BELIEBT Every month, the editors of auto-illustrierte chose the car of the month. Twelve candidates competed simultaneously for the "Best of Test" title. In the end, the Genesis GV60 was chosen.
Editorial - January 27, 2023
The Genesis GV60 received the most votes in the election title "Best of Test".
With a consumption of 14.9 kWh per 100 kilometers, the 360 kW (490 hp) SUV achieved the second-best result on the standard lap to date. Its 800 V technology enables the GV60 to be charged not only quickly but also continuously. And last but not least, it was the services for every need that can be accessed when buying a Genesis model.
Further results of the "Best Cars 2023" and "Best Brands" elections are compiled on the Internet.
WILL THE DREAM COME TRUE? Only two Swiss drivers have won the 24 Hours of Daytona: Jo Siffert in 1968 and Fredy Lienhard in 2002. Will it be the turn of Geneva's Louis Delétraz this weekend? We can be curious.
Christian Eichenberger - 26 January 2023
Louis Delétraz and his team are aiming for overall victory at Daytona.
On the last weekend in January, the 24 Hours of Daytona will be held for the 61st time. 61 teams have registered for the classic in Florida. The video shows day 3 of qualifying. Swiss racers are also represented in four of the five classes. Thanks to Louis Delétraz, who is competing for the first time in the GTP class, the premier class, there is even a chance of a Swiss overall victory (gallery left).
Third Swiss triumph is in sight
It would be only the third Swiss triumph after 1968 (Jo Siffert) and 2002 (Fredy Lienhard). And the chances of this are not bad at all. With Filipe Albuquerque (P), Brendon Hartley (NZ) and Ricky Taylor (USA), Delétraz has three proven teammates at his side, two of whom (Albuquerque and Taylor) have already entered their names in the winners' list.
In addition, Delétraz has been a factory driver for Acura since this year, the manufacturer that won the last two races at Daytona. And Acura seems to be in good shape. Delétraz's car with the #10 will start the race from the third grid position. The sister car with the #60 is on pole position.
Raffaele Marciello with High Class Racing
Raffaele Marciello's performance will also be interesting. The man from Ticino, who usually causes a sensation in a GT3 car, will take his seat in an LMP2 Oreca from High Class Racing at Daytona. Nine opponents have to be beaten in the second highest class. Whether Marciello will succeed in his first attempt - we'll keep our fingers crossed!
We do the same to the three Swiss who are competing in GTD. Rolf Ineichen starts with the #19 in Team Iron Lynx with a Lamborghini Huracán. Philip Ellis drives a Mercedes AMG GT3 from Team Winward (gallery at right). And Rahel Frey is one of the four ladies in the Iron Dames team (also on a Lamborghini Huracán, center gallery). The start of the race will be on Saturday, January 28, 13:30.
IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN The Swiss rally champion duo Jonathan Hirschi/Michaël Volluz retired from the Rally Monte-Carlo due to a vehicle fire. Co-driver Volluz had to go to hospital with burns on his hands.
Christian Eichenberger - 26 January 2023
For Jonathan Hirschi and co-driver Michaël Volluz, the Rally Monte-Carlo came to an abrupt end in the first stage on Saturday morning. The VW Polo GTI of the man from Neuchâtel, who drives for the French team Sarrazin Motorsport, completely burned down after a technical defect.
Michaël Volluz and Jonathan Hirschi in front of a picture of their burning cars.
Treatment in hospital Nizz
The driver and co-pilot were able to free themselves. Co-pilot Volluz, however, suffered burns to his hands while trying to extinguish the car. He also inhaled toxic fumes and was therefore taken to the hospital in Nice, where he was released later in the afternoon.
Olivier Burri on the 59th final rank
For the second Swiss in the field, Olivier Burri (center gallery), the 25th participation ended in 59th final place. Burri's Hyundai i20N went off the track in the fourth stage and lost a lot of time as a result.
