In the run-up to the race weekend from May 5 to 7, IWC Schaffhausen will be present in Florida to celebrate its return to Miami. IWC became Official Engineering Partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team in 2013. This year, the luxury watch manufacturer is celebrating the tenth anniversary of this partnership. As the elite gather for the second Miami Grand Prix, IWC presents the Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team with a rubber strap in Miami Pink.

First official watch of the team

The chronograph is the first official team watch IWC has produced for its partner. It pays tribute to the passion of the team's designers, aerodynamicists, race engineers, strategists and mechanics. The bracelet is a perfect match for the team's appearance at the Miami International Autodrome, where Lewis Hamilton and George Russell's gloves and shoes will feature pink details.

Housing made of high-strength titanium

The new Pilot's Watch, launched a year ago, is made of robust grade 5 titanium. IWC pioneered the introduction of this material to the watch industry in the 1980s, when it unveiled the first wristwatch with a titanium case and bracelet. The existing version of the Pilot's Watch with a green rubber strap comes with a black calfskin strap and remains available online.

Easy change without tools

Thanks to the integrated EasX-Change system, the bracelets can be quickly and easily replaced without tools. Both watches can also be registered for the My IWC Care program and thus benefit from a 6-year extension of the 2-year international warranty.

iwc.com

The positive picture of the current year is reflected in the cumulative figures after the first four months, with 76,968 new registrations and market growth of 10.2 percent. The alternative drive systems together account for a market majority of 54.1 percent.

Auto Switzerland media spokesman Christoph Wolnik: "Looking at our list of brands, you can see almost only green signs in April compared to 2022. That means the recovery is broad-based and cuts across all price and vehicle classes."

Not yet like before the Covid crisis

At 18,149, the number of new enrollments in April was 16 percent higher than the previous year's level of 15,646, which at that time was heavily impacted by supply difficulties. However, the market level of the times before the Covid crisis has not yet been reached

Christoph Wolnik: "In an average April between the years 2000 and 2019, more than 27,500 new cars were registered. While we only reached two-thirds of that figure last month, there were just 9382 new registrations in April 2020. So reaching annual market levels of around 300,000 new passenger cars is not possible again until 2024 or 2025."

Alternative continues with growth

After four months, further growth in the market share of alternative drive systems is emerging, even if it is no longer as strong as in previous years. Electric, hybrid, gas and hydrogen engines together account for 41,620 new registrations and, at 54.1 percent, clearly represent the majority of new passenger cars. In the previous year, they were just below that at 49.8 percent.

New registrations of electric cars (13,625, +24.9 percent) and full and mild hybrids without the option of charging via the power grid (21,304, +21.3 percent) grew dynamically. Plug-in hybrids also increased (6648, +5.9 percent).

car.swiss

With the latest Suzuki Swift, Suzuki is once again setting a milestone in the development of compact city runabouts. Since its launch, the Swift has not only established itself as one of the most popular small cars, but also as a vehicle that offers technology and fun in an affordable package. The seventh generation of the Swift is characterized by a significant evolution in all areas - from performance and design to the latest safety features.

Design and interior fittings

The new Swift retains the characteristic silhouette that made its predecessors so distinctive, but with sharper lines and more modern details. The interior offers a combination of comfort and state-of-the-art technology. A two-tone dashboard and ergonomically designed controls provide an intuitive and enjoyable driving experience.

Motorization and performance

The new Swift is powered by an efficient 1.2-liter 61 kW (82 hp) petrol engine, supported by a 12-volt SVHS mild hybrid system that improves both fuel efficiency and environmental performance. This system ensures dynamic power delivery while minimizing fuel consumption.

Security technologies

Outstanding features include innovative assistance systems such as dual-sensor active brake assist, lane departure warning and drowsiness detection, all designed to maximize safety and minimize the risk of accidents.

Multimedia and connectivity

The SUZUKI CONNECT system keeps the driver and vehicle connected at all times. This platform makes it possible to control important vehicle functions via a smartphone app and provides access to a variety of useful services, further increasing convenience and ease of use.

The Suzuki Swift continues its tradition of combining innovation with driving pleasure in a compact format. It is more than just a car: it is an experience that enriches everyday life and makes mobility sustainable.

suzuki.ch

Toyota factory driver Sébastien Buemi successfully defended his leading position in the World Endurance Championship at the third race in Spa-Francorchamps. The driver from the canton of Vaud "only" managed second place after teammate Brendon Hartley had an accident in qualifying and Buemi had to start from the very back. But ahead of the season highlight, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the reigning WEC world champion and his two teammates are five points ahead of the sister car with the #7 in the overall standings.

