Opel Vectra C Caravan (facelift ) 2.8i V6 24V Turbo (250 Hp)

The Opel Vectra C Caravan (facelift 2005) 2.8i V6 24V Turbo (250 Hp) represents a compelling blend of practicality and performance that was a hallmark of Opel’s D-segment offerings in the European market during the mid-2000s. As a prominent player in the competitive family car segment, the Vectra C, particularly in its spacious Caravan (station wagon) guise, aimed to provide comfort, safety, and versatility for families and business users alike. This particular variant, introduced in November 2006 as part of the C-generation’s facelift, elevated its appeal significantly by incorporating a potent turbocharged V6 engine. While the Opel brand itself is not commonly found in the United States, its General Motors lineage and engineering principles share common ground with many vehicles sold stateside, making the technical specifications and design philosophy of the Vectra C relevant to a broader automotive discussion. This model, produced until August 2008, stood out for its ability to combine the daily utility of a large station wagon with the exhilarating performance typically associated with sportier sedans, positioning it as a capable long-distance cruiser and a surprisingly agile family hauler.

Engine and Performance of the Opel Vectra C Caravan (facelift 2005) 2.8i V6 24V Turbo (250 Hp)

At the heart of the Opel Vectra C Caravan (facelift 2005) 2.8i V6 24V Turbo (250 Hp) lies a sophisticated powertrain designed to deliver robust performance without sacrificing the refinement expected of a premium European family car. The 2.8-liter (2792 cm³ or 170.38 cu. in.) V6 engine, designated with the code Z28NET, is a testament to Opel’s engineering capabilities. This V-engine configuration, with 6 cylinders and 4 valves per cylinder, benefits immensely from a turbocharger and intercooler, which significantly boost its power output. The engine produces a formidable 250 horsepower at 5500 rpm, translating to an impressive power per liter figure of 89.5 HP/l. This power is complemented by a substantial torque output of 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.), available across a broad rev range, ensuring strong acceleration and effortless overtaking maneuvers, even when the vehicle is fully loaded.

The performance figures for this station wagon are genuinely impressive for its class. The Opel Vectra C Caravan (facelift 2005) 2.8i V6 24V Turbo (250 Hp) can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 6.7 seconds, a time that would rival many sports sedans of its era. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, or approximately 155.34 mph, making it a highly capable vehicle for sustained high-speed cruising on European autobahns. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a precise 6-speed manual transmission, offering engaging driver control and optimizing power delivery. The front-wheel-drive architecture, combined with an independent coil spring suspension system at both the front and rear, provides a balanced ride that blends comfort with confident handling. This setup ensures stability and predictability, crucial for a car designed to carry passengers and cargo across varied terrains and speeds.

Despite its performance orientation, Opel also paid attention to fuel efficiency, albeit within the context of a turbocharged V6 engine. The combined fuel economy is rated at 10.4 l/100 km, which translates to approximately 22.6 US mpg. While urban consumption stands at 15.5 l/100 km (15.2 US mpg), extra-urban driving significantly improves to 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg), highlighting its efficiency during highway cruising. The engine operates on petrol (gasoline) and utilizes a multi-port manifold injection system. With a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and a generous 6-liter engine oil capacity, the Z28NET engine was engineered for durability and consistent performance, reflecting its role as a workhorse capable of both spirited driving and long-distance touring.

Design and Features of the Vectra C Caravan

The Opel Vectra C Caravan (facelift 2005) presented a contemporary and functional design, typical of European family station wagons of its time. The facelift introduced subtle enhancements to the exterior, including revised front fascias, lighting clusters, and grille designs, giving the car a more modern and assertive presence. Its body type is a classic 5-door station wagon (or estate, as it’s known in Europe), providing expansive interior volume and exceptional versatility. With an overall length of 4839 mm (190.51 in.), a width of 1798 mm (70.79 in.), and a height of 1500 mm (59.06 in.), the Vectra C Caravan commands a significant road presence, ensuring ample space for its occupants and their belongings. The generous wheelbase of 2830 mm (111.42 in.) further contributes to a stable ride and a commodious cabin, comfortably seating five adults.

Practicality is a cornerstone of the Vectra C Caravan’s design. The vehicle’s kerb weight stands at 1545 kg (3406.14 lbs.), and it boasts a maximum load capacity of 645 kg (1421.98 lbs.), allowing for substantial cargo. The trunk space is particularly impressive, offering a minimum of 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) with all seats in place. When the rear seats are folded, this expands dramatically to a cavernous 1850 liters (65.33 cu. ft.), making it highly adaptable for transporting large items, luggage, or sporting equipment. This flexibility was a key selling point in markets where station wagons were highly valued for their utility. The 60-liter (15.85 US gal) fuel tank capacity ensures a decent range between fill-ups, especially during highway journeys.

From a chassis perspective, the Opel Vectra C Caravan (facelift 2005) 2.8i V6 24V Turbo (250 Hp) is well-equipped for dynamic driving and passenger comfort. Both the front and rear suspensions feature independent coil springs, which provide a compliant ride over varied road surfaces while maintaining body control during cornering. Braking performance is handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, ensuring strong and consistent stopping power, a critical safety feature for a vehicle capable of high speeds and heavy loads. The vehicle rides on 215/55 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims, a sensible choice that balances ride comfort with adequate grip. These features collectively underscore the Vectra C Caravan’s mission as a versatile, safe, and surprisingly capable family vehicle, designed to meet the diverse demands of European drivers.

Technical Specifications