While not exactly inline with Lotus‘ lightweight mantra, the 1990-92 Lotus Carlton / Omega was a giant giant-killer. Based on the family sedan Vauxhall Carlton, the car got a performance infusion thanks to Lotus, especially thanks to its twin-turbo inline-six tuned to make 377 horsepower along with 419lb-ft of torque. Now, Mike Kimberley, the CEO of Lotus Group, said he is interested in a successor to the car.
Kimberley said he “would like the company to build another car in the mould of the Lotus Carlton,” as per an Autocar report, which does not mean Lotus is anywhere near reaching a decision. As the Lotus Carlton was basically a modified version of an existing car from another manufacturer, a donor for the modern-day equivalent would have to be found as well.
Upping the power of modern day engines for a production car would be made more difficult because of the stricter emissions standards, although the new Vauxhall Insignia — or next-generation Saturn Aura here, if it ever comes to North America — would make a good candidate, with its 2.8-liter turbo V6 engine.
Lotus is no stranger to making higher performance versions of other cars or otherwise upping their performance. Apart from the Carlton, it created the 1979 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus and has graced the Asuna Sunfire and Isuzu i-mark and Piazza with ‘Handling by Lotus’ badges on its flanks and a suspension upgrade.
Similar rumors were made waves nearly two years ago.
08/06, 2:22 PM
posted by:
441Zuke
eesshh … front wheel drive? is that the best you can do?
08/06, 3:49 PM
posted by:
inline6
Lotus seems to be on a roll lately. Lots to be encouraged about with this underfunded British powerhouse.
The Insignia will probably be a great foundation. But 441, let’s not forget that Lotus have experience with FWD and making it work. Look at the 89-95 Elan.
I don’t see Lotus, the supreme authority on lightweight, simple designs, doing an Insignia with AWD. Perhaps Lotus should wait until the GM Beta RWD platform comes out under a Cadillac. THEN they can work their magic and brand it a Lotus or Vauxhall or whatever they want.
08/07, 7:23 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
The Lotus Carlton was amazing… Still costs a lot to buy nowadays.
However, if you want a big, quick GM sedan we have the aussies now and their Holdens!
Lotus should move on to something new…
Perhaps the Insignia would be good, but a Lotus-powered Mondeo would kick some booty.