Good preparation for Le Mans

Sébastien Buemi (center right gallery, photo: Toyota): "To come back from 36th on the grid to second place after we were actually fighting for victory is a strong performance. The win for #7 makes the day perfect and I'm very happy for the team. It was an eventful race, especially at the beginning with the rain, but I tried to stay out of trouble and just keep moving forward. This is good preparation for Le Mans."

Two Swiss drivers were also on the podium in LMP2. Louis Delétraz continued his winning streak and, following his opening triumph in the ELMS, celebrated his first WEC win of the season at Spa. Third place went to Fabio Scherer, who claimed his second podium this year on his favorite track.

Julien Apothéloz celebrates first victory

Another Swiss LMP driver, Julien Apothéloz (gallery left, right in picture, photo Annette Flavia Matt) celebrated a top debut. The Zurich native won his first LMP3 race at Hockenheim in the opening round of the Prototype Cup Germany together with Colombian Oscar Tunjo. In the second race, the former Young Driver winner finished in 3rd place.

Yannick Mettler and Dexter Müller

The opening round of the GT Open in Portimão, Portugal, was also successful from a Swiss perspective. At least in the ProAM classification. This was won by Yannick Mettler and his team-mate Dexter Müller. In the second race, the duo finished 6th with a 15-second handicap, but Mercedes brand colleague Alain Valente secured 2nd place - with teammate Florian Scholze.

Mike Müller remarkable third

Topcar driver Mike Müller made his racing debut in the ADAC Touring Car Junior Cup. The three-time Swiss karting champion acquitted himself more than respectably against the veterans Leon Arndt and Linus Hahne, finishing third in the first race and 11th in the second (after a harsh penalty). The fact that he even took the lead in the first race suggests that Müller will be delivering even more headline performances this year.

Newcomers with strong performances

Léna Bühler (right gallery, left picture, FIA photo) is likely to be the talk of the town quite a few times this year. At the F1 Academy opener at the Red Bull Ring, the driver from Vaud finished second on the podium in the second race.

Marcel Steiner was also on the grid for the first time this year at the hill climb in Rechberg. With 5th place, 1.3 seconds behind fourth-placed Corentin Starck, the Bernese LobArt driver can be satisfied at the start of the new season. Victory in Styria went to Christian Merli on Osella FA30.

Ouelle: Auto Sport Switzerland
motorsport.ch

When a Clay Regazzoni Honor Room was inaugurated in 2021 at the autobau Erlebniswelt in Romanshorn to commemorate the most successful Swiss Formula 1 racer of all time (gallery left and right), the idea for a comprehensive publication was born. The German-language work entitled "Clay Regazzoni: der Unzerstörbare" (Galerie Motte) has now been presented in the presence of the Regazzoni family.

Outreach for paraplegics

Background: As the highlight of his career, Clay Regazzoni won the title of Formula 1 Vice World Champion with Ferrari in 1974. After strong performances on the racetrack and his accident in 1980 at the Long Beach Grand Prix, the consequences of which confined him to a wheelchair forever, he championed the cause of paraplegics. The new work was created on the basis of conversations at the time with the Italian journalist Cesare De Agostini, edited by Mario Luini and Jean-Marie Wyder.

A role model for many people

Fredy Lienhard, former racing driver and founder of autobau Erlebniswelt: "Clay was a person who was admired by many and who was a role model for many. I was particularly impressed by his attitude to life after his accident and his extraordinary commitment to helping fellow human beings affected by fate. While reading the manuscript, I kept feeling like I was in the passenger seat. I will give individual copies of the book to the next generation of motorsport drivers, because it is about life itself, about values and about attitudes. "

Special moments of a lifetime

Two Italian-language editions from 1982 ("È questione di cuore") and 2011 ("È sempre questione di cuore"), which Cesare De Agostini wrote with Clay Regazzoni and later supplemented, served as a template for the lavish, lovingly designed book. The book, with a foreword by Mario Andretti, which describes the career of the Ticino pilot and special moments of his life, but also describes his unique will and commitment in favor of disadvantaged people, shows the person Clay Regazzoni from a very personal side.

