!NEW! Vauxhall Motors auction BBC Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced Car for charity BEN

Vauxhall Motors has opened the bidding on a piece of motoring history – the Vauxhall Astra used by BBC Top Gear as their ‘Reasonably Priced Car’ with automotive industry charity, BEN.

Vauxhall Astra Tech Line

The five-door Power Red 1.6 litre (115bhp) Vauxhall Astra Tech Line has been added to eBay to raise awareness and funds for the charity.  Bids can placed at www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/231786726259 with all proceeds being donated to BEN.

BEN’s goal is to make positive differences to people’s lives in the automotive industry, supporting them in times of difficulty through a wide range of free, confidential information, advice and support services. Through the donations it receives, BEN is able to help families, for example with the cost of specialist disability equipment for children, giving emotional support through an illness, or providing guidance on how to deal with financial worries. BEN also offers a range of services from nursing to end of life care via its four residential centres around the country.

• Mileage – 2,908
• 17 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels
• Sat-nav system with seven-inch colour monitor
• Three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel
• Multi-function trip computer
• USB connection with iPod control
• Mobile phone system with Bluetooth
• Digital radio with six premium speakers
• Chrome-effect exterior side window surround
• Front Corbeau Sprint Racing seats with 5 point safety belt harness and full roll-cage

IMPORTANT NOTE: Bidders should be aware that the airbags have all been disabled making room for the roll-cage.  To re-instate the airbags would involve removing the roll-cage and seating.  So, in its current state, the car is not type-approved and should not be driven on the road.  The Vauxhall Technical Team will work with the successful bidder at handover to fully explain how the vehicle has been adapted. Please be aware converting the vehicle back into use on the public highway would incur significant cost.

With an estimated 350 million views in 170 different countries per week, the Vauxhall Astra was initiated with a star-studded barbeque, featuring celebrities including comedians Jimmy Carr and Warwick Davis, and singers Brian Johnson and Joss Stone.  Celebrities such as Olly Murs, who topped the leader board, Margot Robbie, Ron Howard and James Blunt all thrashed it around the Top Gear Test Track at Dunsfold Park, Surrey.

“David Main, BEN Chief Executive commented on the auction, saying: “We are reliant on the generosity of our supporters to enable us to continue our work helping people who work within the UK automotive industry, so we are very grateful to Vauxhall Motors for this kind donation of a piece of history for a great cause.” 

!NEW! Opel ADAM Black Link and White Link - World Premiere at IAA 2013

• Optimal connectivity and stylish travel with innovative Opel ADAM special models
• IntelliLink infotainment system and Siri Eyes Free voice control as standard
• Individual smartphone looks with black-white contrast
• Union of ultra-modern technology and clear, technical design

New Opel ADAM Black Link

The Opel ADAM is not only the individualization champion, it is also the best connected small car on the market. This is again demonstrated by the new Opel ADAM Black Link and Opel ADAM White Link special models, which come with the IntelliLink infotainment system and Siri Eyes Free voice control fitted as standard. Both new models make their debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt on the Opel stand D09 in Hall 8 from September 12 – 22. They follow the hugely successful Opel ADAM study with Siri Eyes Free, presented at the Geneva Motor show in the spring. Produced in a limited edition of 2,000 units, Opel ADAM Black Link and White Link variants reflect typical smartphone looks in black or white, with accents in brushed aluminum. They thus embody a perfect blend of ultra-modern infotainment and connectivity technology with clear, technically-inspired design.

New Opel ADAM White Link

“The Opel ADAM Black Link and Opel ADAM White Link models are like a sophisticated smartphone on wheels,” says Tina Müller, Opel Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “From the late fall, we will be offering them with our clever IntelliLink infotainment system and Siri Eyes Free voice control fitted as standard, in combination with a very special smartphone design. In an unconventional way, Opel ADAM combines innovative technologies with countless personalization possibilities which are not available anywhere else to this extent. With these new models, our stylish city car once again shows that it is the best connected small car and a true individualization champion all wrapped up in one.”

