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Chevrolet Lumina

The Chevrolet Lumina is a mid-size car that was produced and marketed by Chevrolet from the 1990 to 2001 model years. Serving as the combined successor for both the Chevrolet Celebrity and Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Lumina was sold as both a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan. Serving as the largest front-wheel drive Chevrolet, the model line was slotted below the Caprice Classic in the Chevrolet line.

For the first time, Chevrolet did not produce a mid-size station wagon, with Chevrolet instead marketing the Chevrolet Lumina APV minivan (sharing only its name with the mid-size cars).[1] The Lumina coupe (in reconfigured form) served as the Chevrolet entry in stock-car racing, with the Lumina Z34 replacing the previous Monte Carlo SS.

The final model released of the GM10 platform (today, GM W platform), the Lumina shares design commonality with the Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Pontiac Grand Prix, introduced as part of the transition of its divisional counterparts to front-wheel drive.

During its two generations of production, the Chevrolet Lumina was assembled by GM Canada in its Oshawa Car Assembly facility (Oshawa, Ontario). For 2000, Chevrolet revived the Chevrolet Impala nameplate for a redesigned W-body sedan, with fleet sales of the Lumina ending after the 2001 model year.

Outside of North America (primarily the Middle East and South Africa), the Chevrolet Lumina nameplate was used from 1998 to 2013 on rebranded versions of the Holden Commodore; a Lumina coupe was derived from the Holden Monaro from 2003 to 2006.[2] Chevrolet Philippines marketed the Lumina from 2005 to 2006, using a rebranded version of the SAIC-GM-produced Buick Regal.

First generation (1990)

The North American Chevrolet Lumina was based on the mid-size GM10 platform, which was shared with the Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Buick Regal.[4] Although the Lumina became a popular seller, GM was widely criticized in the motoring press for being late to the game in introducing a direct aero-designed competitor to the Ford Taurus.[5] The "Lumina" name was considered by Ford in the pre-production stage of the Taurus.[6] Both body styles were available in base and sporty Euro trim, which was a successor to the Celebrity Eurosport.

Airbags were not yet available at the time of introduction so seat belts were installed in the front doors as "passive restraints". These belts were connected to the upper and lower portions of the front doors, and could remain latched while allowing front passengers the ability to enter and exit the vehicle without removing them.[7] This technically satisfied US Government regulations concerning passive occupant safety requirements. GM was criticized for the lack of airbags in Lumina, by 1993 the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry all came equipped with at least one front airbag.[8]

The coupe and sedan were installed with MacPherson front struts, while the rear suspension used Chapman struts and a transverse-mounted fiberglass leaf spring, borrowing an approach used from the Chevrolet Corvette (C4) rear suspension.[6]

The Chevrolet Lumina's first generation ended production in August 1994, making this the shortest-produced generation of the first-generation GM10 cars.[9]

Lumina Z34

Starting in 1990, Chevrolet offered a high-performance version of the Lumina, the Lumina Z34. It came standard with the FE3 sport suspension package, the 210 hp LQ1 V6 engine shared with the Lumina Euro 3.4 (sedan), the 5-speed Getrag 284 manual transmission, dual exhaust, and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.

The Z34 also featured cosmetic changes to go along with the performance enhancements such as unique front and rear fascias, side skirts, a rear spoiler, a louvered hood, a unique steering wheel, and sport bucket seats, and an optional Bose stereo system.

Performance figures included a 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 7.1 seconds, a 1/4 mile (~400 m) time of 15.5 seconds, a (limited) top speed of 113 mph, and a lateral acceleration of 0.79 g (7.7 m/s²).[10] The optional Hydramatic 4T60-E automatic transmission lowered the horsepower rating to 200 hp and 0-60 times by .5 seconds.[11] The only paint colors available for the Z34 were white, red, black, gray, silver, and Maui Blue (added in 1993). In 1995, the Lumina Z34 was replaced with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34.

