SEE AND BE SEEN More than 580 classic beauties are registered for the traditional classic car event O-iO at Whitsun - from lovingly maintained bread-and-butter classics to exclusive pre-war vehicles.
Editorial - May 10, 2024
O-iO will be more than just a classic car meeting again this year. A great folk festival is expected.
Italian sports car icons such as a Ferrari F40 and a Lamborghini Countach are among the many classic vehicles that will be appearing at the O-iO, Oldtimer in Obwalden, on May 18 and 19. Once again, the great variety promises a unique show for all classic car enthusiasts. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the event in Central Switzerland.
Obwalden tour
In addition to exhibitions in Sarnen and Engelberg, an idyllic tour on Obwalden's back roads is on the program on Saturday afternoon. The route includes the Sarnen soapbox race, a project of the local school, the Sarnen municipalities and the companies where the pupils build their own boxes. On Whitsunday, the huge O-iO entourage will make its way to Engelberg, partly on otherwise closed private roads. One of the two routes leads over the Ächerli Pass.
Whitsun fun
O-iO is also free Whitsun fun for the whole family. A number of exciting additional elements offer experiences that appeal to all the senses. Children and young people up to the age of 15 can win attractive prizes in a photo competition, including three grams of gold for first place. Meanwhile, the youngest can have fun on the bobby car track. From 4 p.m. on Saturday in Sarnen, two bands will provide an exuberant atmosphere. The passenger rides on Saturday are also a highlight for all visitors.
POPULAR VEHICLE Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presents the world premiere of a completely redeveloped generation of the best-selling camper van. Technically, the New California is based on the long version of the current Multivan model.
Editorial - May 9, 2024
The new edition of the Volkswagen California motorhome is even more spacious, versatile and sustainable. Conceptually, it follows in the footsteps of its iconic predecessors and thus continues a great success story. Of course, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has retained California details such as the pop-up roof and the interior, which has been thought through down to the last detail. The New California is also the VW bus for everyday use and the versatile camper.
The VW New California is now even more attractive as a variable camper.
Many equipment variants
The New California is available as a Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper and Ocean. This means that a complete camper family is once again available to meet a wide range of requirements and living situations. Technically, the new California is based on the MQB platform and therefore on the current Multivan. It comes with a wide range of assistance systems and thus a further increase in safety and comfort. The new model is 5.17 meters long and 1.99 meters high, making it once again suitable for parking garages. The wheelbase is 3.12 meters.
With plug-in hybrid drive
The New California is powered by three engines, which can be combined with any equipment level and are combined with a dual-clutch gearbox. The turbo diesel TDI delivers 150 hp, the turbo petrol engine 204 hp. Both drive the front wheels. The eHybrid plug-in hybrid drive is a new feature in the California. It develops a system output of 180 kW (245 PS). The California is the first MQB model from the Volkswagen Group to combine the plug-in hybrid drive with 4Motion all-wheel drive. This temporarily transforms the California into an electric car for everyday use. The manufacturer states a maximum towing capacity of 2000 kilograms.
Three-room concept
Thanks to the two sliding doors, VW is presenting a new three-room concept for the parking space in the New California. The large interior and the spaces to the right and left of the sliding doors are designed to merge into a living space in the great outdoors in summer. Presales of the New California are expected to start in June, and the first deliveries in Switzerland will take place in the second half of the year.
EXHIBITION CENTRE More than 200 Lamborghini owners and their vehicles were welcomed by Automobili Lamborghini board members and management at Lamborghini Day UK. The PHEV Urus SE celebrated its premiere.
Editorial - May 9, 2024
The Urus SE, the new PHEV version of the super SUV, was unveiled at the start of the Lamborghini dealer event in England. Lamborghini Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Federico Foschini presented the car together with Head of Engineering Rouven Mohr, Design Director Mitja Borkert and Customer Service Director Alessandro Farmeschi.
Federico Foschini: "We are delighted to present the Urus SE in the UK. It is an important vehicle for us on the road to hybridization," explained Foschini.
