The first generation of the train ship, named Opel Omega , was first launched in 1986 and was designated by the letter A. In the 1990s (after the end of production of the Opel Senator ), the first generation was the largest and most luxurious model of the brand. In the best version, it could boldly compete with, for example, the Audi A6 or the Alfa Romeo 164 .
In continental Europe, both generations were sold under the Opel Omega name, in the UK as the Vauxhal Omega , and in the US as the Cadillac Cartera. Both the first and second versions underwent a facelift in their lifetime (version A in 1990 and version B in 1999).
A bit of history
It all starts in April 1994, when the new generation of Omega came on the market, designated by the letter B. Compared to the previous version, it was more rounded and looked even more like a car for businessmen or families. It also brought some new engines, but the technical basis remained the same until the facelift. Fortunately, the concept of the car has been preserved. As with the older version, the engine was in the front and the rear wheels were driven. Quite an interesting solution that allowed models with more powerful engines to experience something that only drivers of BMW cars or other rear-wheel drive cars could afford.
In the fall of 1999, an important facelift came, which really brought a lot of changes to Omega B. The radiator grille was newly connected more with the hood, the rear-view mirrors got a more dynamic shape, the front and rear headlights were modernized (the front ones got clear optics and xenons, and the rear ones had a white flashing strip). The ESP system, wood trim and a new GPS navigation console also became standard. New and modified engines then got under the hood, which could match the tough competition. The production of Omega B ended in June 2003 and unfortunately without a direct replacement.
•petrol 2.0 8V – 114 hp
• petrol 2.0 16V – 134 hp
• petrol 2.5i 24V – 168 hp
• petrol 3.0 MV6 – 208 and 211 hp
• diesel 2.0 DTI 16V – 100 hp
• diesel 2.5 TD – 130 hp
After the facelift
• petrol 2.2i 16V – 144 hp
• petrol 2.6 V6 24V – 178 hp
• petrol 3.2 V6 24V – 215 hp
• diesel 2.2 DTI 16V – 118 hp
• diesel 2.5 TD – 129 hp
• diesel 2.5 DTI – 148 hp
Technique
Opel tuned the Omega 's chassis to a comfortable style, but the driving characteristics remained at an excellent level, which must have been a difficult task considering the weight of 1550 kg. Versions from the 1999 production year began to receive an improved ABS system, which was complemented by the newly developed "Quick Power" brake assistant. Its sensors monitor and evaluate the intensity and speed with which the driver depresses the brake pedal. Within 150 milliseconds, it recognizes the moment when the driver needs to brake fully, and by increasing the pressure in the system, the resulting braking distance is shortened. So tell me, does it feel like a 13-year-old car?
Interior
Thanks to its predecessor, Omega B started to be produced already with a decent basic equipment. The car had high-quality seats (leather for an extra charge) with pronounced side guides, which also had the option of extending the length of the seat. The automatic climate control vents were located under the armrest and supplied air to the rear seat passengers. A radio with a CD player was standard on the center panel, and you could also have a telephone for an extra charge. Passenger safety was ensured by 4 airbags (2x front, 2x side). Seat belts had an adjustable attachment height, which was certainly not standard at the time.
Conclusion
The Opel Omega B is a large, representative car that was also successful with tuners (e.g. IRMSCHER). It's a shame it didn't get an equal successor, because the current Insignia model can't replace what both generations of Omega combined have left.
Photo: Flicker, Rossingen
