Latest news with #Opel
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Opel Frontera Gravel concept previews rugged Duster rival
Limited to a one-off build, the latest Opel Frontera Gravel concept could be an adventurer's companion and rival to Renault's popular Duster SUV. Looking for a new or used Opel? Find it here with CARmag! Built in collaboration with motorsport specialists BlackFish and XS, the concept will be shown publicly for the first time at the XS Carnight event in Wörthersee, Austria, today. Designed at Opel's Rüsselsheim studio, the Frontera Gravel builds on the standard Frontera Electric model, adding a range of off-road-inspired visual upgrades. These include a Thule Canyon XT roof rack, auxiliary LED lights on the hood and roof, a front winch, and snow tracks mounted on the D-pillars. It also gets 16-inch Borbet CWE alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres, which enhance the SUV's tough appearance, even if its actual off-road capability remains limited. Related: Opel Unveils All-Electric Mokka for Rally Debut The body is finished in a matte Desert Stone wrap with black contrasts on the hood and roof, while orange detailing on the skid plates, mirrors, roof rack, and badging gives it a more striking look. Matching orange stitching appears on the microfibre seats inside, with a black headliner completing the theme. Underneath, the concept sticks with the front-wheel-drive layout of the production Frontera Electric. It uses a single 115kW electric motor and a 54kWh battery, offering up to 400km of driving range. While it's not built for serious off-roading, Opel says it's capable of light-duty trail driving or 'soft-roading'. There's currently no all-wheel-drive version of the Frontera, though Stellantis has deployed electrified rear axles in models like the Jeep Avenger 4Xe and Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4. This approach is also planned for the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda 4×4, suggesting it could be possible for Opel in the future. Though officially labelled a concept, the Frontera Gravel could point to a new rugged trim level to compete with the likes of the upcoming Dakar-inspired Dacia (or Renault) Duster. Opel says the concept is a way to gauge interest in a more adventurous version of its family SUV. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Opel Frontera Gravel Concept Previews Rugged Duster Rival appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
From an Open Monza to a Pontiac Trans Am Firebird, enthusiasts share their love for classic cars
Sanjay Laljith with his 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird. Image: Yoshini Perumal Classic car enthusiasts showcased their iconic cars - from 1980 to 2005 - at a classic motor show at the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. The only female exhibitor was Chatsworth resident, Verona Arumogam, 33. Verona Arumogam with her 1991 Opel Monza CD 16. Image: Yoshini Perumal Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I obtained my driver's licence straight out of school and saved to buy my dream car, a 1991 Opel Monza CD 16. Due to it being a high maintenance vehicle, I do not drive it around much. It's my pride and joy. My car is a garage queen,' she said. Arumogam bought the car in 2018 for R60 000 after owning another Opel for about 10 years. 'I bought the car modified but down-tuned it as I wanted it to be as reliable as possible. However, it still has a few modifications like the upgraded cams, branch and exhaust and running of a dictator manager system." She said she had loved classic cars since she was little. 'My passion for cars started from a young age as I used to attend car shows with my family. I was always fascinated with speed and sound and hope to one day own a race car. I also enjoy the thrill of modifying and building my car. I chose this car, an Opel Monza, as it's unique and not owned by many females." She is in the process of building a caddie bakkie to honour her late brother. 'I prefer building a car than buying and my next goal is building a MK1 Golf with a R32 conversion,' she added. The oldest car at the show was a 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird, which was owned by Sanjay Laljith, 53, of New Germany. Sanjay Laljith's car is similar to the car used in the filming of the American action comedy, Smokey and the Bandit Image: Yoshini Perumal He said he had a passion for American muscle cars and when he saw the Trans Am for sale two years ago, he had to buy it. 'The car is similar to the car used in the filming of the American action comedy, Smokey and the Bandit, which was released in 1977 and starred Burt Reynolds. 