The new Urus SE PHEV model is characterized by optimized aerodynamics and the 800 hp hybrid drivetrain.
Personalization
Lamborghini Day UK offered owners, VIPs and media representatives the opportunity to explore the many dimensions of the Lamborghini brand and the company's activities. Design workshops from the Lamborghini Centro Stile team demonstrated the creative and technical process behind the vehicle concepts, while an ad personam studio allowed customers to experiment with the extensive personalization options available on a new Lamborghini. A Lamborghini Revuelto created especially for Lamborghini Day UK by the Ad Personam program demonstrated the vast possibilities of personalization.
Model legends
Lamborghini's Polo Storico is responsible for restoration, archiving, certification and original spare parts. The department presented a Diablo SV and an example of the first production model LP400. This icon was joined by an LP500 S and a Countach LPI 800-4, one of only 112 limited-edition hybrid supercars produced this decade. As Lamborghini prepares to unveil the successor to the Lamborghini Huracán later this year, a display of naturally aspirated V10 models celebrated both the Huracán and its predecessor, the Gallardo. They were joined by the lightweight V10 concept Sesto Elemento shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, whose carbon fiber body weighs less than 1,000 kilograms and enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds.
DRIFT-MEISTER MEYER Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland is looking forward to the start of the European Drift Championship in Spain. A first test with the self-developed Toyota GR Supra gives the team reason for optimism.
Editorial - May 9, 2024
Over the past few weeks, the newly occupied premises of Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland in Emmetten have been a hive of activity. On the one hand, the staff took care of customers' wishes, while on the other, the focus was on preparing for the racing season. As in the previous year, The Drift Force team, founded by Yves Meyer and Joshua Reynolds in 2020, will focus on the European Drift Masters, where it will field two Toyota GR Supra cars prepared in its own workshops. Meyer will compete as the official brand ambassador for Toyota Switzerland and Reynolds will also be looked after by The Drift Force.
The Swiss drift team travels to the start race in Spain in high spirits.
Optimal schedule
After a difficult 2023 season, the team from Nidwalden set about setting a new course over the winter. The main focus was on the technology of the complex drift car with more than 1000 hp. Everything happened so quickly and efficiently that the first test with the improved vehicle took place on the third weekend in January. "Last year, we were only able to test a week before the first race. Now we also had eight days of testing in February and four more in March," enthuses Yves Meyer.
Test winner Yves Meyer
As a dress rehearsal before the start of the Drift Masters European Championship 2024, the drivers from Central Switzerland took part in the first event of the Italian Drift Championship in Prato near Florence on the last weekend of April. This final test under competitive conditions fully confirmed the good preparatory work - Yves Meyer emerged as the overall winner.
Yves Meyer: "Of course, the standard wasn't as high as in the European Championships," says Meyer, assessing the comparison, "but there were a few competitors from the European Championships and the best from Italy at the start. My last opponent, Michele Landolfi, was Pro 2 champion in 2023."
Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland will therefore soon be traveling to the first round of the 2024 European Drift Championship, which will take place on May 10/11 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. Only 42 drivers were selected from more than one hundred applications for a starting place. The power density will therefore be enormous, which is why Yves Meyer is keeping his cool.
Yves Meyer: "Although we feel well prepared, we know that the unexpected can always happen in an emergency."
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE At the panel discussion at Kenny's Auto-Center, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti spoke about the future of Swiss energy and transport policy, a discussion that has far-reaching consequences for the national infrastructure.
Editorial - May 8, 2024
Federal Councillor Rösti discusses energy policy and highway expansion at the "Nebelspalter" panel.
During his appearance at the "Nebelspalter" podium in Dietlikon, which took place at Kenny's Auto-Center on 3 May, Albert Rösti, member of the SVP and current Federal Councillor, had a lively discussion about the need to strengthen Switzerland's energy infrastructure, particularly in view of the upcoming referendum on the Electricity Act and the expansion of the freeways. "Even in my younger years, when I was just twenty, there were discussions about raising the Grimsel dam - and in the end it was never realized because of a few fir trees," explained Rösti.
