Lotus reportedly considering Carlton comeback
December 31st, 1969
Lotus could be resurrecting the Carlton according to the CEO of Lotus Group, Mike Kimberley. The Lotus Carlton was a special version of the Vauxhall Carlton (Omega in mainland Europe) built during the early 90's. The base Carlton was a rather timid four-door sedan from General Motors, who owned both Vauxhall and Lotus at the time, but by the time Lotus got done with it, it was a giant-slayer.
Lotus took the Carlton, increased the engine displacement from 3.0L to 3.6L and added twin Garret T25 turbochargers to force-feed the mill. The result was a GM saloon with over 380hp (283kW), capable of hitting 60mph (96km/h) in 5.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 177mph (109km/h) - significantly faster than its German equivalents, the M5 and the Mercedes 500E, which were a second slower to 60mph.
A new Lotus Carlton, then, would be a significant departure from Lotus' current focus on lightweight sport-oriented models, and the British company is searching for a partner to recreate the iconic sports saloon. While Lotus hasn't mentioned any base cars in particular, Autocar points out that the Vauxhall Insignia is the modern equivalent of the Vauxhall Carlton and that its engine is conducive to tuning.
Vauxhall's already very impressive VXR8, based on the Aussie Holden Commodore, shares the same basic philosophy as the Carlton, though at an even greater amplitude. Perhaps the Lotus addition could find a niche in the Vauxhall lineup with a more moderate and mid-sized car like the Insignia.
Lotus is also considering expanding its activities in other directions as well. In addition to the Carlton, there are rumors of a new Esprit undergoing testing which could be powered by a 4.4L V8 from BMW. The company's recently unveiled Evora sports car is also expected to get a number of variants, including a more powerful 'S' version and a convertible variant to round out the lineup.
Lotus could be resurrecting the Carlton according to the CEO of Lotus Group, Mike Kimberley. The Lotus Carlton was a special version of the Vauxhall Carlton (Omega in mainland Europe) built during the early 90's. The base Carlton was a rather timid four-door sedan from General Motors, who owned both Vauxhall and Lotus at the time, but by the time Lotus got done with it, it was a giant-slayer.
Lotus took the Carlton, increased the engine displacement from 3.0L to 3.6L and added twin Garret T25 turbochargers to force-feed the mill. The result was a GM saloon with over 380hp (283kW), capable of hitting 60mph (96km/h) in 5.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 177mph (109km/h) - significantly faster than its German equivalents, the M5 and the Mercedes 500E, which were a second slower to 60mph.
A new Lotus Carlton, then, would be a significant departure from Lotus' current focus on lightweight sport-oriented models, and the British company is searching for a partner to recreate the iconic sports saloon. While Lotus hasn't mentioned any base cars in particular, Autocar points out that the Vauxhall Insignia is the modern equivalent of the Vauxhall Carlton and that its engine is conducive to tuning.
Vauxhall's already very impressive VXR8, based on the Aussie Holden Commodore, shares the same basic philosophy as the Carlton, though at an even greater amplitude. Perhaps the Lotus addition could find a niche in the Vauxhall lineup with a more moderate and mid-sized car like the Insignia.
Lotus is also considering expanding its activities in other directions as well. In addition to the Carlton, there are rumors of a new Esprit undergoing testing which could be powered by a 4.4L V8 from BMW. The company's recently unveiled Evora sports car is also expected to get a number of variants, including a more powerful 'S' version and a convertible variant to round out the lineup.
Lotus reportedly considering Carlton comeback
August 6th, 2008
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August 6th, 2008
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August 6th, 2008
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Lotus took the Carlton, increased the engine displacement from 3.0L to 3.6L and added twin Garret T25 turbochargers to force-feed the mill. The result was a GM saloon with over 380hp (283kW), capable of hitting 60mph (96km/h) in 5.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 177mph (109km/h) - significantly faster than its German equivalents, the M5 and the Mercedes 500E, which were a second slower to 60mph.
A new Lotus Carlton, then, would be a significant departure from Lotus' current focus on lightweight sport-oriented models, and the British company is searching for a partner to recreate the iconic sports saloon. While Lotus hasn't mentioned any base cars in particular, Autocar points out that the Vauxhall Insignia is the modern equivalent of the Vauxhall Carlton and that its engine is conducive to tuning.
Vauxhall's already very impressive VXR8, based on the Aussie Holden Commodore, shares the same basic philosophy as the Carlton, though at an even greater amplitude. Perhaps the Lotus addition could find a niche in the Vauxhall lineup with a more moderate and mid-sized car like the Insignia.
Lotus is also considering expanding its activities in other directions as well. In addition to the Carlton, there are rumors of a new Esprit undergoing testing which could be powered by a 4.4L V8 from BMW. The company's recently unveiled Evora sports car is also expected to get a number of variants, including a more powerful 'S' version and a convertible variant to round out the lineup.
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Comments (5 total)
Meet the top commenters on the LeaderboardBy Tim65 #1, Posted: 8/7/2008
The Carlton was what we dreamed of. A wolf in sheep's clothing. A modern version in the Insignia might be he thing GM Europe needs.
By vb #2, Posted: 8/7/2008
Wait a minute, 177mph is about 280km/h ( not 109 of course). That's FAST!
By Tony #3, Posted: 8/7/2008
One little thing -- the Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega sedan that the Lotus Carton was based on, was a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The Insignia's front-driven. The Lotus Carlton was a BMW-slayer; an Insignia-based Lotus sedan will be similar to a high-end Audi or Alfa at best, with some handling compromise. It'll certainly need AWD.
By Roy #4, Posted: 8/7/2008
The thing which all the car magazines raved about at the time was the dramatically improved handling. At the time, Lotus was little more than a chassis tuner. They'd just made the Elan, which was a glorified turbo-charged Isuzu in a killer body, but a combination of mediocre quality and poor financing left GM wondering what to do with Lotus. The press raved about the Lotus Carlton, but it really looked like busy work to make sure Lotus didn't lose its touch. This ramble brings me to wonder why Lotus is thinking about doing this sort of thing again? Doesn't it dilute the brand? At exactly the time when no-one is buying the two existing front-engined V8 monsters that GM already makes? I don't get it, GM. You've shown us what Lotus is good at and it's not this.
By paul lewis #5, Posted: 9/15/2008
bring it back.
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