73 kW; 98 hp) 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) MY 1990-93
C20NEF 2.0i I4 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) 158 N·m (117 lb·ft)
C20NE 2.0i I4 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) 170 N·m (125 lb·ft) MY 1986-93
20SE 2.0i I4 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) 175 N·m (129 lb·ft) MY 1986-87
C24NE 2.4i I4 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) 195 N·m (144 lb·ft) MY 1988-93
C26NE 2.6i I6 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 220 N·m (162 lb·ft) MY 1990-93
C30LE 3.0i I6 156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) MY 1986-88
30NE 3.0i I6 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) 240 N·m (177 lb·ft) MY 1986-90
C30NE 3.0Si I6 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) 240 N·m (177 lb·ft) MY 1990-93
C30SEJ 3.0i 24V I6 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) 265 N·m (195 lb·ft) MY 1990-93
C30SE 3000 24V I6 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) 270 N·m (199 lb·ft) MY 1989-93 (Omega 3000)
C30XEI 3.0 Evo 500 I6 230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) MY 1991-1993 (Irmscher for Omega Evo 500)
36NE 3.6i 12V I6 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) (Irmscher)
C36NE 3.6i 12V I6 197 PS (145 kW; 194 hp) (Irmscher)
C36NEI 3.6i 12V I6 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) (Irmscher)
C40SE 4.0i 24V I6 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) 395 N·m (291 lb·ft) MY 1991-92 (Irmscher)
C36GET 3.6i 24V I6 377 PS (277 kW; 372 hp) 557 N·m (411 lb·ft) MY 1991-92 (Omega Lotus)
Diesel
Engine Cyl. Power Torque Notes[5]
23YD 2.3 D I4 73 PS (54 kW; 72 hp) 138 N·m (102 lb·ft) MY 1986-93
23YDT 2.3 TD I4 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) MY 1986-88
23DTR 2.3 TD I4 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) 218 N·m (161 lb·ft) MY 1988-93

Notable trim levels and special variants

The four basic trim levels were LS, GL, GLS and CD (from least to most expensive). The base LS was clearly intended for the fleet market, with the sedan unavailable to individual customers in some markets. The LS Caravan was also available as a panel van with rear side windows covered with body-coloured foil rather than replaced by solid panels.

For the 1991 year, the Omega A was afforded a facelift, which encompassed slight alterations to front and rear fascias, as well as interior materials and additional sound dampening. The until-then base 1.8 L engine was dropped. The LS and GLS trim levels were also dropped, while the CD was joined by Club and CD Diamant.

Omega Diamant

This options package was introduced in 1988 and could be added onto the GLS, LS and CD trim version. It included alloy wheels, metallic paint, tinted windows, stereo with cassette player, various leather trim in the interior, as well as a painted grille and door mirrors. It sold well and the package was kept after the facelift and a similar system with the same name was used for the Omega B.[6]

Omega 3000

The Omega 3000 was the sports version of the Omega A model range. It featured a straight-6, 3.0-litre, 12-valve engine, which produced 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS). Other modifications from the base model included a lowered suspension and limited slip differential, as well as different fascias and a rear spoiler. The car had a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph), and accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.

In 1989, the Omega 3000 was upgraded. The engine now had 24 valves, two overhead camshafts, and a variable intake manifold (Opel Dual Ram system). It also used a more advanced engine control unit. Power increased to 204 bhp (152 kW; 207 PS), which increased top speed to 240 km/h (149 mph), and 0–100 km/h time dropped to 7.6 seconds. In countries where the car was sold as a Vauxhall, the Omega 3000 was called the Carlton GSi 3000.

Omega Evolution 500

Omega Evolution 500

This was limited series model produced together with Irmscher. It was built so Opel could compete in the DTM. The car had a 3-litre straight-6 producing 230 bhp (172 kW; 233 PS) . The car accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and had a top speed of 249 km/h (155 mph).

