The Lotus Carlton, the fastest four-door saloon car…

The Lotus Carlton produced 377bhp and 419lb ft. Performance modifications started with an upgraded engine, which was enhanced by Lotus from the standard Opel 1969cc 24v straight six unit (used in the GSi). The engine was enlarged to a capacity of 3615cc. Lotus then added twin Garrett T25 turbochargers, which provide up to 0.7 bar of boost from about 1500rpm. The original distributor ignition system of the engine was replaced with a three-coil waster spark system. The distributor drive was re-purposed as a water pump drive for the water-air intercooler circuit. The intercooler itself is manfactured by Behr and is capable of reducing the temperature of the compressed charge from 120 degrees C to 60 degrees C. The car was capable of 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and achieves 0-100mph in less than 17 seconds. Tall gearing allowed it to achieve approximately 55mph in 1st gear. The Lotus Carlton held the title of the fastest four-door saloon car for some years. Only 950 cars were produced and the car was only sold in one colour, a shade of British racing green called Imperial Green, a very dark green that in anything but direct light appears black.