Classic car fans, rock'n'roll dance couples, nostalgics and families should visit the 50's Rocket Music & Kustom Kulture Festival in Zofingen between April 21 and 23. There they will meet US cars, vintage cars, hot rods, kustom art, dance workshops and an international rock'n'roll line-up. The festival for fans of the fifties offers a huge indoor area with numerous exhibitors, a concert hall and a large outdoor area where space for classic cars is available and goodies can be purchased. As an automotive sensation, the world's only Mako Shark II will be presented (gallery center).

Free parking for models until 1969

Vehicles of all brands with vintages up to 1969 are welcome. They may park on the festival grounds without registration. For all other visitors there are signposted parking spaces. Guests who would like to take a ride in a Cadillac will be offered classic car tours on site.

Dance workshops with Youtube stars

As a further highlight, YouTube stars Nella & Dietmar will be offering dance workshops at 50's Rocket. The two have more than 70,000 million views on their videos and are expected to get young and old in the mood in Zofingen. The 50's Rocket Festival, the place to go for cultivated vintage shopping, guarantees an eventful weekend - completely in the style of the 30s to 50s. See what to expect in last year's video. Have fun.

And this is how you can experience the event on site for free. AutoSprintCH is giving away five times two tickets each.

The closing date for entries is midnight on Monday, April 17. The legal process is excluded.

50srocket.com

Hyundai shows pictures of the high-performance Ioniq 5 N model. The N brand's first all-electric production model just completed its first tests in winter conditions at the Hyundai Mobis Proving Ground in Arjeplog, Sweden. For the Ioniq 5 N, Hyundai has combined the E-GMP (Electrified Global Modular Platform) platform with motorsport technology from the Hyundai N sub-brand to raise the bar for electrically powered high-performance models.

Influences from motorsport

The three pillars of N performance models inspired by rally racing - cornering, track capability and everyday comfort - also apply to N's electrification strategy.

Albert Biermann, Executive Technical Advisor of Hyundai Motor Group: "Our journey into electric mobility was initiated by the race-proven Veloster N ETCR, and with the RN22e we wanted to build a bridge from motorsport to the road. Now it's time to pass on all these promises to our clientele. The Ioniq 5 N is capable of delivering on them."

Drift mode is included

The Ioniq 5 N's ability to corner dynamically is achieved through the N Drift Optimizer, which regulates torque distribution to the axles, suspension stiffness, steering effort and the e-LSD system to create a driving mode specifically for drifting. With the e-LSD tuned specifically for the Ioniq 5 N, the ECU monitors inputs from the wheel sensors to accurately identify when a wheel needs more torque to improve the vehicle's handling.

New era for the sporty brand

In conjunction with the winter tests, the N brand has released a teaser video highlighting the cornering capabilities of the Ioniq 5 N. The film shows the car in drift together with the Hyundai i20 N WRC.

The scene, shot in the morning hours, symbolizes the start of a new era for the N brand, which is taking a step further towards the electrified age. More information is planned for the world premiere of the new car in July.

hyundai.ch

This year, Motorworld & The Valley is once again offering a varied program of events for car and motorcycle fans young and old. The season kicks off with the Overland and Vanlife Festival from April 21 to 23. At this event for outdoor fans, visitors can spend the night in their own vehicles directly at the area campground. Adventurers and van lovers can look forward to an attractive workshop and lecture program and an international food offering.

Open Air Tours and Older Classics 

On Sunday, April 30, the Open Air Tours Season Opening invites all convertible and sports car enthusiasts to Kemptthal. The meeting is already taking place for the second time and now also has a category for classic cars Ü-30. On Sunday, May 14, classic cars will flock to the Valley on the occasion of the Older Classics. The ninth staging of this classic car meeting will probably again attract hundreds of classic cars and several thousand visitors.

Pedestrians always have free entry

The events on the former Maggi site are a worthwhile destination for the whole family. The visit for pedestrians is always free of charge. Participants with their own vehicles pay a small fee for access to the site. Food is provided - with beer on tap, juicy burgers from the Airstream trailer, homemade bruschettas on the roof terrace of the Silobar or ramen noodle soup in the Miyabi restaurant.

motorworld.ch

But: In the past year, there have been our country as a whole more fatal traffic accidents. 241 people died (previous year 200) and 4002 were seriously injured (+ 69). The striking increase from 65 to 87 killed occupants of passenger cars is striking, and the numbers of accidents involving e-bikes are also on the rise.

In contrast to the upward trend for passenger cars and bicycles, motorized two-wheelers show a slightly decreasing trend: 46 people died, one person less than in 2021, and the number of people seriously injured decreased from 1067 to 1063 people.

Effect of technical aids

Thanks to the increasingly better standard equipment of motorcycles and scooters with technical aids such as ABS and traction control, as well as solid basic training, the numbers have almost halved within the last 15 years, especially in terms of fatalities, although at the same time the number of motorcycles registered has increased from 250,000 to around 500,000.

