The first owner bought this Lotus Omega new for his wife—not for himself. Apparently, he felt it was important to mention that. Whether she really needed 377 hp, two turbos, and a six-speed manual transmission every morning just to run errands, we don’t know. But what a great story.
The Lotus Omega began its life as a neat little Opel Omega, a spacious four-door sedan suitable for families, executives, or both. The car was then sent to Lotus, where they decided that “neatness” could go hand in hand with performance that would make many sports cars nervous. The engine was enlarged from three to 3.6 liters, and Lotus installed two Garrett turbos. Suddenly, the family sedan was capable of 377 hp and 568 Nm of torque.
Lotus referred to the project internally as Type 104. The standard six-cylinder engine was extensively modified to reliably handle the increased power. The engine block was reinforced and fitted with different pistons, connecting rods, and a new crankshaft. A water-cooled intercooler system kept the intake air temperature under control.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via the same ZF six-speed transmission used in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. A limited-slip differential helped ensure that power made it to the road. Lotus overhauled virtually everything, including the suspension, steering, brakes, and aerodynamics. The fenders were widened, the hood fitted with vents, and a spoiler added to the rear. Despite these modifications, the basic shape of the standard Omega remained recognizable, making it both effective and understated.
A Ferrari driver wouldn’t see a low-slung red sports car approaching in his rearview mirror. Instead, he’d see an Opel. Until that Opel was right behind him at 250 km/h. The Lotus Omega accelerated to 100 km/h in about five seconds and could reach a top speed of over 280 km/h, making it one of the fastest four-door production cars of its time. Lotus describes the model as a world-class performance car, citing a tested top speed of 174 mph (about 280 km/h). On the German Autobahn, this was quite a surprise to drivers of established sports cars—four doors, a large trunk, and in the distance, a Ferrari fading from view.
All Lotus Omegas were delivered in Imperial Green. You didn’t need a color chart; Lotus had already chosen the perfect shade. It looks almost black in shadow, but as light hits the body, the deep dark green emerges—striking enough for enthusiasts and unassuming for others.
This 1992 Lotus Omega comes directly from its first owner. The car is in exceptionally neat and well-maintained condition with a comprehensive history. It drives absolutely fantastic. The six-cylinder engine feels remarkably composed during gentle driving, but as the turbos kick in, its character transforms. The long gear ratios, enormous pulling power, and stability make it almost too easy to build up speed.
Finished in Imperial Green, this Omega was purchased new for the owner’s wife. We’d keep telling that story, too. Whether for your wife or someone else, this incredible Omega is available. Contact Gallery Aaldering today to discover it for yourself. We export our vehicles worldwide—ask about the possibilities.
