From 2025, Jaguar wants to become a fully electric luxury brand. The last two F-Type versions will be built until 2024. They are not limited, only the colors. The reason: The brand from Coventry, England, is celebrating 75 years of sports cars with the F-Type 75.

Limited color Giola Green

There is the F-Type 75 Convertible with 450 hp and a V8 engine, the limited color is called Giola Green, the interior is brown leather in the shade Nougat. Very nicely finished, as usual for Jaguar, in the cockpit a mixture of modern displays and retro switches. The convertible is 4.47 meters long, can be driven unexcitingly and is a nice sunshine excursion vehicle. In Switzerland, the open-top F-TYPE is also available in the somewhat more biting F-Type R75 version with 575 hp from 155,800 Swiss francs.

Coupé with 575-hp V8 engine

The second end-of-life Jaguar is a coupe, is called F-Type R75 Coupe and is also powered by the V8 engine with 575 hp. It comes as an anniversary edition in matte black with light leather interior and is available from 149 000 francs. Neither is unique, only the colors are limited. They would have the makings of classics in 30 years' time, however, because they mark a striking change in brand policy.
The previous models, the convertible F-Type R-Dynamic with 300 hp, are currently available from 91 100 francs, and as a coupe for 83 800 francs.

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With the 900 Superblack model, the automotive tuner Brabus is offering a new, luxurious high-performance SUV. The name says it all, because the color black dominates both inside and out. The forged Brabus monoblock wheels Z Platinum Edition with a diameter of 24 inches are also presented in this color. To match the black paintwork, all the trim parts, which are chrome-plated on the base car, have been glazed in Shadow Grey. Visible carbon elements add sporty accents to the body and interior.

V8 biturbo engine with 900 hp

The heart of the new Brabus supercar is the V8 biturbo engine with an increased displacement from 4.0 to 4.4 liters. The eight-cylinder engine delivers a maximum torque of 1050 Nm and a maximum output of 900 hp at 6200 rpm. The two Brabus turbochargers with a larger compressor unit and special trunk group produce a maximum boost pressure of 1.4 bar, and two Boost Xtra valves provide an exciting blow-off noise during load changes.

The driving performance is on a sports car level. From a standstill, the Brabus 900 Superblack catapults to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 310 or 330 km/h, depending on the wheel-tire combination.

Sporty and elegant components

Clearly, the aerodynamics and chassis have also been adapted to the enormous performance potential of the 900 Superblack. The designers at the Bottrop-based tuner developed sporty, elegant body components made of visible carbon, which not only make the SUV look sportier, but also make it more aerodynamically efficient.

The interior of the luxury SUV was given a particularly exclusive, perfectly finished interior in black leather and Alcantara at the in-house upholstery workshop. The interior also demonstrates great attention to detail in the upholstery design. A typical example of this is the shell-shaped quilting of the seat surfaces and door trim. These leather sections are additionally perforated with millimeter precision.

The Brabus 900 Superblack costs from around 440,000 euros.

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It's the last chance before Le Mans to put the mostly brand-new cars through their paces. At the same time, it's all about championship points and the question: Can Toyota somehow be beaten after all? After the two dominant performances at the 1000 miles of Sebring and 6 hours of Portimão, Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe is the expected hunted.

Challenging race track

The 6 Hours of Spa is the dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). For the last rendezvous before the big race on June 10 and 11, 13 hypercars will face each other next weekend. The Belgian circuit in the heart of the Ardennes Forest is considered one of the most demanding race tracks in the world and is known for its fast combination of corners and the famous Raidillon (meaning steep road).

Points brought serenity

After the first top 5 finish in Portimão, Team Peugeot TotalEnergies wants to keep the reliability of the #93 and #94 9X8 with Nico Müller (left gallery) at the same level in Spa-Francorchamps.

Christian Deltombes, Team Manager Peugeot TotalEnergies (gallery on the right): "Portimão has brought some serenity to the team. Sebring was something of a shock wave, but a positive one for the team, and we can be proud of the fact that we responded well after that race. The pit stops were particularly efficient. We will do our best to reinforce this momentum at Spa, even though we know we still have a lot of work to do."

