Opel Vectra
Opel Vectra | |
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four-wheel-drive | |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Opel Ascona Vauxhall Cavalier Holden Camira / Holden Apollo (Holden Vectra) |
Successor | Opel Insignia |
The Opel Vectra is a
The Vectra was introduced in October 1988 as a replacement for the Opel Ascona, and was itself replaced in November 2008 by the new Opel Insignia, the nameplate spanning three generations and almost twenty one years.
Vectra A (1988–1995)
Vectra A | ||
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Curb weight 997–1,199 kg (2,198–2,643 lb) (4-cyl petrols) | |
The first generation Vectra, known as the Vectra A, was introduced in October 1988 for the 1989 model year, as a four-door
Vauxhall Motors, the British GM subsidiary that shared most of its models with Opel, did not use the "Vectra" model name - opting instead to continue the use of the Cavalier nameplate - effectively making the Vectra A a third-generation Cavalier when carrying Vauxhall branding. It was not until the introduction of the Vectra B into the United Kingdom in October 1995 that the Cavalier name was retired in favour of Vectra. However,
The 1989 Vectra came in Base, LS, GL, GLS, CD, and GT models, its sister model was the third-generation
The sixteen valve engine also appeared in GT (GSI in some markets) models after the facelift, now mainly as a hatchback. Two
Most notably, it was deployed at the San Marino Grand Prix.
The 1.4 litre engine was not available in all markets, and even then, it was generally only available in basic trims (Base/L in United Kingdom, LS/GL in Europe). In markets as Italy, where smaller engines were favored by the taxation system, a 1.4 GLS was also offered.
A 2.5 L
The front
On the four wheel drive GSi, 4x4 and Turbo models, the rear suspension is a subframe mounted fully independent design, with semi trailing arms, double conical coil springs, direct acting gas assisted telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti roll bar. Steering gear is a rack and pinion-type (manual or power assisted, depending on model), mounted on the bulkhead (firewall), with a telescopically deformable steering column.
The Vectra also received a refresh in September 1992.[7] The range received new front grilles and a black plastic strip above the rear taillamps, along with an upgrade to the structure for improved crashworthiness. Airbags became available onwards from 1993.
In New Zealand, the Vectra A was offered initially as an Opel between 1989 and 1994, but it wore
In Egypt, the Opel Vectra A was not introduced until 1994 through GM Egypt dealerships, and started production in the end of 1994 by GM Egypt through the beginning of 1996, with a range of 1.6 GL, 2.0 GL trim and 2.0 GLS trim and only Saloon body style boosting strong sales during this short run. This was similar to the Opel Kadett.
Chevrolet Vectra (Brazil)
In Brazil, the Chevrolet badged Vectra A was not introduced until 1993, when it replaced the top versions of
Engines
Engine model | Displ. | Power | Torque | Fueling system | Valvetrain | Top speed |
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14NV | 1.4 L | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 108 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm | Carburettor | SOHC | 176 km/h (109 mph) |
16SV | 1.6 L | 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) at 5,200 rpm | 130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm | Carburettor | SOHC | 178 km/h (111 mph) |
C16NZ(2) | 1.6 L | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5,200 rpm | 127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm | SPFI | SOHC | 176 km/h (109 mph) |
E16NZ | 1.6 L | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5,200 rpm | 125 N⋅m (92 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm | SPFI | SOHC | 176 km/h (109 mph) |
X16SZR | 1.6 L | 52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) at 5,000 rpm | 128 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm | SPFI | SOHC | 176 km/h (109 mph) |
18SV | 1.8 L | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 5,400 rpm | 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm | Carburettor | SOHC | 183 km/h (114 mph) |
E18NVR | 1.8 L | 65 kW (88 PS; 87 hp) at 5,400 rpm | 143 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm | Carburettor | SOHC | 182 km/h (113 mph) |
C18NZ | 1.8 L | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 5,400 rpm | 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm | SPFI | SOHC | 183 km/h (114 mph) |
C20NEF | 2.0 L | 74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) at 5,200 rpm | 158 N⋅m (117 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | |
20NE | 2.0 L | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 5,200 rpm | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | 198 km/h (123 mph) |
C20NE | 2.0 L | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) at 5,200 rpm | 170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | 198 km/h (123 mph) |
