Here at OPUS we are proud of our invention, proud of our innovation, proud of our development and proud of our continued improvement. OPUS is part of Purple Line. The Purple Line slogan helps you understand exactly what we do here at OPUS. Design… Innovate… Improve. Purple Line have been Designing, innovating and improving within the caravan accessory market for many years, and we are now going to share with you just how that ethos helped in the creation of OPUS.
It all started with a conversation between colleagues over a morning coffee in the Purple Line office, in picturesque rural Suffolk, Constable Country. Jonathan Schofield (Sales Director) and Stuart Barrow (Product Design Manager) stumbled upon a stark realization. The issue with making the best accessories in the caravan market is that it doesn't matter how good they are, people without a caravan don't need them.
So in a country with 60 million people and roughly 30 million cars we are designing, innovating and improving for only 500,000 people, caravanners. That is less than 1% of the population, and thanks to the eloquent and opinionated Jeremy Clarkson that number is not on the rise.
And that was the topic of conversation that morning for Jonathan and Stuart.
They decided that they needed a product, a new invention they could offer to anyone with a car, not just a caravan. We are a nation who LOVES our cars. We are a nation who loves OUR cars. Whether you drive Mini Cooper, A Morris Minor or a Ford Fiesta the chances are you love your car. After all, you chose it. Similarly caravan owners love their caravans. These similarities led to a decision to move away from the standard caravan. They thought that a car was in many ways like a caravan, but more appropriate to a generation that regarded them as not cool.
So once that decision had been made, the time to design and innovate was upon them. The first question to be answered was: What was wrong with a caravan?

1. The fact that you had to tow them and any caravan worth having would need to be at least 20ft long. That does not make for an easy towing experience.
2. When you get inside a caravan they tend not to be the epitome of modern design. They are full of chintz with curtains, wardrobes and low ceilings.
3. Even if you find that acceptable for your holiday you are left with a bit of a problem for the rest of the year. You find yourself with an "ugly white shed" which you need to keep in front of your house, on your drive. Either that or pay excessive storage charges elsewhere for the rest of the year.

From those simple answers, to that simple question it was decided that what was needed was a product that was small to tow like a trailer, that opened up at destination into the biggest size caravan, that had a proper eight foot ceiling was bathed with lots of natural light that had an interior more at home in a top end yacht than a caravan, and as for the curtains, they had to go.
So the two of them went away and over the next couple of days put together some initial sketches. The sketches shown below are those original sketches, and I think you will agree, they hit the nail on the head straight away.
And that, my friends, was the conception of OPUS.

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Our new OFFGRID bumper range is a real head turner. All of these fantastic bumpers can be bought and fitted with us at Safari Centre! All bumpers available for Toyota Land cruiser & Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max as well KB Range.
Contact Meadowdale Safari Centre for Prices - 0114545322

TEAM FORD RACING has confirmed that it will enter two South African-built Rangers in the 2014 Dakar in South America.

         
These Rangers are being prepared by Pietermaritzburg-based Neil Woolridge Motorsport, while logistics will be handled by German-based South Racing.
The driver line-up is also made up of local and international talent. Lucio Alvarez and Ronnie Gaue have been confirmed at the first driver crew. Both men are familiar with the Dakar race, having managed to finish in an impressive fifth place in 2012.
The second Ranger will be crewed by the all-South African team of Chris Visser and navigator Japie Badenhorst. Both are well known in South African motorsport, having won the 2011 South African Cross Country Championship. The pair is currently one of the leading contenders in the 2013 Donaldson South Africa National Cross Country Championship. This will be their first time competing in the Dakar. 
“We are extremely proud to be sending these South African-built Rangers to the 2014 Dakar,” says Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “Dakar is the ultimate test of man and machine and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate with a phenomenal team comprised of local and global expertise.”
Below is a breakdown of the Dakar Rangers’ impressive specification:
Base Vehicle:           Ford Ranger 4x4 Double Cab
Engine:                   Ford Aluminium 5.0L-4V V8 with Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing
Power:                    260kW@ 4 500rpm
Torque:                  560Nm@ 4 100rpm
Rev limit:                5 500rpm
Fuel consumption:   90 litres/100km in sand and 28 litres/100km on normal roads
Top speed:             170km/h
Mass:                     1 975kg
Gearbox:                Sadev six-speed sequential; permanent four-wheel-drive
Cabin:                    Air conditioned

AFRICAN IVORY TOUR 4X4 WEEKEND

Imperial Toyota Strijdom park and Safari Centre got together and put a 4x4 route to plan for a weekend away to experience the outdoor and the capabilities of a Toyota 4x4 with the purpose of fun in mind . WOW all that can be said by the people that signed up for the weekend.

