Chevrolet Omega Explained

Chevrolet Omega
Manufacturer:Chevrolet (General Motors) (1992–1998)
Holden (General Motors) (1998–2008, 2010–2011)
Production:1992–2008
2010–2011
Predecessor:Chevrolet Opala
Class:Executive car

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.__TOC__

Omega A

Omega A
Aka:Opel Omega
Vauxhall Carlton
Production:1992–1998
Assembly:Brazil: São Caetano do Sul
Body Style:4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Platform:FR GM V platform
Transmission:5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase:2730mm
Length:4687mm,
4730mm (Suprema)
Width:1772mm
Height:1445mm,
1480mm (Suprema)
Weight:1150kg (2,540lb)

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 4.1-1NaN-1 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 their preferred car for hearse-based modifications.

In addition to the bigger engines, suited to local gasoline quality, General Motors do Brasil had also deemed it necessary to beef up the suspension of the Omega to deal with Brazilian road conditions. The CD version was offered the availability of the 4L30-E automatic transmission as an option.

Cyl. Power Torque Notes[4]
C20NE 2.0 1160NaN0 1700NaN0 MY 1992–1995
2.2 1160NaN0 1970NaN0 MY 1995–1998
1650NaN0 2300NaN0 MY 1992–1995
1680NaN0 2850NaN0 MY 1995–1998

Omega B

Omega B
Aka:Holden Calais (VT, VX, VY)
Holden Berlina (VZ)
Chevrolet Lumina
Production:1998–2006
Assembly:Elizabeth, South Australia
Body Style:4-door sedan
Platform:FR GM V platform
Engine:3.8 L Ecotec V6 (1998–2005)
3.6 L Alloytec V6 (2005–2006)
Transmission:4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic

In October 1998, with the Chevrolet Omega B, General Motors do Brasil ceased local production in favor of a rebadged version of the Holden Calais (VT) sedan imported from Australia[5] [6] [7] (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 200PS.[8] The VT II model came to Brazil in December 1999.[9]

On 18 May 2001, GM announced that the Omega CD would now be based on the VX Calais, designed and manufactured in Australia.[10] [11] [12] Although based on the Holden Calais, the Brazilian model instead featured the trunk lid from VX series base models (whose tail lamps did not extend into the trunk lid).

The next update was announced by GM on 28 April 2003, with the Omega CD now based on the VY Calais,[6] again in a single "CD" specification.[13]

GM announced a final update of Omega B on 9 March 2005, now based on the Holden VZ series,[14] 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.[15] [16] Sales ended in 2007 with the arrival of the new Omega C.

Omega C

Omega C
Aka:Holden Berlina (VE)
Chevrolet Lumina
Pontiac G8
Production:2007–2008
2010–2011
Assembly:Elizabeth, South Australia
Body Style:4-door sedan
Platform:FR GM Zeta platform
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,[17] was now based on a rebadged Holden Berlina (VE). It was again powered by the 3.6-liter Alloytec V6 engine.[18] Due to the global financial crisis, imports ceased in 2008.[19]

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.[20] Imports ceased after 2011 with no further Holden-based products being sold in Brazil since.[21]

Sales

YearBrazil
2003655[22]
2004806[23]
2005687[24]
2006562[25]
2007410[26]
2008860[27]
2009618[28]
20101[29]
2011644[30]
2012360[31]