New driving license regulation

Contrary to fears, the first two years since the introduction of the new driving license regulation "125 cc from 16 years of age" on January 1, 2021 did not bring a dramatic increase in the number of accidents. Although the figures have doubled within this time, the number of new registrations in this class has increased fivefold at the same time.

Equally encouraging are the effects of the abolition of direct entry into the performance-unrestricted upper class from the age of 25, which will be introduced in 2021. Over the past two years, the number of accidents among new and returning drivers in the 25 to 44 and 45 to 64 age groups has fallen significantly.

motosuisse.ch

The new Gran Turismo is Maserati's star at Milan Design Week, which this year runs from April 18 to 23. Three exhibits will be on hand: two unique pieces from the Maserati Fuoriserie customization program and the Gran Turismo's exclusive Launch Edition Prima Serie 75th Anniversary. The Gran Turismo One Off Prisma (pictured right) and the Gran Turismo One Off Luce will be on display with V6 engines and as an all-electric Folgore version, respectively.

Japanese artist Hiroshi Fujiwara, a friend of the Maserati brand and a pioneer of streetwear, is also the creator of his own interpretation of the coupe. He will unveil a digital one-off alongside his bespoke Capsule Collection, created especially for Design Week.

Experimentation of the brand

The Gran Turismo One Off Prisma is an expression of the past and the ability of the brand to go even further. The body has a "chromatic partnership" of 14 colors. Two of them look to the future, while the other twelve have been selected from the shades of the most popular GT models of the past.

The GranTurismo One Off Luce is a statement of innovation and sustainability that reflects Maserati's love of experimentation. Its styling is an interpretation of a monolith into which a dynamic, laser-etched pattern has been engraved. The almost complete absence of color allows the contours of the vehicle to merge with its surroundings.

Launch Edition 75th Anniversary

Also on display is the Gran Turismo Launch Edition Prima Series 75th Anniversary (pictured left). There are only 300 units of the model in total, produced in four configurations, 75 for each internal combustion engine version in Grigio Lamiera and Nero Cometa colors, and 75 each for the electric Folgore version in Rame Folgore and Blu Inchiostro shades. They are intended to embody the ideal balance between beauty and functionality without ostentation....

maserati.com
salonemilano.it

For many, gaming is part of everyday life today. As a rule, games are played at home on the sofa or in front of the computer. With the e-Sports Car, Cupra Switzerland is now bringing gaming pleasure to the showrooms of Cupra dealers. Steven Sailer was commissioned to transform a Cupra Born into a mobile gaming station.

Xbox with steering wheel and pedals

The home entertainment specialist from Austria installed an Xbox with steering wheel and pedals on the passenger side of the electric vehicle for this purpose. The Cupra eSports Car is a one-off not only because of its gaming cockpit.

The exterior was also redesigned. Graffiti artist Thorben Studer artistically implemented the Cupra keywords Impulse and Inspire on the sides of the Born and incorporated icons from the gaming console into the design.

Experience in the Forza Horizon world  

Nicolas Hobi, Head of Marketing at Cupra: "With the eSports Car, we have our finger on the pulse of the times, giving eSports fans the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Urban Rebel Racing Concept to experience the all-electric vehicle in the Forza Horizon world. The brand also stands for such emotional experiences."

cupraofficial.ch

Mercedes wants to have completed the switch to electric drive by 2030. Well, almost: With the clause "where market circumstances permit," the Stuttgart-based company is leaving a loophole open for countries where it would have to accept heavy losses without an internal combustion engine at all. The high speed at which the manufacturer is launching new electric models on the market will therefore continue.

Space is in abundance

The EQE SUV is the eighth electric vehicle in the portfolio. As the name suggests, it is derived from the EQE business sedan. The SUV version is eight centimeters shorter, but there is still plenty of room: With a length of 4.86 meters and a wheelbase of more than three meters, five adults will find the best space, while the 580-liter trunk can easily accommodate the occupants' luggage. With the rear seats folded down, 1675 liters fit inside.

Transverse display behind the steering wheel

The cockpit is also taken from the sedan. In the standard version, it offers a transverse display behind the steering wheel and a free-standing screen in portrait format in the center console; for an additional charge, the huge Hyperscreen is available, which spans almost the entire width of the interior. And as if that weren't enough, a huge head-up display also provides additional information.

The Stromer seems to float

It goes without saying that you feel right at home behind the wheel. Thanks to its air suspension, the EQE SUV almost seems to float over the road, but it can still be chased quickly around curves - the optional rear-axle steering and a sophisticated set-up make this possible.

Of course, the powertrain technology also comes from the EQE sedan: Two variants are available with rear-wheel drive 180 kW (245 hp) and 215 kW (292 hp) respectively, as well as two all-wheel drive models with 215 kW (292 hp) or 300 kW (408 hp).

