A new, sporty chapter begins for the Swiss racing team, which will soon take to the track with the new GT3 model from the Maranello brand (gallery and video show the production version). With Lamborghini, the team looks back on four successful seasons: starting with the overall victory in the International GT Open championship in 2019 to winning the team classification in the ADAC GT Masters in 2022.

Many years of experience in GT3

Lorenz Frey-Hilti, Team Principal (center gallery): "Thanks to a very good cooperation with Lamborghini Squadra Corse we could achieve some top results in the last years. We thank you very much for the trust and the good cooperation. Since October 2022 we are allowed to represent the brand Ferrari in Munich as Emil Frey Group. We are now pleased to be able to work together with Ferrari in racing as well. We have very little time before the start of the season. Despite little preparation time, we are confident to be well prepared with the brand new Ferrari 296 GT3 and our long experience in GT3 before the first race."

Details regarding the upcoming deployment area will be announced shortly.

emilfreyracing.com

The motofestival 2023 will take place in Bern from February 23 to 26. The motofestival takes over from Swiss-Moto as the major national motorcycle show and attracts exhibitors from all sectors as well as an extensive supporting program. We were in Bern to get an impression beforehand.

In the video, we take you on a tour of the trade show and meet many well-known personalities. From (ex-) racers like Tom Lüthi and Dominique Aegerter to stunt rider Mat Rebeaud and Gotthard bassist Marc Lynn give us valuable input on the new motorcycle show.

Renowned brands show new bikes

The main focus at the show in Bern will of course be on the new bikes. And as you would expect from Zurich, many well-known brands will be there with their stands and new bikes. In the video we therefore also show, using the example of Kawasaki Switzerland, what such a trade fair appearance means in terms of planning and logistics.

Action total and concert with Gotthard

Stunt show with 23-meter jumps, trial show, 125cc course and a concert by Gotthard are just some of the highlights in the supporting program. In the video, former world champion Mat Rebeaud, who will be performing a freestyle motocross show, and Marc Lynn tell us more.

Ticktes for public transport users with discount

Very important: ticket sales on the Internet are already open, also for the combination tickets for the trade fair and Gotthard concert - including blues rocker Marc Amacher and DJ Matteo. Amacher, who comes from the Bernese Oberland, shines with unadulterated blues, lush boogie-woogie rhythms and was on tour in Europe as the opening act with guitar god Eric Clapton. DJ Matteo is one of the most recognized club DJs in Switzerland with his finely mixed DJ sets.

Traveling to Bern by public transport to BERNEXPO - located directly opposite the Wankdorf stadium - is well worth it: no waiting in traffic jams, no need to search for a parking space, and a 20 percent discount on the admission ticket to boot.

motofestival.ch

Electric cars have already proven that they are suitable for everyday use with their long ranges. The latest winter driving tests in Samedan in the canton of Grisons showed that they can also offer a great deal of driving pleasure on snow.

Equipped with all-wheel drive, which BMW calls xDrive, both the compact iX1 and the large iX as well as the sports sedan i4 M50 and even the impressive i7 with long wheelbase were convincing across the board.

Because the electric motors on the front and rear axles respond to accelerator pedal inputs with virtually no delay and the driving assistance systems are also available correspondingly quickly, driving on snow and ice is not only particularly enjoyable, but also also optimal in terms of safety.

Driving dynamics systems and lateral driving pleasure

The iX1 xDrive30, the brand's first all-wheel-drive electric model in the compact segment, is powered by two electric drive units with a system torque of 494 Nm and a total output of 230 kW (313 hp) in boost mode. When driving on snow and ice, its short wheelbase makes it particularly agile yet easy to control.

In the iX xDrive50, which is significantly larger and heavier than the iX1, the driving dynamics systems work reliably even with minimal grip. If the systems are largely switched off in Sport Plus mode, great lateral driving pleasure soon emerges in the iX on snow. Finally, up to 765 Nm and 385 kW (523 hp) are delivered to the four wheels.

Sportiness and comfort of a sedan

BMW launched the modern era of electric mobility in 2013 with the rear-wheel-drive i3. The production run of this, the brand's first large-scale electric model, ended in 2022 after 250,000 units had been built. BMWi's current model offensive has since extended far in the direction of sport and luxury, right up to the i4 M50 and i7 xDrive 60 models.

In the elegant i4 M50 Gran Coupé, the two electric motors on the front and rear axles with a combined 795 Nm and system output of 400 kW (544 hp) provide the agility and dynamics typical of M - on snow, too, of course. A sensitive foot then demands cornering with the driving dynamics assistance systems completely deactivated.