20SEH | 2.0 L | 95 kW (129 PS; 127 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 4,600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | 206 km/h (128 mph) |
22NE | 2.2 L | 103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) at 5,200 rpm | 207 N⋅m (153 lb⋅ft) at 2,600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | 202 km/h (126 mph) |
20XEJ | 2.0 L | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm | MPFI | DOHC | 217 km/h (135 mph) |
C20XE | 2.0 L | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm | MPFI | DOHC | 217 km/h (135 mph) |
X20XEV | 2.0 L | 100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | MPFI | DOHC | 210 km/h (130 mph) |
C20LET | 2.0 L | 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm | MPFI, Turbo | DOHC | 245 km/h (152 mph) |
C25XE | 2.5 L | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 227 N⋅m (167 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm | MPFI | DOHC | 233 km/h (145 mph) |
17D | 1.7 L | 42 kW (57 PS; 56 hp) at 4,600 rpm | 105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–2,600 rpm | Bosch injection pump | SOHC | 152 km/h (94 mph) |
17DR | 1.7 L | 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) at 4,600 rpm | 105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–2,600 rpm | Bosch injection pump | SOHC | 152 km/h (94 mph) |
TC4EE1 | 1.7 L | 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) at 4,400 rpm | 168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm | Bosch injection pump | SOHC | 176 km/h (109 mph) |
Vectra B (1995–2002)
Vectra B | ||
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Curb weight 1,270 kg (2,800 lb)–1,325 kg (2,921 lb) | |
The second model, the Vectra B, was introduced in October 1995 for the 1996 model year, at the
The Vauxhall badged Vectra B was the last Vauxhall to be produced at the company's Luton plant, where the end of automobile production was announced in December 2000, taking effect just over a year later. Car production at the site finished in March 2002,[10] although production of commercial vehicles continued.[11]
The Vectra B was replaced by the Vectra C in September 2002, which was branded as the
Engines started from the 75 PS (55 kW) 1.6 L,
Diesel power came once again from Isuzu, with 1.7 liters and 82 PS, also a 2.0 L Ecotec with either 82 PS or 101 PS and 2.2 L Ecotec with 125 PS. In 2001, the all new 2.2 L petrol engine, as carried over to the Vectra C, was introduced with the 2.5 L petrol in its last incarnation being upgraded to a 2.6 L to accommodate emissions improvements. In April 1999, the Vectra was updated, receiving a mildly modified body (that can be identified by the single piece headlight units and body coloured bumpers) together with somewhat improved handling and better equipment.
Sporting limited edition models included the touring car championship inspired i500, Super Touring and GSi. The first model was developed in Germany by Opel Motorsport, with the V6 engine's power increased to 195 PS (143 kW), and the other two were created in Milton Keynes by Motor Sport Developments.
Only 3,900 2.5 GSi models were ever produced, mostly in saloon and hatchback guise. With only 317 estate versions produced during this time, they became one of the rarest production Vauxhalls ever.
On model years 2001 and 2002, a last of the line 2.6 GSi was made also but these were limited to five hundred cars. These were again mostly saloons and hatchbacks, however 37 estates were made. These models received a host of extra upgrades, including to Xenon headlamps, and larger front brakes.
In October 2013, Top Gear magazine placed the 1995 Vectra on its list of The 13 Worst Cars Of The Last 20 Years, describing the car as "so mediocre that Jeremy Clarkson refused to drive it."[13]
Production of the Vectra B ended in March 2002.
Production elsewhere
- Egypt
In Egypt, the production of the Opel Vectra B continued during 1996 with two models, initially a 1.6l 8v GLS trim with manual transmission, and a 2.0l 8v CD trim with automatic transmission.
Later in 2000, the revised model was produced with three models 1.6 8v GLS trim with manual transmission (later replaced by the 1.6 16v GLS trim with automatic transmission), 2.0 16v CD trim with automatic transmission, and a 2.0 CDX trim automatic transmission and all with saloon body style. In 2002, local production of the Opel Vectra ceased, in favour of the Opel Corsa Saloon and Opel Astra Saloon.
- North America
A related model sold in North America was the
- South America
The release of the second generation of the Chevrolet Vectra happened at the same time that the IndyCar series in Brazil, GM made a deal to use the Vectra as a Medical and Safety car for the race. The Vectra B came with the already available 2.0 8-valve engine with 110 PS on the GL and GLS versions and a national version of the previously 2.0 16 valve with 136 PS for the CD version.
