Chevrolet Omega

Last updated

Chevrolet Omega
PR comboio.jpg
Chevrolet Omega B (VX)
in a Brazilian presidential convoy
Overview
Manufacturer Chevrolet (General Motors) (1992–1998)
Holden (General Motors) (1998–2008, 2010–2011)
Production1992–2008
2010–2011
Body and chassis
Class Executive car
Chronology
Predecessor Chevrolet Opala

The Chevrolet Omega is an executive car sold by Chevrolet for the Brazilian market. Replacing the Chevrolet Opala, which was a development of the Opel Rekord C, the original Chevrolet Omega was based on the Opel Omega A and built locally between 1992 and 1998. After 1999, local production ceased, and General Motors do Brasil imported badge engineered versions of the Holden Commodore from Australia.

Contents

Omega A

Omega A
Opel Omega A front 20090430.jpg
Opel Omega A on which the Chevrolet Omega A is based
Overview
Also called Opel Omega
Vauxhall Carlton
Production1992–1998
AssemblyBrazil: São Caetano do Sul
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Platform FR GM V platform
Powertrain
Transmission 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,730 mm (107.5 in)
Length4,687 mm (184.5 in),
4,730 mm (186.2 in) (Suprema)
Width1,772 mm (69.8 in)
Height1,445 mm (56.9 in),
1,480 mm (58.3 in) (Suprema)
Curb weight 1,150 kg (2,535 lb)

Based on the Opel Omega A, the Chevrolet Omega A debuted in Brazil in 1992 with a choice of two engines—a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (GLS and GL trim) and 3.0-liter six-cylinder (CD trim). From 1995, following the discontinuation of Omega A in Germany, the engines were upgraded to a 2.2-liter four (GLS) and a 4.1 L (250 cu in) Chevrolet straight-six engine (CD) as used in the previous GM Opala albeit tuned by Lotus and with electronic multiport fuel injection added. [1] [2] [3] Both sedan and station wagon (called Omega Suprema) body styles were available. The station wagon shared the exact powertrain configuration and trim options with the sedan versions. Some funeral parlor owners chose the Omega Suprema as their preferred car for hearse-based modifications.

In addition to the bigger engines, suited to local gasoline quality, General Motors do Brasil had also deemed it necessary to beef up the suspension of the Omega to deal with Brazilian road conditions. [4] The CD version was offered the availability of the 4L30-E automatic transmission as an option.

Powertrain:
EngineCyl.PowerTorqueNotes [5]
C20NE 2.0 I4 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft)MY 1992–1995
2.2 I4 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp)197 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft)MY 1995–1998
3.0 I6 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp)230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft)MY 1992–1995
4.1 (250) I6 168 PS (124 kW; 166 hp)285 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft)MY 1995–1998

Omega B

Omega B
PR comboio.jpg
Overview
Also called Holden Calais (VT, VX, VY)
Holden Berlina (VZ)
Chevrolet Lumina
Production1998–2006
Assembly Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Platform FR GM V platform
Powertrain
Engine 3.8 L Ecotec V6 (1998–2005)
3.6 L Alloytec V6 (2005–2006)
Transmission 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic
2000-2001 Holden VX Calais sedan 01.jpg
2002 Holden Calais (VY) sedan (2010-11-04).jpg
2004 Holden Berlina (VZ) sedan (2016-01-04) 01.jpg
VX, VY and VZ Holdens on which the equivalent Omega B are based
Did it rain last night%3F (3977887500).jpg
The Chevrolet Lumina has the most close styling to the Chevrolet Omega
2000-2001 Holden VX Calais sedan 04.jpg
Chevrolet Lumina LS.JPG
VX rear end styling: top as used on Australian luxury models and bottom as used on export Chevrolets (Lumina shown)


In October 1998, with the Chevrolet Omega B, General Motors do Brasil ceased local production in favor of a rebadged version of the Holden Calais (VT) sedan imported from Australia [6] [7] [8] (as would be the case for Middle East bound models, instead badged Chevrolet Lumina).