Qualifying for the Hypercar class will take place at 5:50 p.m. on April 28 and the race will start at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 29.

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The worldwide performance will be held from 22.30 under the Link streamed live. In addition, on the weekend of April 28-30, 2023, fans will have the opportunity to win a trip to the exclusive event by scanning a specific QR code during the Formula One and FIA World Endurance Championship races.

QR codes key for the ticket

On these three days, you have to be quick to capture one of the QR codes on the two Alpine racing cars A523 (at the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan) and A470 (at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps). These QR codes are in fact the key to the ticket to enter the VIP package prize draw.

Meaning of the name A290_β

The A290_β follows the naming strategy of Alpine brand with a Afollowed by three digits. The first number 2 refers to the size of the vehicle. The 90 is specific to the brand's versatile models that bring automotive lifestyle to the road, while the purely sporty vehicles continue to outnumber the 10 is assigned. The β refers to the beta test used in the software world, shortly before the final version. One can be curious.

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Tickets for the camping sites around the festival grounds are now sold out. Another 50,000 day visitors are expected over the weekend from the 23rd to the 25th. Day tickets are available in the official online store from ten euros per day for adults, children and young people get access to the festival for five euros. Currently, the promotional period is still running, with which VWN offers a ticket contingent at reduced prices.

Music acts and show & shine contests

In addition to the exhibition with 130 classic cars, a show stage of around 1000 square meters awaits on the huge area, where special Bullis will be awarded and international music acts will provide a festival feeling during the three days. For the so-called Show & Shine contests and participation in the convoy on Friday afternoon from the factory to the exhibition grounds, registered drivers of a bus can apply on the official festival homepage.

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The full grid with 32 drivers promises a furious start to the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC. Fans can look forward to two exciting races with the 510-hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. With Alexander Fach, Morris Schuring and Jasin Ferati, there are three talented youngsters on the grid for Fach Auto Tech.

Backgrounds and highlights

In terms of media, the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland is repositioning itself this year and is starting the 2023 season with the ProSieben channel. In future, the program "ran racing: Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland" will run immediately before the DTM races. In this roughly five-minute magazine, TV viewers will get interesting insights into the series and the most important highlights.

First races live on TV

The first two races of the new season will start on Friday at 3.45 p.m. and on Saturday at 9.20 a.m. local time. Both races will be livestreamed on www.ran.de, the Facebook and YouTube channel of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and the Porsche Motorsport Hub.

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Fifteen race cars from the Seat Leon Cupra TCR to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the Formula BMW are waiting to be moved. No problem, because the race track is just 100 meters away. The Anneau du Rhin circuit can be reached from Basel in just under an hour, making it perfectly suited to Swiss drivers who want to pursue their hobby without long journeys and customs formalities. For race car hotel tenants, it offers a retreat to relax and linger.

Trainings and private parties

The location, which is equipped with a large table, comfortable sofas and a bar, is also ideally suited for exclusive events such as training courses, meetings or private parties in combination with simulator races, karting challenges or driving training with the rental vehicles suitable for the racetrack.

During the season, the 3.7-kilometer circuit is available for free riding from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday each day

Experiences with like-minded people

Fredy Barth (gallery, left): "Due to its geographical proximity, the Anneau du Rhin location has always been important for us. With the opening of the Race Car Hotel, we have virtually settled here. Opened at the start of the trackday season, the cozy lounge in the Race Car Hotel can accommodate up to 50 people. Driving events are so much more than just engine noise, speed and adrenaline. It's about sharing the experience with like-minded people and exchanging ideas."

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Motorworld Region Zürich in Kemptthal and Autobau Erlebniswelt in Romanshorn (Galerie Mitte) are celebrating their event premiere for the Goodwood Revival (see video from last year) Swiss-style. Not only will the live broadcast of the British event flicker across the screen at both venues, but the entire supporting program on site will also be geared to nostalgic automotive highlights. In addition, the visitors are to enrich the happening with a classic outfit.