In 1998, GM introduced the new torqueous 2.2 8 valve engine with 123 PS for the GL and GLS, and the 2.2 16 valve with 138 PS and 207Nm for the CD version.
A facelift was done for the 2000 models, just like the European version. Production ran until 2005, when it was replaced by the new generation Vectra, based on the
Rebadged variants
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Vauxhall Vectra (United Kingdom)
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Holden Vectra (Australia and New Zealand)
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Chevrolet Vectra (South America)
Vectra C (2002–2010)
Vectra C | ||
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Transmission | 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual 5-speed manual 5-speed Easytronic automated manual Curb weight 1,393 kg (3,071 lb) | |
Built on the new
Originally, the Vectra C was due to début with the
The Vectra C was first seen in November 1999, in a copy of
The engine range was substantially modified to account for the increased
In 2003, a 2.0 litre turbocharged Ecotec engine with 129 kW (173 hp) was also notionally offered. Being a main engine for another GM brand, Saab, it was only ever sold in small numbers in the Vectra.[24] The 2.2 litre was upgraded in 2004, with the 'Direct' name added to the model line, indicating the new high pressure direct injection update that increased power output to 115 kW (154 hp) with improved emissions.
In October 2004, the four cylinder diesel engine was replaced with a
The Vectra C received a facelift in September 2005, with the début at the
The 185 kW (248 hp) version was available for the Vectra later in 2006. Opel also introduced – for the first time – an OPC version of the Vectra, using the VXR name in the United Kingdom. These high performance variants were only available as hatchbacks and estates. In the United Kingdom the power of the High Feature V6 engine was increased to 188 kW (252 hp), giving a maximum speed approaching 250 km/h (155 mph).
In Australia and New Zealand, the Holden Vectra ZC series was only available as a saloon and hatchback, Holden did not offer the Vectra C estate due to the presence of the Astra and later Holden Viva (Daewoo Lacetti) estates. The Vectra was dropped and replaced by the Holden Epica, a badge engineered Daewoo Tosca early in 2007.[27]
Due to stockpiling of Vectras from 2005 for the market in Australasia, there was enough supply of the car for deliveries to last through to 2007. As a result, facelifted Vectra Cs were not sold in those markets.[28] In 2008, the Vectra OPC was available with either six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission (Previous Vectra OPC had manual gearbox only). The 2.8L DOHC V6 turbo engine could generate 206 kW (276 hp).
Sales of the Vectra C in the United Kingdom were not as strong as those of its predecessors. For much of its production life, the original Vectra was the fourth best selling car in the country, but the Vectra C never came higher than tenth in the country's car sales charts, though within its own market sector it held on to second place, behind the Ford Mondeo.
In 2007, it finally made the Top 10 of Britain's car sales charts, being the nation's tenth most popular new car with over 50,000 sales, outselling the Ford Mondeo for the first time since 1999.[29] Also, in January 2007, the estate variant was awarded Estate Car of the Year 2007, by What Car? magazine.[30]
While the Vectra C was sold in
Production of the Vectra C and Signum ended in July 2008. In Ireland, it was produced until February 2010.
Rebadged variants
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Vauxhall Vectra (pre-facelift, United Kingdom)
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Vauxhall Vectra (facelift, United Kingdom)
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Vauxhall Vectra VXR (United Kingdom)
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Holden Vectra (Australia and New Zealand)
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Chevrolet Vectra (pre-facelift, South America)
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Chevrolet Vectra (facelift, South America)
Chevrolet Vectra D (2009–2012)
The Chevrolet Vectra D is the rebadged Version Opel Insignia in the market of Chile. It is a very rare model of Chevrolet in Chile, with not many found.
Renaming
In June 2013, the Vectra was renamed the Opel Insignia with a facelift since, it was the last rebadged
Motorsport
The Vectra was used in several touring car racing series.
In the 1990s, and the beginning of the 2000s, the Vectra B Super Touring took part in the British Touring Car Championship, the Asia-Pacific Touring Car Championship, the German Super Tourenwagen Cup, the Australian Super Touring Championship, the Japanese Touring Car Championship, the Italian Superturismo Championship, the French Supertouring Championship and the Swedish Touring Car Championship.
