Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E (140 Hp) Automatic

The Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E (140 Hp) Automatic represents a significant, albeit short-lived, chapter in the history of British executive motoring. Produced by Vauxhall, the British subsidiary of General Motors, between 1986 and 1987, this particular generation of the Royale was essentially a rebadged version of the German-engineered Opel Senator. While the Opel Senator enjoyed a longer production run and broader market presence across Europe, the Vauxhall Royale offered a distinct British identity for customers in the United Kingdom, competing in the fiercely contested executive sedan segment. This model showcased a blend of traditional European luxury with a focus on comfortable cruising and competent performance, featuring a robust powertrain architecture centered around an internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels. Positioned above the mid-size offerings in Vauxhall’s lineup, the Royale aimed to provide a premium experience, emphasizing smooth power delivery and a refined ride for its discerning clientele. Its limited production window makes this specific variant a notable example of late-20th-century executive car design and engineering, reflecting the prevailing trends of its era.

The Vauxhall Royale: A British Executive Sedan Legacy

The Vauxhall Royale’s lineage is deeply intertwined with its Opel counterpart, the Senator. This practice of rebadging Opel models for the UK market was a common strategy for Vauxhall, allowing them to offer a comprehensive range of vehicles without incurring the full development costs of unique platforms. The Royale, therefore, inherited the robust engineering and sophisticated design principles that characterized Opel’s flagship offerings. Designed as a full-size, four-door sedan with seating for five, the Royale was conceived as a comfortable and stately vehicle for business executives and affluent families. Its market segment was defined by rivals from Ford (Granada/Scorpio) and Rover (SD1), as well as more premium offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While it may not have carried the same prestige as its German luxury competitors, the Vauxhall Royale offered a compelling package of space, comfort, and performance at a more accessible price point.

During its brief production window from 1986 to 1987, the Royale represented the pinnacle of Vauxhall’s sedan offerings. It was a car designed for long-distance cruising, offering a quiet and composed ride, attributes highly valued in the executive class. The emphasis was on understated elegance rather than overt sportiness, a characteristic reflected in its relatively conservative yet timeless styling. The brand’s decision to offer a specific 2.5 E (140 Hp) Automatic variant underscored a commitment to providing a smooth, effortless driving experience, catering to drivers who prioritized refinement and ease of operation over raw performance figures. Its role in the UK market was crucial for Vauxhall, allowing them to compete in a segment that often dictated a brand’s overall perception and engineering prowess. Despite its relatively short time on the market under the Vauxhall badge, the Royale left a lasting impression as a capable and comfortable executive cruiser.

Engine and Performance of the Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E

At the heart of the Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E (140 Hp) Automatic lies a meticulously engineered 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine, designed to deliver a harmonious balance of power and refinement. This naturally aspirated powerplant features a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, a common and reliable configuration for its era, ensuring efficient breathing and consistent performance. Fuel delivery is handled by a multi-port manifold injection system, a significant advancement over carburetion, providing precise fuel metering for improved efficiency and smoother operation across the rev range. With an engine displacement of 2490 cubic centimeters (151.95 cu. in.) and a compression ratio of 9.2:1, the engine was tuned to produce its peak power of 140 horsepower at 5200 rpm. This power output translates to a respectable 56.2 horsepower per liter, indicating a well-optimized design for a non-turbocharged engine of the mid-1980s.

Complementing its horsepower, the engine generates a substantial 151.2 lb.-ft. (205 Nm) of torque, peaking at 4000 rpm. This torque figure is crucial for an executive sedan like the Royale, providing strong mid-range acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The power and torque characteristics ensured that the Royale felt responsive and capable in various driving conditions, from city traffic to open road stretches. Mated to this robust engine is a 4-speed automatic transmission, a choice that further emphasized the vehicle’s focus on comfort and ease of driving. The automatic gearbox provided smooth, unhurried shifts, perfectly aligning with the Royale’s executive brief. The powertrain architecture employs a front, longitudinal engine layout, driving the rear wheels of the vehicle. This classic rear-wheel-drive setup was favored for its balanced handling characteristics and its ability to manage higher power outputs without torque steer, contributing to the Royale’s composed road manners. In terms of outright performance, the Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E (140 Hp) Automatic was capable of reaching a maximum speed of 118.68 mph (191 km/h), a highly competitive figure for a large sedan of its time. With a curb weight of 3020.33 lbs. (1370 kg), the car achieved a weight-to-power ratio of 9.8 kg/Hp (102.2 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 6.7 kg/Nm (149.6 Nm/tonne), indicating a solid performance foundation that prioritized smooth, confident acceleration and comfortable cruising over outright sportiness.

Design and Features of the Vauxhall Royale Sedan

The design of the Vauxhall Royale sedan is a quintessential example of mid-1980s European executive styling: purposeful, elegant, and devoid of unnecessary ornamentation. As a four-door, five-seat sedan, its proportions were dictated by the need for interior space and a commanding road presence. Measuring 192.01 inches (4877 mm) in length, 68.03 inches (1728 mm) in width, and 53.78 inches (1366 mm) in height, the Royale offered generous dimensions that translated into a spacious cabin for all occupants. The 105.63-inch (2683 mm) wheelbase was instrumental in providing a smooth ride and ample legroom, while the 5.98-inch (152 mm) ground clearance ensured practicality for everyday driving conditions.

Inside, the Royale prioritized comfort and functionality. The five-seat configuration featured supportive seating, often upholstered in velour or optional leather, reflecting its executive aspirations. The dashboard layout was logical and driver-focused, with clear instrumentation and easily accessible controls. While not laden with the digital gadgetry of modern cars, the Royale offered features considered advanced for its time, such as power windows, central locking, and potentially air conditioning or a high-quality audio system, depending on the trim level. The trunk space was a respectable 13.91 cu. ft. (394 liters), ample for luggage on long journeys or the demands of a family. The 75-liter (19.81 US gal) fuel tank capacity further underscored its touring capabilities, allowing for extended range between fill-ups.

Underpinning the Royale’s refined ride was a well-engineered suspension system. The front featured an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, a robust design known for its balance of comfort and handling precision. The rear suspension employed an independent coil spring arrangement, further enhancing ride quality and passenger comfort by minimizing road imperfections. This sophisticated suspension architecture contributed significantly to the Royale’s reputation as a smooth and stable cruiser. Braking performance was handled by ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, a capable system for the vehicle’s weight and performance, ensuring confident stopping power. The minimum turning circle of 32.94 feet (10.04 meters) indicated a respectable maneuverability for a car of its size, making it manageable in urban environments despite its executive dimensions. The Vauxhall Royale’s design, from its stately exterior to its comfortable interior and capable chassis, was a testament to the era’s understanding of what constituted a premium, comfortable, and reliable executive sedan.

Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E (140 Hp) Automatic