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OPEL Senator Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 1983
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
OPEL Senator photo gallery

It was the last stint for the largest limousine built by Opel for the European market and marked the end of a successful nameplate: the Senator.

Opel had a long history of making executive cars for the European market. Models such as the Kapitan, Admiral, or the Diplomat fought for domination in the premium segment during the late '60s to the mid-'70s. In 1987 Opel tried again to offer a car that could compete against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-Series: the second generation of the Senator.

The Senator featured a grid-like grille mounted on the front side of the hood, which was extended to the top of the wrapped-around bumper. Depending on the version and options, its rectangular, wide headlights were fitted with washers and wipers. The carmaker placed the turn signals on the sides of the bumper, next to the parking lights. Opel installed black rubber stripes on the bumper, fenders, and door panels to protect the car from small parking bumps.

Inside, the carmaker installed two bucket seats at the front and a bench profiled for two in the back. At the front, the carmaker installed a wide dashboard with a taller instrument cluster extended over the fat center stack. Unlike other carmakers, who had to choose between the audio systems and the climate controls for the upper position, Opel installed the stalks and buttons for the AC unit next to the radio-cassette player. For the range-topping version, the Senator provided a digital dashboard with LCDs instead of analog dials.

Under the hood, Opel installed a choice of five engines paired to a five-speed manual as standard. A four-speed automatic was offered as an option for selected engines.

full description and technical specifications
OPEL Senator photo gallery

It was the biggest Opel and most powerful in its lineup when it was launched, in 1983. The Senator was a truly executive car. It was the flagship for the German car-maker.

The Senator was introduced in 1978 to replace the old and aged Opel Diplomat, which was on the market since 1969. The change brought a new shape, with a modern look. In 1983, the Senator went through a mid-life cycle refresh that brought more exterior and interior changes.

On the outside, the headlights were enlarged and slightly moved outward. The grille was aligned with them and it featured a new design. In the back, the taillights were united across the rear panel with light strips and the license plate was moved lower in the bumper. The smoothed out surfaces led to an important gain on the aerodynamic factor, where the drag-coefficient dropped from CX 0.45 to CX 0.36.

Inside, the 1983 Senator, or A2, featured a redesigned dashboard with an integrated center stack and instrument cluster under the same squared shape that was extended over the center console. But there was no center armrest for the driver. At least there was one for the rear passengers if only two were seated. But there was enough room for three, even if the middle one had to stay over the transmission tunnel.

The 1983 Senator was brought wit fuel injected engines of 2.5-liter and a 2.3-liter turbodiesel, from Isuzu. The standard transmission was a 4-speed manual, but a 3-speed automatic was available as an option for the gasoline unit.

full description and technical specifications