VAUXHALL V83 -
CARLTON
MK2
OVERVIEW:
The Carlton MK1 was not a big sales success largely due to the fact it was only available as a Saloon & Estate in one trim level with one engine, unlike the Rekord which was offered with a choice of engines & trim but was a sales flop, largely because it was badged as an Opel. This was a major marketing blunder by GM and the Carlton could have been a much bigger seller. This situation changed in September 1982 when Vauxhall announced a heavily revised Carlton MK2, this time the car would be sold in a multitude of different variations and there would be no duplication with Opel as the German brand was finally being phased out in the UK. In continental Europe the same car was sold as the Opel Rekord E2.
Design wise the new Carlton MK2 was largely an extensive facelift
of the MK1. Vauxhall’s Design activities were now merged with Opel
in the GM Europe Design Centre in Russelsheim and headed up by
Gordon Brown. Gordon sadly died in a flying accident in 1983 and
was replaced by Vauxhall’s Design Director Wayne Cherry. The main
aims for the Carton MK2 were to improve economy, with both better
aerodynamics and some new engines & gearboxes, improved interiors
with a new dashboard and sleeker more modern exterior with very
attractive alloy wheels, or full wheel covers for the more basic
versions. Equipment levels were increased, power steering was
standard on all models, whilst pricing was extremely competitive.
The slow selling Vauxhall Viceroy was phased out at the same time
of the Carlton MK2 launch, and as before the Carlton MK2 was only
offered in the UK with two body styles, a 4 door Saloon and 5 door
Estate.
DESIGN & ENGINEERING
CHANGES:
Much of the body design changes to the Carlton were as a result of many hours spent by GM Engineers in the Pininfarina wind tunnel in Grugliasco near Turin. Any measures to lower fuel consumption, especially after the second energy crisis towards the end of the 1970s, was useful and became a major selling point for the Carlton MK2.
The smoothed out body and the
slightly raised boot provided an improved drag coefficient of 0.36
which for the time
A VAUXHALL RHD CARLTON MK2 PROTOTYPE IN THE PININFARINA WIND TUNNEL
was excellent especially for a
car whose basic design was nearly 6 years old at the time. In
addition to a significantly reduced fuel consumption resulted in
improved high speed performance, as well as an enlarged luggage
compartment, up by 10litres giving a total 490litres using the VDA
measuring system. The chart shows how the Carlton MK2 compared to
its main competitors, although the new Audi 100 introduced in the
summer of 1982, leapt to the top of class with a drag coefficient
of 0.30. It would not be until the introduction of the Carlton MK3
that this would be matched by
Vauxhall.
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 VS COMPETITION
Compared to its predecessor, the
fuel consumption of the old 20S engine was improved by 7% while the
new 18S engine offered similar performance but up to 25% better
fuel economy. The 2.3D was offered for the first time in a Vauxhall
passenger car, although it had been used in the Bedford CF Van for
several years. A 5 speed gearbox was standard on all petrol models
with a wide ratio 4 speed for the 2.3D models. The optional GM
THM180C 3 speed automatic transmission now featured a lock up
torque converter which
activated at speed above 37mph
and in effect gave the car an extra gear. The optional sunroof was
also revised and equipped with a built-in air deflector. The
rear-view mirror was glued to the windscreen by means of an
adhesive foot which significantly reduced vibration. The fuse box
was modified and used the modern standard blade type fuses which
compared to the previously used torpedo fuses the use of transition
resistors could be minimized. In addition, it became possible to
accommodate more fuses in the fuse box and thus could incorporate
less secure features which reduced the interference of the
electrical system. The light switch, glove box and cigarette
lighter were now illuminated on all models. The multi-function
switch for indicators, wipers & dim dip lights was redesigned and
made larger and more durable and easier to
use.
THE CARLTON MK2 OPTIONAL STEEL SLIDING SUNROOF
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 FUSE BOX
The central locking system, standard on GL models, was revised. A crash sensor unlocked all the doors in an accident, in addition the central locking system could also be operated from the passenger side.
Electric Windows, standard on GL models were also revised with an interlock switch for the two rear windows for parental control as with the Senator, the overload protection was improved through a new relay with thermal protector.