'It has always been my dream to own the Trans Am. Over the years, I have owned many classic cars but this one is my favourite. I enjoy entering the car shows and seeing people have a chance to take in its beauty." Tyson Pillay, 35, of Springfield, showcased his 1980 BMW 635 CSI, which he said was dream car. Tyson Pillay showcased his 1980 BMW 635 CSI Image: Yoshini Perumal 'I bought the car about 10 years ago. I have a passion for BMWs and became a BMW collector because of my dad. It was something we had shared a connection with. Since he died, I have been collecting e34 5 series BMWs and the 6 series was one of the vintage classic BMWs to have. 'It was one of the rare gems that I managed to collect. The car is still stock standard. I put a custom wheel on it, which is a three-piece split wheel, but other than that, it is still in its original form. It is a motorsport edition, so it is a manual which is rare." Phoenix resident, Shabeer Karim, with his classic BMW e30 325is Image: Yoshini Perumal Phoenix resident, Shabeer Karim, 51, was proud to show off his classic BMW e30 325is. He said he owned the car for 20 years and would never sell it. 'My son also drives it. We both love classic cars. This car is every boy and man's dream car,' he said. Magashlen Pillay's 1983 Cortina XR6 had been a family heirloom. Image: Yoshini Perumal
Auto Car
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
New Vauxhall Frontera harks back to the '90s original with 4x4 makeover
All-terrain tyres, roof rack and tow winch transform the crossover into an adventurous off-roader Open gallery Close Vauxhall has hinted at a more rugged version of the incoming Frontera with a new concept car that turns the conventional electric crossover into a trail-hunting 4x4. Named the Vauxhall Frontera Gravel and based on the electric version of the family car, it gains several key elements aimed at helping it tackle the wilderness. Up front, it receives a tow winch and extra LED light bars, while the car's rear haunches now feature extra storage panniers. It also gains a chunky roof rack with a spare tyre and further storage, and the wheels are shod with aggressive BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres. Inside, the interior configuration matches that of the regular Frontera, but it has been reupholstered with orange contrasting elements to match the car's exterior livery. Opel-Vauxhall CEO Florian Huettl said it 'embodies [Vauxhall's] commitment to making electric mobility versatile and accessible… with respect for the environment'. Although Vauxhall has yet to state any production plans for the Frontera Gravel, the car's modifications are ultimately minimal and could in theory constitute a special-edition variant of the crossover. Sibling brand Fiat recently showed its vision of a 4x4 version of the Grande Panda, which shares its Smart Car underpinnings with the Frontera. It is possible that Vauxhall could use the electrified rear axle from that car to give its model four-wheel drive – although the Fiat uses a hybrid powertrain, whereas the Frontera Gravel has a battery-electric powertrain. Such a model would more clearly carry the torch from the new Frontera's 1990s ancestor, which was a 4x4 based on Japanese brand Isuzu's Mysterious Utility Wizard. Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Rare E30 BMW 333i auctioned off for a record R3.5-million
1991 E30 BMW 325iS Evo 1 had bidders in a frenzy before being sold for R1.5-million. In the mid-1980s, BMW South Africa took it upon themselves to manufacture a limited number of the 145kW E30 BMW 333i. As a homegrown high-performance model to rule the road and possibly with a thought of hitting local racetracks too. But it was only with the advent of Opel producing their own homegrown 125kW Kadett Superboss in the early 1990s, which was 100% made to dominate local racing, that the first 145kW E30 BMW 325iS Evo 1 became a reality to take on this hot-hatch and regain their racing crown. BMW 333i sets new record Who would have thought back then that these cars would be such collector's items today, but a showstopping 1987 E30 BMW 333i in rare Henna Red with power steering stole the spotlight a recent Creative Rides auction. It hammered down at a staggering R3.5 million (including buyers commission) – a new high for the model. Also commanding fierce bidding was a 1991 BMW 325iS Evo 1, which had buyers in a frenzy before settling at an equally impressive R1.5 million. Creative Rides roared into 2025 with a triumphant start to the year, delivering stellar results in both its