AND IT'S GOING ON The Chinese manufacturer BYD is launching the Dolphin and Seal models on the Spanish market. The two will have their premiere until May 21 at the Automobile Barcelona trade show.
Editorial - May 17, 2023
With Dolphin (right) and Seal, BYD launches two more electric cars in Europe.
BYD stands for Build Your Dreams and is one of the world's largest car manufacturers. After the Chinese brand has already made its way into some European countries, it is now about to enter the Spanish market.
Competitors in theCompact class
The Dolphin, a handy C-segment hatchback with a cargo capacity of between 345 and 1310 liters, is being launched in three power variants: with 70, 130 and 150 kW (95, 177 and 204 hp). In addition, the two battery sizes 44.9 and 60.4 kWh are available, with ranges of up to 427 kilometers. In terms of price, the Dolphin is on offer from 29,990 euros, with the first deliveries scheduled for September.
Luxury sedan on request with all-wheel drive
The Seal, a sporty D-segment sedan, is available in a rear-wheel drive version with 230 kW (313 hp) or with all-wheel drive and 390 kW (530 hp). The 2WD version offers the greatest range at around 570 kilometers. In the Seal, the battery is integrated directly into the body structure. This results in advantages in terms of interior space and the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
In Barcelona, the two new models can be seen alongside the already familiar Tang, Han and Atto 3 (gallery from left).
OFFROAD With the Show Car 4ever Trophy, Renault evokes memories of the French cult model R4, which was launched in 1961 and continuously developed and sold for more than three decades.
Editorial - May 17, 2023
The 4ever Trophy concept study is reminiscent of the R4 in details, but was designed with great creative freedom.
The Renault 4ever Trophy concept car made its first public appearance last year at the Paris Motor Show. Now it will appear at the French Open on May 22 in Paris in the body color Ile-de-France Blue, in which the 1962 model 4L was also launched.
In several details, the high-legged new off-road model is reminiscent of the legendary R4. Although its production ended more than thirty years ago, it is still an unforgotten milestone in Renault model history.
Larger and strikingly more conspicuous
However, the modern R4 version 4ever Trophy is considerably larger and strikingly more eye-catching than its modest predecessor of the 1960s. In the new edition, in addition to the large wheels with black wheel arches, the design components roof straps, springs and wheel inserts in fluorescent yellow are particularly striking.
ACTION The Porsche Penske works team is fielding three Porsche 963 cars with distinctive designs at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 10 and 11. For every race lap driven, Porsche donates 750 euros for sick children.
Editorial - May 16, 2023
The designs of Porsche's racing cars are reminiscent of historically significant motorsport colors
The designs of the race cars quote historically significant motorsport colors, thus linking the anniversaries of 75 years of Porsche sports cars and 100 years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In addition, the prototypes are in action for a good cause. Porsche is donating 750 euros per race lap - in keeping with the 75th anniversary of Porsche Sportwagen. The total amount will be used for seriously ill children after the racing highlight.
380 laps over 13 626 kilometers
Porsche is expanding its social commitment with the newly launched Racing for Charity initiative. The amount donated will be distributed to the three organizations Kinderherzen retten e.V., Interplast Germany e.V. and Ferry Porsche Foundation after the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The cars in the hypercar class will complete up to 380 laps over 13,626 kilometers on the Circuit des 24 Heures as part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The three factory cars fielded by Porsche Penske Motorsport could therefore ideally complete a total of 1140 laps.
Help for sick children and families
Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, Research and Development: "For Porsche, Le Mans is one of the most demanding testing grounds for new technologies that will later find their way into series production. For the 100th anniversary at Le Mans, we want to set an example and give a stage to organizations that are particularly committed to society."
The Ferry Porsche Foundation was established in May 2018 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Porsche brand. The donation from Racing for Charity will provide everyday relief for sick children and their families.
Porsche is committed to a wide range of charitable initiatives, focusing on sustainable projects in the core areas of sport, culture, environment and social affairs, as well as education and science. In this way, more than 150 sponsorship projects were supported worldwide in 2022.
COMEBACK For true fans of the brand, Citroën is launching the 2CV Fourgonnette van in a nostalgic retro version. However, the variant is limited to 200 copies.
Editorial - May 16, 2023
The Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette of the 21st century took over many parts from its ancestor.
Fabrizio Caselani comes from a family that is completely dedicated to the Citroën double angle. It's no wonder that, together with designer David Obendorfer, he has formally taken the brand's current van models with the double angle back to the 1950s and combined elements of the 2CV Fourgonnette with the current Berlingo.
