Vauxhall Carlton Mk III Lotus 3.6 (377 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Vauxhall Carlton Mk:

The Vauxhall Carlton is a series of large family car/executive car sold in two distinct generations by the Vauxhall division of GM Europe between 1978 and 1994. The Carlton was based on the Opel Rekord E and Omega A.
With the exception of the pre-facelift Mk. 1 cars, most Carltons were manufactured by Opel in Rüsselsheim, and differed only from their Opel Rekord/Omega sisters in badging and trim.
It was replaced by the Omega B in 1994, mirroring the standardisation of model names across both GM Europe brands....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Overview:

Vauxhall Carlton Mk (III). With 568 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Lotus 3.6 (377 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Phenomenal, supercar-rivalling performance for a sedan, making it a legendary and highly sought-after model.

Fuel Economy

Extremely high fuel consumption, a significant running cost for this ultimate performance variant.

Best Use Case: Collector's item / Ultimate performance sedan

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for long journeys
  • • Wide range of engines, from economical diesels to high-performance petrols
  • • Rear-wheel-drive dynamics offer engaging handling for its class
  • • Generally robust and reliable mechanicals
  • • Good value for money on the used market

Cons:

  • • Styling became dated towards the end of its production run
  • • Prone to rust, especially in older models
  • • Some larger engines can be very thirsty
  • • Lack of modern safety features (common for its era)
  • • Interior plastics can feel utilitarian compared to premium rivals

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Estate: 1989 - 1994).

General:
Brand:Vauxhall
Model:Carlton Mk
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):Lotus 3.6 (377 Hp)
Start of production:1990
End of production:1992
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:377 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:104.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:568 Nm @ 4200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:C36GET More details about the engine C36GET
Engine displacement:3615
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Twin-Turbo, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:10.25 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:95 mm mm
Piston Stroke:85 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.2 sec
Space:
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:870 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:520 l
Fuel tank capacity:75 l
Size:
Length:4768 mm mm
Width:1812 mm mm
Height:1435 mm mm
Wheelbase:2730 mm mm
Width including mirrors:1933 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 235/45 R17
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 8.5J x 17
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

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