Memory of bygone eras

Historic racing cars and contemporary clothing provide a cinematic backdrop and an atmosphere that is arguably unique: the Goodwood Revival in England transports people back to eras of past automotive history, exuding so much charm that there is hardly anyone who does not then leave their own time and space. And the fact that neither bones nor car bodies are spared during the races on the Goodwood Circuit puts the crown on the whole thing.

Revival broadcast via livestream

The organizers in Switzerland will bring all this live to the screen at both locations. On the Goodwood weekend, a historic Büssing double-decker bus will shuttle guests between Motorworld Region Zürich and Autobau Erlebniswelt in an approximately one-hour drive. In addition to the live streams, the special features of the locations can also be fully enjoyed: the Autobau Erlebniswelt will be presenting its vehicle collection and the Clay Regazzoni Honor Room, while the Motorworld Manufaktur Region Zürich will be offering exceptional vehicles and culinary diversity.

Tour from Kemptthal to Romanshorn

The Open Air Tours on Sunday offer a tour from the Motorworld base to the Autobau Museum. The tour can be taken either in the driver's own car or in a classic car rented through Rent a Classic. In addition, the Older Classics will take place on Sunday at the Motorworld site - an event that has meanwhile advanced to become the most celebrated veteran meeting in Switzerland.

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As part of the Join the Porsche Ride initiative, Porsche and Procap are driving forward one of their projects in Switzerland: the further development of a trekking wheelchair for people with disabilities. The Protrek all-terrain wheelchair, which is designed for group hikes, was originally constructed by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and is to be further improved.

To this end, a project group visited the Porsche training center in Zuffenhausen. With Alber GmbH in Albstadt-Tailfingen, the world market leader in the field of mobility aids for wheelchair users also contributed technical input.

Four times a year we go to the mountains

The Protrek enables people with limited mobility to go on outdoor excursions in rough terrain. During an excursion, four to six companions push, pull and carry the wheelchair together with the person sitting in it. Despite an electric drive, excursions with the Protrek require a lot of strength and endurance from the companions. The wheelchair weighs 33 kilograms, can be folded and can also be used in winter thanks to a snowboard. The two-day group hikes are entitled "The Mountain Calls" and take place four times a year.

The tours are accompanied by experienced alpinist Heinrich Hofer: "The Protrek is a wonderful piece of equipment. I'm a trained machinist, and most of the equipment I work with I first rebuild until it fits me. However, the Protrek worked great right from the start."

Experience with two wheelchair projects

The Protrek exists in a small series of around 15 units - with and without e-drive. The Porsche Engineering Group already has experience from two wheelchair projects. The subsidiary in Weissach designed the full-suspension chassis of the Alber Adventure A10 e-wheelchair, which was produced from 2003 to 2014. The other development is the prototype P'Gasus, another electric mobility aid that rides similarly to a Segway.

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On site, the participants of the Vespa World Days can expect the traditional opening ceremony, festive mile with sales and food stalls, Vespa museum with rare specimens, of course a Concours d'Élégance, as well as a skill course and rides in the Bernese Oberland - and in the evening several bands play. Day tickets are available on site for 35 francs.

Original converted vehicles

The highlight of the Vespa World Days is the Major Ride out, a joint ride. In addition, the Vespa fans are happy to meet like-minded people, to cultivate friendships and to discuss their Schrauber projects. On the Vespa parking lot you can also discover many an original converted vehicle.

45 regional clubs in Switzerland

The Vespa World Days are held every year in a different country in Europe. A first meeting was held in Paris in 1954, but the name Vespa World Days exists only since 2007. For the last time Switzerland was the venue 33 years ago. At that time the meeting took place in Kreuzlingen. The Vespa Club Switzerland is one of the oldest Vespa clubs ever. It was founded in 1951. It has about 45 regional clubs with about 1000 members.

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