Late in 1986, it was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, ahead of the highly acclaimed new versions of the Audi 80 and BMW 7 Series.

[5] Compared to the Rekord, the Omega featured many modern technological advances, which were new to Opel in general, if not to the volume segment European automotive market.

These included electronic engine management, ABS, on-board computer (which displayed parameters such as momentary fuel consumption or average speed), air-conditioned glove compartment, and even the then fashionable LCD instrument cluster (available in CD version from 1987, but dropped in 1991).

More importantly, the Omega came with a self-diagnosis system (which is now a standard feature in present-day cars), whose output could be read by appropriately equipped, authorised service stations.

For the 1991 model year, the Omega A was afforded a facelift, which encompassed slight alterations to front and rear fascias, as well as interior materials and additional sound dampening.

Other modifications from the base model included a lowered suspension and limited-slip differential, as well as different fascias and a rear spoiler.

In October 1989, the Omega 3000 received an optional new engine with 24 valves, two overhead camshafts, and a variable intake manifold (Opel Dual Ram system).

As a result, engine capacity rose to 3.6 litres; in addition, two Garrett T25 turbochargers were installed along with a water-cooled intercooler.

The engine management was also modified, and the ignition changed to an AC Delco type (same system as the Lotus Esprit uses).

The tyres were custom made by Goodyear, and can be recognised by the small Greek letter Ω (Omega) on the side.

These were required, as this car could reach 280 to 300 km/h (174 to 186 mph), which made this Omega the world's fastest production sedan at the time.

The Omega B's platform was also modified to form the basis of the Australian third-generation Holden Commodore up to 2006, commencing with the 1997 VT series.

This generation also helped succeed the Opel Senator as GM's executive car offering in European markets.

Leaked images of a design studio mockup, featuring Opel badges and "D" plates, emerged in Europe in February 1990.

It was distinguished by minor revisions to the front and rear styling, centre console, and the introduction of an electronic stability program.

Gradually, new engines of slightly larger displacement also replaced the earlier ones; the new ones were generally Euro 3 emissions compliant.

In late 1999, the Omega received a facelift and a 2.2 L 16-valve engine was added to the range as an eventual replacement for the 2.0 L which was discontinued within a year.

[20][21] Opel was planning to upgrade its flagship Omega model with a powerful GM LS1 V8 engine used in the Chevrolet Corvette.

[22] The reasons for cancelling production plans were concerns regarding the transmission and about whether the engine was vollgasfest (German, "full throttle resistant").

These Australian sedans are larger in all body dimensions and have featured less sophisticated suspension designs, different interior styling, and powertrains ranging from a Buick-derived 3.8-litre V6 between 1988 and 2003 or 5.0-litre V8 between 1988 and 1999, both manufactured by Holden, to a new 3.6-litre V6 from 2003 also built and exported by Holden and fully imported Chevrolet V8 engines, beginning with a 5.7 litre version in 1999, upgraded to a 260 kW 6.0 litre version in 2006.

In the United Kingdom, the Vauxhall Omega proved to be a successful model,[26] despite being slated in many reviews for heavy depreciation[27] and unreliability.

[28][29] Omegas and Carltons were a regular sight on United Kingdom roads, sporting police livery and as covert traffic surveillance cars.

[citation needed] Following the demise of its direct rivals, the Ford Scorpio and Rover 800, the former due to its controversial styling, Opel/Vauxhall found themselves competing against BMW's 5 Series, with minimal sales success.

Apart from the Australian re-engineered Holden Commodore models that carried on until 2006 for the sedan (wagons and utilities until 2007), production of the Omega ended in 2003.

[33] As of July 2020, only 3297 Vauxhall Omegas and 306 Carltons (including some rebadged Rekords) are left on the road in the United Kingdom.