Collaboration with design team
The design comes from Obendorfer, who had already revived the legendary Transporter H based on the Jumper in 2017 and developed elements of the prototype-only HG for the Jumpy and Space Tourer in 2020. For the Berlingo conversion, the duo worked with the Citroën design team.
Head of Design Pierre Leclercq: "Here, the creatives keep a close eye on the work to ensure that the original 2CV Fourgonnette is not interpreted too literally, but the result carries the DNA of Citroën."
Ten historical paint
The combination of modern Berlingo and classic 2CV is to be built only 200 times. That's the plan. What happens if more customers want to embark on the journey back in time is uncertain. The Transporter-2CV was launched in 1951 and became an instant success in France, especially among craftsmen. A total of more than 1.2 million units were produced.
The Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette of the 21st century took over the design of the hood from its ancestor, and in addition, the radiator grille, bumper and wheel arches were adapted to the prototype. Fiberglass components were developed for the side panels, reminiscent of the corrugated sheet metal trim of the 2CV. To set the nostalgia also in color, the Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette is delivered in ten historic paint finishes from the 1960s and 1970s.
Longing for a road map
In contrast to the somewhat rough-around-the-edges prototype, the nostalgic Berlingo rolls over the roads just as smoothly as the high-volume versions, but it generates considerably more attention from passersby. The navigation sometimes creates feelings of longing for an analog road map, as the users of the 2CV consulted it back then when needed.
Swiss prices and equipment are available on request.
Car racing days: Philip Egli showed the master again
ALL IN THE HANDS For the eighth time in a row, Philip Egli was celebrated as the winner of the day at the Frauenfeld Auto Race Days organized for the 23rd time by the ACS Thurgau. Joel Burgermeister from Egnach was the fastest Thurgau driver and came third overall.
Editorial - May 15, 2023
Lukas Eugster, record day winner Philip Egli and Joel Burgermeister (from left) formed the overall podium ACS Autorenntage Frauenfeld.
After it had rained in torrents at times on Sunday morning, both race runs in the afternoon took place in dry conditions with one brief exception. Despite the changeable weather conditions, a pleasingly large number of spectators made their way to the Grosse Allmend to follow the racing action live from close by.
Points for Swiss Championship
Around 320 drivers, divided into different fields, rolled to the start. For the fourth time in the current season, points were at stake for the Swiss Slalom Championship and other racing series.
Race director Alex Maag: "On Saturday, we had a time delay in the event for the LOC-licensed due to harmless incidents and technical defects. In return, we were able to finish on time on Sunday. We have no influence on the weather, nevertheless we proved that we have everything under control. We would like to thank the gun range managers, who are very kind to us every year in order to be able to hold this popular event with supra-regional significance."
Philip Egli achieved new record time
Once again, Philip Egli emerged as the day's winner on the 3.2-kilometer course with 49 gates in an optimum Dallara race car. In both races, the Glarner native of Zurich improved his own track record of 2021, which now stands at 2:00.38.
Philip Egli: "Brilliant - I've never been able to win eight times on any course. I think with optimal conditions, a time under two minutes is feasible next year."
Egli's strongest challengers propelled him to the 46th slalom stage win of his career. Lukas Eugster from Gais finished second overall in his Ligier-Honda just 91 hundredths behind thanks to a new sports car record in the first race run. He spun in the second heat with rain threatening. Joel Burgermeister from Egnach also paid for his attack on Egli at the wheel of his Tatuus F4 Evo by braking through the meadow and ultimately had to settle for third place overall as the fastest Thurgau driver.
Joel Burgermeister: "I had to take a risk, and that went wrong. The important thing is that nothing broke. But this was good practice for the upcoming hillclimbs."
Christian Bralla doing very well
Fastest driver with closed race cars was Christian Bralla (center gallery) from Ticino on a Fiat X 1/9 from group E1. The only class win by a Thurgau native was achieved by Stephan Burri (Gallery left) from Affeltrangen on a VW Scirocco in Group IS up to two liters. Christoph Zwahlen from Pfyn took second place in Group IS with a Porsche GT3 Cup.
First launches with synthetic gasoline
For the first time, three drivers were also at the start with synthetic gasoline made from 100% fossil-free base materials. The mastermind behind this project is the company Horag Racing from Sulgen, which was delighted with the second-best touring car time with Simon Wüthrich from Berne (gallery left) on a VW Golf Turbo. Once again, this was proof of the suitability of synfuel for motorsport.