The weekend started early Friday morning when Mr Leon Kruger his two sons Kyle and Milan accompanied with Marchello De Sousa in his 80 series Toyota Cruiser, Michael Needham, Raymond Chetty and Shaun Cooper in a Fortuner, Philip Evans and Christo Greyvensteyn in a FJ Cruiser, Mitzi Schutte and Letitia Bezuidenhout with their Hilux met with the team Barry, Johan and Andre from Safari Centre in their fully equipped LX Cruiser. It was a sunny warm morning ready to do battle with the mountain, we all meet at the Total Petro Port on the N1 just outside Pretoria for drivers briefing and to receive a two way radio.

Departing from our meeting point we were all in convoy with lights on and harts beating not really knowing what lay ahead of us .We arrive at Mokopane and get informed to refuel and get last minute goodies as this is the last place to get before Sunday .We start up and head past Lebowakgome to the Strydpoort mountains .Yay we off the tarmac and on the dirt a short distance and we get informed over the radios Please engage low range , The mountain is in front of us and it’s the start of our 4x4 experience a small distance and we approach our first river and stop on the side for a picnic lunch and get to chat and get to know each other’s back round .

After packing up back in formation we start the real climb 2nd gear low range teeth rattling rock climbing terrain. The view getting better every meter we climb .On my right we have a straight down fall and to my left a mountain.  After a few hours of driving we reach the summit with the sun setting and driving through the long grass ,THIS IS AWESOME  I feel like a god and am proud to be South African. We arrive at Mafefe Camp no electricity no cell reception this is the best! Cut off from the outside world just us and our 4x4s. the fire is made and all are sitting around it joking and hearing story’s from our Safari team .We all eat off the braai and head off to sleep with the wind that’s come up and the light rain that’s falling.

Saturday morning arrives wind blowing and pouring with rain we all meet for bacon and eggs, today we head to our second camp 12km away and the whole day to get there. Let the FUN begin. We pull away and already we feel what this mountain has install for us ,we start our decent in the thick mud wheel spinning and vehicles slipping WOW what fun. The challenge hits us; we all get stuck except our friends in the 80 series who fitted mud terrain tyres .With the great help from the safari team and winch we are set free to continue. Our clothes are wet and some of us like Raymond are like boys playing in a new sand pit only difference is it is real mud. With smiles all round we head on forward looking for puddles to splash in.

We inter the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve  up a very steep accent after crossing the Drakensburg range in a most spectacular way we arrive in Makutsi camp and are shown our awesome log cabins a reward for the hard work and battle with nature. After everyone has enjoyed a hot shower we all meet together around a bon fire and tell each other the experiences we had though-out the day, the fun and laughs and the team commitment from everybody.  

After a rest full sleep we all meet for the final route to Nelspruit, through the forests and very scenic mountain views. We arrive at the one stop just after Polokwane to grab some lunch and say our goodbyes, A little sad the weekend is over but what an experience and adventure had by all .A very big thank you to Safari Centre and the staff of Imperial Toyota Strijdom park for putting this weekend together and last of all to the customers that joined us you made this weekend a big success.

Thank you

Michael Needham

So ends one adventure but the horizon is filled with many to come.
From the desk of Oom Zulu thank you for the privilege of your company over what was a fantastic weekend of fun, laughter and magnificent countryside.

So the prep is almost complete on the new Toyota Land Cruiser 76 affectionately named Donkey to tackle its first trip in the bush.
Answering the call of the wild is a breeze with the unstoppable 4.2-litre diesel engine. It dishes out a laudable 96 kW at 3800 rpm while offering a stonking 285 Nm of torque from a low 2200 rpm.
Naturally prized more as a tough workhorse, there’s nevertheless a healthy dollop of retro appeal going on here as well. Spec levels are also not purely utilitarian – along with the indestructibility are more than just a few niceties. This model for example gets power steering, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, air conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors and a 12V accessory connector. And it also comes with remote central locking.
The list of extras fitted by Safari Centre is exhaustible and i will provide it for all to look at in the next write up so until then I will share a few pictures with all.

