Chevrolet Omega

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

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.

Omega A

Omega A

Opel Omega A on which the Chevrolet Omega A is based
Overview
Also called Opel Omega
Vauxhall Carlton
Production 1992–1998
Body and chassis
Platform FR GM 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 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 the preferred car for hearse-based modifications.

In addition to the bigger engines, suited to local petrol 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:
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

Omega B

Holden Calais (VT) on which the equivalent Chevrolet Omega B is based
Overview
Also called Holden Calais (VT, VX, VY
Holden Berlina (VZ)
Chevrolet Lumina
Production 1998–2006
Assembly Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
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
VX, VY and VZ Holdens on which the equivalent Omega B are based
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 favour 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 boot lid from VX series base models (whose tail lamps did not extend into the boot 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

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 Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
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]

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. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  8. "Novo Omega chega importado da Austrália" [New Omega comes imported from Australia]. AN Veículos (in Portuguese). 26 October 1998. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  9. Meneghim, Luís (6 December 1998). "Omega". AN Veículos (in Portuguese). 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. 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. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  12. Guerrero, Luiz (July 2001). "Chevrolet Omega". Quatro Rodas (in Portuguese). 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. 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. Retrieved 6 July 2007.
  20. Mathioudakis, Bryon (31 August 2010). "Commodore returns to Brazil". John Mellor Pty Ltd. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
  21. O'Kane, Tony (1 October 2010). "Holden Commodore Series II Exports To Brazil Announced". The Motor Report. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  22. "Holden loses another Commodore export deal". carsales.com.au. 14 November 2007. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
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