Lotus Carlton I (Type 104) gallery (1990–1992)
High-performance sports saloon developed by Lotus on the Vauxhall Carlton and Opel Omega A platform.
The Lotus Carlton (internal factory code Type 104, marketed as the Lotus Omega across mainland Europe) entered production in 1990 as a radical high-performance variant of the Vauxhall Carlton / Opel Omega A executive saloon. Based on a reinforced GM V-body rear-wheel-drive platform, the vehicle underwent extensive re-engineering at the Lotus factory in Hethel. Lotus heavily modified the standard Opel 3.0-litre 24-valve inline-six engine, expanding its displacement to 3.6 litres (3,615 cc), adding Mahle forged pistons, a strengthened crankshaft, and twin Garrett T25 turbochargers with a liquid-to-air intercooler. This powertrain produced an astonishing 377 hp and 568 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of over 176 mph (283 km/h), making it the fastest production saloon in the world at the time. Power was routed through a 6-speed ZF manual gearbox sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 and a mechanical limited-slip differential borrowed from the Holden Commodore V8. The chassis featured a revised multi-link rear suspension with self-levelling dampers, AP Racing ventilated disc brakes with 4-piston calipers, bespoke Goodyear Eagle tyres, and an aggressive aerodynamic widebody kit. Available strictly as a saloon in Imperial Green paint, total production reached 950 units before ceasing in 1992.