Up to 80 percent in just over 30 minutes

The EQE SUV is an excellent long-distance glider, and thanks to a 96 kWh battery, it can actually go far: Depending on the version and equipment, the WLTP standard range is up to 590 kilometers, although in reality, as always, it is less. Charging takes place at a maximum of 170 kW - others are now faster. Nevertheless, the battery is filled from ten to 80 percent in a good half hour at the fast charging station.

The noble Stromer is available from 104,300 Swiss francs.

mercedes-benz.ch

The new edition of the Transit Courier models with gasoline or diesel drive can be ordered as early as this summer, and the first customer vehicles will be delivered before the end of the year. By contrast, production of the E-Transit Courier is not scheduled to start until fall 2024 at Ford's Otosan plant in Craiova, Romania, and the market launch is planned for the end of 2024.

Significantly larger load volume

In the new generation, the Transit Courier impresses with a significantly larger load volume - at 2.9 cubic meters, it exceeds the size of its predecessor by 25 percent. The loading width between the wheel arches increases from 1.01 to 1.22 meters due to the new rear-wheel suspension and allows two Euro pallets to be transported. The load compartment length has increased by 18 centimeters to 1.80 meters. In conjunction with the new through-loading opening in the partition wall and the fold-down front passenger seat, it can be further increased so that boards or pipes up to 2.6 meters long can be loaded.

Costs for maintenance more favorable

The all-electric E-Transit Courier is also expected to impress with a maximum payload of up to 700 kilograms. The van can tow trailers with a total weight of up to 750 kilograms. Ford offers the E-Transit Courier exclusively as a two-seater panel van. If more passengers are required, the Transit Courier is also available as a station wagon with a three-seat rear bench in combination with gasoline or diesel drive.

Access to 500,000 charging stations

E-Transit Courier users will have one year of free access to the Blue Oval Charge Network, which includes more than 500,000 public charging stations by 2024. Ford Pro expects maintenance and service costs for the all-electric Courier to drop significantly - by at least 35 percent compared to similar diesel-powered vehicles.

ford.ch

The new all-electric Ram 1500 REV will be Ram Truck's first battery-electric light-duty pickup. It will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show these days, but it won't hit the road until later next year as a 2025 model year.

Towing capacity of 6350 kilograms

With the standard battery pack (168 kWh), a range of up to 560 kilometers will be possible, and with the optional 229 kWh battery pack even up to 800 kilometers. The towing capacity of a maximum 6350 kilograms and payload of 1225 kilograms also make it a heavy-duty performer. Thanks to 800-volt fast charging at up to 350 kW, the power storage unit can absorb energy for a range of around 177 kilometers in around ten minutes.

Electricity supplier for own house

Bi-directional charging from vehicle to vehicle, from vehicle to home and to the grid also gives the Ram 1500 REV great flexibility. For example, the truck can power a home during a power outage, serve as a location for a tailgate party, and provide power at a campground or construction site.

With its 481-kW (654-hp) engine, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, and thanks to automatic wheel free-wheel drive on the front axle, the Ram runs only in rear-wheel drive when little power is needed, which reduces power consumption.

stellantis.com

According to the European Road Safety Observatory, up to a quarter of all road accidents are caused by driver distraction. More attentive behavior can improve concentration and thus enhance the driver's well-being and safety.

Now, Genesis research has identified four factors that influence our mood at the wheel, namely the environment (U), the route (R), the driver's comfort level (K), and the sounds (G).

Recognize challenges early

According to data from the Monash University Accident Research Center in Australia, more mindful driving behavior can reduce distraction by 85 percent. Mindfulness ensures being present in the here and now, being aware and focusing on the tasks at hand.

Mindfulness also promotes perception and relaxation, enabling the driver to recognize challenges earlier and take appropriate action. This leads to greater safety and a more pleasant driving experience.

The best routes in Switzerland

Based on criteria such as traffic volume, attractiveness of the landscape and charming stopping points, Genesis has created an index of where in Switzerland you can travel in a particularly mindful manner.

Regions where there are roads with points of interest, impressive landscapes with elevations and green spaces, wide views and forests - and few traffic jams - scored particularly well. All these aspects contribute to a more pleasant drive and increase the driver's concentration.

Conditions for mindful driving are best in the cantons of Obwalden, Uri, Grisons, Vaud and Ticino, while they are worst in Lucerne, Geneva and Basel. Beautiful views, natural sights and the course of the road not only improve mindfulness, but also make drivers happier and fresher.

Air conditioning to a pleasant 22 degrees

Tips from Genesis Switzerland: Ensure a comfortable position behind the steering wheel. Adjust the seat and mirrors before you even start driving. Set the air conditioning to a pleasant 22 degrees Celsius. Let your vehicle's driving assistance systems help you. Listen to music at 100 to 130 beats per minute - this helps create a soothing atmosphere. Set the ambient lighting to cool colors like green or blue to increase alertness. Have a safe trip.

genesis.com