The Lotus Carlton is famously powered by a 3.6 L Opel C36GET twin-turbocharged I6 engine.
This powerful inline-six engine was extensively modified by Lotus from a standard Opel/Vauxhall unit to deliver exceptional performance for a saloon car of its era. The twin-turbocharged setup significantly boosted its power output, making it one of the fastest four-door vehicles available at the time of its release.
Engine Specifications
The specific details of the Lotus Carlton's powertrain are summarized below:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.6 L Opel C36GET twin-turbocharged I6 |
| Power Output | 382 PS (281 kW; 377 hp) at 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed ZF S6-40 manual |
Performance and Engineering
Lotus engineers took the existing 3.0-liter 24-valve straight-six engine from the Opel Omega 3000/Vauxhall Carlton GSi and bored it out to 3.6 liters. Key modifications included:
- Twin Garrett T25 Turbochargers: These were fitted to provide forced induction, dramatically increasing power.
- Larger Intercooler: To cool the charge air from the turbos, enhancing efficiency and preventing detonation.
- New Crankshaft and Pistons: Designed to handle the increased power and pressure.
- Engine Management System: A specialized system was developed to control the complex fueling and ignition requirements of the turbocharged engine.
These comprehensive enhancements transformed the respectable family saloon into a high-performance machine, capable of reaching speeds well over 170 mph (270 km/h), a truly remarkable feat for a four-door car in the early 1990s. The 6-speed ZF manual transmission, shared with cars like the Corvette ZR-1, was also specially adapted to handle the engine's substantial torque.
