With the experience gained from the three races in 2022, as well as from the 10,000 kilometers covered in winter tests, the Peugeot 9X8 has undergone further technical development. This season will be fiercely competitive, with some of the world's biggest manufacturers competing in the Le Mans hypercar class, which consists of eleven cars. The Peugeot teams are fighting for their first points.

The line-up of the two 9X8s remains unchanged with Paul Di Resta, Mikkel Jensen and Jean-Eric Vergne at the wheel of the #93 and Loïc Duval, Gustavo Menezes and Nico Müller in the #94.

A victory will definitely be the top goal

Nico Müller (center gallery): "Since the last race of the season in Bahrain, we've spent time in the simulator and completed some tests over the winter. Not only did we drive and further develop the car, but we also spent time together off the track to get to know each other better. That was very valuable. 2023 will be a golden era in the world of racing cars. This year also marks the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and fighting for victory there will definitely be the top goal. It will be a challenging season with strong competitors in the championship, but we are competing to win."

World Endurance Championship opener

The 1000 miles of Sebring will kick off the 2023 World Endurance Championship, after which the WEC squad will travel to Spa-Francorchamps and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Who will take the crown in 2023 at the 1000-mile race at Sebring International Raceway will be decided on Friday, March 17. You can watch the live stream at sport.de. The race will be broadcast with German commentary on free TV on NITRO and RTL+.

fiawec.com

Kia's first electric SUV with three rows of seats impresses with a particularly eye-catching design both inside and out. The EV9 is intended to be a milestone on the company's path to becoming a provider of sustainable mobility solutions. The look of the new model is in line with the new Opposites United design philosophy. The large SUV is intended to show the differences to competitors in this class.

Lines convey calm

The front of the EV9 features clean lines and surfaces that exude reliability and calm. Emphasized by the radiator grille and striking vertical headlights, the Korean conveys a futuristic look. The triangular fenders and pronounced wheel arches blend seamlessly with the body, creating a cohesive unit. At the rear, the simple lines of the tailgate contribute to the strong and confident appearance of the SUV.

Complete redesign inside

When designing the interior of the EV9, the designers paid particular attention to space and comfort - everything a modern family SUV has to offer. Thanks to the long wheelbase, low lines and flat drive architecture, plenty of space has been created for passengers. The EV9 is available as a 6- and 7-seater. The second-row seats can be rotated 180 degrees, and the third-row seats are equipped with charging stations for mobile devices.

The EV9 will celebrate its world premiere at the end of March. On this occasion, Kia will announce further product information - including details of the electric powertrain - and launch the global campaign under the slogan "E-mobility - redefined".

kia.ch

There are considerable price differences. For example, the average comprehensive insurance premium in Lugano is 24 percent higher than in Bern. In the Comparis example, drivers in Lugano paid an average of 960 francs for comprehensive insurance in Bern only 771 francs.

High premiums in Geneva and Lausanne

A comparison of the French-speaking regions shows that drivers in Geneva and Lausanne pay around ten percent more than city dwellers. In Geneva, the average premium in the Comparis example is 846 francs, in Lausanne 851 francs. Andrea Auer, Comparis mobility expert: "Insurers calculate the premium based, among other things, on the probability of occurrence of covered Damage. Accordingly, the Lugano population is likely to cause more and, in the aggregate, more expensive insured losses than the Bernese."

However, the premium level also depends on the attractiveness of a market for the insurance companies. Ticino is a rather small sales region. The insurance products also have to be marketed in Italian. That costs.

Differences even within cities

The biggest differences in premiums within a city are in Winterthur. Residents of Töss pay around six percent higher premiums than drivers in the Ricketwil district. The city with the second highest differences is Zurich with four percent (845 francs in 8045 Zurich versus 878 francs in 8004 Zurich). The smallest differences are in Biel. There, the average prices vary within one percent.

comparis.ch

The Interessengemeinschaft Fahrzeugrestauratoren Schweiz (IgFS) wants to preserve classic cars as rolling cultural assets. Therefore, since 2010, it has been committed to safeguarding classic car know-how and training qualified vehicle restorers.

President Christian Ackermann: "It is our task to promote young people, to empower them and thus to attract the next generation for the classic car industry

Goals of junior staff training

13 years after the founding of the IgFS, the seventh course in German-speaking Switzerland is nearing completion, and preparations are underway for a second course in French-speaking Switzerland. In the past year, the association has also restructured itself and adapted its statutes and terms of reference in order to further pursue its goals in the area of training young talent. As a result, there were also changes in the board of directors. Tamara Meier, the 25-year-old automotive mechatronics technician and newly federally certified vehicle restorer, was newly elected.

