Chevrolet Lumina

First generation (1989–1994)

The North American Chevrolet Lumina was based on the mid-size GM W-body, which was shared with the Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (later Intrigue), Buick Regal and Buick Century (after 1996). 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. Ironically, the "Lumina" name was considered by Ford in the pre-production stage of the Taurus. The Chevrolet Lumina's first generation ended production in August 1994, making this the shortest-lived generation of the first-generation GM W-body cars.

In 1989, the Lumina became the nameplate under which Chevrolets were raced in NASCAR, more than a year before the model was available to the public.

Chevrolet signed a deal with Disney-MGM Studios to make the 1990 Lumina the company's Official Car.

Specifications

Engines

Lumina Z34

Starting in 1990, Chevrolet offered a high performance version of the Lumina, the Lumina Z34. In order to enhance its performance it came standard with the FE3 sport suspension package, the 210 hp LQ1 V6 engine shared with the Lumina Euro 3.4 (sedan), the five speed Getrag 284 manual transmission, dual exhaust and four-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. Performance figures were quite impressive for a front wheel drive V6 engine powered car, with a 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 7.2 seconds, a 1/4 mile (~400 m) time of 15.0 seconds, a (limited) top speed of 130 mph (209.21 km/h), a 60-0 mph (97–0 km/h) distance of in 153 ft (47 m), and a lateral acceleration of 0.79 g's (7.7 m/s²). A Bose stereo system and automatic transmission, which lowered the horsepower rating to 200 and 0-60 time by a .5 seconds, were optional. The only paint colors available for the Z34 were white, red, black, gray, silver, and light blue. In 1995, the Lumina Z34 was replaced with the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34.

Second generation (1994–2001)

General Motors began 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 launch by 18 months. The redesigned Lumina was unveiled at 1995 Los Angeles Auto Show in January 1994 as a 1995 model. The 1995 Lumina had received a rounded body, increasing its size and an updated interior. Unlike its other W platform counterparts, the Lumina retained the first-generation chassis. Replacing the Lumina two-door coupe was a 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 thanks to a revised intake manifold and cylinder heads.

Initial trim levels consisted of base and LS; the latter replacing the "Euro" trim. Options included an electric sunroof, leather bucket seats, power windows, power driver seat, and an AM/FM stereo with CD player. This Lumina was also sold with police (code 9C3) and taxi packages, due to the Chevrolet Caprice being discontinued after the 1996 model year. (1998 in Mexico, also replaced with a Holden-sourced Caprice) 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 latter model.

The LTZ trim was introduced in 1996 for the 1997 model year to soften the blow from the discontinued Impala SS and Caprice. Its standard features included 16" brushed aluminum wheels, blackwall radial sport tires, sport tuned suspension, a 3.1 L V6 rated at 160 hp (120 kW) and 185 lb·ft (251 N·m) or an optional 3.4 L V6 rated at 215 hp (160 kW) and 220 lb·ft (300 N·m) of torque, a rear spoiler, restyled front and rear body clips (resembling the Monte Carlo Z34), a tachometer, and a floor-mounted shifter.

In 1997 for MY 1998, the 3.4 L V6 was replaced by the 3800 Series II which made 200 hp (150 kW) and 225 lb·ft (305 N·m) torque. Despite its increased torque, the 3.8 liter LTZ demonstrated slightly worse performance due to its lowered horsepower, with 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) times of 7.5 seconds (as opposed to 7.2 for the LQ1) and 1/4 mile (~400 m) times of 15.7 seconds (as opposed to 15.5 for the LQ1). The car has a computer-limited top speed of 107 mph (172 km/h) and the rev limiter kicks in at 5800 rpm for the 3.8L (Rev limiter is at 7000 rpm for the 3.4L 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 1999, although GM did produce 2001 model year Luminas to be exclusively sold for rental fleets. Retail sales of the Lumina ended in Canada in 1999 with the new imported models and the redesign of the Caprice, with the United States following suit a year later. Fleet production ended on April 26, 2001. In some Asian countries, the Lumina continued as a rebadged Buick Century/Regal.

Specification levels

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

Base (1995–2001): The most popular Lumina, the base model came well equipped for its price point. It had standard front row bench seat which upped seating to six, 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): Second highest trim level, LS models offered 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 (1995-1997) or 3.8 L 3800 V6 (1998-1999).

LTZ (1997–1999): The top of the line Lumina which included alloy wheels, a choice of the 3.1 L V6 engine, 3.4L DOHC engine or 3.8 L V6 engine (1998-1999 only), 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). To differentiate itself aesthetically from the lesser models, it received the front end, trunk lid and taillights from the Fifth Generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Engines

Third & fourth generation (1998 - 2013)

The Australian GM subsidiary, Holden, manufactured a third and fourth generation Lumina based on the rear-wheel drive Commodore (VX, VZ and VE series) sedan, sport utility and coupé (the latter body not available with the fourth generation VE series).

This model was exclusively manufactured for export primarily to the Middle East and South Africa. Luxury specifications of these sedans were also exported in Brazil as the Chevrolet Omega.

High-performance models were powered by Chevrolet V8 engines, including the high specification Pontiac G8 based on the VE Series, exported to the United States.