During the well-attended evening, in which the hall was filled to capacity, the topics of transport and energy policy were brought to the fore. The interest shown by those present demonstrated the urgency and topicality of the issue.
Innovations in transport policy
The dialog between Rösti and the editor-in-chief of the "Nebelspalter", Markus Somm, flowed seamlessly into the topic of traffic. Rösti emphasized how critical the current situation is: "The congestion on our freeways is not just a question of comfort, but also an economic necessity. Without expansion, we are on the brink of collapse."
At the end of the evening, the Federal Councillor was presented with a caricature showing him in a pensive pose.
Rösti commented on the artwork with a touch of self-irony: "That's the tragedy of caricatures: you think I don't look like that, but you still recognize yourself."
This memorable evening at Kenny's Auto Center once again underlined the importance of forward-looking policies and the immediate challenges facing Switzerland.
GASTRONOMY Mercedes-Benz is realigning its commitment to the popular vacation island of Sylt. Under the title "Sturmhaube x Mercedes-Benz", the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer and the Sturmhaube am Roten Kliff are cooperating even more closely.
Editorial - May 8, 2024
The upmarket Sturmhaube restaurant on Sylt not only serves good food, it also has electrically powered Mercedes models available for test drives.
In addition to the permanent presence of fully electric vehicles as an exclusive service for hotel guests, "Sturmhaube x Mercedes-Benz" also offers events open to the public that are intended to create added value for the whole island. The first event as part of this cooperation took place at the start of the season, with the highlight being a pop-up store specially set up by the Berlin label William Fan. Guests at the Sturmhaube were also able to get excited about all-electric Mercedes models and arrange test drives. Live music on the terrace and children's entertainment rounded off the program for the whole family.
Fashion and gastronomy
At the William Fan pop-up store, customers have the opportunity to purchase the current unisex Ceremony collection and classic William Fan pieces until May 9. The Sturmhaube restaurant on the Red Cliff is the ideal starting point for exploring the island. It is located in the middle of the nature reserve in Kampen and was reopened in fall 2022 by the brothers Felix and Daniel Knochenhauer. A sustainable design with natural materials ensures that the complex blends harmoniously into the heath and dune landscape.
Long partnerships
Down-to-earth luxury and a local connection are also evident in the "Sturmhaube x Mercedes-Benz" partnership, under which the restaurant provides all-electric Mercedes-Benz models as a service for hotel guests. And Mercedes now has a long history with William Fan. Back in 2015, when the German-born designer with Asian roots launched his own label, Fan showed his collection as part of Mercedes' Fashion Talents program.
TRADITIONAL RACING The third race of the Suzuki Swiss Racing Cup was also won by defending champion Sandro Fehr. This means that the rider from eastern Switzerland has won all the races in this year's championship so far.
Dave Schneider - May 8, 2024
Sandro Fehr (1), Michaël Béring (2) and Rico Thomann (3) were successful in Bière.
The Slalom Automobile de Bière took place for the 57th time on the weekend of May 4 and 5. An event with a long tradition, in which the third race of this year's Suzuki Swiss Racing Cup was also held. After the first two races in Frauenfeld with a full line-up, only part of the field was represented in Bière - nine out of 14 drivers took part in the race in the canton of Vaud.
Serial winner Fehr
The race was once again dominated by Sandro Fehr. The 37-year-old from Rorschacherberg is not only the defending champion, but also won the first two races in Frauenfeld. On the extensive slalom course on the army weapons range in Bière, the man from St. Gallen set the fastest time of 3:03.43. The veteran Michaël Béring finally made it onto the podium once again, achieving the second-fastest time - he only lost 0.56 seconds to Sandro Fehr's winning time. The podium was completed by Rico Thomann, who finished third, as he did at the two races in Frauenfeld on the opening weekend of April 27 and 28. They were followed by Cédric Moulin and Jean-Luc Janz.