Dealing with historical vehicles

The outgoing board members Rudolf Siegrist and Gundula Tutt were appointed honorary members. They had accompanied the IgFS since its foundation. In 2010, Siegrist, as principal at the vocational school, had made a significant contribution to the founding of the IgFS and the development of the new training course, while Tutt, as a certified restorer, had been involved in the Turin Charter, a paper published by the World Vintage Car Federation with principles and recommendations for the responsible handling of historic vehicles.

Website now with increased benefits

In keeping with the spirit of renewal, the IgFS has also redesigned its website. It conveys clear messages about what the association stands for. The simple structure should lead quickly to the desired information when navigating and offer member companies increased benefits - among other things, with a constantly updated agenda and a protected area for documents.

igfs.ch

The traditional brand from the United States has commissioned the design studio F. A. Porsche, headquartered in Zell am See, Austria, to create a caravan that combines all the virtues of its previous iconic models with new ideas. Airstream Studio F. A. Porsche Concept Travel Trailer is the bulky name of the study.

Luxurious atmosphere of a suite

Equipped with an axle and five meters long, the caravan is designed to accommodate two campers. On the outside, the Travel Trailer shines like its peers, while inside it has the luxurious atmosphere of a suite in a designer hotel. To ensure that it can also be towed by small SUVs and electric cars, the weight has been skimped on. The air resistance and the frontal area can also be changed thanks to an air suspension of the axle.

The rear wall becomes a porch

When stationary, an elevating roof over the entire surface provides standing height and a good feeling of space. There is even a veranda on board: The rear wall is divided horizontally into two parts and can be folded open, the lower part serving as a terrace, the upper as a rain or sun protection. An awning is also integrated into the frame of the retractable roof. Thanks to the lowerable body, the Travel Trailer also fits into most garages at home, which is also a selling point for many customers in America.

Kitchen with two induction hobs

The interior has a kitchen in the bow equipped with two induction hobs, a sink and a compressor refrigerator. Opposite the entrance door, a washroom with shower and toilet is built in, and in the stern two side benches are grouped around the freestanding table, which is lowered when making the bed. On board there is a multimedia center and WLAN.

airstream.com
porsche-design.com

The Emirate of Qatar is small in terms of the area it occupies on the Arabian Peninsula. But size is not an argument for the rulers of this oil- and gas-rich piece of desert, and that is why the small state secures one international event after another and shows the world what money can buy. There is hardly a sport that has not seen its champions crowned here - with the highlight being last year's soccer World Cup.

Trade fair as an automotive festival

And this year? In October, the world will travel to Qatar for the Geneva International Motorshow (GIMS) (October 5-14). The event is not intended as a classic car show, but rather as an automotive festival to which 200,000 visitors are expected. At the same time, they are to get to know the emirate's tourist attractions, because the motor show organized by the Geneva International Motorshow is part of the emirate's tourism promotion.

Qatar's head of tourism Berthold Trenkel: "Tourism currently accounts for around seven percent of our gross domestic product. We want to increase this share to twelve percent by 2030. That's why we want visitors not only to stop by the trade show, but also to experience the country's tourism offerings."

Car museum presents rarities

For example, the Qatar Museum, built by the French star architect Jean Nouvel, or the Car Museum, which will show some special automotive rarities to trade fair visitors even before the official opening in two years' time. Also worth a visit is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, where the sheikh's private collection is on display.

In addition to Islamic works of art, the fortress near Al Samriya also houses the museum founder's extensive classic car collection, which is well worth seeing. Of course, visitors should also get to know the emirate's desert, where they can take test drives in four-wheel drive vehicles.

Geneva naming rights for ten years

Sandro Mesquita, Director Auto-Salon Geneva: "There were also talks with other Gulf states at the time. In the end, we decided in favor of Qatar. Qatar did not buy any shares in our company. That is not even possible because we are a foundation. The people of Geneva are acting as advisors, and in addition, the Emirate has acquired the rights to the name of the Geneva event for ten years."

The organizers estimate that 40 to 50 brands will take part in the first Geneva Motor Show in the Arabian Gulf, including Chinese manufacturers who want to use this stage. Japanese and Korean brands currently dominate the street scene in Qatar.