Engines

  • 1990–1992: 151 cuin Iron Duke I4
  • 1993: 134 cuin 122 I4
  • 1990–1994: 191 cuin LHO V6
  • 1991–1994: 207 cuin LQ1 V6

Production

Second generation (1995)

General Motors began the development of an updated Lumina in 1989, under chief engineer Norm Sholler, planned for a late 1992 launch. By 1991, a final body design was approved. Development eventually took longer than planned, delaying the launch by 18 months. The redesigned Lumina was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 1994 as a 1995 model. The 1995 Lumina received a rounded body, increasing its size, as well as an updated interior.[16] Unlike its other W platform counterparts, the Lumina retained the first-generation chassis. Replacing the Lumina two-door coupe was the resurrected Monte Carlo. The LH0 V6 was dropped in favor of the L82 V6, known as the 3100 SFI; the latter engine produced 20 more horsepower from the same displacement due to a revised intake manifold and cylinder heads.[17][18][19]

Initial trim levels consisted of base and LS; the latter replacing the "Euro" trim. Options included an electric sunroof, leather bucket seats, power windows, a power driver seat, and an AM/FM stereo with a CD player. This Lumina was available with police (code 9C3) and taxi packages, because the Chevrolet Caprice was discontinued after the 1996 model year. Production began on Monte Carlo coupes in February 1994 and March 7, 1994 for Lumina sedans at GM's Oshawa manufacturing plant, for a June 6, 1994 market launch for the 1995 model.[20]

The LTZ trim was introduced in 1996 for the 1997 model year because the Impala SS and Caprice were discontinued. Standard features included 16" brushed aluminum wheels, blackwall radial sport tires, sport tuned suspension, a 3.1 L V6 rated at 160 hp and 185 lb·ft or an optional 3.4 L V6 rated at 215 hp and 220 lb·ft of torque, a rear spoiler, restyled front and rear body clips (resembling the Monte Carlo Z34), a tachometer, and a floor-mounted shifter.

For 1998, the 3.4 L V6 was replaced by the 3800 Series II which produced 200 hp and 225 lb·ft of torque. Despite its increased torque, the 3.8 L LTZ demonstrated slightly worse performance due to its lowered horsepower, with 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) times of 7.5 seconds (as opposed to 7.2 seconds for the LQ1) and 1/4 mile (~400 m) times of 15.7 seconds (as opposed to 15.5 seconds for the LQ1). The car has a computer-limited top speed of 107 mi/h and the rev limiter kicks in at 5,800 rpm for the 3.8 L (rev limiter is at 7,000 rpm for the 3.4 L LQ1).

Also in 1997, the 1998 model year Luminas received second generation airbags. The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Impala was introduced as a replacement for the Lumina in 2000, although GM produced 2001 model year Luminas to be exclusively sold for rental fleets. Retail sales of the Lumina ended in Canada in 1999, with the United States following a year later. Fleet production ended on April 26, 2001. In some Asian countries, the Lumina continued as a rebadged Buick Century/Regal.

Trim levels

Throughout its life cycle, the second generation Lumina was available in three trim levels:

Base (1995–2001): The most popular Lumina had a standard front row bench seat with seating for six passengers, power locks, tilt steering wheel, dual airbags, and air conditioning. Base models were equipped with fifteen-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.

LS (1995–1999): The mid-level trim models included aluminum wheels, optional dual-zone temperature controls, power windows (optional on Base), tachometer, higher-end stereo with GM's Delcolock, anti-lock brakes, remote keyless entry system, upgraded seats, and an optional 3.4 L DOHC engine (1995-1996).

LTZ (1997–1999): The top-of-the-line Lumina included alloy wheels, a choice of the 3.1 L V6 engine, 3.4 L DOHC engine (1997), and the 3.8 L V6 engine (1998-1999), power driver seat, dual-zone climate control and leather with the option for deluxe cloth. A center console was standard on LTZ (optional on LS). Exterior differentiation included the front end, trunk lid, and taillights from the fifth generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Engines

  • 1995–1999 191 cuin L82 V6
  • 1995–1997 207 cuin LQ1 DOHC V6
  • 1998–1999 231 cuin L36 V6
  • 2000–2001 191 cuin LG8 V6