New Opel ADAM White Link - Interior with IntelliLink infotainment 

Opel ADAM drivers who have an iOS 6 – or later – compatible iPhone can comfortably and safely activate the Siri Eyes Free function via steering wheel controls and operate it with voice commands while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

Entertainment and navigation over Siri Eyes Free and Opel FlexDock

To activate Siri in Eyes Free mode, drivers connect their iPhone with IntelliLink via Bluetooth and then press the voice activation button on the steering wheel. Siri Eyes Free can be called up while other apps, such as BringGo Navigation, are running in the background. Music and navigation information is automatically muted during this time. The following functions are available with voice command over Siri Eyes Free:

   

• Telephone calls to saved contacts
• Play songs in the iTunes Library and switch between different music sources such as radio and iPod
• Listen to, write and send an iMessage or text message to a telephone number or saved contact
• Access calendar and add appointments
• Siri Eyes Free also provides answers to questions about sports results or the dates of national holidays, for example. To minimize distraction from road traffic and increase safety, the iPhone screen remains dark.

Thanks to Siri Eyes Free, even navigation with Apple Maps is child’s play. Places, addresses and destinations can be entered verbally, without the driver having to look at the IntelliLink screen. The map is shown on the iPhone display mounted in the Opel FlexDock. With the standard FlexDock smartphone set-up in the instrument panel in the ADAM Black Link and White Link, drivers have full access to Siri Eyes Free. In this way they can even ask how close they are to their destination. Another advantage of the Opel FlexDock is that it automatically re-charges the iPhone it’s holding so the battery doesn’t deplete.

The Opel IntelliLink infotainment system features a 7 inch color touchscreen and also includes the Tune-in app for global radio reception, the navigation app BringGo and Stitcher, an app for receiving internet radio podcasts from around the world. The infotainment system is also compatible with Android software-operated devices. This makes the Opel ADAM the most user-friendly and cleverly connected small car on the market. Its unique appeal is also confirmed by real-life use: the latest multi-media test conducted by the German trade magazine Auto Bild (August 2, 2013 issue) names the ADAM with its IntelliLink system as the clear winner ahead of 13 competitors.

Ultra modern technology in technically inspired black-white design
Ultra modern iPhone technology and design is mirrored in the looks of the special Opel ADAM Black Link and White Link models. Opel ADAM comes in I’ll be Black or Saturday White Fever exterior colors. 

Accentuated contrasts to the rest of the body are provided by brushed, aluminum-look colored side mirror housings and the grille bar carrying the Opel logo in the same look, as well as the tinted rear window and 18-inch wheels in a Twister design with matching wheel clips. An eye-catcher is also the black or white lacquered standard roof spoiler, as well as the characteristically shaped headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights. The standard, crisp sport chassis provides lots of driving fun with its direct response.

Inside the cabin, the seats, instruments and applications continue the exterior color scheme. In the ADAM Black Link, all occupants enjoy the comfort of OCIO Black Morrocana seat cushions. While the center console and instrument panel are also black, the door trims, glove box, leather gear knob and handbrake handle are in contrasting bright white and technically inspired Sky Cool Grey. The counterpart to all this is the White Link version, with its own color scheme: the seats are radiant in OCIO White Morrocana, just like elements in the instrument panel and center console.

With innovative technologies, their own specific smartphone design and comprehensive standard equipment, the ADAM Black Link and ADAM White Link can both be ordered from the late fall.

!NEW! The Infotainment systems of the new Opel Insignia

Clearly arranged cockpit with new Infotainment generation in the new Opel Insignia

The spotlight was on three criteria during the enhancement of the cockpit: clear, simple and thus intuitive operation, customization of the infotainment offer, and of course comfort and safety for driver and passengers, which is increased even more thanks to lowest-possible distraction from road traffic.

The center console has a completely new feeling of subtlety and refinement, and it harbors a host of state-of-the-art technologies and functions. The black piano lacquer and chrome control panel was drastically simplified. It now has just a few buttons so that operation of the infotainment system and e.g. air conditioning is fast and intuitive.

The new infotainment generation in the Insignia can be controlled over an 8-inch color display with touch operation. From the starting screen the driver can access all function and sub-menus such as radio stations, song titles, smartphone connection or 3D navigation map via button, touchscreen, voice control or the brand new touchpad. And the infotainment system can be individualized – up to 60 personal favorites (e.g. playlists, phone contacts, navigation addresses) can be stored.

The touchpad is ergonomically integrated in the center console and offers a completely new way of quickly and intuitively accessing the infotainment system. Its illuminated, touch-sensitive surface reacts immediately to finger movements including haptic feedback and makes operation of the new infotainment generation child’s play without distracting the driver from the traffic situation. Even individual letters – for instance when searching for a song title in the database or a city in the navigation system – can be entered by fingertip on the touchpad.

