Opel Omega

Not to be confused with Oldsmobile Omega.

Opel Omega

Manufacturer	Opel
Production	1986–2003
Predecessor	Opel Rekord
Successor	None
Class	Full-size, executive car
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door estate
Layout	FR layout
Platform	GM V platform
Related	Opel Senator Holden Commodore Vauxhall Carlton Cadillac Catera Saab 9-5

The Opel Omega was an executive car marketed by the German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2003 in two generations, both manufactured at Opel's Rüsselsheim, Germany plant. The first generation, the Omega A (1986–1993), superseded the Opel Rekord, was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, and was available as a saloon or estate.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 1993-2003.

Rebadged variants of the Omega were marketed worldwide, including in North America as the Cadillac Catera, in Great Britain as the Vauxhall Carlton and South America as the Chevrolet Omega. Re-engineered versions were manufactured in Australia since 1998 and marketed as the Holden Commodore or Holden Calais, which were also exported to South America as the Chevrolet Omega from 1998.

Production of the Omega ended in 2003 without a direct replacement, except for the Australian re-engineered version that carried on until 2006.

Omega A

Omega A

Manufacturer	Adam Opel AG
Also called	Vauxhall Carlton Chevrolet Omega Chevrolet Suprema
Production	1986–1993
Assembly	Rüsselsheim, Germany Ellesmere Port, England, UK São Caetano do Sul, Brazil
Predecessor	Opel Rekord
Successor	Opel Omega B
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)
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 elected 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 authorized service stations.

Opel Omega A - rear

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 (2.0 L and 2.3 L Diesel, 2.3 L turbodiesel) to 2.6 L, 3.0 L, 3.0 L-24v six-cylinder units. The four-cylinder petrol engines were all based on the GM Family II design, whilst the six-cylinder units 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 discontinuation of Omega A in Germany, General Motors do Brasil needed a 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 multiport 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 1986-1987
E18NVR 1.8S	I4	88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp)	143 N·m (105 lb·ft)	MY 1987-1990
18SEH 1.8i	I4	116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)	160 N·m (118 lb·ft)	MY 1986-1992
C20NEJ 2.0i	I4	99 PS (73 kW; 98 hp)	170 N·m (125 lb·ft)	MY 1990-1993
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 1986-1993
20SE 2.0i	I4	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)	175 N·m (129 lb·ft)	MY 1986-1987
C24NE 2.4i	I4	125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp)	195 N·m (144 lb·ft)	MY 1988-1993
C26NE 2.6i	I6	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)	220 N·m (162 lb·ft)	MY 1990-1993
C30LE 3.0i	I6	156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp)	230 N·m (170 lb·ft)	MY 1986-1988
30NE 3.0i	I6	177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp)	240 N·m (177 lb·ft)	MY 1986-1990
C30NE 3.0Si	I6	177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp)	240 N·m (177 lb·ft)	MY 1990-1993
C30SEJ 3.0i 24V	I6	200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp)	265 N·m (195 lb·ft)	MY 1990-1993
C30SE 3000 24V	I6	204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp)	270 N·m (199 lb·ft)	MY 1989-1993 (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)
C36NE 3.6i 24V	I6	199 PS (146 kW; 196 hp)		(Irmscher)
C36NEI 3.6i 24V	I6	201 PS (148 kW; 198 hp)		(Irmscher)
C40SE 4.0i 24V	I6	272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)	395 N·m (291 lb·ft)	MY 1991-1992 (Irmscher)
C36GET 3.6i 24V	I6	377 PS (277 kW; 372 hp)	557 N·m (411 lb·ft)	MY 1991-1992 (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 1986-1993
23YDT 2.3 TD	I4	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)	190 N·m (140 lb·ft)	MY 1986-1988
23DTR 2.3 TD	I4	101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp)	218 N·m (161 lb·ft)	MY 1988-1993

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 not available to individual customers in some markets. The LS Caravan was also available as a panel van with rear side windows covered with body-colored 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 / Carlton GSi

The Omega 3000 was the sports version of the Omega. 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 240 km/h (149 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 270 km/h (168 mph), and 0–100 km/h time dropped to 7.6 seconds. In countries where the car was sold as a Vauxhall, the 3000 was called the Carlton GSi.

