Vauxhall Carlton II (A) gallery (1986–1994)
An aerodynamic rear-wheel-drive saloon and estate based on the award-winning Opel Omega A.
The second-generation Vauxhall Carlton arrived in 1986 as the UK-market counterpart to the Opel Omega A, winning the 1987 European Car of the Year award. Engineered on the GM V-body architecture, it introduced sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension and exceptional aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.28. Engine offerings included 1.8 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol units, smooth 2.6 and 3.0-litre inline-sixes producing up to 204 hp in the GSi 3000, and 2.3-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesels. In 1990, the iconic Lotus Carlton was launched, powered by a twin-turbo 3.6-litre straight-six generating 377 hp linked to a Corvette ZR-1 six-speed manual gearbox. A facelift in late 1990 brought revised front styling, smoke-tinted light clusters, body-coloured mouldings, and upgraded cabin equipment before the Carlton was officially replaced by the Vauxhall Omega in 1994.
