OMEGA V8.COM - THE MULTI-MEDIA CAR OF THE FUTURE?

The new Omega, to be launched in the autumn, is the basis for Omega V8.com - a concept study of the on-road communications centre of the future - which will be shown by Opel at next month�s Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The Omega V8.com demonstrates how a fully functional network of mobile communications and other driver-support systems can be installed in a passenger car.

The multi-media mobile is equipped with Night Vision, the Advanced Frontlighting System, an on-board PC with Internet access and voice control as well as up-to-the-minute audio, navigation and mobile phone technology.

To create the Omega V8.com a new Omega estate was lengthened by 130mm. The bonnet of the silvery-green concept car conceals the 5.7-litre, V8 aluminium engine from the Chevrolet Corvette that will power the top-of-the-range Omega in Europe next summer.

Inside, four passengers enjoy the highest degree of comfort in adjustable, individual seats. There are separate pull-out video screens on the instrument panel and in the front seat backs, switches on the centre console and loudspeakers integrated into the head restraints for individual audio reception.

Passengers have access to an array of communications systems including a video telephone with separate microphones and cameras as well as audio systems like the digital radio, CD and cassette deck. They can watch television or video-CDs and the driver can operate various systems by voice command.

E-mails received by the on-board, multi-media computer via Internet can be reproduced in audio format. The keyboard is also extremely user-friendly: its infra-red interface makes obstructive cables obsolete. In addition to all this, the Omega V8.com features a new-generation navigation system.

The Omega V8.com demonstrates a host of modern driver-support technology, too. Instead of a conventional main instrument panel, there is a flat display screen which can be individually configured, allowing the driver to see the instruments and any information he needs in an optimised way. The Night Vision system provides extra safety in the dark. Images produced by an infra-red camera in the car�s grille are projected onto the windscreen (head-up display) so that the driver can see the additional information without taking his eyes off the road.

This safety feature is supported by the Advanced Frontlighting System, with its variable headlamp beam. The light distribution of the headlamps� beams alters depending on the road type, weather conditions and the driving situation. On curving roads, for example, the lights shine into the bend, improving visibility on the road ahead.

A miniature camera with a wide-angle lens located near the rear window wiper sends distortion-corrected pictures of the area behind the car to a driver display, making parking easier.

More details in our Frankfurt report

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