Production

Motorsport

NASCAR

While production of the Lumina commenced in January of 1989, the sedan formally launched in the Chevrolet showrooms in May of that year with the coupe following later.[21][22] NASCAR rules at the time mandated that a car must be available to the public, so the Lumina coupe debuted in NASCAR at Talladega in May of 1989. It replaced the rear-wheel drive G-Body Monte Carlo.[23] Drivers were wary of the new model, believing that the older car was better for superspeedways, but that it could give them an advantage on short-tracks.[24] However the Lumina won two of the three next races, allaying many fears that the new body style would be uncompetitive.[25] The model was so successful that the Lumina helped Chevrolet win the manufacturers championship (reflecting the most successful car of the season) consecutively from 1989 through 1991, and again in 1993.

At this stage of NASCAR, little translated from the production car to the race car, with the exception front and rear bumpers and minor sheet metal. The rest of the car was based around a tube-frame and was known as the Generation 3 car, although the Lumina nameplate spanned into the Generation 4 era as well.

The Lumina also featured prominently in the 1990 movie Days of Thunder.[26] The Lumina appeared in both NASCAR as the fictional #51 Mello Yellow car driven by "Cole Trickle" (Tom Cruise), #18 Hardees and #46 City Chevrolet, as well as in production guise as a rental sedan that Cruise's character abuses in a race against another driver in a rental Ford Taurus.[27] The #46 Lumina, sponsored by the fictional City Chevrolet dealership, was driven to a second place finish in the 1990 Busch Clash by Greg Sacks.[28]

The Lumina was retired the end of the 1994 season, when it was replaced with revised GM10 Monte Carlo coupe. The Lumina had won a total of 61 NASCAR races, including 29 alone by Dale Earnhardt.[29][30]

Marketing

In addition to traditional print and television advertisements, GM collaborated with two large organizations, Disney and NASCAR, to expand the market for the Lumina.

Disney

Chevrolet signed a deal with The Walt Disney Company to make the 1990 Lumina the official car of the Disney-MGM Studios park, with the ad campaign coinciding with the opening of the park in 1989.[31] As part of this promotion, characters from Disney films were featured in early advertisements for the Lumina, including television commercials and print ads.[32] The entire Lumina family appeared at the 1989 61st Academy Awards Ceremony in a short entailed "Premiere".[33][34]

Days of Thunder

The 1990 NASCAR movie Days of Thunder featured advertisement tie-ins.[35] GM reportedly spent upwards for the tie in, but there was much skepticism that the marketing tie-in would have the desired effects on sales.[36]

Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

NHTSA

Holden-based models

The Australian GM subsidiary, Holden, manufactured a third and fourth generation of the Chevrolet Lumina based on the rear-wheel-drive Commodore (VT, VX, VY, VZ, and VE series).

Overview

Starting in 1998, Holden Commodores were sold as the Chevrolet Lumina in the Middle East,[45] and 2000 in South Africa.[46][47]

The Holden Ute-based Lumina Ute was sold in South Africa. Starting in 2003, the Holden Monaro-based Chevrolet Lumina coupe was sold in the Middle East, ending in 2006. The Lumina Coupe was offered in S (CV6), and SS (CV8) trims.[48][49]

In some Middle Eastern markets, the third generation Commodore-based Lumina acted as the successor to the second generation, W-Body Lumina.

Exports to the Middle East ceased in 2011,[50] exports to South Africa ended in 2013.[51] The Lumina was indirectly replaced in some markets by the slightly smaller Chevrolet Malibu; and the Chevrolet Camaro for the 2-door coupe and SS variants.[52]

Markets

In Arabia, the Lumina was offered in four different trims: LS (Omega), LTZ (Berlina), S (SV6) and SS (SS). The LTZ and S came standard with a 3.6 L Alloytec V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission for the S and four-speed for the LTZ, while the SS came standard with a 6.0 L76 V8 with the option of active fuel management. A six-speed manual was standard with the option of a six-speed automatic on the SS. The LTZ was the luxury model, while the S and SS models focused on sportiness.

