Chevrolet Omega

Chevrolet Omega
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors do Brasil (1992-1998) Holden (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 General Motors do Brasil 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 GM imported badge engineered versions of the Holden Commodore from Australia.

Omega A

Omega A
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 L four-cylinder (GLS and GL trim) and 3.0 L six-cylinder (CD trim). From 1995, following the discontinuation of Omega A in Germany, the engines were upgraded to a 2.2 L 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.

Omega B

Omega B
Overview
Also called	Holden Calais (VT, VX, VY, VZ) Chevrolet Lumina
Production	1999–2003
Assembly	Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
Platform	FR GM V platform
Related	Pontiac GTO

2000–2002 Chevrolet Omega

In 1999, with the Chevrolet Omega B, General Motors ceased local production in favour of importing a badge engineered version of the Holden Calais, with subsequent model changes mirroring those of the Australian counterpart. The original Omega B was equipped with the 3.8 L Buick V6 engine, developing 207 PS (152 kW), but the 2005 update received a new 3.6 L Alloytec V6. The second generation Omegas were only offered as a four-door sedan (the Commodore also had wagon and pickup variants), and identical Australian-made left-hand drive models were also exported as the Chevrolet Lumina.

Omega C

Omega C
Overview
Also called	Holden VZ Berlina Chevrolet Lumina
Production	2004–2006
Assembly	Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
Platform	FR GM V platform
Powertrain
Engine	3.6 L Alloytec V6
Transmission	4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic

Released in August 2004, the car debuted a new generation of 175 and 190 kilowatt (kW) (235 and 255 hp) 3.6 litre (L) Alloytec V6 engines in place of the older 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 engines. These new Alloytec DOHC engines have carried on through to the Omega which was released in August 2006. A new 5L40-E 5-speed automatic transmission sourced from General Motors was introduced on the sports and luxury V6 variants.

Omega D

Omega D
Overview
Also called	Holden VE Berlina 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 fourth generation Chevrolet Omega D, General Motors again looked to Holden for the new model. The Omega D launched in mid-2007 is little more than a rebadged Holden VE Berlina, a member of the Commodore family. It was available with the 3.6 L Alloytec engine.^[6] Due to the global financial crisis, imports ceased in 2008.^[7] The Omega was revived in 2010, and once again, the engine is different from the official Holden vehicles unfortunately production soon ended after this short run and after 2011 no Holden VE Commodore had set afoot to Brazil again.^[8]

Omega (facelift)

After the Omega was discontinued in 2008, the Omega was re-released in September 2010. The first 600 exports of the new model will be called the "Omega Fittipaldi Edition", named after Brazilian motorsport legend Emerson Fittipaldi. The new model has much the same specification level as the Holden Calais. The Omega has a specially tuned suspension to handle the poor quality roads often found in Brazil. This updated model carries over much of the same updates as the Holden VE Series II Commodore had, including the new Holden IQ audio system but soon ended as Holden said that Holdens which are rebadged as Chevrolets will be sold outside of Brazil.^[9]

References