Victory in the 91st edition of the Rally Monte Carlo went to Sébastien Ogier (gallery right) for the ninth time.
UPDATE The Polestar 2 sporty electric sedan, popular in Switzerland, will be more visually similar to the Polestar 3 for the 2024 model year, and it will bring more power to the road.
Editorial - 26 January 2023
The sporty Polestar 2 has it all. In the current tuning, more power and range are available.
The rear-wheel-drive single-motor variants are moved by a newly developed permanent magnet machine. Maximum output increased from 170 kW to up to 220 kW (299 hp), and maximum torque from 330 to 490 Nm. This reduces the value for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h by 1.2 to 6.2 seconds.
Also twin-engined and with all-wheel drive
The Polestar 2 dual engine also delivers more than before with 310 kW (421 hp) and 740 Nm. It reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. To further increase efficiency, the front engine can be switched off completely when little power is needed. If more power is needed, the front engine is switched on again immediately.
With the optional Performance package, up to 350 kW (476 hp) is then possible.
Improved batteries with 82 kWh
In addition, all variants receive improved batteries, with a capacity of 82 kWh for the long-range models. The standard ranges increase by up to 105 to a maximum of 635 kilometers, depending on the model. The first vehicles will be delivered in the third quarter of the current year. Prices start at 47,900 Swiss francs.
Passion4Speed: From 0 to 200 km/h in five seconds 🎥
FORMULA-1 EXPERIENCE Passion4Speed has been organizing motorsport experiences for more than three decades, and the range is constantly being expanded. The next milestone in the new year will be rides in Formula 1 bolides in Estonia.
Editorial - January 25, 2023
The Swiss company Passion4Speed is launching the Formula 1 Experience for 2023, which will take place on the 3.2-kilometer Porsche Ring in Pärnu, Estonia, and offer participants the unique experience of stepping on the gas in the former Williams FW29 Formula 1 bolide. You can experience what acceleration from 0 to 200 km/h in five seconds feels like.
For once without a racing license at top speed around the circuit. That is pure driving fun.
Driver's license is a condition
To feel the brute acceleration and huge potential of the carbon brakes, all you need is a valid driver's license, a maximum height of 1.96 meters and a maximum body weight of 110 kilograms. Otherwise, no conditions are imposed or previous experience is required. Passion4Speed recommends combining the Formula 1 experience with a stay in Tallinn. For groups and companies Passion4Speed also organizes social programs with selected hotels and restaurants.
Launches in August and September
Passion4Speed's motorsport events for private individuals and companies have it all. You can find the ideal line on a race track at the wheel of a real race car, enjoy the thrill of speed in a race cab or perform perfect drifts on ice and snow in super sports cars.
The Formula 1 experience in German with pre-training on Formula Renault 2L and five or ten laps in the Williams F1 costs 2650 and 3500 Swiss francs respectively. The welcome aperitif, dinner the night before, the open bar and lunch at the event are included in the price. Dates are August 23, 25 and 31, and September 9 and 10.
Chevrolet: First pictures of the electrified Vette 🎥
IT CAN'T GO WITHOUT The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray has just been unleashed on mankind. This is the first electrified model of the iconic sports car.
Editorial - January 25, 2023
Fans will be pleased to know that the new electric motor helps out an old acquaintance, namely the esteemed LT2 6.2-liter V8 from the Stingray. Together, they produce a system output of 655 hp. According to Chevy, the E-Ray accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 96 km/h) in 2.5 seconds. That figure incidentally makes the first electrified Vette the fastest ever, at least as far as 0 to 60 is concerned. The quarter mile is said to be done in 10.5 seconds at a speed of 209 km/h.