Additionally, the Insignia driver can control the newest generation infotainment system over newly designed, clearly laid-out steering wheel controls as well as voice commands. The advanced voice recognition function can be activated by the simple push of a button on the steering wheel controls and can also process more than one command at a time. The wide range of operating choices is the result of enhancements to the new infotainment generation.

Intensifying the Human-and-Machine-Interface (HMI) connection is the newly designed instrument panel with an up to 8-inch high-resolution color display. In addition to the classic readouts like speed, rpm and fuel tank level, further information on navigation, smartphone use and audio options are directly in the driver’s line of sight and can be adjusted.

!NEW! App for iPad featuring a Star called Opel ADAM

Opel ADAM&YOU: Fascinating app as 3D game with comic book-backed graphics

The Opel ADAM App simplifies the car configuration process through an engaging video game experience. Product customization is currently one of the hottest trends in the car industry. There are literally millions of configurations to choose from, with possibilities clearly exceeding the standard options typically presented in marketing campaigns. Choice gives customers freedom to express their preferences, but the customization process can also be long and frustrating. Faced with the challenge of representing the ADAM car as the most customizable model in its segment, Opel created a downloadable application that enables users to configure their dream car through a dynamic and fun app experience.

As a starting point, users are given 50 different and attractive cars pre-customized by Opel, which they get to ´test on the road´ in a virtual car drive scenario, similar to those typically found in video games. Once happy with a particular car, they take it to the online configurator to further adjust and finalize their dream car.

The App is not only useful – it is first and foremost engaging and fun. What users find particularly refreshing is that it bridges the gap between informative online car-configurator systems and a stimulating video gaming experience. The Opel ADAM App truly pushes the envelope in both of these spheres by combining high-end Unity 3D and 2D visualization with superb interior and exterior rendering, as well as aerial, night-mode, and 360° views of the car and its environment. During the video game segment, users maneuver the car by grabbing and moving both ends of their iPad, thus turning their tablet into a virtual driving wheel. The dynamic, hands-on realtime experience is enhanced by realistic detailing, which includes motion glare, front and rear lights in night mode, rim reflections and turbo-boost. For an even more sophisticated customer journey, the app comes with retina support and even a choice of soundtrack to remix and listen to during the drive. The app also facilitates sharing the chosen configuration on social media, so that users can discuss their choice online with friends.

The Opel Adam App has met with a tremendous response from users, who see it as the missing link between millions of options available and that one dream car. The successful launch of the app for the iPad through the Apple App Store in 30 markets globally has prompted Opel to also develop the app for the iPhone.

!NEW! Opel ADAM to Offer iPhone Users Siri Eyes Free Integration

• Opel ADAM extends its leadership as best connected small car
• Siri Eyes Free Integration already available in ADAM
• Premiere and live demonstrations at Geneva Motor Show (March 7-17, 2013)
• TuneIn global radio, BringGo navigation and Stitcher radio apps also in ADAM

The Opel ADAM with the IntelliLink infotainment system will be available with support for Siri, the intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking.

Using a steering wheel mounted button, customers with a compatible iPhone^[1] running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. To further minimize distraction, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with an Eyes Free mode which enables you to interact with your iPhone using nothing more than your voice while keeping your device's screen from lighting up. This super cool feature is demonstrated in all ADAM present on the Opel stand at Geneva Motor Show (Palexpo Genève, Hall 2, March 7-17, 2013) and will be available for ADAM drivers as of April 2013 already.

Owners simply connect their iPhone with the IntelliLink infotainment system via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode.

In the Opel ADAM equipped with the IntelliLink infotainment system, owners can use Siri Eyes Free to:

• Make voice activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
• Play songs in their iTunes libraries
• Listen to, and compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
• Access Calendar and add appointments
• Minimize distraction even more by keeping the screen of the iPhone from lighting up even while Siri answers simple questions such as game scores or the dates of national holidays

Siri Eyes Free is just another capability of ADAM’s IntelliLink infotainment system

Opel’s new IntelliLink infotainment system that has made its debut in ADAM is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as well as Android devices. At the Geneva Motor Show visitors can also experience the full scope of options IntelliLink offers in the new ADAM – TuneIn, a global radio access app, BringGo, a full function navigation app, and Stitcher, a global podcast internet radio app.