The racing version used on the track had 380 bhp (283 kW; 385 PS), accelerated to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 5 seconds, and could reach nearly 300 km/h (186 mph) . It did not, however, achieve great success.[6]

Lotus Omega

Main article: Lotus Omega
Lotus Omega

In 1989, Opel sanctioned a high performance version of the Omega built in cooperation with Lotus. This version was named the Lotus Omega or Lotus Carlton depending on whether the base car was sold as an Opel Omega or Vauxhall Carlton in their respective European markets. The car was built using a variety of parts from other GM suppliers and manufacturers. The engine was based on Opel's standard 3.0-litre 24-valve, which was handed to Lotus to modify. As a result, engine capacity rose to 3.6 litres; in addition, two Garrett T25 turbochargers were installed along with a water-cooled intercooler. The engine management was also modified and the ignition changed to an AC Delco type (same system as the Lotus Esprit uses). The result was a 377 bhp (281 kW; 382 PS) high performance engine. This Omega also inherited a larger differential from Holden's Commodore with a 45% LSD, whereas the gearbox was a 6-speed manual ZF gearbox fitted to the Corvette ZR1. The tyres were custom-made by Goodyear and can be recognised by the small Greek letter Ω (Omega) on the side. These were required as this car could reach 280 to 300 km/h (186 mph), which made this Omega the world's fastest production sedan at the time. This was a controversial fact given that the other major German manufacturers producing high performance cars had been fitting speed limiters to not allow maximum speeds higher than 250 km/h (155 mph). The 1,663 kg (3,666 lb) car accelerated from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds, 0–160 km/h (99 mph) in 11.5 seconds.[7][8]

Omega B1 (1994–1999)

Omega B1
Overview
Also called Vauxhall Omega
Cadillac Catera
Production April 1994–1999
Assembly Rüsselsheim, Germany
Rayong, Thailand (Opel/GM)
Body and chassis
Related Holden Commodore (VT)
Holden Commodore (VX)
Holden Commodore (VY)
Holden Commodore (VZ)
Powertrain
Engine Petrol
Straight-4
2.0i L X20SE
2.0i L X20XEV
V6
2.5i L X25XE
3.0i L X30XE
Diesel
Straight-4
2.0 L DTI X20DTH
Straight-6
2.5 L TD U25TD
2.5 L TD X25TD
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,730 mm (107.5 in)
Length 4,790 mm (188.6 in),
4,820 mm (189.8 in) (estate)
Width 1,785 mm (70.3 in)
Height 1,455 mm (57.3 in),
1,500 mm (59.1 in) (estate)
Curb weight 1,400 kg (3,086 lb)

The 1994 Omega B was an all-new car with a modern exterior design, but an traditional rear-wheel drive chassis. The engine range was all-new. Its MV6 model was rebadged and sold in the United States as Cadillac Catera between 1997 and 2001. The Omega B's platform was also modified to form the basis of the Australian third generation Holden Commodore up to 2006, commencing with the 1997 VT series.

This was 1995 Semperit Irish Car of the Year in Ireland.

Leaked images of a design studio mockup, featuring Opel badges and "D" plates, emerged in Europe in February 1990. The media at the time described the new saloon as coupé–like, speculating a release in 1992–1993.[9] Meanwhile, the Cadillac Aurora presented by General Motors at the 1990 Chicago Auto Show in February, was the concept car that bore close resemblance to the Omega B's eventual design style.[10]

Engines

Petrol
Engine Cyl. Power Torque Notes[5]
X20SE 2.0i 8V I4 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) 172 N·m (127 lb·ft) MY 1994-99
X20XEV 2.0i 16V I4 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) MY 1994-99
X25XE 2.5i 24V V6 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 227 N·m (167 lb·ft) MY 1994-2000
X30XE 3.0i 24V V6 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) 270 N·m (199 lb·ft) MY 1994-2000
Diesel
Engine Cyl. Power Torque Notes[5]
X20DTH 2.0 DTI 16V I4 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) 205 N·m (151 lb·ft) MY 1998-2000
U25TD 2.5 TD I6 132 PS (97 kW; 130 hp) 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) MY 1994-2000
X25TD 2.5 TD I6 133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp) 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) MY 1996-2000

[11]

Omega B2 (1999–2003)