One of Limpopo’s best kept secrets.
Mountains, Rain-forests and Breath-taking Scenery on your doorstep!!
Day 2 will be 15 km and 4 hours of pukka low range through a virgin rain forest, crossing clear water streams.
This is pristine nature at its best. 
More to follow as we prepare vehicles and crew so keep tuned for the rest to unfold.

Part 2 we will reveal my new vehicle being prepared currently to take over duty from Zulu (much loved and missed Hilux 4x4) but wow wait till all see the new baby who has been already named Donkey by staff and friends.
Donkey, well speed wise on the highway maybe but on the 4x4 trail nothing will come close, however that's a story for later in the week to follow.
The only clue right now is that i am will still be behind the wheel of a Toyota!!

Buyers will be able to choose between a 4,4-litre V8 diesel derivative and a supercharged five-litre petrol model. The non-supercharged version of the petrol model will not be available on the local market. The oil-burner generates 250 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque, while the supercharged petrol version delivers 375 kW of power and 625 Nm of torque.
Range Rovers, however, have always sported burly engines. What makes the latest Range Rover so special is how it handles. Thanks to a world-first all-aluminium monocoque construction, as well as various other weight reductions, the SUV is 420kg lighter than its predecessor, which is obviously an important factor when it comes to handling and performance.
But that’s not the only trick that the new vehicle has up its sleeve. By dramatically reducing the amount of body lean during cornering, its Dynamic Response system transforms vehicle handling and occupant comfort. The latest two channel system is capable of controlling the front and rear axles independently, allowing it to be tuned to deliver increased low-speed agility, along with enhanced control and stability at speed.
The Adaptive Dynamics system, featuring continuously variable dampers, is a standard feature on all new Range Rovers, providing the optimum balance of ride and control by offering infinitely variable damper settings between soft and firm extremes.
The Adaptive Dynamics system monitors vehicle movements at least 500 times a second, reacting to driver or road inputs virtually instantaneously to give greater control and minimize body roll, providing a composed, flat ride. The system will even sense off-road conditions, and optimize damping accordingly.
Land Rover’s Terrain Response system is also back. It works pretty much as it always has, though it now has an “auto” setting. While you can still select the terrain you want, you can also let the system do its own thing, adapting as the terrain changes.
Inside, the Range Rover is as plush as ever. Every surface is covered in leather and soft-touch materials and, overall, finishes are top notch. Most noticeably, though, the interior is now simpler and more minimalist. Around 50% of the previous model’s switches have been removed, creating a cabin that is definitely more elegant.
The latest Range Rover is incredibly impressive. It manages to combine elegance and excellent on-road performance with good off-road ability, something that not many vehicles can do. What 4×4, after all, can do 250 km/h, yet still has low-range gearing and around 300mm of ground clearance. Not many.

About
"The Choice of 4x4 Professionals"
Company Overview
Safari Centre is the one stop shop for 4x4 professionals and outdoor enthusiasts! They are a national 4x4 accessory retail concern enjoying the support of people who are passionate about 4x4 and off-road driving and their vehicles.

They stock only high quality 4x4 accessories and outdoor equipment and their highly skilled staff fits 4x4 accessories professionally in AA approved workshops countrywide. Theypride themselves on their workshop's level of skill and expertise and the level of quality achieved therein, that they back all workmanship with a 2 year warranty.

Safari Centre has been part of the 4x4 vehicle accessory industry in South Africa for more than 20 years!

Combining great form with near-perfect function, the Samsung Galaxy S3 usurps the mighty HTC One X to become the new king of Android so its a must have this Xmas is you don't have it already and the perfect partner to go with the worlds best GPS being the Garmin Montana 650. check out the Galaxy features on www.gsmarena.com & the Garmin Montana 650 for the 4x4 boys & girls is available from www.safaricentre.co.za so have fun with them.

