Vauxhall Royale 3.0 V6 (150 Hp)

The Vauxhall Royale 3.0 V6 (150 Hp), produced between 1978 and 1982, represented a significant offering in the executive sedan segment for the British market. As a badge-engineered version of the Opel Senator, the Royale allowed Vauxhall, General Motors’ UK subsidiary, to compete in a higher-end segment than its more common family cars. This generation of the Royale was positioned as a luxurious and performance-oriented four-door sedan, catering to buyers seeking comfort, refinement, and a potent powertrain. While never officially sold in the United States, the Royale was a familiar sight on European roads, embodying the design philosophies and engineering principles prevalent in large European sedans of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its robust V6 engine and sophisticated chassis design for the era contributed to its reputation as a capable long-distance cruiser and a respectable executive vehicle, offering a blend of British branding with German engineering prowess.

Engine & Performance of the Vauxhall Royale 3.0 V6 (150 Hp)

At the heart of the Vauxhall Royale 3.0 V6 (150 Hp) lay a formidable 2969 cm3 (181.18 cu. in.) V6 engine, a powerplant renowned for its smooth operation and respectable output for its time. This naturally aspirated unit, configured with a front-longitudinal layout, delivered 150 horsepower at 5200 rpm, complemented by a solid 171.85 lb.-ft. (233 Nm) of torque peaking at 3400 rpm. The engine’s architecture featured a V-engine configuration with six cylinders, each benefiting from two valves, controlled by a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. Fuel delivery was managed by a carburettor system, a common technology during this period, offering a balance of performance and reliability, albeit without the precision of later fuel injection systems. The compression ratio stood at 9.25:1, indicating a design focused on durability and smooth power delivery rather than outright high-octane performance.

Performance figures for the Royale 3.0 V6 were impressive for a large sedan of its era. It was capable of reaching a maximum speed of 119.92 mph (193 km/h), a testament to its powerful V6 engine and aerodynamic design. The power-to-weight ratio, calculated at 109.5 Hp per tonne (9.1 kg/Hp), along with a torque-to-weight ratio of 170.1 Nm per tonne (5.9 kg/Nm), underscored its ability to accelerate and maintain speed effectively. Power was routed to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission, a choice that appealed to drivers seeking a more engaging and direct driving experience. This traditional rear-wheel-drive architecture, combined with the V6’s power, provided a balanced chassis dynamics that was appreciated by enthusiasts. The manual gearbox allowed drivers to fully exploit the engine’s torque band, making the Royale a capable performer in both urban settings and on open highways.

Design & Features

The Vauxhall Royale was conceived as a sophisticated four-door sedan, designed to exude an air of understated elegance and executive presence. Its exterior dimensions – a length of 192.01 inches (4877 mm), a width of 68.03 inches (1728 mm), and a height of 53.78 inches (1366 mm) – contributed to its imposing road presence. The generous wheelbase of 105.63 inches (2683 mm) was instrumental in providing a stable ride and a spacious cabin, comfortably accommodating five occupants. The styling of the Royale was characteristic of late 1970s and early 1980s European executive cars, featuring clean lines, a relatively upright grille, and ample glass area for excellent visibility. Chrome accents were sparingly used, adding a touch of luxury without being ostentatious.

Inside, the Royale aimed for comfort and functionality, reflecting its role as a premium family or business vehicle. While specific interior features are not detailed in the specifications, cars of this segment and era typically offered plush seating, high-quality upholstery, and a well-appointed dashboard with clear instrumentation. For its time, features such as power steering, perhaps power windows, and a sophisticated heating and ventilation system would have been expected appointments, contributing to a refined driving and passenger experience. The trunk space was a respectable 13.91 cu. ft. (394 liters), adequate for luggage for five occupants, reinforcing its practicality for long journeys.

The Royale’s chassis and suspension system were engineered to provide a comfortable yet controlled ride. The front suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, a common and effective design for managing front-end dynamics and ensuring precise steering. At the rear, an independent coil spring suspension was employed, which was a more advanced setup compared to solid axles found in some contemporaries, contributing significantly to passenger comfort and improved handling over varied road surfaces. Braking performance was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The use of disc brakes all around, with ventilation for the front, was a notable safety and performance feature for a vehicle of this period, providing confident stopping power for a car of its size and weight. The minimum turning circle of 32.94 ft (10.04 m) indicated reasonable maneuverability for a vehicle of its dimensions. The kerb weight stood at 3020.33 lbs (1370 kg), with a maximum gross weight of 4188.78 lbs (1900 kg), allowing for a substantial maximum load of 1168.45 lbs (530 kg), highlighting its robust construction and utility.

Technical Specifications