The Brazilian model sold in a single "CD" specification, based on the Holden Calais powered by the Ecotec 3.8-liter V6 engine developing 200 PS (150 kW). [9] The VT II model came to Brazil in December 1999. [10]

On 18 May 2001, GM announced that the Omega CD would now be based on the VX Calais, designed and manufactured in Australia. [11] [12] [13] Although based on the Holden Calais, the Brazilian model instead featured the trunk lid from VX series base models (whose tail lamps did not extend into the trunk lid).

The next update was announced by GM on 28 April 2003, with the Omega CD now based on the VY Calais, [7] again in a single "CD" specification. [14]

GM announced a final update of Omega B on 9 March 2005, now based on the Holden VZ series, [15] powered by the new 3.6-liter Alloytec V6 engine. It was again sold in a single "CD" specification-specification CD model, this time based on the VZ Berlina with some extra equipment from the VZ Calais. [16] [17] Sales ended in 2007 with the arrival of the new Omega C.

Omega C

Omega C
2009 Holden Berlina (VE MY09.5) sedan (2015-05-29) 01.jpg
Holden Berlina (VE) on which the Chevrolet Omega C is based
Overview
Also called Holden Berlina (VE)
Chevrolet Lumina
Pontiac G8
Production2007–2008
2010–2011
Assembly Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
Platform FR GM Zeta platform
Powertrain
Engine 3.6 L Alloytec V6
Transmission 4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic

For the third generation Chevrolet Omega C, General Motors again looked to Holden. The new model was announced on 4 July 2007, [18] was now based on a rebadged Holden Berlina (VE). It was again powered by the 3.6-liter Alloytec V6 engine. [19] Due to the global financial crisis, imports ceased in 2008. [20]

Facelift

The Omega was re-released in September 2010. The first 600 models were sold as the "Omega Fittipaldi Edition", named after the homonymous 1970s Brazilian Formula One World Champion. The new Omega's specifications now reflected those of the Australian Holden Calais (VE Series II), except for specially tuned suspension settings for Brazil's road conditions. [21] Imports ceased after 2011 with no further Holden-based products being sold in Brazil since. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore</span> Car model from Holden

The Holden Commodore is a full-size car that was sold by Holden from 1978 to 2020. It was manufactured from 1978 to 2017 in Australia and from 1979 to 1990 in New Zealand, with production of the locally manufactured versions in Australia ending on 20 October 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Opel Omega</span> Executive car engineered and manufactured by Opel

The Opel Omega is an executive car engineered and manufactured by German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2004. The first generation, the Omega A (1986–1994), superseded the Opel Rekord. It 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 1994 to 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bitter Automotive</span> German Premium sports-luxury automobile marque.

Erich Bitter Automobil GmbH (Bitter) is a premium sports-luxury automobile marque produced in Germany and later Austria. Founder Erich Bitter (1933-2023), a then retired racing driver turned automobile tuner, importer and ultimately designer began crafting his own vehicles after business ventures with Italian manufacturer Intermeccanica ended.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daewoo Lacetti</span> Compact car

The Daewoo Lacetti is a compact car manufactured and marketed globally by GM Korea since 2002. The first-generation Lacetti was available as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon, styled by Pininfarina—and five-door hatchback styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The sedan and wagon were marketed as the Daewoo Nubira in some European markets and as the Suzuki Forenza in North America. The hatchback, was introduced in 2004 and marketed as Daewoo Lacetti5 in South Korea, Suzuki Reno in the United States. After the 2004 model year, it was marketed as Chevrolet Nubira and Lacetti in Europe, as the Chevrolet Optra in Canada, Latin America, Africa, Middle East, India, Japan and Southeast Asia, and as the Holden Viva in Australia and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Opala</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Opala is a Brazilian mid-size car sold under the Chevrolet brand in South America from 1969 to 1992, by General Motors do Brasil. It was derived from the German Opel Rekord Series C, Opel Commodore Series A, but used local design styling and engines derived from North American designs. GM manufactured about one million units including the Opala sedan, Opala Coupé, and the station wagon variant, the Opala Caravan. It was replaced by the Chevrolet Omega in 1992, also an Opel spinoff. It was the first passenger car built by GM in Brazil by the General Motors do Brasil division. A luxury version of the Opala was marketed as the Chevrolet Diplomata.