The availability of apps demonstrates the power and flexibility of Opel’s IntelliLink system, which brings the connectivity and functionality of smartphones safely into the car via a seven-inch, high resolution, full color touch-screen display with Bluetooth or USB connections. These options add another dimension to ADAM infotainment choices, and demonstrate the ability to continually expand and update IntelliLink capabilities with new apps.

IntelliLink can therefore be as personal to use as the content kept on an iPhone or Android device, and is a key contributor to the ADAM’s overwhelming appeal as Opel’s champion of personalization.

TuneIn is a streaming audio powerhouse, offering customized connectivity and entertainment with a global network of 70,000 radio stations. The TuneIn App gives ADAM owners access to global, personalized infotainment controlled through the car radio. This means an ADAM driver in Germany can listen to his favorite jazz station in New Orleans and another one in Spain can dial in to a talk radio station in Africa.

To access TuneIn through the IntelliLink radio, ADAM’s driver needs to download the free TuneIn Radio App from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or Google Play and connect their iPhone or Android device with IntelliLink for safe, seamless connectivity to live local, international and Internet radio stations streaming more than two million on-demand programs from every continent. Users can search for programming by location, genre, sports team name, station type or call sign.

BringGo navigation is another useful app which is downloaded from App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or as a map version for Eastern and Western Europe, also available on Google Play. The data remains installed on the users device, which means ADAM owners can avoid paying any roaming fees while driving abroad because a separate broadband connection is not required.

ADAM drivers can continue their journey on foot or by bike while still using their navigation system. An additional advantage of BringGo is its connection to internet search engines. For example, if ADAM drivers want to find a restaurant or hotel, they can just run a name search and the results will be displayed automatically on the BringGo navigation map. BringGo is available in 23 languages.

Also supported by IntelliLink is the Stitcher App from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, also available on Google Play, a free global podcast internet radio app which enables users to listen to programs live or after they have been broadcast. Once Stitcher is downloaded to their device, ADAM owners can access more than 10,000 podcasts on demand, or radio shows and live stations around the world via the IntelliLink touch-screen.

OpeI IntelliLink is sophisticated, yet affordable equipment (only 300 euro in Germany). Standard infotainment for ADAM JAM, ADAM GLAM and ADAM SLAM (in Germany) is a CD 3.0 BT system with radio and CD players, featuring Bluetooth and USB connections as well as a hands-free function. As with IntelliLink, the AM/FM double radio tuner can be combined with DAB digital radio for a broad choice of listening options. And the whole infotainment system can be further enhanced with an impressive Infinity Sound System with eight loudspeakers (5x 45 Watt and 1x 90 Watt).

^[1] Siri is available in Beta only on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad (3^rd and 4^th generations), iPad mini and iPod touch (5^th generation), and requires Internet access. Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas, and features may vary by area. Cellular data charges may apply.

Opel Corsa Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

• 1982 – 2012: 30 years, 4 generations, nearly 12 million Corsa built and sold
• In total around 20 million vehicles including global Corsa derivatives within GM family
• There is always something new in the Corsa range
  
  

  

  Opel Corsa A and sporty Opel Corsa OPC "Nürburgring Edition" complete Corsa story.

  Opel Corsa is celebrating its 30^th birthday on August 30. The production of the first generation Corsa started in 1982 at the Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, which was founded for Opel´s first modern, small car. Until 1982, the compact Kadett car (length of the 1979 Kadett D: 3.98 m) was the brand´s entry level model. With the arrival of the smaller and even more affordable Corsa A (length: 3.62 m), Opel entered a new, increasingly popular segment and opened a new chapter in its history.
  
  
  In the last 30 years, nearly 12 million Corsa across 4 generations have been built and sold in Europe. Up to and including August 2012, the Spanish plant in Zaragoza has produced 9.3 million Corsa. In addition, 2.5 million units have been built at the other European plant in Eisenach, Germany. Corsa production began there in June 1993. This makes the Corsa the most popular label in Opel´s history. Its worldwide success is even greater: taking into account all the global derivatives within the General Motors family, around 20 million Corsa based vehicles have been produced or assembled and sold around the world, mainly in Latin America (Chevrolet), Australia (Holden), South Africa (Opel) and in China (as Buick Sail).
  
