Vauxhall Senator B 2.5i (140 Hp) Automatic

The Vauxhall Senator B 2.5i (140 Hp) Automatic stands as a quintessential executive sedan from the late 1980s, representing Vauxhall’s flagship offering in the United Kingdom and a rebadged version of the Opel Senator B for the British market. Produced from 1987 to 1990, this second-generation Senator built upon the legacy of its predecessor, aiming to compete with established luxury marques by offering a blend of refined performance, advanced features for its era, and a spacious, comfortable cabin. While never officially sold in the United States, the Senator B carved out a significant niche in Europe as a sophisticated, rear-wheel-drive platform designed for discerning buyers seeking a blend of comfort, highway cruising capability, and understated elegance. Its role was to provide a premium experience without the overt flashiness of some competitors, emphasizing solid engineering and a smooth driving experience.

Engineering and Performance of the Vauxhall Senator B 2.5i (140 Hp) Automatic

At the heart of the Vauxhall Senator B 2.5i (140 Hp) Automatic was a robust and well-regarded 2.5-liter (2,490 cubic centimeters or 151.95 cubic inches) inline-six engine, designated by the code 25NE. This naturally aspirated powerplant was a hallmark of Opel/Vauxhall’s engineering prowess, known for its inherent balance and smooth operation, characteristics highly valued in the executive car segment. Featuring a multi-port manifold injection system, the engine delivered a respectable 140 horsepower at 5,200 revolutions per minute, providing ample power for comfortable cruising and confident overtakes. Torque output was equally impressive for its time, peaking at 151.2 pound-feet (205 Newton-meters) at 4,200 rpm, ensuring a flexible powerband that made the car feel responsive in various driving conditions.

The inline-six configuration, with two valves per cylinder and a front, longitudinal engine layout, contributed significantly to the car’s refined demeanor. Power was channeled to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission, a common choice for luxury vehicles of the period, prioritizing seamless shifts and relaxed driving over aggressive performance. This drivetrain architecture, with the internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels, offered a traditional and balanced feel, appealing to drivers who appreciated classic automotive dynamics. While not designed as a sports sedan, the Senator B 2.5i was capable of reaching a top speed of 124.27 miles per hour (200 kilometers per hour), a commendable figure for a large, automatic sedan of its time. Its weight-to-power ratio of 10.2 kilograms per horsepower (98.2 horsepower per tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7 kilograms per Newton-meter (143.9 Newton-meters per tonne) highlight its balanced approach to performance, focusing on smooth acceleration rather than raw, neck-snapping power. The 5.55 liters (5.86 US quarts) of engine oil capacity and 10.1 liters (10.67 US quarts) of coolant capacity further underscore the robust design intended for long-distance comfort and durability.

Design and Features of the Vauxhall Senator B

The Vauxhall Senator B presented a sleek and aerodynamic design for its era, a significant departure from the more angular styling of the 1970s and early 1980s. Its four-door sedan body type exuded a sense of understated luxury, with clean lines and a purposeful stance. Measuring 190.75 inches in length, 69.41 inches in width, and 57.09 inches in height, with a generous 107.48-inch wheelbase, the Senator B provided a spacious and comfortable cabin for five occupants. The designers achieved a remarkably low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.30, a testament to the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency, which contributed to both fuel economy and reduced wind noise at higher speeds—a crucial attribute for an executive cruiser.

Inside, the Senator B was equipped with features aimed at enhancing comfort and convenience. While specific trim levels varied, the general emphasis was on plush seating, quality materials, and a well-appointed dashboard. For a car of its generation, the inclusion of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as an assisting system was a significant safety feature, providing enhanced control during emergency braking situations. The independent front suspension, utilizing a McPherson strut design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, combined with an independent coil spring rear suspension, delivered a ride quality that prioritized smoothness and stability, characteristic of a long-distance executive sedan. Braking performance was handled by ventilated discs at the front and disc brakes at the rear, offering reliable stopping power. The vehicle rode on 205/65 R15 tires mounted on 6J x 15-inch wheel rims, providing a comfortable balance of grip and ride compliance. Practicality was also a strong suit, with a substantial trunk (boot) space of 18.72 cubic feet (530 liters) and a generous 19.81 US gallons (75 liters) fuel tank capacity, ensuring long ranges between fill-ups. The Senator B’s design ethos clearly aimed to offer a sophisticated, comfortable, and safe motoring experience, making it a compelling choice in the European executive market of the late 1980s.

Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Senator B 2.5i (140 Hp) Automatic (1987-1990)