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.

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

2001–2003 Omega B (VX)
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
1998–1999 Omega B (VT I)
2003–2005 Omega C (VY)
2005–2007 Omega C (VZ)
2005–2007 Omega C (VZ)

In October 1998, with the Chevrolet Omega B, General Motors do Brasil ceased local production in favour of importing a rebadged version of the Holden Calais (VT) sedan imported from Australia.[6][7][8] Subsequent model changes mirrored those of the Australian counterpart.

The Brazilian model sold as a single-specification CD model, based on the Holden Calais automatic powered by the Ecotec 3.8-litre V6 engine developing 200 PS (150 kW).[9] The VT II model came to Brazil in December 1999.[10]

GM imported the Holden Calais (VX) as the Chevrolet Omega CD from 2001 to replace the VT-based Omega CD. This update was announced 18 May 2001.[11][12][13] The Omega, while based on the Calais specification, featured the boot lid from the more basic model VXs without the tail lamps extending into the boot lid.

General Motors do Brasil imported the Holden Calais (VY) from 2003 to replace the VX-based Omega. This update was announced 28 April 2003.[14] As with previous versions, the model range comprised the CD model only.[15] VY Omega sales ended in 2005 when replaced by the VZ-based model, as announced on 9 March 2005.[16]

The Brazilian Holden VZ-based model sold as a single-specification CD model, based on the Holden Berlina (VZ) with some additional Calais equipment.[17][18] VZ Omega sales officially ended in 2007 when replaced by the VE Berlina-based model, as announced on 4 July 2007.[19] The 2005 VZ-based update received a new 3.6-liter Alloytec V6 engine.

Omega C

Omega C

2007–2008 Omega C (VE)
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 third generation Chevrolet Omega C, General Motors again looked to Holden for the new model. The Omega C 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.[20] Due to the global financial crisis, imports ceased in 2008.[21] 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.[22]

Facelift

After the Omega was discontinued in 2008, the Omega was re-released in September 2010. The first 600 exports of the new model were 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.[23]

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 (1999-03-18). "Omega: líder absoluto de vendas" [Omega: absolute leader in sales] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  7. ↑ "Chevrolet Omega CD" (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 2003-04-28. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  8. ↑ "Novo Omega chega importado da Austrália" [New Omega comes imported from Australia]. AN Veículos (in Portuguese). 1998-10-26. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  9. ↑ Meneghim, Luís (1998-12-06). "Omega". AN Veículos (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  10. ↑ Davi, Susete (1999-12-01). "Chegou o Chevrolet Omega 2000" [The 2000 Chevrolet Omega has arrived] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  11. ↑ Davi, Susete (2001-05-18). "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 2014-12-19.
  12. ↑ Guerrero, Luiz (July 2001). "Chevrolet Omega". Quatro Rodas (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  13. ↑ Davi, Susete (2001-10-01). "Omega 2001: liderança absoluta" [Omega 2001: absolute leadership] (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  14. ↑ "Chevrolet Omega CD" (Press release) (in Portuguese). São Caetano do Sul: General Motors do Brasil. 2003-04-28. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  15. ↑ "Holden Reaches Golden Milestone With 50 Years Of Exports" (Press release). Melbourne: Holden. 2004-11-09. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  16. ↑ "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. 2005-03-09. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  17. ↑ "Flagships star in GM Holden's export record". Next Car. 2006-02-01. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  18. ↑ "2006 Best Ever Year For Holden In Middle East". Next Car. 2007-02-04. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  19. ↑ "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. 2007-07-04. Retrieved 2014-12-19.
  20. ↑ Pettendy, Marton (2007-07-05). "Commodore goes to Rio". John Mellor Pty Ltd. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
  21. ↑ Mathioudakis, Bryon (2010-08-31). "Commodore returns to Brazil". John Mellor Pty Ltd. Retrieved 2010-09-06.
  22. ↑ "Holden loses another Commodore export deal". carsales.com.au. 2007-11-14. Retrieved 2012-03-28.
  23. ↑ O'Kane, Tony (2010-10-01). "Holden Commodore Series II Exports To Brazil Announced". The Motor Report. Retrieved 2013-04-24.