showroom sales and much-anticipated March online evening auction. The exclusive event drew in an impressive crowd of over 200 collectors, enthusiasts, as well as online spectators and bidders to set a new benchmark for participation. The auction featured 33 hand-picked collector cars, with BMWs emerging as the undisputed stars of the night as already mentioned. ALSO READ: South Africa's own: Story behind the BMW 333i and 325iS Cadillac gets in on the action Another noteworthy highlight was the unrestored Estate Late Cadillac 62 Series Convertible, which achieved a remarkable R500 000, showing that American classics continue to hold their ground among collectors. The excitement didn't end with the gavel. In the days following the auction, Creative Rides successfully concluded numerous showroom deals. Creative Rides continues to attract the attention of serious collectors and sellers alike. Most importantly, numerous rare and exciting collector cars and private collections have recently been consigned to Creative Rides and will be showcased and offered for sale throughout 2025: promising another record-breaking year for the brand. ALSO READ: WATCH: Rare BMW e30 333i sells for R3 million on auction Strong collector's market 'We're thrilled by the response to our first major auction of the year,' said Creative Rides CEO Kevin Derrick. 'The turnout, the energy, and the prices achieved, especially for the BMWs, show just how strong the market is for quality collector cars.' Creative Rides plans to break more records and deliver even more automotive icons to passionate buyers across the country during the rest of the year.
Sunday World
25-05-2025
- Sunday World
Brothers accused of wielding machete and pitchfork in daylight feud attack
James Dinnegan (25) and Patrick Dinnegan (21) were brought before a sitting of Athlone District Court These are the smiling two brothers who stand accused of pouncing on the home of an elderly woman suffering from dementia armed with a machete and pitchfork in an 'ongoing and violent' internal family feud that has left a midlands town on a knife-edge. James Dinnegan (25) The Green Bun Daire, Kinnegad, Co Westmeath and Patrick Dinnegan (21) Woodland Park, Dundalk, Co Louth were brought before a sitting of Athlone District Court in connection to an incident on Tuesday afternoon that saw a four man gang target a family home in Mullingar. The pair were arrested and charged with producing a machete and pitchfork during the course of a dispute respectively at McCurtain Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath in 'full view of the public' and as part of the latest feuding rivalry to hit the midlands town in recent months. Patrick Dinnegan (21) was charged with producing a pitchfork during the course of a disturbance in Mullingar on Tuesday afternoon. Garda Ken Shedwell detailed how both men were arrested as gardaí responded to reports a public disturbance that had broken out at Mill House, a two storey property that was home to the alleged victim, Lucy Dinnegan and her elderly mother. During the course of a lengthy and contested bail hearing, Garda Shedwell said it will be contended a four man gang, three of whom had their faces covered with snoods, arrived at the scene in the middle of the afternoon while being armed with a cache of weapons. Garda Shedwell said the State will allege how both men exited a white Opel Insignia at around 4.30pm and almost instantaneously began issuing menacing threats to Ms Dinnegan's family. The court was told how the incident had formed part of an 'ongoing and violent' feud involving 'multiple members' of the wider Dinnegan family in what gardaí maintained was a 'clear threat to public order and safety' in Mullingar. CCTV footage taken from three alternate vantage points outside the Dinnegan household showed the suspect white coloured Opel pull up where three males can be seen jumping out wielding weapons. James Dinnegan (25) was charged with producing a machete during a violent episode in Mullingar which saw a four man gang arrive at a house in the midlands town in broad daylight armed with weapons. Garda Shedwell said it was the gardaí's firm belief Patrick Dinnegan was one of those individuals who was armed with a pitchfork while sporting a blue tracksuit and black snood in order to cover his face. Judge Owens was told gardaí were also satisfied Patrick's older sibling, James had been among that group with his face being identified on CCTV by investigating gardaí while brandishing a machete. A third video clip taken from a Facebook Live video which gardaí allege was filmed by James Dinnegan sitting in the front passenger