Omega Evolution 500

Opel Omega Evo 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 achieve great success however.^[6]

Lotus Omega/Carlton

Opel Omega with Lotus Engine

Main article: Lotus Carlton

In 1989, a high performance version built in cooperation with Lotus was introduced. The car was named the Lotus Omega or Lotus Carlton, depending on whether the base car was sold as an Opel Omega or Vauxhall Carlton respectively. The car was built using a great variety of parts from other GM suppliers and car manufacturers. The engine was a 3,0 litre 24 valve item, and this was handed to Lotus for the tuneup. Lotus added a hardened and larger crankshaft, giving the engine its total size of 3,6 litres. Two Garrett T25 turbochargers were installed, along with a watercooled intercooler. The engine management was also changed 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) performance engine. The Omega also got a bigger differential from a Holden car with a 45% LSD, and the gearbox was changed to the 6-speed manual ZF gearbox from the Corvette ZR1. The tyres were custom made by Goodyear and can be recognized by the small Greek letter Ω (Omega) on the side. This was required as this car could reach 280 to 300 km/h (186 mph). This was a fact not popular at the time, as most of the other German car manufacturers that produced fast and powerful cars had already begun putting in speed limiters to limit their cars to 250 km/h (155 mph). The 1,663 kg (3,666 lb) car accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 5.3 seconds, 0 to 160 km/h (0 to 100 mph) in 11.5 seconds.^[7][8]

Omega B

Omega B

Manufacturer	Adam Opel AG
Also called	Vauxhall Omega Cadillac Catera
Production	1994–1999
Assembly	Rüsselsheim, Germany Rayong, Thailand (Opel/GM)
Predecessor	Opel Omega A
Successor	Opel Omega B FL
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 25TD 2.5 L TD X25TD
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
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 a traditional rear-wheel drive chassis. The engine range was all-new.

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

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 1994-1999
X20XEV 2.0i 16V	I4	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)	185 N·m (136 lb·ft)	MY 1994-1999
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
25TD 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

^[9]

Opel Omega B - rear

Omega B FL

Omega B FL

Manufacturer	Adam Opel AG
Also called	Vauxhall Omega Cadillac Catera
Production	1999–2003
Assembly	Germany
Predecessor	Opel Omega B
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
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 B FL replaced the previous model in Autumn 1999. There weren't any significant changes to the bodywork, but many details were revised.

Changes outside:

• hood (grill now integrated with hood)
• tail lights
• side mirrors
• new design of alloy wheels

Changes inside:

• brand new central console with GPS, air conditioning controls
• ESP

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

Opel Omega B FL - rear

Omega V8 (prototypes)

Omega V8 (prototypes)

Manufacturer	Adam Opel AG
Production	1999–2001 (prototypes only)
Assembly	Germany
Predecessor	Opel Omega B
Engine	5.7 L LS1 V8
Transmission	5-speed automatic
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 BMW 5 and Mercedes E class, deciding of putting the V8 engine into at the time 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 adjuststable 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.^[10][11]

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.^[12]

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 re-engineered Omega for Australian market) with the same engine.^[13]

Worldwide markets

• In the United Kingdom, the Omega A was marketed as the second generation Vauxhall Carlton (the first generation Vauxhall Carlton having been a rebadged Opel Rekord) E2, and the Omega B generation as Vauxhall Omega.

• In Brazil, The Omega was built and marketed as a Chevrolet Omega and Suprema (Caravan), but this name is now used for imported Holden Commodores.

• In North America, a badge engineered version of the Omega B and Omega B FL was marketed as the Cadillac Catera.

• In Australia, variants of the Opel Omega was marketed as the Holden VN Commodore, Holden VP Commodore, Holden VT Commodore, Holden VX Commodore, Holden VY Commodore and Holden VZ Commodore — based on Omega (first, and then second generation), on enlarged platform.

