| Chevrolet Omega | |
|---|---|
Chevrolet Omega B (VX) in a Brazilian presidential convoy | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet (General Motors) (1992–1998) Holden (General Motors) (1998–2008, 2010–2011) |
| Production | 1992–2008 2010–2011 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Executive car |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet Opala |
TheChevrolet Omega is anexecutive car sold byChevrolet for theBrazilian market. Replacing theChevrolet Opala, which was a development of theOpel Rekord C, the original Chevrolet Omega was based on theOpel Omega A and built locally between 1992 and 1998. From 1998 to 2011, after local production ceased,General Motors do Brasil importedbadge engineered versions of theHolden Commodore from Australia.
| Omega A | |
|---|---|
Chevrolet Omega A | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Opel Omega Vauxhall Carlton |
| Production | 1992–1998 |
| Assembly | Brazil:São Caetano do Sul |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan 5-doorstation wagon |
| Platform | FRGM V platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm (107.5 in) |
| Length | 4,687 mm (184.5 in), 4,730 mm (186.2 in) (Suprema) |
| Width | 1,772 mm (69.8 in) |
| Height | 1,445 mm (56.9 in), 1,480 mm (58.3 in) (Suprema) |
| Curb weight | 1,150 kg (2,535 lb) |
Based on theOpel Omega A, the Chevrolet Omega A debuted inBrazil 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 byLotus and with electronic multiport fuel injection added.[1][2][3] Bothsedan andstation 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 the4L30-E automatic transmission as an option.
| Engine | Cyl. | Power | Torque | Notes[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 | |
|---|---|
Chevrolet Omega B (VY) | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Holden Calais (VT,VX,VY) Holden Berlina (VZ) Chevrolet Lumina |
| Production | 1998–2006 |
| Assembly | Australia:Adelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan |
| Platform | FRGM V platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8 LEcotecV6 (1998–2005) 3.6 LAlloytecV6 (2005–2006) |
| Transmission | 4-speedGM 4L60-Eautomatic |
In October 1998, with the Chevrolet Omega B,General Motors do Brasil ceased local production in favor of arebadged version of theHolden Calais (VT) sedan imported from Australia[6][7][8] (as would be the case for Middle East bound models, instead badgedChevrolet Lumina).
The Brazilian model sold in a single "CD" specification, based on the Holden Calais powered by theEcotec 3.8-liter V6 engine developing 148kw.[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 theVX 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 theVY Calais,[7] again in a single "CD" specification.[14]
GM announced a final update of Omega B on 9 March 2005, now based on theHolden VZ series,[15] powered by the new 3.6-literAlloytec V6 engine. It was again sold in a single "CD" specification, this time based on theVZ 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 | |
|---|---|
Holden Berlina (VE) on which the Chevrolet Omega C is based | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Holden Berlina (VE) Chevrolet Lumina Pontiac G8 |
| Production | 2007–2008 2010–2011 |
| Assembly | Australia:Adelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-doorsedan |
| Platform | FRGM Zeta platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.6 LAlloytecV6 |
| Transmission | 4-speedGM 4L60-Eautomatic |
For the third generation Chevrolet Omega C, General Motors again looked toHolden. The new model was announced on 4 July 2007,[18] was now based on a rebadgedHolden Berlina (VE). It was again powered by the 3.6-literAlloytec V6 engine.[19] Due to the2008 financial crisis, imports ceased in 2008.[20]
The Omega was re-introduced in September 2010.[21] The first 600 models were sold as the "Omega Fiitipaldi Edition", named after 1970s BrazilianFormula OneWorld ChampionEmerson Fittipaldi.[22] The new Omega's specifications now reflected those of the AustralianHolden Calais (VE Series II), except for specially tuned suspension settings for Brazil's road conditions.[23] The engine was modified to run onE25.[24][25] Imports ceased after 2011.[26][21]
| Year | Brazil |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 655[27] |
| 2004 | 806[28] |
| 2005 | 687[29] |
| 2006 | 562[30] |
| 2007 | 410[31] |
| 2008 | 860[32] |
| 2009 | 618[33] |
| 2010 | 1[34] |
| 2011 | 644[35] |
| 2012 | 360[36] |