Lumina models sold in South Africa, only sold in the SS (later SSV) trim, dropping the V6 engine in favour of a 6.0-litre V8 engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic. Fuel injection and a 10.4:1 compression ratio help contribute to a max power output of 270 kW at 5,700 rpm, and a max torque of 530 Nm at 4,400 rpm for vehicles equipped with the manual. Automatic cars make 260 kW at 5,800 rpm and 517 Nm at 4,400 rpm. All cars were equipped with Brembo brake calipers and a ZF limited-slip differentials. The car received updates for the 2011 model year. These changes correspond to the introduction of the VE Series II Commodore. Changes included revised bumpers, the addition of a chrome moulding above the number plate on the boot lid, refreshed alloy wheel designs, and the Holden IQ system. The new SSV trim was also introduced.[53] The Holden Ute was sold as the Lumina Ute in South Africa, with the same equipment as the sedan.

Starting in September 2003, with VY-based Chevrolet Lumina sales started in Malaysia with the LTZ trim,[54] followed by Thailand in October with LTZ and S trims.[55] Singapore was added as an export market by 2004 with the Lumina LTZ.[56] Exports to Singapore ended during 2004; Malaysia and Thailand sales continued with VZ-based Luminas from 2004,[57][58][59] exports to both countries ceased during 2005.[57][58][60]

Other Commodores sold under the Chevrolet brand were the Holden Calais-based Chevrolet Omega in Brazil; and the Chevrolet SS based on the VF Commodore, exported to the United States.

Philippines model

The Chinese-built Buick Regal was sold in the Philippines from 2005 to 2006 as the Chevrolet Lumina. GM had withdrawn from the Philippines in 1985 along with Ford, finding the political and economic situation there untenable. This left only Nissan and Mitsubishi operating in the Filipino market. In 1997, GM returned with the Opel brand, and introduced the Opel Vectra, Opel Omega, and, shortly thereafter, the Tigra and Astra. In 2000, Chevrolet returned with the Chevrolet Suburban and Chevrolet Savana, with GM dealerships being rebranded as GM AutoWorld. However, Opel struggled in the Filipino market, with Japanese automakers accounting for 80% of the total market by the year 2000. After the discontinuation of the Omega, the Vectra became Opel's largest sedan offering in the market. The Vectra struggled against rivals like the Nissan Cefiro, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. GM withdrew the brand in 2003, leaving them without a car in the mid-size segment. In 2005, GM introduced the Chevrolet Lumina as a competitor to the growing mid-size sedan market.[61]

The only engine offered was a 2.5 liter V6, producing 152 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It had a top speed of 173 km/h and a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 12.8 seconds. The exhaust system was equipped with a Euro 2 standard catalytic converter.

Safety features included a four-wheel disc brake system with ABS, an onboard vehicle diagnosis system, a tire pressure monitor, integrated turn signal/headlight housing, five seatbelts and dual front airbags. The Lumina's body featured an integrated steel body structure with side impact protection. To prevent theft, the Lumina featured an engine immobilizer and a central locking system.

Standard features included keyless entry, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, remote trunk opener, power side mirrors, and a tilt adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with hydraulic power steering. The interior also featured leather seats, faux wood trim, a rear armrest, electronic climate control system, and a six speaker CD system.[62] It was only available in three colors: white, silver, and black.

The Lumina is one out of two rebadged Chinese-market Buicks sold in the Philippines, the other being the Buick GL8-based Chevrolet Venture. Both are sourced from Shanghai GM. The car cost around P1.290M at the time and was quite a bit larger than the Vectra, measuring 20 inches longer and around 5 inches wider. This made it the largest car in its class, larger and wider than its main competitors, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. The car was praised for being comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped, yet its design was criticized for being a "bit too bland".[63]

The Lumina was short-lived. It was discontinued in 2006, with production of the Chinese market Regal halting in 2008. Sales were poor, making the Lumina a rare car in the Philippines. In 2013, Chevrolet Philippines introduced the Chevrolet Malibu as the successor to the Lumina. It would eventually be discontinued in 2021.

External links

References

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