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.