The 6L50 is a 6-speed longitudinally-mounted automatic transmission produced by General Motors. It is very similar in design to the larger 6L80/6L90, and is produced at GM Powertrain plants in Toledo, Ohio; Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico; and by the independent Punch Powerglide company in Strasbourg, France. This transmission features clutch to clutch shifting, eliminating the bands used on older transmission designs. The 6L50 debuted for the 2007 model year on the V8-powered versions of the Cadillac STS sedan and Cadillac SRX crossover, and replaces the 5L40-E and 5L50 in GM's lineup. The 6L45 version is used in certain BMW vehicles and the Cadillac ATS, as part of either rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive powertrains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GM Family II engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Family II is a straight-4 piston engine that was originally developed by Opel in the 1970s, debuting in 1981. Available in a wide range of cubic capacities ranging from 1598 to 2405 cc, it simultaneously replaced the Opel CIH and Vauxhall Slant-4 engines, and was GM Europe's core mid-sized powerplant design for much of the 1980s, and provided the basis for the later Ecotec series of engines in the 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VE)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VE) is an executive car that was produced by Holden from 2006 to 2013. It was the first iteration of the fourth generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VE) and Holden Calais (VE); utility models were included as the Holden Ute (VE).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VY)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VY) is an executive car that was produced by Holden from 2002 to 2004. It was the third iteration of the third generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VY) and Holden Calais (VY); commercial versions were called the Holden One Tonner (VY), Holden Ute (VY), and Holden Crewman (VY). In 2003, the range also saw the introduction of the first Commodore-based all-wheel drive variants, including the Holden Adventra (VY) wagon.

General Motors New Zealand Limited, is a subsidiary of General Motors that distributes GM' motor vehicles, engines, components and parts in New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VT)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VT) is an executive car that was produced by Holden from 1997 to 2000. It was the first iteration of the third generation of the Commodore and the last one to be powered by a locally made V8 engine (1998). Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VT) and Holden Calais (VT) but not a new generation utility version.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VX)</span> Motor vehicle

The Holden Commodore (VX) is an executive car that was produced by Holden from 2000 to 2002. It was the second iteration of the third generation of the Commodore. Its range included the luxury variants, Holden Berlina (VX) and Holden Calais (VX), and it formed the basis for a new generation Holden Ute (VU) coupé utility and Holden Monaro (V2) coupé.

General Motors do Brasil is the largest subsidiary of General Motors in South America, one of the oldest and largest car producers in Brazil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Cruze</span> Compact car

The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car that has been produced by General Motors since 2008. It was designated as a globally developed, designed, and manufactured four-door compact sedan, complemented by a five-door hatchback body variant from 2011, and a station wagon in 2012. During its introduction, the Cruze replaces several compact models, including the Chevrolet Optra which was sold internationally under various names, the Chevrolet Cobalt sold exclusively in North America, and the Australasian-market Holden Astra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automotive industry in Brazil</span> Overview of the automotive industry in Brazil

The Brazilian automotive industry is coordinated by the Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Anfavea), created in 1956, which includes automakers with factories in Brazil. Anfavea is part of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), based in Paris. In 2021, the annual production exceeded 2.2 million vehicles, the 8th largest in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holden Commodore (VF)</span> Car

