1986-1987 Vauxhall Royale 2.2i (115 Hp)

The Vauxhall Royale 2.2i (115 Hp) represents a compelling chapter in the history of European executive sedans, particularly for the United Kingdom market. Produced for a brief but significant period between 1986 and 1987, this model was Vauxhall’s offering in the competitive large car segment, essentially a rebadged and localized version of the Opel Senator A2. While never officially sold in the United States, its engineering and market positioning mirror the aspirations of many contemporary American luxury and performance sedans. The Royale 2.2i was designed to provide a blend of comfort, space, and respectable performance, catering to buyers seeking a refined driving experience without the premium badge of German rivals, yet offering a distinctively European flair.

The Vauxhall Royale: A European Executive Sedan

In the mid-1980s, Vauxhall, a subsidiary of General Motors, aimed to solidify its presence in the executive car market within the UK and other Commonwealth countries. The Vauxhall Royale, specifically the 2.2i variant, was central to this strategy. Derived from the robust Opel Senator platform, the Royale shared its fundamental architecture with its German counterpart, benefiting from Opel’s engineering prowess. This allowed Vauxhall to offer a large, comfortable, and well-appointed sedan that could compete with the likes of Ford Granada, Rover SD1, and entry-level offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, particularly in terms of value for money and running costs. Its role was to provide a more luxurious and powerful option above the more mainstream Cavalier and Carlton models, appealing to company executives and private buyers looking for a substantial, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

The Royale’s market appeal stemmed from its combination of practical design, comfortable interior, and a powertrain capable of delivering smooth performance. For its era, the Royale embodied the traditional executive sedan virtues: a spacious cabin, a generous trunk, and a focus on long-distance cruising comfort. Its limited production run from 1986 to 1987 marked it as a specific iteration within the broader Senator/Royale lineage, representing the later phase of the first-generation platform before its eventual replacement. Despite its relatively short tenure, the Vauxhall Royale 2.2i left an impression as a capable and understated executive choice, valued for its robust mechanics and comfortable ride, traits that continue to be appreciated by classic car enthusiasts today.

Engine and Performance of the Vauxhall Royale 2.2i (115 Hp)

The heart of the 1986-1987 Vauxhall Royale 2.2i was its 2.2-liter (2197 cm3 or 134.07 cu. in.) naturally aspirated inline-four gasoline engine. This powerplant delivered a respectable 115 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 134.24 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm. For a large sedan of its time, these figures provided a balanced blend of everyday tractability and highway cruising capability. The engine featured a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, a common and reliable configuration for the era, prioritizing smooth operation and ease of maintenance. Fuel delivery was managed by a multi-port manifold injection system, a modern touch for the mid-1980s that offered improved fuel efficiency and throttle response compared to older carbureted systems.

The performance characteristics of the Royale 2.2i were well-suited to its executive sedan role. With a top speed of 113.71 mph (183 km/h), it was capable of maintaining comfortable speeds on European autobahns and motorways. The engine’s torque curve, peaking at a relatively low 2800 rpm, ensured strong pulling power from lower engine speeds, making it responsive in urban traffic and effortless during overtakes. This responsiveness was further enhanced by a 5-speed manual transmission, which allowed drivers to extract the most from the engine and provided a more engaging driving experience than many automatic-equipped rivals. The rear-wheel-drive powertrain architecture, a hallmark of traditional executive sedans, contributed to predictable handling and a classic driving feel, offering good balance and traction under acceleration. With a curb weight of 3020.33 lbs. (1370 kg), the Royale had a weight-to-power ratio of 11.9 kg/Hp, indicating a solid, rather than sporty, performance profile, emphasizing refinement and durability.

Design and Features of the 1986-1987 Vauxhall Royale

The design of the 1986-1987 Vauxhall Royale 2.2i was quintessentially mid-1980s European executive. It presented as a four-door sedan with a classic, understated elegance that prioritized aerodynamic efficiency and passenger comfort. Its overall length of 192.01 inches (4877 mm) and width of 68.03 inches (1728 mm) gave it a substantial road presence, while the 105.63-inch (2683 mm) wheelbase ensured a spacious interior for five occupants. The styling featured clean lines, a relatively low roofline at 53.78 inches (1366 mm), and a strong, purposeful stance, reflecting the design trends of the era that moved away from the sharper angles of the late 1970s towards a smoother, more integrated look. The minimum turning circle of 32.94 feet (10.04 m) was reasonable for a vehicle of its size, aiding maneuverability in city environments.

Inside, the Royale was designed for comfort and practicality. The five-seat configuration provided ample room for adults, and the 13.91 cu. ft. (394 liters) of trunk space was generous enough for family trips or business luggage. The large fuel tank capacity of 19.81 US gallons (75 liters) underscored its capability as a long-distance cruiser, minimizing stops for refueling. While specific luxury features are not detailed, a car in this segment during the mid-80s would typically include amenities such as comfortable cloth or optional leather upholstery, power windows, central locking, and a well-appointed dashboard with clear instrumentation. Safety features for the period would have focused on a robust chassis, energy-absorbing body structures, and effective braking systems.

The chassis and suspension setup were engineered to deliver a comfortable yet composed ride. The front suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, providing precise steering and good road holding. The rear featured an independent coil spring suspension, contributing to passenger comfort and stability over varying road surfaces. Braking performance was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, a capable setup for a vehicle of its weight and performance, offering confident stopping power. The combination of a well-tuned suspension and a robust braking system ensured that the Vauxhall Royale 2.2i delivered a secure and pleasant driving experience, fitting its role as a refined executive sedan.

Technical Specifications of the Vauxhall Royale 2.2i (115 Hp)

Below is a comprehensive table detailing the technical specifications of the Vauxhall Royale 2.2i (115 Hp) from its production years of 1986-1987.