(Press Quote) The new Ford Ranger has won the “International Pick-Up Award 2013” making it the third international award Ford has won this year. Every member of the judging panel ranked the new Ranger as their number one choice; praising its performance on- and off-road, strong engine line-up, payload and towing capability, and safety. The new Ford Ranger won the “International Pick-Up Award 2013” award following extensive testing at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, England, after which it was awarded 47 points – more than the combined number of points garnered by the second- and third-placed Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok. The award was presented to Ford by jury chairman Pieter Wieman at the Fleet Transport EXPO 12 event, in Dublin.

"The Ford Ranger is a great all-rounder, combining the perfect blend of on-road comfort and stability with off-road capability," said Jarlath Sweeney, the Irish judge on the panel of CV journalists that also serves on the “International Van of the Year” jury. The new Ford Ranger is offered in three versatile cab body-styles – Double, Super and Regular – that are among the roomiest in its class; comes with a choice of two powerful and economical Duratorq TDCi engines, and with a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drive-trains  “The Ranger is great for work and great for leisure, and customers will appreciate the difference as soon as they get behind the wheel,” said Paul Randle, vehicle line director, Global Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “This prestigious award is testament to the work of our global product teams and there is plenty more to look forward to with the launch of the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect in 2013.”

Totally new from the ground up; the new Ranger now delivers more payload and class-leading towing capability; along with innovative new comfort and driver assistance features; and is the first such vehicle ever to achieve a Five Star Euro NCAP rating. This year, Ford has won other international awards including the “International Van of the Year 2013” for the all-new Transit Custom; and the company’s 1.0-litre Eco-boost petrol engine was named the 2012 “International Engine of the Year”.

The Quaddro Scissor Jack has the following advantages over existing 4x4 Vehicle Scissor Jack's, and other 4x4 Vehicle Mechanical Jacks, available in the market: 

1. Lifting Power
This Scissor Jack has extensive lifting power due to the PCT Patented Design of this Scissor Jack which has been extensively tested to be able to lift/lower any make or model 4x4 Vehicle on the market. The Rated Load Capacity of 2000 Kg / 4400 Lbs provides a safe lifting/lowering capacity at unlimited positions on any 4x4 Vehicle Model available worldwide. 

2. Structural Stability 
The Scissor Jack has superb STRUCTURAL STABILITY due to the PCT PATENTED - Central Coil Spring Design, which provides in excess of 700 Kg (1540 lbs) of STRUCTURAL SUPPORT to the Scissor Jack Arms during the mechanical lifting operation. Due to the Central Coil Spring Design the structural stability of the jack is increased to levels not previously possible with current scissor jack designs available in the market. The structural stability is very evident when used in off-road conditions where instability of ground level surface is the critical factor, and the most common reason for scissor jack structural failures. This structural stability feature also allows for extreme off-road operational use allowing for lifting and recovery of bigger, and heavier mass, 4x4 Vehicles to be lifted/lowered. New product development for specific niche markets are in progress such as for the Military market. 

3. Safety and Ease of Use 
Because of the structural stability of this design it is much safer to use this new jack than any other scissor jack, and/or other mechanical lifting devices used in the 4x4 Vehicle Off-Road market. The Central Coil Spring Design also protects the Drive Screw from structural strain which further increases the safety of this jack as structural damage is virtualy eliminated on the drive screw. 

4. Technology Advantage 
The Quaddro Scissor Jack, Extender and the Planetary Gear Mechanism concept has been granted WIPO PCT Patent, and other selected countries Patent protection rights, with on-going PCT and relevant Patent registration in progress. 

5. Product Versatility
This Quaddro Scissor Jack can be used on ANY 4x4 VEHICLE MAKE >MODEL>TYPE as it can lift any size vehicle at virtually any position without the need for extra lifting points as needed with other century old mechanical lifting technology jacks. 

2013 Wildcat 1000 Limited

ENGINE
Type V-Twin, SOHC 4-stroke, 4-valve w/EFI H.O.
Displacement 951cc
Cooling System Liquid with Twin Fan
Bore x Stroke 92 x 71.6 mm
Alternator 36 amps
Speedometer Analog
Odometer Digital
Fuel Capacity 8.8 gal.


POWERTRAIN
Transmission Automatic CVT, Hi/Lo Range, Reverse & Park
Drive System 2/4 WD + Electric Front Differential Lock
Front Brakes Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake Hydraulic Disc