Notes and References

  1. http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2010/02/25/chevrolet-omega-the-last-250/ Chevrolet Omega, the last 250 at Hemmings Blog: Classic and collectible cars and parts
  2. http://carinfo.autold.com/car-chevrolet_omega-22-gls.html Chevrolet Omega 2.2 GLS specifications
  3. http://carinfo.autold.com/car-chevrolet_omega-41-cd.html Chevrolet Omega 4.1 CD specifications
  4. http://carspector.com/marque/chevrolet/Omega/ Chevrolet Omega series – technical specifications of Chevrolet Omega cars
  5. Davi . Susete . Omega: líder absoluto de vendas . Omega: absolute leader in sales . pt . . . 18 March 1999 . 19 December 2014.
  6. Chevrolet Omega CD . pt . . . 28 April 2003 . 19 December 2014 . 26 October 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111026233130/https://archives.media.gm.com/division/brazil/news/press/2003/abr/pr28042003.htm . dead .
  7. Web site: Novo Omega chega importado da Austrália . New Omega comes imported from Australia . pt . AN Veículos . 26 October 1998 . 19 December 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141219152003/http://www1.an.com.br/1998/out/26/0vei.htm . 19 December 2014 . dmy-all .
  8. Web site: Meneghim . Luís . Omega . pt . AN Veículos . 6 December 1998 . 19 December 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160118231003/http://www1.an.com.br/1998/dez/06/0vei.htm . 18 January 2016 . dmy-all .
  9. Davi . Susete . Chegou o Chevrolet Omega 2000 . The 2000 Chevrolet Omega has arrived . pt . . . 1 December 1999 . 19 December 2014 . 26 October 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111026235022/https://archives.media.gm.com/division/brazil/news/press/1999/dez/pr01121999.html . dead .
  10. Davi . Susete . Novo Chevrolet Omega 2001: reestilização e mais tecnologia . New Chevrolet Omega 2001: restyling and more technology . pt . . . 18 May 2001 . 19 December 2014 . 26 October 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111026234103/https://archives.media.gm.com/division/brazil/news/press/2001/mai/pr18052001.html . dead .
  11. Web site: Guerrero . Luiz . Chevrolet Omega . pt . . July 2001 . 19 December 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141224043417/http://quatrorodas.abril.com.br/carros/impressoes/conteudo_142901.shtml . 24 December 2014 . dmy-all .
  12. Davi . Susete . Omega 2001: liderança absoluta . Omega 2001: absolute leadership . pt . . . 1 October 2001 . 19 December 2014.
  13. Holden Reaches Golden Milestone With 50 Years of Exports . Melbourne . . 9 November 2004 . 19 December 2014.
  14. Chevrolet Omega 2005 muito mais potência e luxo . Chevrolet Omega 2005 more power and luxury . pt . . . 9 March 2005 . 19 December 2014 . 26 October 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111026232817/https://archives.media.gm.com/archive/documents/domain_73/docId_13028_pr.html . dead .
  15. Web site: Flagships star in GM Holden's export record . Next Car . 1 February 2006 . 19 December 2014.
  16. Web site: 2006 Best Ever Year For Holden in Middle East . Next Car . 4 February 2007 . 19 December 2014.
  17. GM do Brasil lança nova geraçăo do sofisticado automóvel Chevrolet Omega . GM do Brasil launches new generation of the sophisticated Chevrolet Omega automobile . pt . . . 4 July 2007 . 19 December 2014.
  18. Web site: Pettendy . Marton . 5 July 2007 . Commodore goes to Rio . John Mellor Pty Ltd . 6 July 2007 . 5 September 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080905115413/http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/E9AB3A07C912C8B5CA25730F002176DB . dead .
  19. Web site: Mathioudakis . Bryon . 31 August 2010 . Commodore returns to Brazil . John Mellor Pty Ltd . 6 September 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100903151613/http://goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/20AE7EEB8B7D801CCA25778F0081487A# . 3 September 2010 . dead . dmy-all .
  20. Web site: Holden Commodore Series II Exports To Brazil Announced . The Motor Report . Tony . O'Kane . 1 October 2010 . 24 April 2013 . 13 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140413144111/http://www.themotorreport.com.au/50768/holden-commodore-series-ii-exports-to-brazil-announced . dead .
  21. Web site: Holden loses another Commodore export deal . carsales.com.au . 14 November 2007 . 28 March 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225854/http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2011/medium-passenger/holden/commodore/holden-loses-another-commodore-export-deal-27621 . 2 December 2013 . dmy-all .
  22. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2003 . 2024-04-21 . Fenabrave.
  23. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2004 . 2024-04-21 . Fenabrave.
  24. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2005 . 2024-04-21 . Fenabrave.
  25. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2006 . 2024-04-21 . Fenabrave.
  26. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2007 . 2024-04-21 . Fenabrave.
  27. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2008 . 2024-04-21 . AUTOO.
  28. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2009 . 2024-04-21 . AUTOO.
  29. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2010 . 2024-04-21 . AUTOO.
  30. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2011 . 2024-04-21 . AUTOO.
  31. Web site: 2022-02-03 . Carros mais vendidos do Brasil em 2012 . 2024-04-21 . AUTOO.