  
  Since 1982, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa has been a major player in the European market. It offers one of the widest product ranges in the small car segment and is constantly updated by the introduction of new models, technologies and customized variants. It is now available in three distinct body styles: the coupé-like three door, the family friendly five door, and the commercial variant, the Corsa Van.
  
  
  The Corsa currently accounts for more than 28 percent of all Opel/Vauxhall sales making it the second biggest seller of the brand, trailing very closely behind the Astra (around 30 percent). Since 2008, the Corsa three door has continuously taken the number one spot in the 3 door hatchback B segment in Western Europe with a share of 18 percent (2012 year-to-date). Overall, the Corsa (three and five door) is currently the number three in the Western European B segment with a share of more than ten percent. It boasts the top ranking in Greece and is the number two in its respective segments in Germany, the UK and Belgium. In Spain and the Netherlands, the Corsa is the number three in its segment.
  
  
  30 years of Corsa strengths
  Great looks, a roomy cabin, state-of-the-art technology, a high degree of eco-friendliness and its sporty appeal are very important factors in the Corsa’s success, as are the many international awards it has won over the years. Right after its launch in 1982, the first generation Corsa A received the “Golden Steering Wheel” award in Germany. Later several Corsa generations won numerous national “Car of the Year” awards in various countries. The current generation was voted “Autobest 2007”. In 2009 and in 2010, the Corsa was rated number one in its class in the DEKRA used car quality report among millions of used cars.
  
  
  Eco friendliness as a tradition
  The Corsa has always received a lot of praise for its eco-friendliness. The Corsa ECO 3 prototype unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1995, was the first low fuel consumption, “3-liter” car. It was soon followed by Corsa production cars that made low fuel consumption a reality and accessible to wider customer groups. The latest 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX version with 70 kW/95 hp and Start/Stop technology is currently the most fuel efficient Corsa with diesel consumption as low as 3.5 liters per 100 kilometer (94 g/km CO₂)_.
  
  
  High performance OPC versions for pure driving pleasure
  
  Opel also caters for customers who demand high performance and yet affordable small car motoring. So in 1987 a sporty Corsa GSi was launched already at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with a 100 hp 1.6 liter engine featuring electronic fuel injection. 20 years later at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the top-of-the-line Corsa OPC with a 1.6 liter Turbo engine (141 kW/192 hp) had its debut. A more powerful version has been on offer since 2011: Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition. It is the strongest and fastest Corsa ever. Its 1.6 liter turbocharged gasoline engine has an output of 155 kW/210 hp. Its maximum torque of 250 Nm can be increased by an overboost function to 280 Nm. It boasts a top speed of 230 km/h, while acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is achieved in only 6.8 seconds.
  
  
  Corsa news every six months
  The Corsa family is always evolving with new innovations. Ever since its launch, the current generation has always been updated twice a year with the introduction of new models and technologies. In 2010, everything under the Corsa’s skin was renewed with a host of improvements, especially on the chassis side and the steering, as well as with an enhanced engine range providing more power, more driving fun and more comfort while using less fuel.
  
  
  The Opel Corsa’s makeover continued into 2011 when it was given a fresh look, a re-designed face and sportier appearance inside and out. It was updated with new colors and decors as well as an extensive offer of customized versions making it more attractive than ever. The 94 g ecoFLEX version was launched and Start/Stop technology was introduced in several models. Updates also included a new, multimedia infotainment system called “Touch & Connect” that features a five inch color touch screen, full navigation coverage for 28 European countries, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity at a very competitive price.
  
  
  In 2012, the powertrain portfolio was expanded with a powerful and efficient 88 kW/120 hp 1.4 liter turbocharged ecoFLEX gasoline engine with Start/Stop. Several new, colorful and attractive three and five-door models have been added to the very popular and successful Color Edition line-up: the sporty and elegant Corsa “Kaleidoscope”, the All Black and All White Color Editions and a new and even more trendy, Color Edition Switch pack.
  
  
  The present Corsa line-up offers many innovative features like no other competitor, including a heated steering wheel or the integrated FlexFix bike carrier. Other features are rarely available in the segment, like halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and a panorama sunroof.
  
  
  The Opel Corsa celebrates its 30^th birthday in the year of another important jubilee: In 2012 Opel marks its 150^th anniversary as a company. Only a few other car manufacturers can boast such a long tradition. This year, there are even two more birthdays to celebrate. The Zaragoza and Eisenach plants will have their 30^th and 20^th anniversary respectively.