Opel Senator B 2.3 TD Interc. (100 Hp) Automatic

The Opel Senator B 2.3 TD Interc. (100 Hp) Automatic: A European Executive Diesel

The Opel Senator B was the second and final generation of Opel’s flagship full-size executive car, produced by the German automaker Opel, a subsidiary of General Motors. Positioned above the Opel Omega, the Senator B was designed to compete with established premium offerings from manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the competitive European executive segment. The specific variant, the Opel Senator B 2.3 TD Interc. (100 Hp) Automatic, was produced for a brief period between 1988 and 1989, representing a diesel-powered option aimed at the discerning European buyer who prioritized fuel economy and long-distance cruising comfort without sacrificing the prestige associated with a large sedan. This particular model, with its turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, offered a blend of efficiency, refinement, and traditional rear-wheel-drive dynamics characteristic of executive cars of its era.

Engine and Performance of the Opel Senator B 2.3 TD Interc. (100 Hp) Automatic

Under the hood, the Opel Senator B 2.3 TD Interc. (100 Hp) Automatic featured a robust 2.3-liter (2260 cm3 or 137.91 cubic inches) inline-four diesel engine. This powerplant was noteworthy for its use of both a turbocharger and an intercooler, advanced features for a diesel engine in the late 1980s, which significantly boosted its efficiency and power output. The engine delivered a respectable 100 horsepower at 4200 revolutions per minute, providing ample motivation for the large sedan. More crucially for a diesel, it produced a strong 160.79 pound-feet of torque, available across a useful band from 2000 to 2200 rpm. This low-end torque was instrumental in providing smooth acceleration and effortless highway cruising, a hallmark of executive vehicles.

Power was sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission, a common choice for comfort-oriented executive cars of the period. While not designed for outright speed, the powertrain delivered a commendable performance for a large diesel sedan of its time. The Senator B 2.3 TD Interc. could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 14.7 seconds, with a maximum speed of 114.33 mph (184 km/h). These figures underscored its role as a comfortable and capable cruiser rather than a performance sedan.

Fuel efficiency was a key selling point for this diesel variant. The combined fuel consumption was rated at an impressive 28.3 US miles per gallon (8.3 liters per 100 kilometers), making it an economical choice for executives covering long distances across Europe. The engine’s architecture included a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a precombustion chamber injection system, all contributing to its reliable and efficient operation. With a high compression ratio of 23:1, typical for diesel engines, the 2.3 TD Interc. engine was engineered for durability and consistent performance.

Design and Features

The Opel Senator B embodied the understated elegance and functional design prevalent in late 1980s European executive sedans. It featured a classic four-door, five-seat sedan body style, characterized by clean lines, a relatively low beltline, and a commanding road presence. With an overall length of 190.75 inches (4845 mm), a width of 68.62 inches (1743 mm), and a height of 57.09 inches (1450 mm), the Senator B was a substantial vehicle, offering generous interior space for its occupants. The long wheelbase of 107.48 inches (2730 mm) contributed significantly to its smooth ride quality and stable handling at speed.

Inside, the Senator B was designed for comfort and practicality, reflecting its executive aspirations. The cabin provided ample room for five adults, with supportive seating and quality materials for the era. While specific luxury features varied by trim, typical amenities would have included power windows, central locking, power steering, and a sophisticated heating and ventilation system. Given its target market, features like an on-board computer, air conditioning, and perhaps leather upholstery would have been available as options. The trunk space was particularly generous, offering a minimum of 18.72 cubic feet (530 liters) and expanding to a cavernous 30.72 cubic feet (870 liters) with the rear seats folded (if applicable), making it highly practical for business travel or family vacations.

From a chassis perspective, the Senator B featured a well-engineered setup. It utilized ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear, providing confident stopping power. The car rode on 205/65 R15 tires, mounted on 15-inch wheel rims, which offered a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The rear-wheel-drive architecture, combined with a sophisticated suspension system (though not detailed in the provided data, independent suspension was standard for such vehicles), ensured predictable handling and a comfortable, refined ride quality, crucial for its segment. The minimum turning circle of 35.93 feet (10.95 meters) also made it reasonably maneuverable for a car of its size.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Opel Senator B, particularly in its diesel iteration like the 2.3 TD Interc. (100 Hp) Automatic, carved out a specific niche in the European automotive landscape. As Opel’s flagship model, it was tasked with the challenging role of competing against the highly regarded and often more expensive executive sedans from Mercedes-Benz (e.g., the W124 E-Class) and BMW (e.g., the E34 5-Series), as well as other contenders like the Audi 100/200 and Ford Scorpio/Granada. While it may not have achieved the same prestige or sales volumes as its German premium rivals, the Senator B was recognized for offering a compelling package of comfort, space, and robust engineering at a more accessible price point.

The 2.3 TD Interc. variant specifically targeted business users and long-distance commuters who valued fuel economy and reliability. Its turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine, though not a powerhouse, provided sufficient performance for highway cruising and boasted excellent fuel efficiency for its class and era. This made it a practical and cost-effective choice for many European fleets and private buyers looking for a large, comfortable vehicle without the higher running costs often associated with gasoline engines.

The Senator B’s legacy is that of a competent and understated executive sedan that represented Opel’s best effort to challenge the dominant players in the premium segment during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was known for its solid build quality, comfortable ride, and straightforward mechanics, which contributed to its reputation for durability. While Opel eventually exited the large executive car segment, the Senator B remains a testament to a period when mainstream manufacturers like Opel dared to venture into the premium territory, offering a distinct European flavor of luxury and practicality. Today, well-preserved examples of the Opel Senator B are appreciated by enthusiasts for their classic styling, comfortable driving experience, and their historical significance as a representative of Opel’s ambition in the executive class.