Cost-effective racing
The Suzuki Swiss Racing Cup is organized by the Swiss importer and is probably the most cost-effective way for amateur athletes to engage in competitive motorsport. Since 2022, the Cup has been held with the standard Suzuki Swift Sport 48V Hybrid, but with semi-slick tires from Yokohama. As all drivers take part with exactly the same vehicle, the one-make cup not only guarantees great fairness, but also promises a hundredth of a second battle at the highest level. The next two races will take place on the weekend of May 25 and 26 at the airfield in Ambri. The field of drivers will then be complete again.
WORKSHOP RESTORATION The experienced staff at Porsche Classic Works Restoration have access to the original body gauges, the original tools, specially reproduced original parts and the company archive.
Editorial - May 8, 2024
Older models are expertly restored by Porsche Classic Werksrestaurierung.
When these experienced experts retire, there is a risk that gaps will arise. However, the exchange and transfer of their knowledge is extremely valuable for Porsche Classic and also a decisive success factor. The employees of Porsche Classic Factory Restoration have the most important thing in their heads and in their hands - their extensive know-how and craftsmanship, combined with years of experience. This is how they turn Porsche classics into dream cars in the course of a faithful factory restoration or an individual special request project.
Knowledge stays in the company
"The footsteps are huge," admits Tobias Kariegus candidly. The 33-year-old recently took over from his father as a transmission expert in the Porsche Classic factory restoration department. "This succession plan is of course ideal for us. It not only keeps the knowledge in the family, but also in the company," says Uwe Makrutzki, Head of Factory Restoration. Klaus Kariegus has a total of 40 years of experience. And the qualification program for his successor was quite demanding, there was no family consideration. In addition to various restorations, the father and son team produced a proud small series of 50 gearboxes for the 993 series 911 in six months. This is an important stock of spare parts for the worldwide customers that Porsche Classic supplies with spare parts.
With the generation change, the transmission area within Porsche Classic Factory Restoration has also moved. This is accompanied by ergonomic improvements. Unlike his father, Tobias Kariegus no longer works on the 50 to 100 kilogram gearboxes on assembly stands at the workbench, but instead uses a holding device tailored to his stature.
More than 1000 patterns
Maren Siedentopf, who initially worked in production after completing her training and switched to Porsche Classic factory restoration two years ago, produces exclusive components for the interior. Seat trims, instrument panels, door mirrors and much more are covered in leather. In addition to the variety of tasks, she is fascinated by the interplay of materials and processing techniques: "Every stitch and every material tells its own story. By working on a project for months and fulfilling even the most unusual customer requests, we become part of this unique story." More than 1000 patterns for components from various model series are stored in an archive cabinet.
Factory restoration and special request
Porsche Classic awards the "Made by Porsche, restored by Porsche" seal of approval to up to ten factory-restored classic sports cars every year. More than a dozen specialists maintain, repair and restore road-legal sports cars on behalf of customers at the Porsche Classic factory restoration facility. The workshop includes a body shop and paint shop, engine and gearbox construction and a saddlery. In addition, one-offs are possible as part of the Porsche special request program according to individual customer ideas, as the previous range of Porsche Classic factory restoration services has been expanded to include factory conversions and factory one-offs. The customer vehicles are completely dismantled into their individual parts, each component is thoroughly checked and, if necessary, refurbished, modified or replaced.
NOTE THE DRIVING TIMES Around Ascension Day and Whitsun, many drivers will once again be on their way south, and the increased volume of traffic will, as every year, bring with it a few hours of congestion. The TCS provides tips.
Editorial - May 7, 2024
Increased traffic volumes are to be expected again over the coming holidays.
Over the long weekend on Ascension Day, numerous travelers will once again be using the Swiss transport routes. Although traffic jams will not be as long as at Easter, many will still be traveling on the Gotthard route. The first congestion will form at the north portal on Wednesday, May 8. However, there will also be waiting times on Ascension Thursday. The traffic situation should have calmed down by Friday morning.