Omega B2
Overview
Also called Vauxhall Omega
Cadillac Catera
Production 1999–2003
Assembly Rüsselsheim, Germany
Powertrain
Engine Petrol
Straight-4
2.0i L X20XEV
2.2i L Y22XE
2.2i L Z22XE
V6
2.5i L X25XE
2.6i L Y26SE
3.0 L X30XE
3.2 L Y32SE
Diesel
Straight-4
2.0 L DTI X20DTH
2.2 L DTI Y22DTH
Straight-6
2.5 L TD X25DT
2.5 L DTI Y25DT
Transmission 4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,730 mm (107.5 in)
Length 4,898 mm (192.8 in)
Width 1,776 mm (69.9 in)
Height 1,455 mm (57.3 in),
1,540 mm (60.6 in) (estate)
Curb weight 1,530 kg (3,373 lb)

The Omega B2 was launched in autumn 1999 as a facelift of the B. It was distinguished by relatively minor revisions to the front and rear styling, centre console and the introduction of electronic stability program (ESP).

Major changes:

Engines

Late in 1999, the Omega received a facelift and a 2.2 L 16-valve engine was added to the range as an eventual replacement for the 2.0 L.

The following year, a 3.2 L V6 engine replaced the 3.0 L V6 unit, and a 2.6 L V6 engine replaced the 2.5 L V6 unit. Year 2001 brought also brand new diesel 2.5 DTI engine from BMW, with "Common Rail" system.

Petrol
Engine Cyl. Power Torque Notes[5]
X20XEV 2.0i 16V I4 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) 185 N·m (136 lb·ft) MY 1994-1999
Y22XE 2.2i 16V I4 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp) 205 N·m (151 lb·ft) Until MY 2000
Z22XE 2.2i 16V I4 145 PS (107 kW; 143 hp) 205 N·m (151 lb·ft) MY 2001-2003
X25XE 2.5 24V V6 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 227 N·m (167 lb·ft) MY 1994-2000
Y26SE 2.6 24V V6 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 240 N·m (177 lb·ft) MY 2001-2003
X30XE 3.0 24V V6 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) 270 N·m (199 lb·ft) MY 1994-2000
Y32SE 3.2 24V V6 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) 290 N·m (214 lb·ft) MY 2001-2003
Diesel
Engine Cyl. Power Torque Notes[5]
X20DTH 2.0 DTI 16V I4 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) 205 N·m (151 lb·ft) MY 1998-2000
Y22DTH 2.2 DTI 16V I4 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) MY 2000-2003
X25DT 2.5 TD I6 131 PS (96 kW; 129 hp) 250 N·m (184 lb·ft) MY 1994-2000
Y25DT 2.5 DTI I6 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 300 N·m (221 lb·ft) MY 2001-2003

Omega V8 (prototypes)

Omega V8 (prototypes)
Overview
Manufacturer Opel
Production 1999–2001 (prototypes only)
Assembly Germany: Rüsselsheim
Powertrain
Engine 5.7 L LS1 V8
Transmission 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,730 mm (107.5 in)
Length 4,898 mm (192.8 in)
Width 1,775 mm (69.9 in)
Height 1,455 mm (57.3 in),
1,540 mm (60.6 in) (estate)
Curb weight 2,195 kg (4,839 lb)

Opel was aiming to compete with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, deciding to put the V8 engine into what was at the time, the flagship model Opel Omega. There were prototypes of sedan and station wagon version (equipped with multimedia systems, and named V8.com).

Omega V8.com

The V8.com concept car project was meant to be a "mobile office" it was built on Omega station wagon which was elongated by 130mm, to provide more space for the passengers and additional equipment; containing separate 9.5 inch LCD screens for all passengers, internet access and integrated video conference mobile phone system with separate cameras and microphones providing passengers hands-free operation. Additionally the car was equipped with Xenon headlights, and Advanced Frontlighting System (AFS), automatically adjustable to the road conditions.

Hence the name it was powered by a GM LS1 V8 engine.

The car debuted at Frankfurt Motor Show in 1999.[12][13]

Omega V8

Opel was planning to upgrade its flagship Omega model with powerful GM LS1 V8 engine used in Chevrolet Corvette. Unlike V8.com which was the concept car, this model was intended to go into the serial production. Omega V8 was shown publicly for the first time at 70th Geneva Motor Show (March 2–12, 2000). The V8-engined version was to be put on sale autumn 2000.[14]

The reasons for cancelling production plans were concerns about whether the engine was vollgasfest (German, "Full throttle resistant") - the engine might overheat and be damaged if driven flat out on the Autobahn for long periods of time, although Holden equipped its Commodore (which was a re-engineered Omega for Australian market) with the same engine.[15] A version of this platform was used for the Holden Monaro which was marketed in the US as the fourth generation Pontiac GTO and in the UK as the Vauxhall Monaro.