The exhibition space is limited

It is not yet clear whether the manufacturers will be represented by their importers or dealers. In any case, the exhibition space at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center is limited to 29,0000 square meters (equivalent to four soccer fields). Although the show is sandwiched between the IAA in Munich and the Tokyo Motor Show, manufacturers not exhibiting in Munich or Japan are expected to show their new products in Doha. This is because Doha and the region have great potential.

Sandro Mesquita: "People are enthusiastic about cars. In the medium term, the event should establish itself and acquire such a reputation that new products are shown here as a matter of course".

Car parade and a run of the Formula 1

The Geneva International Motorshow Qatar has the motto "The Ultimate Festival of Automotive Excellence," but this does not mean that only customers for exclusive automobiles will get their money's worth. Those responsible for the show have chosen a very broad definition of the term "excellence," ranging from Toyota to the world's top brands. The fair's organizers are proud of the format, which makes use of several points around Doha.

For example, the four-wheel-drive vehicles on display can be tested on a desert site south of the Qatari capital. The sporty models can be driven on the Grand Prix circuit, and on October 12 there will be a large car parade on the seafront on the Corniche in Doha, where exhibitors and automakers from the region can show off their treasures. In addition, Formula 1 will make a stop in Doha during the days of the fair.

Although the Qatar visitor may well have doubts about it, sustainability is also an issue in Doha. This concerns above all the electrification of mobility and hydrogen, which, obtained from solar plants, could replace natural gas in the future. What the region can achieve in this area will be addressed in a congress during the trade fair.

Motor Show at Palexpo next year

While Qatar prepares for the show, plans are also underway for the Geneva Motor Show in its ancestral biotope on Lac Leman. Although the tradition-steeped events have come under pressure worldwide, next year's Motor Show is also set to return to Switzerland from Feb. 26 to March 3, adopting elements of its Doha offshoot. After all, the Salon is celebrating its 100th anniversary as an international show. It was not until 1924 that foreign exhibitors were admitted.

Sandro Mesquita: "The contract with the exhibition company Palexpo has been signed and we are registering positive signs from the industry. However, these still have to translate into firm commitments. In any case, the focus on Lake Geneva will be on the car. We know that other trade shows are changing, but we're sticking with the automobile."

Source: Car-Medienportal.net
gims.swiss

On the occasion of its fifth birthday, Cupra is offering several deals and incentives. The purchase of a Cupra model by the end of April will be eligible for an Anniversary Premium of up to 5,000 Swiss francs or an Anniversary Lease Interest Rate of 2.5 percent.

Until April 2, the Cupra spirit can be experienced first-hand at the Amag Group's competence and experience center the square in the Circle near Zurich Airport. And from March 27 to April 2, a special highlight awaiting visitors is a preview of the Urban Rebel, which will be launched in 2025.

Various races for e-sports fans

In Kloten's meeting place, laps can be taken with miniature racing cars on a Scalextric racetrack. The game Forza Horizon 5 is also on offer inside the converted electric vehicle. Those who set the best lap time in the Cupra Born E-Sportscar will be rewarded with attractive prizes as part of the E-Sport Challenge. Those who turn the fastest lap in the Urban Rebel can experience the Formula E final in London live in July and cheer along with the Abt Cupra Formula E team.

Switzerland is an important market

Since the launch of the new brand in 2018, Cupra has delivered almost 300,000 vehicles - more than half of them in 2022. The Swiss market is among the top ten most important markets for the Spaniards. Last year, for example, around 5000 vehicles found an owner.

Racing is part of the brand DNA

Three more electrified models will be added to the product range by 2025: the Tavascan and Terramar from 2024, and then the Urban Rebel in 2025. And because Cupra stands for Cup Racing, racing has been an important part of the brand's DNA right from the start. So it's no wonder that Cupra is involved in the hot electric racing series and, since this season, has been competing in Formula E with Swiss racing driver Nico Müller.

cupraofficial.ch

Swiss rapper Stress has some special highlights coming up in 2023 as part of his 20th anniversary on stage. He will be the second Swiss artist to bring the legendary concert format MTV Unplugged to Switzerland. Since the beginning of his solo career, his albums and singles have always been at the top of the charts.

Nicolas Carbonell, Marketing Director Nissan at Astara Switzerland: "That's why Nissan decided to support MTV Unplugged with Stress. From our point of view, music and driving simply belong together. Almost nowhere can you enjoy music as undisturbed as in the car."

