In a first for SA, Opel has launched a free app for the iOS platform that works in tandem with a wifi adapter fitted to your car. The Opel performance app is limited to the Astra OPC for now, streaming up to 60 channels of data to a customisable interface on your Apple device.

Opel performance app adds real world value for drivers

Without having played with the device, I would imagine the Opel performance app has the possibility of starting a new trend in car-to-device communication. It’s the sort of information that every performance-orientated car owner and driver would be interested in, and the touch screen interface of a smart device is the perfect place to display and interact with that information.

The Astra OPC is a cracking performance car, read our Opel Astra OCP review. Named the OPC POWER App, the app focuses on real time telemetry and driver performance indicators. The only downside is the extra cost. While the Opel performance app is free, the wifi ECU adapter is a R6,052,00 (incl VAT) piece of equipment.

The adapter creates a wifi hotspot, to which the driver then connects their device. The app then graphically illustrates a wide range of vehicle telemetry, as well as G-forces, boost pressure from the turbo, vehicle speed, engine revs and electrical system statuses.

The Opel performance app is compatible with all Apple iPhones from iPhone 3 forwards as well as iPad 2 forwards and iPod Touch.