Vauxhall Royale 3.0 E V6 (180 Hp)

The Vauxhall Royale 3.0 E V6 (180 Hp) represents a significant, albeit regionally focused, chapter in General Motors’ European automotive history. Launched in 1978 and produced until 1986, the Royale was Vauxhall’s flagship executive sedan in the United Kingdom, essentially a rebadged version of the Opel Senator and Opel Commodore C sold in mainland Europe. This strategy allowed Vauxhall to offer a competitive large luxury vehicle, leveraging Opel’s engineering prowess and design language, while maintaining a distinct British brand identity. Positioned in a market segment dominated by established German and British luxury marques, the Royale aimed to deliver sophisticated performance, comfort, and a commanding road presence, making it a noteworthy contender for discerning buyers seeking a blend of refinement and power.

Engine and Performance of the Vauxhall Royale 3.0 E V6 (180 Hp)

At the heart of the Vauxhall Royale 3.0 E V6 (180 Hp) was a robust 3.0-liter (2969 cm3 or 181.18 cu. in.) V6 engine, a powertrain designed to deliver smooth and potent performance befitting an executive sedan of its era. This naturally aspirated, gasoline-fed engine employed a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, a common and reliable configuration for the period. Crucially, it featured a multi-port manifold injection system, which was a significant advancement over carburetion, offering improved fuel atomization, better throttle response, and enhanced efficiency. This sophisticated fuel delivery system helped the engine produce a respectable 180 horsepower at 5800 rpm, translating to a power-per-liter figure of 60.6 Hp/l – a commendable output for a production V6 from the late 1970s.

Torque delivery was equally impressive, with 248 Nm (182.92 lb.-ft.) available across a broad rev range of 4200 to 4800 rpm, ensuring strong mid-range acceleration and effortless cruising capability. The engine’s front, longitudinal layout contributed to a balanced weight distribution, enhancing the car’s handling dynamics. Mated to a four-speed manual transmission, this powertrain enabled the Royale 3.0 E V6 to achieve a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph), a highly competitive figure for a large sedan of its time. This performance, combined with a kerb weight of 3020.33 lbs. (1370 kg), resulted in a favorable weight-to-power ratio of 7.6 kg/Hp (131.4 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 5.5 kg/Nm (181 Nm/tonne), underscoring its ability to move with authority. Despite its performance aspirations, fuel consumption in urban conditions was rated at 15.8 liters per 100 km (14.9 US mpg), reflecting the typical efficiency standards of large-displacement engines of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Design and Features

The Vauxhall Royale adopted the elegant and somewhat conservative design language of its Opel counterparts, presenting a classic four-door sedan body type that exuded executive appeal. 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 possessed substantial dimensions that conveyed a sense of luxury and road presence. Its long wheelbase of 105.63 inches (2683 mm) not only contributed to a stable ride but also ensured a spacious interior, comfortably accommodating five occupants. The design featured clean lines, a prominent grille, and large glass areas, characteristic of European executive cars of the era, prioritizing understated sophistication over flamboyant styling.

Inside, the Royale offered a well-appointed cabin designed for comfort and practicality. The five-seat configuration provided ample room for passengers, reflecting its role as a comfortable long-distance cruiser or a prestigious family vehicle. Trunk space was generous for the time, offering 13.91 cu. ft. (394 liters) of cargo capacity, making it suitable for business trips or family vacations. The fuel tank capacity of 19.81 US gallons (75 liters) further emphasized its touring capabilities, allowing for extended range between fill-ups. While specific luxury features like advanced infotainment systems were not prevalent in this era, the focus was on robust engineering, comfortable seating, and a refined driving environment. The vehicle’s practicality was further enhanced by a maximum roof load of 176.37 lbs. (80 kg) and a permitted trailer load with brakes of 3747.86 lbs. (1700 kg), highlighting its versatility.

Drivetrain, Chassis, and Handling

The Vauxhall Royale 3.0 E V6 (180 Hp) was engineered with a classic and robust drivetrain architecture: a rear-wheel-drive setup. This configuration, where the internal combustion engine drives the rear wheels, was favored in executive cars of the period for its balanced handling characteristics and ability to transmit power effectively without compromising steering feel. The power was channeled through a four-speed manual transmission, offering direct engagement and control for the driver, a common choice for enthusiasts and those prioritizing a connected driving experience.

Underpinning the Royale’s ride and handling were its carefully designed suspension systems. The front suspension featured an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. This design was chosen for its effectiveness in providing a good balance between ride comfort and dynamic stability, allowing each front wheel to react independently to road imperfections. At the rear, the car utilized an independent coil spring suspension, further contributing to a refined ride quality and improved traction, especially over uneven surfaces. This independent rear suspension was a hallmark of more premium vehicles, distinguishing the Royale from simpler, beam-axle designs.

Braking performance was handled by a combination of ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear. Ventilated discs are crucial for dissipating heat, ensuring consistent braking power even under demanding conditions, a vital safety feature for a car capable of 130 mph. The all-disc brake setup provided superior stopping power and fade resistance compared to drum brakes, which were still common on the rear axles of many cars during this period. The car’s minimum turning circle of 32.94 feet (10.04 meters) indicated reasonable maneuverability for a vehicle of its size, making it manageable in urban environments despite its executive dimensions. Overall, the drivetrain and chassis components were chosen to deliver a confident, comfortable, and dynamically capable driving experience, aligning with the expectations for a flagship executive sedan of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Royale 3.0 E V6 (180 Hp)