Uwe Alzen was third in Super Tourenwagen Cup in 1997 and 1998, and second in 1999; John Henderson was runner up in the 2000 Australian Super Touring Championship; John Cleland was British Touring Car Champion in 1995 and finished third in 1992 and fourth in 1993 and 1994; Yvan Muller was sixth in the 1999 British Touring Car Championship and fourth in 2000; and Nicklas Karlsson was third in the 2002 Swedish Touring Car Championship.
A prototype Vectra C was built to the
After being replaced by the Astra H in the British Touring Car Championship, the Vauxhall Vectra was introduced in 2007.
The Vectra has been used as a
In 1994, a Vectra A was the official
References
- ^ Ross, David (6 June 2019). "Vauxhall Vectra Hatchback (2005 - 2008) review". Parker's Car Guides. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
- ^ Satyam. "Welcome to GMArabia.com". Gmegypt.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2010.
- ^ "GM Bakal Buka Lagi Pabrik Perakitan di Pondok Ungu". detikoto (in Indonesian). Retrieved 14 June 2022.
- ^ Johansson, Claes, ed. (24 January 1991). "Opel Vectra numera turkisk" [Opel Vectra is Turkish nowadays]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 43, no. 2. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. pp. 16–17.
- ^ European Motor Business, Issues 24-27, Economist Intelligence Unit, 1991, page 102
- ^ Costantini, Guido (January 1989). "Per lei ci vuole il "duemila"" [For her, it takes two-thousand]. Quattroruote (in Italian). Vol. 34, no. 399. Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus. p. 117.
- ^ Aucock, Richard (August 2006). "Vauxhall Vectra". Auto Express. Dennis Publishing. Retrieved 14 March 2009.
- ISBN 0910589010.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: ignored ISBN errors (link - ^ "THIS WEEK: Vauxhall is launching the estate version of its Vectra ..." www.campaignlive.co.uk. 7 November 1996. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ^ "Vauxhall ends Luton production". Guardian News & Media Limited. 21 March 2002. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
- ^ Why General Motors is keeping its faith in Vauxhall's Luton plant, Autocar, 25 August 2014
- ^ Business Review Weekly: BRW, Volume 20, Issues 1-6, page 19
- ^ "The 13 Worst Cars of the Last 20 Years". Top Gear magazine. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
- ^ "Guide to assembly plants in Europe" (PDF). automotivenews.com. Automotive News Europe. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ Vauxhall Vectra owners' Manual July 2007 ref TS 1557-A-08
- ^ "New Holden Vectra goes up-market". WebWombat. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
- ^ "Vauxhall Vectra Estate (2003 – To Date)". Yahoo!. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
- ^ "Spy Shots: 2003 Saab 9-3". AutoTrader.com. 13 July 2001. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
- ^ "Ellesmere Port gears up for new Vectra production". FleetNews. Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. 1 June 2001. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021.
- ^ "Opel Vectra and Signum Facelifts". Automotriz. Archived from the original on 6 March 2008. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
- ^ "Opel Vectra GTS". Babez.de. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
- ^ "Ad of the Week: Vauxhall puts Vectra on trial". www.telegraph.co.uk. 18 June 2002. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
- ^ "Referee Collina 'takes control' in Vauxhall TV and print campaign". www.campaignlive.co.uk. 23 September 2005. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
- ^ "New Opel Signum: Versatile, Innovative, Unique". Black Falcon Media Group Oy. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
- ^ Christine, Tierney; Weich, David (3 May 2003). "The Smell of Diesel Is Back in the Air". McGraw-Hill. Archived from the original on 22 June 2003. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
- ^ "Vauxhall Vectra CDTI 150". Khoo Systems. 17 October 2004. Retrieved 10 January 2008.
- ^ Newton, Bruce (June 2007). "Sneer Miss". Wheels. pp. 104–108.
- ^ Yan, Jack (26 May 2007). "Holden Epica arrives in New Zealand (God help us)". Jack Yan & Associates. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ Finlay, David (8 January 2008). "UK Motor Industry 2007". PDRonline. Archived from the original on 16 January 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2008.
- ^ "Car of the Year 2007 – Estate car". What Car?. 19 January 2007. Retrieved 10 January 2008.
- ^ Autosport magazine feature 25 January 2007 'Tin-Tops That Never Raced'
External links
- www.vauxhall.co.uk – Vauxhall UK