The electrified is 9.1 centimeters wider than a Stingray
Hybrid Corvette manages up to 72 km/h
On the front axle, the E-Ray gets an electric motor with 120 kW (163 hp) and 165 Nm of torque. A lithium-ion battery with 1.9 kWh keeps the system running. In Stealth Mode, the hybrid Corvette can drive up to 72 km/h without the V8 having to run along. The familiar eight-cylinder from the Stingray produces 502 hp and 637 Nm in this application. The car also gets a new lightweight 12-volt lithium-ion battery that powers the start-stop system of the combustion engine.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is available as an option
In addition to the powertrain, there are other features that manifest the special status of the E-Ray. The Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 suspension, for example, comes as standard. The same goes for the Brembo carbon-ceramic brake system. This Corvette stands on 20- and 21-inch wheels covered in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are available as an option.
14 paint finishes are in the program
The electrified one is a proud 9.1 centimeters wider than a Stingray. More striking horizontal elements in the front apron characterize the front view. At the rear, there is a bumper with new intakes. The total of 14 available paints includes the new Riptide Blue, Seawolf Gray and Cacti tones. A Carbon Ground Effects kit is available at extra cost.
In addition, you can choose a sport stripe in Electric Blue, which is only available for the E-Ray. Also optional: black exhaust tips and various decals. The wheel program includes four aluminum designs and one carbon rim.
Updates in the assistance systems
Chevrolet has also announced that all 2024 Corvettes will receive updates to the assistance systems. Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Collision Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking will be standard in the future.
The Corvette E-Ray is expected to be launched on the US market in the second half of 2023. The carmaker has not yet named an exact date. Prices in the States start at $104,295 for the coupe and $111,295 for the convertible.
DON'T FORGET From February 1, the new freeway sticker must be affixed. Alternatively, the e-vignette will be available in the course of 2023. It is not a replacement for the sticker.
Editorial - January 25, 2023
The e-vignette is tied to the vehicle's license plate...,
Every year, the new Swiss highway toll sticker is due. By February 1 at the latest, it must be on the vehicle when driving on expressways and highways. Also on the motorcycle! Information on where you can stick it on your motorcycle and where not, you will find here. The vignette costs 40 francs and is valid until January 31 of the following year.
Electronic freeway vignette
The electronic freeway toll sticker, the so-called e-vignette, is to be available in Switzerland before the end of 2023. However, it is not yet clear exactly when this will happen. However, the Federal Council intends to clarify this issue in the second quarter. The e-vignette will not replace the current adhesive vignette; both variants will be in use in parallel.
Binding always to the indicator
A new feature of the e-vignette is that it is linked to the license plate instead of the vehicle. This has the advantage that no additional vignette needs to be purchased when changing vehicles or changing numbers.
Previously, each vehicle had to have its own toll sticker, which could not be removed. The new e-vignette is to be available for purchase via a web store as soon as it is introduced. According to the ACS, the production of adhesive vignettes will only be discontinued when they reach a share of less than ten percent.
FLAGGSCHIFF The Kia Stinger enjoys great popularity in Switzerland. However, as Kia's most powerful vehicle to date, the powerful EV6 GT is now set to become the brand's new top model this year.
Editorial - January 24, 2023
Replacement under the sign of the technology turnaround. The EV6 GT electric vehicle replaces the Stinger with V6 gasoline engine.
The high-performance Gran Turismo sports sedan Kia Stinger with all-wheel drive quickly advanced to become a style icon on our roads. Now, however, it is entering its final year of sales in Switzerland with a limited volume. A good opportunity to give the car a fitting send-off. The Final Edition package includes four original Stinger alloy wheels with winter tires and a complete service package for four years or 60,000 kilometers.
Stromer withPerformance in abundance
At the same time, the baton is passed to the all-electric EV6 GT. Thanks to the two electric motors with a combined 430 kW (585 hp), the EV6 GT accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The 77 kWh battery ensures a WLTP range of 424 kilometers. With 800-volt technology, the battery is recharged from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes at the fast-charging station.
THE NAME SAYS IT Zurich-based automobile platform Supercar Sharing AG, which specializes in sharing luxury and sports cars, secures expansion and trademark rights in the European Union.
