Vauxhall Lotus Carlton
The 176mph super-saloon that was so fast it was debated in Parliament.
- Power
- 377 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 5.1 s
- Top speed
- 176 mph
- Est. value
- $70k–$160k
About the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton
Born from a collaboration between General Motors and Lotus, the Lotus Carlton (Type 104) was the fastest four-door production car in the world at its launch. Lotus took the standard Vauxhall Carlton, bored the engine to 3.6 litres, and added twin Garrett T25 turbochargers to produce a then-staggering 377 bhp. Its performance was so controversial that the Daily Mail campaigned for it to be banned, and it became a notorious favourite for getaway drivers due to its ability to outrun police helicopters. Finished exclusively in Imperial Green, it remains a definitive 1990s performance icon with a heavy-duty ZF gearbox sourced from the Corvette ZR-1.
Vauxhall Lotus Carlton specs
The Vauxhall Lotus Carlton produces 377 bhp (281 kW) and 568 Nm (419 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 176 mph (283 km/h).
| Make | Vauxhall |
|---|---|
| Model | Lotus Carlton |
| Trim | Lotus Carlton |
| Years | 1990–1992 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 950 built |
| Engine | 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,615 cc (3.6 litres) |
| Induction | Twin-turbocharged |
| Power | 377 bhp (281 kW) at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 568 Nm (419 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,200 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 5.1 s |
| Top speed | 176 mph (283 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,655 kg (3,649 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 228 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Vauxhall Lotus Carlton worth?
A typical Vauxhall Lotus Carlton is estimated to be worth $70,000 – $160,000 (about £52,000 – £119,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Vauxhall Lotus Carlton rarity in CarSpot
The Vauxhall Lotus Carlton is a Legendary card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 81 out of 100. Flagship models and limited runs, typically worth £250,000 or more. A Legendary card is worth 160 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Vauxhall Lotus Carlton fun facts
- The car's top speed of 176 mph was so high that it led to a formal debate in the House of Commons regarding the safety of high-performance vehicles.
- Every single Lotus Carlton was painted in the same colour: Imperial Green, a pearlescent shade so dark it appears black in most lighting conditions.
- A stolen Lotus Carlton with the registration 40 RA became a British legend after being used in a series of ram raids, consistently outrunning police who had nothing fast enough to catch it.