Electrified without ever recharge

But the collaboration with MTV Unplugged doesn't just make sense because of Nissan's music ties. The Unplugged label is a perfect fit for Nissan: with its e-Power technology, the automaker wants to establish a new kind of electrified mobility on Swiss roads. With Nissan, Switzerland is now driving unplugged. That means electrified, but without ever having to recharge.

Stress: "It's never easy when you're trying to get an extraordinary project off the ground. I'm glad to have a partner like Nissan on board for this adventure. Let's go unplugged!"

Unplugged album and film from the concert

The rehearsal sessions for the show are already in full swing. The live sessions will take place on June 13 and 14 at the Schiffbau in Zurich. The organizer will announce further information on advance sales soon. The MTV Unplugged album and the accompanying concert film will be released afterwards. Stress will then tour Switzerland with the MTV Unplugged show in early 2024.

nissan.ch
stressmusic.com

The UX 300e was just an appetizer - now Lexus is really launching into the electric era with the RZ 450e. It comes late, but it was worth the wait: The stylish SUV coupe is not only a real eye-catcher, but also knows how to impress on the road. The typical Lexus qualities, such as good sound insulation, a refined interior and high driving comfort, are also offered by the electric car, and at surprisingly good prices starting at 69,900 Swiss francs.

Parade sprint takes place in 5.3 seconds

The technical basis of the RZ 450e is provided by the electric platform on which the Toyota bZ4X is already built. Two so-called e-axles, in which the electric motor, transmission and control unit are directly connected to the axle in a compact unit, provide all-wheel drive in the Lexus, which directs more torque to the front or rear depending on the driving situation.

The front engine generates 150 kW (204 hp), the rear one 80 kW (109 hp), so the total output is 230 kW (313 hp). That's a lot of power, and the 4.8-meter-long, 2.1-ton SUV coupe pulls away at a correspondingly brisk pace. The Japanese car completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and the top speed is limited to a reasonable 160 km/h.

Range up to 435 kilometers

Of course, there is a Sport mode where all the power can be accessed with a more direct throttle curve - but the Range mode for the longest possible range makes more sense, because the Lexus does not shine in this respect. With its 71.4 kWh battery, it only manages a standard range of just 395 kilometers. Nevertheless, if you forgo the fancy 20-inch wheels and mount 18-inch ones instead, you'll get 40 kilometers further. Charging takes place with a maximum of 150 kW DC or 11 kW AC - the pretty Japanese car is not a front-runner there either.

Rounded rectangle instead of steering wheel

We were already able to test a technical highlight of the RZ 450e, even though it will still be at least two years in the making: the futuristic yoke steering wheel (top center gallery). It's not a wheel, but rather a rounded rectangle in Knight Rider style. The highlight here is that the steering works purely electrically and without linkage (steer-by-wire). This works surprisingly well after a short familiarization period - thanks to the speed-dependent steering angle, it is much more practical than Tesla's yoke, which is already available in the new Model S and X generations.

lexus.ch

Sixty years ago, New Zealand-born racing driver, engineer and visionary Bruce McLaren founded the racing team in England that remains one of the world's most successful names in motorsport. McLaren has won the Triple Crown of Motorsport with victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 Miles and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The F1 LM and Solus GT models now unite two icons to mark the anniversary. McLaren Automotive and the Lego Group are releasing the first hypercar and supercar double pack McLaren Speed Champions. In addition to the legendary F1 LM supercar from the 1990s, McLaren's current Solus GT supercar is also included.

Technical innovation and design

The Lego creations pay homage to McLaren's engineering innovation and design language and incorporate authentic details of the real cars, including the F1 LM's Papaya Orange color, the central position of the driver's seat and the cooling ducts.

The Solus GT was born from a virtual game world concept and is the perfect addition to any McLaren supercar enthusiast's collection with its eye-catching single-seater cockpit and high downforce rear wing.

Building experiences for fans of all ages

The Lego Group and McLaren first teamed up in 2015 and have since developed six Speed Champions McLaren cars and two Lego Technic models. To celebrate the brand's 60th anniversary and the launch of the first joint double pack, designers from Lego and McLaren recently met at Lego headquarters in Billund, Denmark.

Goran Ozbolt, Chief Designer McLaren Automotive, said, "Our goal is to inspire Lego fans of all ages with new and unique building experiences as we expand the Speed Champions Collection. This launch is another example of our long-standing partnership."

lego.com