The Holden Commodore (VF) is an executive car that was produced by Holden between June 2013 and October 2017. It was the second and last significantly restyled iteration of the fourth (and final) generation of the Holden Commodore to be manufactured in Australia. Its range included the sedan and station wagon variants that sold under the luxury Holden Calais (VF) nameplate. Also available was the commercial utility variant that sold under the Holden Ute (VF) nameplate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Spin</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Spin is a mini MPV produced by General Motors under the Chevrolet marque. Developed by GM do Brasil, the vehicle replaced the Meriva and Zafira in South America with an option of two-row and three-row seating. It is produced in Brazil since 2012 and has been exported throughout the South American region. Between 2013 and 2015, GM Indonesia assembled the vehicle for the Southeast Asian market at its Bekasi plant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Onix</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Onix is a subcompact car launched by American automaker Chevrolet in Brazil at the 2012 São Paulo International Motor Show and the second generation in China at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. In Brazil, it was launched to replace the Chevrolet Corsa and some versions of the Chevrolet Celta. Mainly produced in General Motors Brazil’s plants in Gravataí and São Caetano do Sul, the Onix is a five-door hatchback. A sedan version is sold as the Chevrolet Onix Plus in Brazil, and as the Onix sedan in Colombia. The Onix has also been produced in Uzbekistan since 2022 by UzAuto Motors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Tracker (2019)</span> Subcompact crossover SUV

The Chevrolet Tracker is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors since 2019. Positioned as a successor to the Trax, it is produced in Brazil and Argentina for the Latin American market, and in China by SAIC-GM for the Chinese market. Despite the use of the Tracker name, the Tracker is not related to the model sold in North America as a rebadged Suzuki Escudo from the 1990s to the 2000s.

References

  1. Chevrolet Omega, the last 250 at Hemmings Blog: Classic and collectible cars and parts
  2. Chevrolet Omega 2.2 GLS specifications
  3. Chevrolet Omega 4.1 CD specifications
  4. Humphrey, John; Salerno, Mario, "Globalisation and assembler-supplier relations: Brazil and India" (PDF), Actes du GERPISA, São Paulo, Sussex: 52
  5. Chevrolet Omega series – technical specifications of Chevrolet Omega cars
  6. Davi, Susete (18 March 1999). "Omega: líder absoluto de vendas" [Omega: absolute leader in sales] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil . Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  7. 1 2 "Chevrolet Omega CD" (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 28 April 2003. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  8. "Novo Omega chega importado da Austrália" [New Omega comes imported from Australia]. AN Veículos (in Portuguese). 26 October 1998. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  9. Meneghim, Luís (6 December 1998). "Omega". AN Veículos (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 18 January 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  10. Davi, Susete (1 December 1999). "Chegou o Chevrolet Omega 2000" [The 2000 Chevrolet Omega has arrived] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  11. Davi, Susete (18 May 2001). "Novo Chevrolet Omega 2001: reestilização e mais tecnologia" [New Chevrolet Omega 2001: restyling and more technology] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  12. Guerrero, Luiz (July 2001). "Chevrolet Omega". Quatro Rodas (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  13. Davi, Susete (1 October 2001). "Omega 2001: liderança absoluta" [Omega 2001: absolute leadership] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil . Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  14. "Holden Reaches Golden Milestone With 50 Years of Exports" (Press release). Melbourne: Holden. 9 November 2004. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  15. "Chevrolet Omega 2005 muito mais potência e luxo" [Chevrolet Omega 2005 more power and luxury] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 9 March 2005. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  16. "Flagships star in GM Holden's export record". Next Car. 1 February 2006. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  17. "2006 Best Ever Year For Holden in Middle East". Next Car. 4 February 2007. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  18. "GM do Brasil lança nova geraçăo do sofisticado automóvel Chevrolet Omega" [GM do Brasil launches new generation of the sophisticated Chevrolet Omega automobile] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 4 July 2007. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  19. Pettendy, Marton (5 July 2007). "Commodore goes to Rio". John Mellor Pty Ltd. Archived from the original on 5 September 2008. Retrieved 6 July 2007.
  20. Mathioudakis, Bryon (31 August 2010). "Commodore returns to Brazil". John Mellor Pty Ltd. Archived from the original on 3 September 2010. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
  21. O'Kane, Tony (1 October 2010). "Holden Commodore Series II Exports To Brazil Announced". The Motor Report. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  22. "Holden loses another Commodore export deal". carsales.com.au. 14 November 2007. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2012.