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The first generation, the Omega A (1986–1993), superseded the Opel Rekord, was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, and was available as a saloon or estate.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 and Vauxhall re-entered the market segment in 2008 with the Insignia and the VXR8, the later being sold only in the UK.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Omega B1 (1994–1999)

Omega B1
Overview
Also called	Vauxhall Omega Cadillac Catera
Production	April 1994–1999
Assembly	Rüsselsheim, Germany Rayong, Thailand (Opel/GM)
Designer	Wayne Cherry, Herbert Killmer
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 a 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 and 1995 RJC Car of the Year for Import Car of the Year in Japan.

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. 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.

Engines

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:

• hood (grill now integrated with hood)
• bumper fascias and bodyside mouldings
• tail lights
• side mirrors
• new design of alloy wheels
• brand new central console with GPS, air conditioning, and 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.

Omega V8 (prototypes)

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.

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.

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. 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

• 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. Between 2001 and 2007, Vauxhall sold the Australian-made Monaro coupe, which was derived from the Holden Commodore, itself based on the Omega B platform.
• In Brazil, between 1991 and 1998, the Omega A was built and marketed as a Chevrolet Omega sedan or Omega Suprema in station wagon. Between 1999 and 2006, this Chevrolet was the Omega B-derived Holden Commodore imported from Australia.
• In North America, a badge engineered version of the Omega B and Omega B FL was marketed as the Cadillac Catera. Between 2004 and 2006, Pontiac re-introduced and sold its GTO as a coupe based on the Australian-made Monaro, which was derived from the Holden Commodore.
• In Australia, re-engineered versions of the Opel Omega A were manufactured by Holden (a GM subsidiary) as the second generation Commodore and its derivates (including long wheelbase wagons, utility and luxury sedans, Statesman and Caprice) between 1988 and 1997. Between 1997 and 2006, Holden instead adapted the Omega B for its third generation as the Commodoreand derivates, which now also included the Monaro coupe. These Australian sedans are larger in all body dimensions have featured less sophisticated suspension designs, different interior styling and petrol-only powertrains ranging from a Buick-derived 3.8 litre V6 between 1988 and 2004 or 5.0 litre V8 between 1988 and 1999 both manufactured by Holden, to a new 3.6 litre V6 from 2004 also built and exported by Holden and fully imported Chevrolet V8 engines, beginning with a 5.7 litre version in 1999, upgraded to a 260 kW 6.0 litre version in 2006. These vehicles were equally available in New Zealand.
• Since 1999, the Omega B-based second generation Holden Commodore and its derivatives were exported to North America, Brazil and the UK in sedan and coupe form as noted above, but also as a Chevrolet Lumina in Middle East and South Africa. The Holden Commodore's 1999 long wheelbase luxury derivate, WH-series Statesman/Caprice, was also exported to the Middle East as the fifth generation Holden Caprice. In 2005, as the WK Statesman, this vehicle was sold in China as the Buick Royaum and in Korea as the Daewoo Statesman.

End of the Omega

In the United Kingdom, the Vauxhall Omega proved to be a successful saloon despite being slated in many reviews for heavy depreciation and unreliability. Omegas were a regular sight on United Kingdom roads, sporting police livery and as covert traffic surveillance cars. 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 TT36concept car, which itself previewed the 2006 Holden Commodore. 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.

Vauxhall Carlton

The Vauxhall Carlton is a series of large family car/executive car sold in two distinct generations by the Vauxhall division of GM Europe between 1978 and 1994. The Carlton was based on the Opel Rekord E (Mk.1) and Omega A (Mk.2).

With the exception of the pre-facelift Mk.1 cars, most Carltons were manufactured by Opel in Rüsselsheim, and differed only from their Opel Rekord/Omega sisters in badging and trim.

It was replaced by the Omega B in 1994, mirroring the standardisation of model names across both GM Europe brands.

Mark I (1978–86)

Vauxhall Carlton Mark I estate

The first Vauxhall Carlton was introduced in late 1978 as a replacement for the ageing VX1800/VX2300saloons. Based on the Opel Rekord, but with Vauxhall's typical "droop snoot" front end that featured no traditional grille. The other difference was the dashboard, which featured the hooded instrument binnacle going across the whole width of the car with wooden embellishment, compared to the plainer dash of the Rekord. It was a traditional large saloon or estate with rear-wheel drive and a spacious, comfortable interior and was available in "L" trim only. Power came from a 2.0–litre carburettor petrol engine which gave reasonable performance, refinement and economy. There were some impressive options available, including central door locking, alloy wheels and electric windows, which in the late 1970s were relatively plush equipment on mainstream cars.

Relationship with other models

Lengthened, more powerful models, based on the Carlton and Rekord, were also available. Positioned directly above them was the Vauxhall Viceroy which also sold as the Opel Commodore, and above that the Opel Senator and Opel Monza (a coupé derivative) which also sold as the Vauxhall Royale and Vauxhall Royale Coupé, although the Opel versions, particularly of the coupé, were more common even in the UK.