Road adhesion and smooth ride

Even the huge i7 comfort sedan doesn't fall out of line in the snow flurry. On the contrary. The high weight and long wheelbase ensure a sufficiently smooth ride at all times, even with low road grip. This ensures that the director in the rear can indulge stress-free in the entertainment offered by the large theater screen extending from the headliner and the surround sound system from Bowers & Wilkins.

bmw.ch

For two years now, Porsche Classic has been offering two infotainment systems, Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) and Communication Management Plus (PCCM Plus), for numerous classic and youngtimers of the brand. Among other things, these retrofit devices enable Apple Carplay and Android Auto to be used for media playback, navigation, and telephony.

Networking for timeless classics

Effective immediately, a corresponding offer is also available for the sixth-generation 911 (997 series, 2005 to 2008), early Boxster and Cayman (987, 2005 to 2008), and the first-generation Cayenne (2003 to 2008).

Ulrike Lutz, Head of Porsche Classic: "There is a great demand for contemporary connectivity for our timeless classics. And soon after the successful sales launch of the first infotainment systems for retrofitting, we received corresponding inquiries from owners of early 911s of the 997 generation."

At the time, the models mentioned were already equipped with second-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) on request. The new PCCM Plus now replaces these original built-in devices with a perfect fit.

Seamless integration into the ambience

The feel and look are based on components already installed in the vehicle, such as the air conditioning control panel or pushbutton switches. The PCCM Plus thus integrates seamlessly into the ambience. The Porsche lettering indicates at first glance that the devices were developed by Porsche. Peripheral parts such as the amplifier, loudspeaker or antenna can continue to be used. The navigation displays in the instrument cluster also continue to be supported. The new PCCM Plus devices cost 1613 francs.

porsche.ch

Volvo Car Switzerland closes the year 2022 with 5731 new registrations. This means that every fifth newly registered Volvo model in Switzerland is fully electric.

Domenico Gaito, Sales Director at Volvo Switzerland, says: "For the third year in a row, the Swiss automotive market is well below pre-pandemic levels in terms of new registrations. But of the total 5731 new registrations - 7872 in 2021 - more than one in five Volvo models will be fully electric in 2022."

Need for flexible mobility solutions

With 1198 fully electric and 2458 plug-in hybrid models, almost 64 percent of Volvo vehicles sold in Switzerland can be charged with electricity in 2022. In the plug-in hybrid segment in particular, Volvo Car Switzerland can continue its success with a share of 43 percent.

The automotive industry is not only changing in terms of advancing electrification, the need for flexible mobility solutions is also growing continuously. In March 2022, Volvo Switzerland introduced the nationwide car subscription and rental system Hyra for the Recharge models, launching a cost-transparent mobility offering.

EX90 with a lot of comfort and safety technology

Built on a new platform fully designed for electromobility and equipped with a wealth of comfort and safety technology, the EX90 points the way toward climate neutrality.

Domenico Gaito: "With the EX90, we are launching an all-electric and 7-door premium SUV whose equipment makes it ideal for the Swiss market. In the coming years, Volvo will present a new all-electric vehicle every year."

A compact model below the XC40 will follow as early as this year. Thanks to its ambitious electrification strategy, Volvo Car Switzerland expects sustainable growth in the coming years.

volvocars.com

Candela is a Swedish manufacturer of electric boats that glide over the water on hydrofoils. They consume up to 80 percent less energy than conventional motorboats at high speeds because the hull lifts completely out of the water.

Ranges up to 57 nautical miles

The Candela C-8 powered by Polestar electric boat is powered by both the same 69-kWh battery pack and Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor (center gallery) DC charging technology. Candela anticipates a range of up to 57 nautical miles on one battery charge at a cruising speed of 22 knots. These values are comparable to those of motorboats with internal combustion engines. The range in the high-speed range is even two to three times higher than that of conventional electric speedboats.

Combination of innovative technologies

This high electric performance on the water is possible thanks to a combination of innovative technology from Candela and Polestar. Candela C-8 uses a direct-drive pod motor - the Candela C-POD - and floats on computer-controlled hydrofoils. This raises the hull above the water at high speeds and reduces energy consumption by up to 80 percent compared to conventional motorboats

Transition to a sustainable future

Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar: "The exchange of know-how on batteries and vehicle technology with Candela will help to achieve our common goal: Making the transition to a sustainable future where all forms of mobility are sustainable."

polestar.com
candela.com
boot.de

The upgraded model is available in several drive variants: fully electric (gallery on the left), as a hybrid and with an internal combustion engine (gallery on the right), each with sporty N-Line versions.

The sporty character of the SUV is underlined by the robust wheel arch linings with integrated front and rear lights, side panels with dynamic wedge proportions and characteristic chrome trim. The spoke wheel design of the 19-inch wheels comes as a premiere on the new Kona. The internal combustion engine and full hybrid variants adopt many of the design features of the electric model, but with a special accent.