The 304-page book with 360 photos (ISBN 978-2-8399-3632-3) can be ordered through the autobau world of experience can be ordered for 85 francs (including postage and packing).

autobau.ch

The core design element is 15 stripes in seven colors that extend from the front of the Porsche 963 to the rear and widen towards the back. The fin on the engine cover serves as a distinguishing feature of the cars: race number 5 wears it in black, number 6 in white, and the third Le Mans race car, number 75, in red.

The paints have racing history

Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport. "Our three Porsche 963s will be real eye-catchers at Le Mans to mark the brand's 75th birthday. I have no doubt that this design will quickly capture the hearts of the fans. We've picked up vehicle designs from Porsche's history at Le Mans. The 917 as a Pink Pig (gallery on the left) or the hippie car from 1970 (gallery on the right). These paint schemes have made racing history and are still popular today."

Dynamics and harmonious proportions

The number 5 Porsche 963 will be driven at Le Mans by the regular FIA WEC lineup of Dane Cameron (USA), Frédéric Makowiecki (France) and Michael Christensen (Denmark). The number 6 sister car is driven by WEC drivers André Lotterer from Germany, Kévin Estre from France and Laurens Vanthoor from Belgium. The number 75 car is driven by Felipe Nasr (Brazil), Nick Tandy (Great Britain) and Mathieu Jaminet (France).

Exterior designer Stephane Lenglin: "The Porsche 963 has a very long wheelbase. So we had to play a little with the proportions. The widening color lines toward the rear make for beautiful dynamics and harmonious proportions. On the way to the final version, we played with many different colors, but ultimately settled on seven color schemes that give an immediately recognizable glimpse of Porsche's long and successful history and the special paint schemes at Le Mans."

porsche.com

Soon it will be humming and rattling again on the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen. The big trade fair for classic mobility is in the starting blocks. From May 5 to 7, enthusiasts of historic vehicles will meet at Klassikwelt Bodensee to exchange ideas.

Project Manager Roland Bosch (center gallery): "We are not only celebrating some anniversaries, but also offering exciting events with the Airshow and the Vintage Demo Racing. Vintage car owners can also get an appraisal of the value of their collector's item, and anyone arriving with a motorcycle built up to 1939 will get an exclusive stand space and free admission."

Airplanes, cars and motorcycles

In ten halls there is much to discover with more than 800 exhibitors, clubs and participants. In addition to Riva boats and classic aircraft, numerous special shows await the public. For example, the BMW motorcycle celebrates its centenary, and Porsche and Corvette also have a long history with their 75 and 70 years. In addition to the range of historic vehicles, visitors can also look forward to the parts market. The airshow is also likely to be a big crowd puller. It promises nostalgia in the air and goose bumps on the ground.

Tickets are also available in the online store

Klassikwelt Bodensee will take place from Friday, May 5, to Sunday, May 7, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The day ticket is available for 17 euros. Tickets are available in the online store at https://tickets.messe-friedrichshafen.de/webshop/172/tickets.

klassikwelt-bodensee.de

Only a few Bugatti factory racing cars were built in Molsheim, Alsace, from 1909 to 1963. With the Type 59, Bugatti conceived the last pure Grand Prix racing car under the leadership of company founder Ettore Bugatti more than 80 years ago. One of the most important of these was the Type 59/50 BIII with chassis number 441352 and frame number 6, the so-called Cork racing car, which was primarily designed by Ettore's son Jean.

3-liter in-line eight-cylinder engine

Details such as the piano-string spoked wheels testify to innovation, attention to detail and perfectionism. Experts therefore consider the Type 59 with its further developments to be the most beautiful racing car of the pre-war years. It was powered by a 3-liter in-line eight-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts and a supercharger. But the Cork race car also demonstrated Bugatti's connection between automotive engineering and art.

Ettore Bugatti came from a creative family. His father architect unique pieces, often inspired by Turkish and Japanese ornaments. Rembrandt Bugatti, Ettore's younger brother, as a sculptor also modeled the upright elephant as the radiator mascot of the Type 41 Royale.

Last use at a Grand Prix

The Type 59 with the 50 BIII engine drove its last race in 1938 at the French Grand Prix in Reims. It was the last official entry for this car and also Bugatti's last at a Grand Prix before the Second World War. At the beginning of the war, Bugatti moved its inventory from Alsace to Bordeaux. It was not until the 1950s that the racing car reappeared - as a rolling chassis without the ornate bodywork.

