OPEL ASTRA OPC RELEASES PERFORMANCE APP FOR APPLE

The 206 kW Opel Astra OPC has established itself as a powerful, dynamic, sure-footed and practical hot hatch – Opel’s FlexRide performance chassis and HiPerStrut adjustable dampers combined with the OPC’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, seating for five, a big boot and limited-slip front differential make any driver feel at home behind the wheel.  Now Opel is taking the OPC experience one step further with the introduction of an in-vehicle telemetry app for Apple devices.

The new Opel Astra OPC now offers a whole new dimension for true tech-savvy performance enthusiasts with real-time telemetry and driver performance indicators. The world-first add-on OPC Power App kit , which comprises an ECU adapter mated to a free Apple iPhone application, allows the driver to view, record and analyse real-time telemetry data – with as many as 60 data channels being available. The ECU adapter creates a personalised Wi-Fi hotspot within the vehicle which serves as a wireless connection between the app and the car.

By simply pairing the iPhone to the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot, the OPC Power App is able to illustrate a myriad of the vehicle’s telemetry systems as well as a host of other read outs – including g forces, vehicle speed, engine revs, electrical system statuses, boost pressure from the turbo and even some of the vehicle’s settings like the automatic headlights. The app also includes a location map, track timer and a visual representation of the OPC’s over- and understeer, a great tool to hone the perfect driving lines and cornering speeds on a race track.

The OPC Power App adapter is available through the Opel dealer network for R6 052 including VAT and includes the control unit and wiring harness. The OPC Power App is available for free download in the Apple App Store. The system is compatible with all Apple iPhones from iPhone 3 forwards as well as iPad 2 forwards and iPod Touch.

STORY BY GENERAL MOTORS

Post Title → OPEL ASTRA OPC RELEASES PERFORMANCE APP FOR APPLE

VW CC AND PASSAT GET R-LINE PACKAGES

Volkswagen CC and Passat are now available with the optional R-Line package. The exclusive R-line package is developed by Volkswagen R GmbH to complement and enhance the dynamic sporty body design of Volkswagen’s top models. Locally, Touareg was the first model to be offered with the optional R-Line Package in 2012.

With the R-Line package, Volkswagen’s flagship sedan, Volkswagen CC gets a redesigned front bumper complete with vertical chrome bars painted in gleaming black and bottom radiator grille. Individualised side sills, ‘Mallory’ 18-inch alloys (five double spokes) and a further chrome element integrated into the cover above the fog lights complete the exterior package. The radiator grille is adorned by an R-Line logo. The elegant Volkswagen CC is characterised on the inside by door tread plates with R-Line lettering and a leather sports steering wheel with multifunction controls and R-Line logo on the middle spoke. The R-Line package can be ordered as an option in the Volkswagen CC for R12 250 (2.0 TDI with BlueMotion Technology) and R10 200 (2.0 TSI and 3.6 FSI V6).

For the Passat, the R-Line package adds new front and rear bumpers in R-design to create sporty accents. In front, the attention is drawn to the large cooling air inlet and integrated fog lights. Integrated in the radiator grille is an R-line logo. At the rear, there is a diffuser styled in black. Just as dynamic in appearance is the harmoniously integrated rear spoiler. Side sills painted in the body colour add presence to the side profile which is further enhanced by the 17-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels.  The optional R-Line styling package is available in the Passat model range for R10 200.

Prices
Volkswagen CC
Volkswagen CC 2.0 TDI with BlueMotion Technology130kW DSG    R404 800
Volkswagen CC 2.0 TSI 155kW DSG                                                 R426 000
Volkswagen CC 3.6 FSI V6 220kW DSG                                            R504 500

Passat
Passat 1.8 TSI 118kW Manual                                                           R330 200
Passat 1.8 TSI 118kW DSG                                                               R345 200
Passat 2.0 TDI 103kW Manual                                                           R346 900
Passat 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG                                                               R361 900

STORY BY VOLKSWAGEN

Post Title → VW CC AND PASSAT GET R-LINE PACKAGES

Mint Ministerial Motor is a Prime Lot

The Charterhouse classic car auction on Monday 9th September includes a classic Vanden Plas motor car which was used by Prime Minister Harold Wilson in the early 1970’s.

“This Vanden Plas Princess 4 litre was first registered to The Ministry of Public Buildings and Works in 1967. However, it is the vehicles’ association with Harold Wilson in the early 1970’s which makes most interesting.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “As a ministerial car, it was more like something out of Q Department for James Bond, as it was fitted with numerous special tricks such as an automatic gearbox which was fitted with a quick start in case of emergencies!”

The Vanden Plas Princess 4 litre was also fitted with other refinements such as folding rear picnic tables for the PM, rear safety belts, power assisted steering, a radio and wing mirrors. Today, whilst we may not have picnic tables, certainly all the other options put on this car are what we would expect to be standard fittings today, but back in the late 1960’s would all have been costly extras.

Having lived a much pampered life, this Princess has only covered 7,500 miles in 46 years. Finished in Ministry black livery with gold coach lines and a grey leather interior, the car also saw active service in Margaret Thatcher’s campaign in 1978. With such important associations and provenance, combined with being in fabulous condition, it would be a worthy addition to any classic car collection or museum and is estimated at £15,000-20,000 when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer.

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries into this auction of classic car and motorcycles being held at The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, on Monday 9th September.

To enter a vehicle into this specialist auction, contact Matthew Whitney, Associate Partner, at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277, via email mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk or log on to www.charterhouse-auction.com

Mint Ministerial Motor – a 1967 Vanden Plas Princess 4 litre being sold by Charterhouse Auctioneers on Monday 9th September £15,000-20,000
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For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Post Title → Mint Ministerial Motor is a Prime Lot

SUZUKI IV-4 CONCEPT SLATED FOR FRANKFURT 2013

The world premiere of the iV-4 – a concept model heralding a compact SUV from Suzuki – will take place at the 65th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from 10 to 22 September.

Suzuki's introduction of the compact SUV concept iV-4 is an indication of the direction which will be taken with the future model to be added to the company’s renowned SUV line-up.

Developed with a theme – “Grab your field” –, the concept model embodies the basic ruggedness of an SUV. The iV-4 is Suzuki’s new concept for a personal compact SUV. While inheriting certain design features of the Suzuki SUVs, such as the clam shell shaped hood and the front grille divided into five, its overall styling conveys a sense of modernity and innovativeness.

Detailed information will be disclosed at the Suzuki press conference, scheduled for
2:15pm, on 10 September 2013, in Hall 9.0, Stand B08

Other Suzuki models on display will be the Alto, Splash, Swift, Swift Sport, SX4, New SX4, Jimny, Grand Vitara and Kizashi.

STORY BY SUZUKI

Post Title → SUZUKI IV-4 CONCEPT SLATED FOR FRANKFURT 2013