Lotus reportedly considering Carlton comeback

[asrapid]

Lotus could be resurrecting the Carlton according to the CEO of Lotus Group, Mike Kimberley. The Lotus Carlton was a special version of the Vauxhall Carlton (Omega in mainland Europe) built during the early 90’s. The base Carlton was a rather timid four-door sedan from General Motors, who owned both Vauxhall and Lotus at the time, but by the time Lotus got done with it, it was a giant-slayer.

Lotus took the Carlton, increased the engine displacement from 3.0L to 3.6L and added twin Garret T25 turbochargers to force-feed the mill. The result was a GM saloon with over 380hp (283kW), capable of hitting 60mph (96km/h) in 5.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 177mph (109km/h) - significantly faster than its German equivalents, the M5 and the Mercedes 500E, which were a second slower to 60mph.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/s...lton-comeback/

[lightbrotha2004]

Always like the Carlton glad to see Lotus thinking about bringing it back.

[hotrod747]

This is very good news! Nice to see Lotus interest in once again demonstrating the advanced potential of GM products. On a different note, this car could potentially fill the void of the Caddy CTS-V in Europe.

[mikmak]

Can they hold out long enough (or get on board early enough) for the Alpha?

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Can they hold out long enough (or get on board early enough) for the Alpha?

Exactly what I was thinking. Why oh why does Alpha make so much sense to everyone but GM?!? I can't grasp why if Zeta can exist a smaller (and certianly more efficient) RWD platform can't. Holden, Pontiac, Cadillac, heck even Buick and Opel could all benefit. I love the idea of a high-po Lotus-tuned version of an alpha sedan!