End of the Omega

The Opel Omega proved to be a successful car in the UK^[14] despite being slated in many reviews for heavy depreciation^[15] and unreliability.^[16][17] In the UK, the Omega never recovered from it's reputation as a popular unmarked police car, used due to it's powerful V6 engine, large rear seats and strong brakes, Omega's were a regular sight on UK roads sporting Police livery and as covert traffic surveilence cars. ^[18] Never-the-less just 4 years after introduction of its latest incarnation - Omega B FL, and 17 years since introduction of Omega A, production of this model ceased without a successor. On 25 June 2003 the last Omega rolled out of the factory in Rüsselsheim^[19] - it was a silver 3.2L V6 Omega B FL number 797,011.^{[citation needed]}

This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the German Wikipedia.

References

1. ^ "Previous winners". Car of the year. http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1987_1/coty. Retrieved 2010-09-18. 
2. ^ "Chevrolet Omega, the last 250 at Hemmings Blog – Classic and collectible cars and parts". Blog.hemmings.com. http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2010/02/25/chevrolet-omega-the-last-250/. Retrieved 2010-12-14. 
3. ^ "Chevrolet Omega 2.2 GLS specifications". Carinfo.autold.com. http://carinfo.autold.com/car-chevrolet_omega-22-gls.html. Retrieved 2010-12-14. 
4. ^ "Chevrolet Omega 4.1 CD specifications". Carinfo.autold.com. http://carinfo.autold.com/car-chevrolet_omega-41-cd.html. Retrieved 2010-12-14. 
5. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "Opel CLUB - Opel Omega". Opel Club. http://www.club-opel.com/model_detail.php?id=21&lang=eng. Retrieved 2009-05-17. 
6. ^ ^{a b} "Senatorman website, Opel Omega A page (German)". http://www.senatorman.de/opel_omega_a.htm. Retrieved 2007-09-11. 
7. ^ "Specifications for engine and gearbox (Dutch)". http://www.home.zonnet.nl/patver/Tech/techn_lotus_omega.htm. Retrieved 2007-09-11. 
8. ^ "Cars++ Specifications for Lotus Omega". http://www.carsplusplus.com/specs1990/opel_lotus_omega.php. Retrieved 2007-09-11. 
9. ^ "Senatorman website, Opel Omega B page (German)". http://www.senatorman.de/opel_omega_b.htm. Retrieved 2007-09-11. 
10. ^ ""Omega V8.com" - Tomorrow's Multi-Media-Mobile". GM. http://media.gm.com/eur/gm/en/GME/press/1999/99091409-14-99_IAA-99-Omega-V8-com.asp.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-15. 
11. ^ "Opel Omega V8.com concept car pictures". Pbase.com. http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/the_cadillac_catera_4&page=6. Retrieved 2010-10-02. 
12. ^ "OMEGA V8 PROMISES STUNNING PERFORMANCE AND PREMIUM QUALITY". Car Enthusiast. http://www.carenthusiast.co.uk/2000/shows/geneva2000/vauxhall/articles/omega_1.html. Retrieved 2009-05-15. 
13. ^ "Senatorman website, Opel Omega B page, section "Die Motoren" (German)". http://www.senatorman.de/opel_omega_b.htm. Retrieved 2009-09-03. 
14. ^ http://howmanyleft.co.uk/combined/vauxhall_omega
15. ^ http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/vauxhall/omega-estate-1994.aspx
16. ^ http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/vauxhall/omega-1994/
17. ^ http://www.ciao.co.uk/Vauxhall_Omega_CD_2_6i_saloon__Review_70634
18. ^ http://members.fortunecity.co.uk/rwcar4a/met661.jpg
19. ^ http://search.wn.com/?pagenum=4&results_type=news&language_id=1&search_type=expression&search_string=opel+omega&sort_type=-pub-datetime&template=cheetah-search-adv%2Findex.txt&action=search&corpus=current

External links

• Autobahnstormers - V-platform Vauxhall/Opel enthusiasts' site
• Senatorman's page describing the full history of the Omega B (German)
• Total Carlton - Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega A Enthusiasts' site
• Racing and Waiting - Vauxhall Omega Buyers Guide