Post-facelift Vauxhall Carlton Mark I saloon

Facelift

The introduction of the facelifted "E2" Opel Rekord for the 1983 model year, marked the convergence of both it and the Carlton. The update saw the disappearance of the droop snoot front, in favour of a more traditional (though still angled) grille shared with the Rekord. Both cars also shared the new dashboard moulding and redesigned interior. This also marked the end of UK sale of the Opel Rekord as the Opel brand was being phased out in the UK.

The 1983 facelift also saw the introduction of a wider engine range with the Family II engine from the Ascona/Cavalier in a 1.8 L carburettor form, whilst the older Opel CIH unit continued in the 2.0 L carburettor and 2.0 L fuel injection form. In 1984, a range topping 2.2 L CIH fuel injected petrol became available in the CD trim. A 2.3 L diesel version was also available . A wider range of trim levels consisting of "L", "GL" and "CD" were also introduced at this time. A 2.0 L fuel injection engine was introduced for the 1984 model year and was replaced by a 2.2 L fuel injection engine for 1985.

Mark II (1986–94)

1993 Mark II Carlton GL 2.0 i sedan

1992 Mark II 1.8 GL estate

Opel chose to name its 1986 replacement car in this segment Omega rather than Rekord. Vauxhall stayed with the Carlton name. On its launch at the end of 1986 the Vauxhall Carlton / Opel Omega saloon and estate range earned itself the accolade of European Car of the Year.

Relationship with other models

Again there was a lengthened version of the Carlton (and Omega), this time known in both Opel and Vauxhall forms by the same name: Senator.

Vauxhall scrapped the Carlton nameplate in early 1994, but the name of its Opel equivalent, the Omega, lived on, as it was applied to the Carlton's replacement. At which point the Vauxhall equivalent adopted the name change (a drive towards uniformity was taking place throughout the range) and so the Carlton's replacement was sold as the Vauxhall Omega.

Mark II engine line-up

All of the 4-cylinder engines available in the Carlton Mk II were the GM Family II units in 1.8L and 2.0L capacities. The Opel Omega A was offered with a large 2.4L Opel CIH engine in certain European markets, but this variant was never offered in the Carlton. New to the Carlton's line-up with the Mark II were two straight-6 engines with 2.6 and 3.0–litres. These were both 12-valve engines, again from the Opel CIH family, but later 3.0-liter models were offered with 24-valves, producing much more power and torque. As well, Vauxhall used the "Dual-Ram" intake manifold, which lets the car breathe as two separate three-cylinder engines below 4,000 rpm, but changes the intake manifold profile at 4000 rpm to increase the runner length, thus increasing total engine output.

In addition to the straight-6 engines there was a range of straight-4s. Starting with GMs popular 2-litre family 2 engine, the C20NE, with 115PS and 125lb.ft torque. There was also a 2.3 turbo diesel available with 100PS and 160lb.ft torque.

Special Lotus version

In 1990, Vauxhall launched a high performance 377 bhp (281 kW) Lotus Carlton in collaboration with Lotus Cars. (An Opel version was also produced as the Lotus Omega.) It was built with a 3615 cc six-cylinder twin-turbo engine (designated C36GET) capable of over 176 mph (283 km/h), making it officially (for the time) the fastest full four-seater that had ever been made. It cost £48,000 – well over double the price of a standard Carlton. As a result, Vauxhall's original plans to sell about 1,000 in the UK ended in 440 UK cars being sold. For those with less money there was the 3000GSi 24v, with a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h).

GSi 3000

GSi 24v

Prior to the Lotus tuned version, the range topper was the GSi 3000 upon which the Lotus Carlton was based. At launch in 1986 it had 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS) giving it a top speed of 134 mph (216 km/h). In 1990, power was increased by going from 12 valves to 24, resulting in 204 bhp (152 kW; 207 PS) which allowed 0-62 mph to be dispatched in 7.6 seconds and increased the top speed to 149 mph (240 km/h). It was also available with an Automatic gearbox, which reduced the top speed to 146 mph (235 km/h) and increased the 0–62 mph time to 8.6 seconds. All but 90 versions of the Carlton GSi were sold as saloons, with the Diamond estate version proving far less popular.

Guinness World Record

In June 1992 two teams from Horley Round Table, Surrey, UK, set a Guinness World Record time of 77 hours 34 minutes, driving a total 6,700 km across the then 12 EC countries in two Vauxhall Carlton 24V 3000 GSi's (J870 FFM and J751 DYC). The Carltons were provided by Vauxhall Motors and the record attempt was also supported by Mobil Oil and the Royal Automobile Club.

Survival rate

By February 2016, just 468 examples of the Carlton were still on Britain's roads, with most remaining examples believed to be the high performance 3000 GSi and Lotus versions of the MK2 model.