Worldwide markets

End of the Omega

In the United Kingdom, the Vauxhall Omega proved to be a successful saloon[16] despite being slated in many reviews for heavy depreciation[17] and unreliability.[18][19] Omegas were a regular sight on United Kingdom roads, sporting police livery and as covert traffic surveillance cars.[20] However, just four years after introduction of its latest incarnation – Omega B2, and 17 years since introduction of Omega A, production of this model ended without a successor. On 25 June 2003, the last Omega rolled out of the factory in Rüsselsheim – it was a silver 3.2 L V6 Omega B2, number 797,011.

Following the demise of its direct rivals, the Ford Scorpio & Rover 800, Opel/Vauxhall found themselves competing against BMW's 5 Series, with minimal sales success. Apart from the Australian re-engineered Holden Commodore models that carried on until 2006 for the sedan (wagons and utilities until 2007), production of the Omega ended in 2003 with no direct replacement. In Europe, the gap in the range was indirectly filled by more "expensive" versions of the then–existing Vectra and Signum.

Stories and photographs of a "new" successor appeared in the motoring press a year later. However, in the case of Auto Express, its October 2004 article simply featured the Holden Torana TT36 concept car, which itself previewed the 2006 Holden Commodore.[21] Nevertheless, Holden contributed in the Omega badge remaining alive by it, for the entry–level model of its new Commodore. Unlike prior models since 1978, this new Holden was no longer based on an Omega platform.

As of 2015, there are only 14,773 Vauxhall Omegas left in the UK.[22]

References

  1. "Previous winners". Car of the year. Retrieved 2010-09-18.
  2. "Chevrolet Omega, the last 250 at Hemmings Blog – Classic and collectible cars and parts". Blog.hemmings.com. Retrieved 2010-12-14.
  3. "Chevrolet Omega 2.2 GLS specifications". Carinfo.autold.com. Retrieved 2010-12-14.
  4. "Chevrolet Omega 4.1 CD specifications". Carinfo.autold.com. Retrieved 2010-12-14.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Opel CLUB - Opel Omega". Opel Club. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
  6. 1 2 "Senatorman website, Opel Omega A page (German)". Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  7. "Specifications for engine and gearbox (Dutch)". Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  8. "Cars++ Specifications for Lotus Omega". Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  9. "Opel Omega: Berlina con l'aria coupé". Quattroruote (Editoriale Domus). February 1990. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  10. "Chicago Auto Show - Concept Car - Concept Vehicle History". Chicago Automobile Trade Association. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  11. "Senatorman website, Opel Omega B page (German)". Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  12. ""Omega V8.com" - Tomorrow's Multi-Media-Mobile". GM. Retrieved 2009-05-15.
  13. "Opel Omega V8.com concept car pictures". Pbase.com. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  14. "OMEGA V8 PROMISES STUNNING PERFORMANCE AND PREMIUM QUALITY". Car Enthusiast. Retrieved 2009-05-15.
  15. "Senatorman website, Opel Omega B page, section "Die Motoren" (German)". Retrieved 2009-09-03.
  16. Olly Smith. "Combined stats (77 models) VAUXHALL OMEGA - How Many Left?". Howmanyleft.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-03-25.
  17. "Vauxhall Omega Estate (94-03) cars for sale, reviews, pictures and prices". Parkers. Retrieved 2012-03-25.
  18. "Omega 1994 | Vauxhall | Car Reviews". Honest John. 2011-12-01. Retrieved 2012-03-25.
  19. "Vauxhall Omega 2.6i Saloon - review and opinion - Omega dream shattered". Ciao.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-03-25.
  20. "Welcome FortuneCity Customers | Dotster". Members.fortunecity.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-05-01.
  21. "All-new Omega's In The Pink". 2004-10-13. Retrieved 2007-09-11.
  22. See statistics for all VAUXHALL OMEGA models combined https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/family/vauxhall_omega
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