On Saturday, the drivers with an LOC license completed their race runs. In the Suzuki Swiss Racing Cup, Sandro Fehr from Rorschacherberg and Fabian Eggenberger from Zurich decided the two championship rounds. Marcel Muzzarelli from Riedt bei Erlen, who was replaced by Fehr at the top of the table, finished third twice. As president of the sports commission of the ACS Thurgau, Muzzrelli was also a member of the OC. All rankings can be found on the homepage. Photos: Erwin Röll (Action), Peter Wyss (Podium)
Auto Schweiz: Peter Grünenfelder is the new president
ELECTIONS The Association of Swiss Automobile Importers has a new president. The members of auto-schweiz have elected Peter Grünenfelder to succeed Albert Rösti. Claudia Meyer is the first woman on the board.
Editorial - May 15, 2023
The new president of auto schweiz Peter Grünenfelder and Claudia Meyer, who takes the additional seat on the board.
In addition to the election of the president, the members of auto-schweiz present at the general assembly in Lucerne also voted in favor of enlarging the board and filling an additional seat. On a motion, the members voted unanimously for Claudia Meyer, Managing Director Renault Suisse SA (Renault, Dacia, Alpine), to join the auto-schweiz board.
Furthermore, the seat of Mercedes-Benz Switzerland AG was confirmed for another three years. Marc Langenbrinck will be succeeded by the future CEO of Mercedes-Benz Switzerland, Roland Schell, as of June 1. He and Claudia Meyer will be joined by Donato Bochicchio, Managing Director Ford Motor (Switzerland), and Marcel Guerry, Managing Director Switzerland of the Emil Frey Group, and Helmut Ruhl, CEO Amag.
Supply and technology openness
Peter Grünenfelder will take office at the beginning of August: "I am looking forward to this key task at the helm of one of the most important business associations in Switzerland. Our job description includes security of supply with sufficient electricity and a policy of technology openness, including tax breaks for climate-friendly vehicles, as well as the need for a close-knit network of charging stations and the possibility of using synthetic fuels. I clearly reject the increasingly anti individual transport policy in Swiss cities."
SUPPORTING POINT Two years after its market launch in Europe, Genesis is already opening its third location in Switzerland with the studio in Geneva. After Zurich and Basel, the brand is now also close to its clientele in western Switzerland.
Editorial - May 15, 2023
Piergiorgio Cecco, Michael Cole, Lawrence Hamilton, Mike Song, Luc Donckerwolke opened the third location.
The Genesis Studio Geneva is located in the elegant Rue du Rhône shopping street and offers insights into the world of Genesis on 345 square meters of exhibition space. Among others, Mike Song, Global Head of Genesis, Luc Donckerwolke, Group Chief Creative Officer, Michael Cole, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Lawrence Hamilton, Managing Director of Genesis Motor Europe, and Genesis Switzerland CEO Piergiorgio Cecco welcomed the guests at the inauguration.
Another milestone
Mike Song: "The expansion in Switzerland is a sign of Genesis' growing momentum in the European market. With Genesis Studio Geneva, we have reached another milestone in our business strategy. We will continue to build and strengthen our reputation as a provider of first-class customer care in the region."
Exclusive partnership
In the future, the offer in Geneva will not only include personal advice from a Genesis Personal Assistant, who will take care of all the customer's needs. Test drives in a Genesis model of the customer's choice or new car handovers will also be carried out directly on site or optionally in one of the partner hotels. These include the Hôtel Beau Rivage in Geneva. The five-star hotel is a top-class establishment in an exclusive location overlooking Geneva's Jet d'eau.
Lawrence Hamilton: "We are thrilled to open our doors in Rue du Rhône, one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world. It's very important for us to reach our customers in French-speaking Switzerland with Genesis Studio Geneva."
The Genesis Studio Geneva is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is staffed continuously by Genesis Personal Assistants.
Mini: With whisper drive into the convertible season 🎥
REAL TOP WITHOUT The electric Mini is now also available with a soft top. Open-top driving doesn't get much cooler than this - but it comes at a price. There will be 999 units in total, only 32 of which will come to Switzerland.
Dave Schneider - May 14, 2023
Cruising openly through the spring with a whisper-quiet drive - a purely electrically powered convertible sounds very tempting. In fact, however, there are hardly any such models. Fiat and Smart do offer the 500C and the Fortwo Cabrio, electric cars that can open the roof, but strictly speaking they don't deserve to be called convertibles because their tops are more like fabric sunroofs.
Mini launches the Cooper SE Convertible, an electric model with a full fabric top.
