1. Omega A (1986–1993)
    Development  Engines  Notable trim levels and special variants  Omega Diamant  Omega 3000  Omega Evolution 500  Lotus Omega 

2. Omega B1 (1994–1999)
    Engines 

3. Omega B2 (1999–2003)
    Engines 

4. Omega V8 (prototypes)
    Omega V8.com  Omega V8 

5. Worldwide markets
    End of the Omega 

6. References

(E-segment)

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 The first generation, the Omega A (1986–1993), superseded the Opel Rekord, was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, and was available as a saloon or estate.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. Reengineered versions were manufactured in Australia since 1988 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 reengineered versions that carried on until 2006 as a sedan and 2007 in other guises. After vacating the executive car segment, Opel tried to fill the market void with "expensive" versions of the then existing Vectra and Signum ranges. In the United Kingdom, Vauxhall reentered the market segment in 2007 with the VXR8.

Omega A (1986–1993)

Development

The original Omega went into production in September 1986, as a replacement for the final version of 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 two billion Deutschmarks. The UK market version of the final generation of Rekord had been marketed as the Vauxhall Carlton, and this nameplate was retained for the new car.

Late in 1986, it was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, ahead of the highly-acclaimed new versions of the Audi 80 and BMW 7 Series.^[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.

Engines

All the 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, the car was sold as the Chevrolet Omega and powered by 2.0 L I4 (C20NE and C20YE) or 3.0 L I6 (C30NE) Opel engines until 1994. Since the discontinuation of the Omega A in Germany, General Motors do Brasil needed new engines to continue production and the 2.0 L I4 was replaced by 2.2 L I4 engine (C22NE) ({{convert|116|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|197|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}}), and the 3.0 L I6 was replaced by 4.1 L (250ci) Chevrolet Straight-6 engine C41GE ({{convert|168|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|285|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}}), which was tuned by Lotus and equipped with multi port fuel injection. The Chevrolet Omega was produced until 1998.^[2][3][4]

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 year of 1991, 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.^[7]

Omega 3000

The Omega 3000 was the sports version of the Omega A model range. It featured a straight-6, 3.0 litre, twelve valve engine, which produced {{convert|177|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. 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 {{convert|220|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}, 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 {{convert|204|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, which increased top speed to {{convert|240|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}, 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 three litre straight-6 producing {{convert|230|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. The car accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and had a top speed of {{convert|249|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}.

The racing version used on the track had {{convert|380|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, accelerated to {{convert|100|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} in about 5 seconds, and could reach nearly {{convert|300|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}. It did not, however, achieve great success.^[6]{{clear}}

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 {{convert|377|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} high performance engine.

This Omega also inherited a larger differential from Holden's Commodore with a 45% LSD, whereas the gearbox was a six 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 {{convert|300|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}, 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 {{convert|250|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}. The {{convert|1663|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} car accelerated from 0–{{convert|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in 5.3 seconds, 0–{{convert|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in 11.5 seconds.^[7][8]

Omega B1 (1994–1999)

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 or 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

Omega B2 (1999–2003)

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).

• 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

In the end of 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 September 1999.^[11][12]

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.^[13]

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.^[14] A version of this platform was used for the Holden Monaro which was marketed in the United States as the fourth generation Pontiac GTO, and in the United Kingdom 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, reengineered 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 Commodore and 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 United Kingdom 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^[15] despite being slated in many reviews for heavy depreciation^[16] and unreliability.^[17][18] Omegas were a regular sight on United Kingdom roads, sporting police livery and as covert traffic surveillance cars.^[19] However, just four years after the introduction of its latest incarnation – Omega B2, and seventeen 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.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}}

Following the demise of its direct rivals, the Ford Scorpio and Rover 800, Opel/Vauxhall found themselves competing against BMW's 5 Series, with minimal sales success. Apart from the Australian reengineered 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. Remaining stocks of the car were sold into 2004.

Stories and photographs of a "new" successor appeared in the motoring press one 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.^[20] 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 {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}, there are only 16,283 Vauxhall Omegas left in the United Kingdom. 13,160 of them still taxed, while 3,123 are on SORNs.^[21]

References

• Fuente el fresno
• Fuente el Olmo de Fuentidueña
• Fuente el Olmo de Fuentidueña, Segovia
• Fuente el Olmo de Fuentidueña, Spain
• Fuente el Olmo de Íscar
• Fuente el Olmo de Íscar, Segovia
• Fuente el Olmo de Íscar, Spain
• Fuente el Saúz
• Fuente el sol
• Fuente el Sol
• Fuente Encalada
• Fuente Encalada, Spain
• Fuente Encalada, Zamora
• Fuenteguinaldo
• Fuentelahiguera de Albatages
• Fuentelahiguera de albatages
• Fuentelahiguera de Albatages, Guadalajara
• Fuentelahiguera de Albatages, Spain
• Fuente la Lancha
• Fuente la lancha
• Fuente la Lancha, Córdoba
• Fuente la Lancha, Spain
• Fuentelapeña
• Fuentelapeña, Spain
• Fuentelapeña, Zamora