In 1964, American Bugatti enthusiast Ray Jones bought the Type 59 and tracked down the upgraded 3-liter supercharged engine at the Bugatti factories. Jones searched for three decades until he had all the car's parts together. The sleek bodywork makes the Type 59 an automotive sculpture that was as much at home on racetracks as it was at art exhibitions.

bugatti.com

The luxurious Defender 130 Outbound in particular, which is now also available with an output of 500 hp as a V8 supercharged gasoline engine, stands out from the British manufacturer's expanded range. This model is only available as a five-seater, but the luggage compartment holds 1329 liters, which can be expanded to a maximum of 2516 liters (gallery on the right).

Gloss Black or Satin Dark Grey

On the outside, the 130 Outbound's silk-matte, dark surfaces on the bumpers and radiator grille catch the eye, while the side air intakes are in anthracite. Buyers can also opt for 20-inch wheels in Gloss Black or 22-inch wheels in Satin Dark Grey.

For the seat covers, they have a choice of fine Windsor leather or durable fabric. The comfort of the Defender 130 V8 continues to include 4-zone automatic climate control, air-conditioned seats in the second row and heated seats in the third row, Meridian sound system, head-up display, interactive instrument display and air purification system Pro.

Towing capacity up to three tons

The Defender 130 Outbound rolls up with all-wheel drive, Terrain Response 2, electronic air suspension and adaptive suspension as standard. It can hook up to three tons of towing capacity. With the introduction of the V8, the engine range for the Defender 130 now includes four alternatives, as the inline sixes P400, D250 and D300 remain unchanged in the program.

County graphics for Defender 110

The County Exterior Pack can be combined with the Defender 110 in S or SE version (gallery left). County graphics on the doors and flanks are particularly eye-catching, while the illuminated door sill trims also feature County graphics. The exclusive look of the Pack includes 20-inch alloy wheels - including in classic Gloss White.

Equipment and the Swiss prices are available on request

landrover.ch

The Stuttgart-based company is not yet naming prices, but with the length, which has increased by one centimeter to 4.95 meters, the price is also likely to have risen - to probably just under 55,000 Swiss francs. In return, customers - more than 300,000 units of the predecessor were sold worldwide last year - get a completely new electronics architecture. The new MB.OS operating system is not only updateable, but new functions such as automated driving can also be purchased at a later date from 2025.

iPhone as ignition key

Driverless parking will be possible in the future, if the law allows it: The car comes to its user. iPhone or Apple Watch can replace the ignition key if desired. This makes it easy to share the E-Class with family members, friends or colleagues. To make all this possible, Mercedes has combined the electronics, which were previously distributed across more than 100 control units, in a central computer.

In the interior, the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system offers up to three large displays. If desired, the front passenger can have his own screen and watch movies or play games while driving - invisible to the driver.

Zoom video conferencing app

Apps can be added to the central display just like on a smartphone, also from third-party providers, for example the Zoom video conferencing app. If it is used, the driver can also dial into conference calls while driving. When stationary, an optional video camera then transmits the image from the car while the central display shows the other participants. Important functions such as seat and mirror adjustment, volume and temperature are still operated via separate controllers.

Interior almost S-Class level

The interior has grown in length and width and now almost offers S-Class level: 22 millimeters more wheelbase makes it possible. The trunk is 540 liters and is no longer affected by the batteries of the plug-in hybrid versions. When maneuvering and in tight curves, rear-axle steering helps by steering at up to 4.5 degrees.

Market launch with four-cylinder engines only

At launch, the new E-Class will be offered with six drive options, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Three of the powertrains are plug-in hybrids that can drive up to 115 kilometers on pure electric power. The battery can be fully recharged in just 30 minutes. A diesel with 197 hp is also offered. The gasoline engine produces 204 hp, and the plug-in hybrids 230 and 280 hp. At market launch, there will only be four-cylinder models, but six-cylinder variants are also possible later.

A variant with hood star

Three equipment lines are available, although there is still a variant with a classic hood star, which has now been dropped from the C-Class - except in China: The Exclusive Line has the star as a radiator mascot on the hood. The Avantgarde version, on the other hand, shows the star in the radiator grille, illuminated as daytime running lights and edged in black, as is familiar from the EQ models. LED headlights are standard, while a projection light can be ordered as an option. The continuous band of lights at the rear is dominated by star-shaped lamps. The wheels are up to 21 inches in size.

Source: auto-medienportal.net
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