Range 201 kilometer
The reason why there are hardly any electric convertibles is the significantly poorer aerodynamics of this body style. More air resistance means less range in an electric car. Because the electric Mini is equipped with a comparatively small battery anyway and even the version with a steel roof only manages a standard range of 235 kilometers, the convertible is in an even worse position in this respect. Its WLTP average of a maximum of 201 kilometers, combined with the fact that it can only be charged at a maximum of 50 kW, doesn't exactly tempt you to go on a road trip.
A real fun machine
Be that as it may. The electric mini is cool and even cooler as a convertible, and it's certainly enough to cruise around town or take a trip to the swimming lake. The driving pleasure is immense: the open Cooper SE is a real fun machine that weaves its way around curves as if on rails and, with 135 kW (184 hp), pulls away quickly and abruptly and accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds while the wind whistles through your hair - that's exactly what open-top driving is supposed to be like. It's possible that some people miss the sound of the gasoline engine. But cruising around with the top down without the engine noise is quite something.
Exclusive driving pleasure
The downside, apart from the modest range, is the high price. You have to pay at least 62,490 francs for the rather exclusive driving pleasure - a proud price for this tiny car. Nevertheless, the 33 units are likely to be sold out quickly. After all, the Mini Cooper SE Convertible will remain the only real electric convertible for a while yet.
Hyundai: Fine tuning for the i20 runabout
SPORTY Hyundai refreshes the i20. The facelift of the third model generation scores points not only with its revised design, but also with a comprehensive safety package and new connectivity features.
Editorial - May 14, 2023
In the new Lucid Lime Metallic body color, the Hyundai i20 looks particularly striking.
The revised Hyundai i20 runabout stands out with its refined design. The new shape of the front bumper and radiator grille, the new LED taillights and the modified rear bumper give the small car a sportier look. The 16- and 17-inch wheels underscore the dynamic appearance.
On request with black roof
The facelifted version is available in eight exterior colors and optionally with a black roof. Despite its compact dimensions, the i20 offers plenty of interior space. Its trunk has a volume of up to 1165 liters - depending on the rear seat position.
The Lucid Lime color package for the interior is new. It includes seats with a textured pattern and lime-colored decorative stitching in the interior.
There are also new connectivity features. Depending on the equipment, there is a 4.2-inch on-board computer, USB-C ports or a digital cockpit with 10.25-inch color display. There's also a color touchscreen with navigation system and Bluelink telematics services. Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a wireless charging function and over-the-air updates for the navigation maps round out the connectivity features.
Smart Sense security functions
Various new Smart Sense safety functions are standard, such as lane departure warning, cross-traffic assist and active blind spot assist. Cruise control uses the navigation system to anticipate curves or straights on highways and automatically adjusts the speed. The facelifted i20 now also features multicolor ambient lighting that allows passengers to match the color of the interior lighting to their mood, and a sound system from Bose is available as an option.
Power levels with 100 hp and 120 hp
i20 customers can combine the 1-liter gasoline direct injection engine with a 48-volt hybrid system. Power ratings of 100 hp and 120 hp are available. Production of the new i20 will start in the third quarter at the Izmit plant in Turkey. Further variants will follow.
PRODUCTION FROM 2025 Cupra is making the most of its home advantage and presented several highlights at Automobile Barcelona. To kick things off, CEO Wayne Griffiths confirmed the name of the future electric vehicle. It's called the Raval.
Editorial - 13 May 2023
Berlin is also to experience the Raval Spirit: Cupra, together with brand ambassador and actor Daniel Brühl, will bring the spirit of its Raval bar in Berlin to the future Cupra City Garage, which will open in the German capital later this year. Raval is a tribute to the Raval neighborhood in the heart of Barcelona.
The Urban Rebel study will become the Raval production model, with production starting in 2025.
Car for the new generation
Wayne Griffiths (large image): "Raval is one of the most surprising parts of the city, and today we are proud that our urban electric car will bear its name and represent its spirit. The Raval is an invitation to a new generation that expects something better. An urban, rebellious 100 percent electric car with its own character. A car that connects with Gen Z and stirs emotions."
Best first quarter of the brand
Seat S.A. has not only announced the name of its new Cupra model, but at the same time was able to announce the best first-quarter result in its history. Between January and March, the company reported an operating profit of 144 million euros - an improvement of 139 million euros compared to the first quarter of the previous year. Sales increased by 48 percent to 3.6 billion euros.
The Raval will be produced at Seat S.A.'s headquarters in Martorell from 2025. To this end, the company will invest three billion euros in converting the plant from the production of internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.