Increasing environmental legislation, as well as the fading appeal
of chrome bumpers, meant that the front & rear bumpers were now
large plastic mouldings which were more resistant to
small
knocks
as well as being lighter and cheaper to manufacture. Passive safety
was improved with the safety belt buckles were fixed directly on
the front seat rail and not as previously attached to the center
tunnel. This meant optimal belt routing in the pelvic area could be
achieved with each seat adjustment, a side benefit was improved
accessibility of the belt buckle. The front seats were completely
redesigned with a
THE VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 MOULDED PLASTIC BUMPERS
built-in ramp, which prevented the "through" diving under the lap belt and reduced the risk of severe internal injuries in the abdomen. The dashboard was also completely new for the car and included space for the new features that were either standard or optional on the car depending on model.
THE BASIC VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 STANDARD DASHBOARD
TRIM LEVELS
At launch the range consisted of a very well equipped base Carlton in Saloon or Estate with the option of 1.8, 2.0 or 2.3D engines and an even higher specified GL version with the same body and engine options. In July 1983 a fully loaded CD model was added to the range and included a 2.2i engine which became an option on the GL versions. Standard on the CD and optional on the GL was Vauxhalls first on board computer with 7 functions:
Due to the high cost as an option it was rarely ordered and was not available on the 2.3D.
CARLTON MK2 CD TRIP COMPUTER
ENGINES
At launch the Carlton MK2 was offered with the 2.0 CIH (20S) engine from the previous model and a far more modern 1.8 OHC (18S) which would also feature in the Astra MK1 and Cavalier MK2.This new engine had a 5 bearing crankshaft with 8 counterweights, an alloy cross-flow cylinder head with a belt driven overhead camshaft with hydraulic tappet adjustment. Cooling was by an electronically controlled electric fan. The base 18S produced 90bhp @ 5400rpm & 105.5lb/ft of torque @ 3000rpm. The 20S still produced 100bhp @ 5200rpm & 115lb/ft of torque @ 3800rpm. Both engines were fitted with electronic ignition and used the GMF Varajet II carburettor.
For the 1985 model year, a 1.8i engine (C18NV) was added and was equipped with a catalytic converter & the engine was designed to run on unleaded petrol. The engine produced 100bhp and used recessed pistons to achieve a lower compression ratio to run on unleaded fuel.
In spring 1983 the 20S engine received an electronic idle control and the 20E 110bhp engine was introduced for the new top of the range CD model. The engine used the new Bosch LE Jetronic fuel cut-off with electronic characteristic control. For the 1985 model year, the 20E was replaced by the newly-developed engine 22E.
The 23D engine with 65bhp @ 4200rpm & 93.7lb/ft of torque @ 2500rpm was unchanged from the unit used in the Bedford CF but was the first time it was used in a Vauxhall passenger car. As with the previous Opel Rekord Diesel the engines height meant a rather ugly looking bulge was required for the bonnet. The engine was thoroughly revised in September 1983 and power was increased to 71bhp. The new engine could be identified by the “OHC” stamped on the rocker cover.
The effectiveness of the crankcase ventilation was improved with the new cylinder head cover. The former, induction hardened camshaft replaced with a camshaft hardened using the TIG process. A reinforced control chain and hardened exhaust valves were used as well. Lighter pistons & connecting rods, a reduced shot channel for the swirl chamber completed work on the motor. A new Bosch distributor injection pump VE4 with cold start accelerator and injectors was also fitted.
THE CARLTON MK2 20S ENGINE
THE CARLTON MK2 18S ENGINE
THE CARLTON MK2 2.3D ENGINE
THE CARLTON MK2 20E ENGINE
THE CARLTON MK2 22E ENGINE
PRESS RELEASES:
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK3 LAUNCH PRESS RELEASE 19.10.82
PRESS
PICTURES:
LAUNCH ARTICLES:
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 LAUNCH ARTICLE AUTOCAR 04.12.82
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 LAUNCH ARTICLE MOTOR 30.10.82
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 LAUNCH ARTICLE MOTOR 27.11.82
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 CD LAUNCH ARTICLE MOTOR 09.07.83
BROCHURES:
ADVERTISING:
VAUXHALL CARLTON LAUNCH ADVERT 01.83
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 ESTATE ADVERT 02.83
VAUXHALL CARLTON CD ADVERT 08.83
ROAD
TESTS:
VAUXHALL CARLTON
MK2 1.8GL 1796cc MOTOR WE
12.03.83
VAUXHALL CARLTON
MK2 2.0GL 1979cc AUTOCAR WE
28.05.83
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 1.8 ESTATE 1795cc WHAT CAR
08.83
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 2.0 CD 1979cc WHAT CAR 09.84
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 CD 2.2i 2197cc MOTOR 22.12.84
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 2.2i CD 2179cc AUTOCAR 30.01.85
VAUXHALL CARLTON MK2 2.0 GL ESTATE 1979cc MOTOR
11.05.85