N with sporty design elements

The performance-oriented N Line version features a more striking front and rear design with wing-shaped bumpers, dual exhaust tips and silver side sills to emphasize the sporty character. Other options include a black roof and 19-inch alloy wheels in the exclusive N Line design. Inside, the N Line variant is equipped with exclusive metal pedals and an N brand gearshift lever.

More space for the legs and heads

With a 60 millimeter longer wheelbase, 77 millimeters more legroom and 11 millimeters more headroom on the second row seats, the 4.35 meter long new Kona offers a generous amount of space for this class. With fully folding second-row seats, the rear compartment offers up to 723 liters of cargo space.

The Kona's driver assistance systems include rear-end assist, lane departure warning, blind spot assist, exit warning and speed limit assist.

hyundai.ch

A unique opportunity is available to Lamborghini collectors at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. The counter on the 1990 Countach 25th Anniversary Edition shows just 249 kilometers. The black time capsule Countach was manufactured in Sant'Agata Bolognese in August 1989.

First owner a physicist

An invoice from Clark Motor Company in Heath, Ohio, shows that the car was sold on February 5, 1990, for $275,000 to a physicist from Detroit. The mileage on delivery was 138 kilometers. In the following 17 years, the flounder covered 13 kilometers and finally ended up in a collection in Ohio.

Pirelli P Zero type tires

In 2020, the Countach was sold from the collection, and in a few days it will be on the auction of RM Sotheby's Arizona as quasi new. Its Pirelli P Zero tires are still in original condition, as are the owner's manual and sales literature. The car should meet with huge interest at the auction.

rmsothebys.com

Toyota looks back on a particularly pleasing year in the Swiss market in 2022, with a significant increase in sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In the case of passenger cars, growth amounted to 14.6 percent. The share of hybrid engines increased by 19.5 percent.

In light commercial vehicles, Toyota achieved an 18.3 percent increase in sales. This development is particularly encouraging given that the Swiss market for commercial vehicles declined by 14.8 percent in 2022. Toyota's market share in this product family has now increased to 5.8 percent.

Yaris is the best-selling model

With 5345 vehicles registered, the Yaris family places first among the best-selling models in 2022, representing a 39.3 percent increase over the previous year. The journey of the Yaris model family is now set to continue even further: The new compact SUV model Yaris Cross (left gallery) expands the portfolio and is complemented by the GR Yaris sports derivative (center and right gallery).

Ten year warranty with assistance

The new, free and service-activated 10-year warranty with additional package Assistance 24/7 applies not only to all new vehicles, but also to all Toyota vehicles already on Swiss roads and not older than ten years. In the event of a service interruption, the warranty is reactivated with a one-month grace period as soon as a service is carried out at an official Toyota partner.

toyota.ch

2022 was a record year not only for Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce, but also for Porsche. Porsche Switzerland delivered a total of 4204 cars last year. The increase compared to 2021 is 9.3 percent, and compared to 2019, the increase is around 13 percent.

Michael Glinski, CEO Porsche Schweiz AG (center gallery): "Our excellent delivery result is overshadowed by distressing events in Europe and the world. Within the Porsche community, however, we also have good things ahead of us. Many new products await us, and in addition, with 75 years of Porsche sports cars, we are celebrating the dream of company founder Ferdinand Porsche - the dream of the ideal sports car."

Switzerland is the land of 911 fans

The Macan continues to enjoy great popularity in Switzerland. It was sold 1410 times, mostly as a GTS. The second most popular model was the iconic 911, with dealerships delivering a total of 1028 vehicles, most frequently in the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé version. The 718 mid-engine sports car was delivered 191 times. It is available as an open Boxster and closed Cayman.

The Cayenne celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022 and recorded 758 deliveries. Customers most frequently opted for the E-Hybrid Platinum Edition. The classic SUV shape of the Cayenne has been complemented by a coupe body since 2018. In 2022, both rear sections were roughly equally popular. The plug-in hybrid concept for the Panamera sporty luxury sedan met with great approval. Around 66 percent opted for the Sport Turismo hatchback.

Quarter of new registrations electrified

Swiss dealers handed over the first all-electric Porsche 599 times last year. In the meantime, the Taycan presented in 2019 is available in three designs, as a sedan with a trunk lid and as a Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo with a tailgate.

The most popular model was the Cross Turismo body. The Taycan accounted for just over 14 percent of all Swiss deliveries. Plug-in hybrids accounted for around 13 percent. This means that more than a quarter of the new Porsche vehicles delivered in Switzerland in 2022 had a fully or partially electric drive.

porsche.ch