All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV

2025 Opel Frontera as an electric SUV

The new Opel Frontera has arrived as a fun and spacious SUV. It will be offered as an all-electric version, and customers will also be able to choose a version with a 48-volt hybrid system.

At first glance, the new Frontera reveals a more modern look compared to its predecessor, which was produced between 1991 and 2004. The lines of the front part of the vehicle and the unique proportions combine a functional and spacious cabin with a very contemporary look. Also, the front part is adorned with a new Opel badge, integrated Eco LED headlights with automatic high beams, and a new cooling vent, emphasizing the car’s solid and robust stance. The side design amazes with its contemporary interpretation with three blocks of lights that are separated by inserts in body color, revealing a striking C-pillar that visually separates the spacious cabin. The design of the arches and fenders complete the modern look of the car.

The modern design continues in the interior of the car. The spacious cabin now comes with decorative elements that visually give the feeling of more space. The Pure Panel digital cockpit with two 10-inch screens and a multimedia system for information and entertainment catches the eye upon entering, just like the elegant new steering wheel. Driving comfort is ensured by the Intelli-Seat on the front seats (a groove that reduces pressure on the coccyx), guaranteeing top comfort even during long journeys. The seats are upholstered in sustainable recycled material with contrasting stitching.

Frontera comes with its innovative connectivity system that, after connecting via an app, turns the user’s smartphone into an infotainment control panel that can also work in conjunction with the steering wheel buttons. This connectivity system is optional and comes at an additional cost. Charging mobile devices is easier than ever thanks to the cooled wireless charger and two USB ports in the front and two more USB ports in the second row. Opel also took care of the spacious luggage space, which now offers more than 460 liters, and when the rear seats are lowered, it increases to 1600 liters.

When it comes to the powertrain, the new Opel Frontera comes as a fully electric SUV, and there is also an optional version with a 48-volt hybrid system.

Source: Opel

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2025 Opel Frontera as an electric SUV
Auctions

1965 Porsche 356SC Coupe Karmann

The last version of Porsche’s first production car was produced between 1964 and 1965, and was powered by the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche had ever produced. One example of this model, the 1965 Porsche 356SC coupe is up for auction.

This Porsche 356SC is finished in Red and left the factory in Ivory. It has been properly maintained and is in good condition. It is equipped with body-color bumpers with chrome guards, a driver’s sideview mirror, fog lights, exhaust outlets integrated into the rear overriders, twin engine-cover grilles, and stopping power is handled by four-wheel disc brakes.

Inside, the seats are trimmed in black upholstery that covers the door panels and the back bench, and charcoal carpets line the floors. In front of the driver is a three-spoke steering wheel with a chrome horn ring and a five-digit odometer showing 6,527 miles (total mileage unknown). Additional equipment includes a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio built into the instrument panel, and a refurbished heater.

Under the bonnet is a 1.7-L flat-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. In the past two years, the car underwent a service that included the replacement of axle gear oil seals, fuel pump o-ring, top cover gasket, transmission output shaft seal, shift selector shaft, axle boots and gaskets, and starter bushings. It is mounted on chrome 15″ ventilated wheels

The car comes with a tool kit, a full-size spare, a copy of the Kardex, and a clean Florida title.

The auction ends on April 20 and the highest bid at the time of writing was USD $25,000.

Source: Bring a Trailer

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1965 Porsche 356SC Coupe Karmann
Tuning

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 with 710 HP

In 2023, Mercedes-AMG introduced a high performance, better equipped variant of the GT 4-Door, Mercedes-AMG GT 63. This is the second generation of this powerful model with outstanding performance, which the German tuner OPUS Automotive raised to a higher level.

Under the bonnet is still the 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, but now with 710 hp (529 kW) and 701 lb-ft lb-ft (950 Nm) of torque, to make the car more attractive to adrenaline junkies. As a reminder, the standard AMG GT 63 has 577 hp (430 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power to push the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster than the factory model. It reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph).

Opus has upgraded over a hundred Mercedes-AMG models so far, including the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series with 1,111 hp (828 kW) and the R777 GT R with 777 hp (571 kW) and 625 lb-ft (847 Nm) of torque. This model is based on the GT R, and is equipped with improved suspension that provides better stability in all driving situations, rear spoiler like the one used by AMG GT4 race cars which increases downforce, carbon front vents (which makes the front of the car look even more aggressive), improved brake cooling system, and high performance brake calipers.

Opus is also announcing a new enhancement package for this model, which will increase the engine output to 812 hp (606 kW) and 774 lb-ft (1,050 Nm) of torque. More information about this improvement package will be available soon.

Source: Opus Automotive

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Mercedes-AMG GT 63 with 710 HP