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Introduction and History of the Vauxhall Lotus

In the early 1990s, Vauxhall and Lotus collaborated to create the Lotus Carlton, a vehicle that would shift perceptions of what a saloon car could achieve. Building upon the Vauxhall Carlton's solid foundation, Lotus undertook extensive upgrades in both performance and chassis engineering. The result was a discreetly styled, luxury sports saloon capable of outrunning most contemporary supercars, establishing itself as the fastest four-door production saloon of its era with a top speed of 177 mph.

Model History

The Lotus Carlton is based on the Vauxhall Carlton MkIII, which itself was the third generation of Vauxhall's executive saloon. Lotus's involvement brought a transformation from a practical family car into a high-performance vehicle. There was no direct successor to the Lotus Carlton—a unique project for its time—with only a limited production run, making it a sought-after car among enthusiasts and collectors today.

Highlights of the Vauxhall Lotus

The technical partnership between Lotus and Vauxhall resulted in features previously unseen in a four-door saloon: a heavily modified 3615cc inline-six engine, twin Garrett T25 turbochargers, 377 bhp, a robust six-speed ZF manual transmission, and a motorsport-inspired braking system by AP. Exterior modifications remain restrained but purposeful, with wider wheel arches, a discreet rear wing, and functional bonnet vents. Finished exclusively in Imperial Green, a deep British Racing Green shade, the Lotus Carlton made its mark through dynamic capability rather than visual flamboyance.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Every Lotus Carlton was a special edition in its own right—built in limited numbers, finished only in Imperial Green with black full leather interiors, unique Lotus badging, and a raft of exclusive Lotus equipment. No further versions or variations were offered during its original production.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific common issues have been reported in the available summaries. As with any high-performance saloon from the 1990s, comprehensive maintenance and original documentation are essential for ensuring continued reliability. Prospective buyers should seek out examples with detailed histories and, ideally, continued care by marque specialists.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The heart of the Lotus Carlton is its enlarged and turbocharged inline-six, which enables acceleration figures previously unattainable in a four-door vehicle of its time. The six-speed ZF gearbox, rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential, and performance chassis tuning delivered handling and speed on par with contemporary supercars. AP Racing brakes provide stopping power befitting its performance capabilities. With all supplied vehicles identified as Carlton MkIII under the Lotus badge, this remains the signature and sole high-performance offering in the Lotus Vauxhall lineup.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Externally, the Lotus Carlton is distinguished by its subtle bodykit, significantly widened wheel arches, discreet rear spoiler, and characteristic bonnet intakes. Only available in Imperial Green, its understated yet athletic presence sets it apart. Inside, occupants are greeted by full black leather upholstery, optional Lotus-branded accessories such as bespoke floormats, and the original radio all ensure a premium sports-luxury environment. Details like the medical kit and unspoiled spare tyre highlight its focus on usability as well as performance.

Other Relevant Features

Much attention is given to original documentation, including the complete book pack, dealer literature, and period-correct magazines, which add provenance to surviving examples. Full histories and extensive documentation are valued highly for this model.

Summary

The Vauxhall Lotus Carlton remains a landmark in British automotive engineering, achieving a synthesis of comfort and extreme performance with a level of engineering rigour rare among saloon cars. Its unique blend of subtle design changes and uncompromising technical specification make it a stand-out choice for enthusiasts of rare, high-performance vehicles from the 1990s.