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LOTUS
OMEGA
The essence of what Lotus can achieve
HIGH PERFORMANCE SALOONCAR
The Lotus Omega is certainly a unique car. Known as the Lotus Carlton (in the UK marketplace), the Omega was produced in a special collaboration with General Motors – with the aim to create a four-door sedan that performed like a supercar. Conceived as a spiritual successor to the Lotus Cortina collaboration with Ford and made in limited numbers from 1990 to 1992, the Omega/Carlton’s success showcased the capabilities of both Lotus and GM, leaving a lasting legacy as an iconic performance sedan.
ABSOLUTE EXCLUSIVE
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A Lotus badge on a Vauxhall / Opel product had to be special, and the Omega / Carlton was just that: it was a world-beater in terms of economy, emissions, ride, handling, performance and dynamics.
THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
The Opel Omega / Vauxhall Carlton was selected as the base car for this Lotus-driven project. The aim was to turn this relatively conventional consumer car into a supercar-beating performance machine, while still retaining its everyday usability and comfort. The results speak for themselves. Known as the Lotus Omega and the Lotus Carlton in the UK, the upgraded car was a true performer. With its enlarged twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, modified suspension, and improved steering and brakes, the Omega rivalled any contemporary in terms of raw power and speed.
ONE OF A KIND
When it was released, the Lotus Omega claimed the title of the fastest production car in the world. Capable of a speeds of 283kph it was only ever available in one configuration and one colour – a specific shade of green ‘Imperial Green’.
A VERY SERIOUS MACHINE
Lotus focused on extracting the maximum performance and drive dynamics from the established Omega template. Under the leadership of the then Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley, Lotus focused on applying and adapting quintessential Lotus design and engineering principles to the existing framework. In terms of design, the exterior changes to the existing Omega were relatively subtle. The car featured a discreet body kit – including a new front grille, flared wheel arches, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. These changes enhanced the car's aerodynamics – giving it a sporty yet understated profile.
PERFORMANCE UPGRADES
The most significant changes were made to the engine and suspension. The Lotus team extensively reworked the existing straight-six engine. By increasing both the bore and stroke of the existing engine, capacity was increased to 3.6-litres; a new cylinder head and twin turbos and intercoolers taking the unit’s output from 204bhp and 199lb of torque to a quite staggering 377bhp at 5,200rpm and 419lb of torque at 4,200rpm.