seat of the Opel Insignia was similarly played in open court. Its contents featured a stream of shouts and high pitched heckling, one of which included the taunt: 'Come out now, you stupid b******.' Garda Shedwell said the incident would have been witnessed by a string of Lucy Dinnegan's immediate family, including a number of young children who were inside the house at the time of the attack. Patrick Dinnegan was banned from entering Mullingar with the exception of bona fide legal appointments and court appearances. It was further revealed how the episode played out across from a local SuperValu store and as several parents were attempting to bring their own children to a nearby GAA match. 'Lucy Dinnegan stated the suspects made physical and verbal threats,' said Garda Shedwell, stating how it will be alleged James Dinnegan embarked on making a series of hand gestures.'She expressed genuine fear for her safety and the safety of her family.' The court was told how gardaí were firstly objecting to Patrick Dinnegan's bail under both O'Callaghan Rules and Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997. Garda Shedwell said the basis for those objections were due to the seriousness of the charges under section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act which, upon conviction on indictment carries a maximum tariff of five years in prison. James and Patrick Dinnegan outside Athlone Courthouse. News in 90 Seconds - May 25th 2025 He said a further strand to the State's application was grounded on the nature of the evidence investigating gardaí had already garnered, among which included allegations Patrick Dinnegan was spotted wearing the same clothing barely 30 minutes after the attack while his older brother was allegedly found in possession of a black snood which had featured in the earlier CCTV footage. Judge Owens was informed of the 'serious concerns' senior garda investigators harboured over fears of witness interference involving Patrick Dinnegan in an 'ongoing feud' that had the potential to escalate even further. There were objections outlined in terms of James Dinnegan under O'Callaghan Rules, much of which centred on eight bench warrants which had been issued for his arrest in recent times. James and Patrick Dinnegan outside Athlone Courthouse. Taking the stand himself, the latter detailed how his own battles with mental health had resulted in him spending 'two to three days' in St Loman's Hospital. Under cross examination from Sgt Orla Keenan as to why he had not followed through on recommendations from his GP to begin psychiatric appointments, Mr Dinnegan replied: 'I would rather keep my mental health to myself as I don't like talking about it to be honest.' In defence, Mark Cooney said both his clients should be granted bail for a myriad of reasons. In terms of Patrick Dinnegan, he said there was a presumption of innocence that could not be overlooked allied to a 'certain vagueness' that surrounded where the incident had taken place with both McCurtain Street and Canal Avenue having been put forward in open court. James Dinnegan was granted bail subject to a litany of strict conditions. Mr Cooney also argued there was a distinct lack of evidence concerning supposed witness interference, an inconsistency which had been borne out by the fact the State's chief witness Lucy Dinnegan was not present to give evidence. In switching his focus to James Dinnegan, Mr Cooney said the State's sole argument for resisting his client's liberty because of eight previous bench warrants was simply not enough to force the court into imposing a custodial remand. Judge Owens granted both men bail subject to a number of strict conditions. In remanding the pair on their own cash bail of €500 each, she compelled them to obey a 9pm to 8am curfew and to have no contact either directly or indirectly with Lucy Dinnegan and her immediate family. The pair were also ordered to stay off all social media platforms, to obey sign on conditions and to stay out of Mullingar with the exception of designated court appearances and documented legal appointments. James Dinnegan was, meanwhile, granted a minor relaxing of the latter to enter Mullingar but only for authentic GP and community mental health appointments. Other conditions included directions for both men not to apply for travel documentation or leave the jurisdiction and to provide a mobile number to gardaí. Having signed both of their bail bonds, Judge Owens remanded Patrick Dinnegan on bail to a sitting of Mullingar District Court on June 26 with his older brother ordered to return before the same court two weeks later on July 10.