Patience is required
The TCS recommends traveling overnight, from Thursday to Friday or early Friday morning. Return traffic is expected on Sunday, May 12. On the return journey last year, the traffic jam in front of the south portal peaked at midday on Sunday with eight kilometers and a waiting time of almost one and a half hours. Road users heading south will also have to be patient before leaving for Italy at the Chiasso border crossing.
Many travelers will also be on the road over the Whitsun weekend. The most intense traffic situation in front of the Gotthard Tunnel can be expected on the outward journey on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, and the traffic jam is unlikely to ease overnight. For the return journey, the most cars will be on the road on Whit Monday, May 20, and on Tuesday.
Alternative routes
To avoid long traffic jams, the TCS recommends traveling there before Pentecost on Friday morning, May 17. Here the traffic jams should be limited until around 11 am. It is also worth setting off on Saturday night or early Saturday morning.
For travelers from the greater Zurich area and eastern Switzerland, it is worth taking the San Bernardino route. This alternative is recommended by the Federal Roads Office (Astra) as soon as the waiting time in front of the Gotthard tunnel exceeds one hour. However, there may also be delays on the alternative route. If you are traveling south from the Mittelland, you can take the Lötschberg and Simplon routes. Travelers from western Switzerland have the option of driving through the Great St. Bernard Pass. Compared to the Gotthard tunnel, however, there is a charge for driving through the St. Bernard tunnel.
Emil Frey Racing: Podium places at the season opener 🎥
NEW DRIVER TEAMS The Swiss racing team Emil Frey Racing celebrated a successful start to the new season at the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Powered by AWS in Brands Hatch with two second places.
Editorial - May 6, 2024
The Swiss team had a successful start to the short Sprint Cup weekend and was already able to attract attention in free practice with second and third positions (#14 and #69). And Emil Frey Racing took this momentum into qualifying when Ben Green took pole position in the #14 Emil Frey Racing Ferrari. With a time of 1m 22.768s, Green secured first place, beating reigning Sprint Cup champion Mattia Drudi in the #7 Aston Martin in a fiercely contested session. Team-mate Giacomo Altoè completed the good overall result with sixth place.
The EFR team made a successful start to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup at Brands Hatch in England.
Sprint Cup race #1
Ben Green was able to extend his lead lap by lap to 2.3 seconds. Team colleague Giacomo Altoè, who started the race from sixth place, had an unfortunate contact with the #159 McLaren at the start and forced his opponent onto the grass.
Ben Green and Konsta Lappalainen took second place at the finish - a strong result for the Englishman on home soil. Thierry Vermeulen crossed the finish line in fifth place, but was relegated to 11th place due to the time penalty.
Sprint Cup race #2
At the start of the second sprint race on Sunday, Thierry Vermeulen maintained his third place on the grid in the #69 Ferrari and settled into third position until his pit stop on lap 18. The #195 McLaren kept putting pressure on the Dutchman, but the McLaren itself was struggling with the Audi behind it and so the gap widened again. Konsta Lappalainen in the number 14 sister car got away well at the start and passed the #96 Porsche on the first lap. At the black and white checkered flag, Giacomo Altoè was 2.56 seconds short of victory - but with second place, the team secured its second podium result of the weekend.
Good teamwork
Team Principal Lorenz Frey-Hilti comments: "As we already had good pace at Brands Hatch last year, but were unable to convert this into any notable race results, we are all the more pleased to have finished on the podium twice in the highly competitive Sprint Cup after winning the DTM." Technical Director Jürg Flach added: "It was a strong weekend. We were competitive with both cars right from the start. The strong qualifying sessions underlined this. Going home with second places is a satisfaction and gives us the necessary momentum for the next race weekend in Misano." The team from Safenwil will continue in two weeks' time with the second round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Powered by AWS in Misano. Giacomo Altoè will be celebrating his home race there.
Alternative routes 