Editorial - January 24, 2023
The Supercar Sharing AG offers high quality sports cars for parts.
In recent years, much of the investment in the Shared Mobililty sector has gone to commercial sharing providers for vehicles in the medium and lower price segments. Independently of this, Supercar Sharing AG has become increasingly well-known among vehicle collectors and sports car enthusiasts in the field of co-ownership in the domestic and foreign automotive industry.
800 members on the platform
For a fraction of the purchase price of a sports car, you can use the platform to supercarsharing.com acquire a collection of exclusive vehicles for use. For the most part, the customers are business travelers, expats, entrepreneurs and collectors who save not only capital but also time and space for their favorites through this business model.
To this end, Supercar Sharing operates its own locations, stores and professionally manages the vehicles of brands such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren and Aston-Martin for its customers. Currently, more than 800 members have joined the platform.
Co-own, subscribe, rent
Using a sophisticated system, vehicle co-owners can book their sports cars online. In addition to vehicle co-ownership, Supercar Sharing also allows subscribing to and renting high-end luxury and sports cars. With the introduction of the franchise license, garages, sports car dealers and experienced entrepreneurs have for some time now also been able to use the Supercar Sharing license brand and the system and its infrastructure for their own business.
Trademark rights already in 30 countries
As a technology supplier to the automotive industry, Supercar Sharing has held licensing and trademark rights in the UK since October 2022. And after several months of litigation, the company also owns the trademark right in 29 other countries.
Deivis H. Valdes, CEO & Founder of Supercar Sharing AG: "For Supercar Sharing and our discerning customers, this means more market certainty, additional location planning, secured brand exclusivity and more vehicles for club members."
Aston Martin: At the zenith with the DBS 770 Ultimate 🎥
POWER With the modified V12 biturbo gasoline engine now providing 900 Nm and 770 hp, the extensively revised Aston Martin DBS is the brand's most powerful production car at the end of the combustion engine era.
Editorial - 23 January 2023
The DBS, which has been built since 2018, is the crowning glory of Aston Martin's production models with its mighty biturbo V12. To mark the end of the current DBS generation and bid farewell to the combustion engine, the British company is once again presenting a particularly impressive DBS variant: the DBS 770 Ultimate.
The DBS 770 Ultimate is the crowning achievement of the brand's flagship.
Coupé or Volante are available
The DBS is Aston Martin's most powerful production car ever and the most powerful DBS to date. Extensive design and engineering revisions make the DBS 770 Ultimate an impressive representative of Aston Martin's flagship Super GT. The DBS 770 Ultimate is available in both coupe and Volante limited editions - 300 coupes and 199 Volantes - all of which have been sold prior to this release.
770 hp and torque of 900 Nm
The DBS 770 Ultimate features an optimized 60-degree V12 engine from Aston Martin with 5.2 liters of displacement and four overhead camshafts. It now generates 770 hp at 6500 rpm and 900 Nm of torque from as early as 1800 rpm up to 5000 rpm, taking the DBS 770 Ultimate to a top speed of 340 km/h.
When it comes to the interior, the DBS 770 Ultimate delights with several fresh design cues that set it apart from other models while delivering the same passenger compartment feel as the current DBS. As an exceptional model, the DBS 770 Ultimate comes standard with Sport Plus seats fully upholstered in semi-aniline leather and Alcantara with a grooved quilting design and perforation pattern.
Appreciation with something special
Roberto Fedeli, Chief Technology Officer at Aston Martin: "When a legendary model generation comes to an end, it should be honored with something special. With the DBS 770 Ultimate as the crowning achievement of our current flagship production vehicle, we wanted to create a model that is the best ever in every respect. To achieve this, we have spared no effort. Not only is it the fastest and most powerful DBS in our history, it's also the best-handling, thanks to an extensive series of improvements to the transmission, steering, suspension and underbody structure." The effort has paid off.
