To mark the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season, Mercedes-AMG is presenting a special model of the SL 63 4Matic+ that reflects the look of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance racing car. The color gradient from high-tech silver metallic to obsidian black metallic is inspired by the role model from the top class of motorsport.

The same applies to the Star Pattern on the vehicle flanks and the Petronas-colored contrasts on the front apron, rear diffuser and side sill panels. Added to this are 21-inch forged wheels with a black matte finish and a 10-twin-spoke design.

Aerodynamics package sharpens the look

The AMG Aerodynamics package sharpens the look and function with larger flics on the front and rear apron, larger rear diffuser and active profile in the underbody. The Night and Night II packages also enhance the visual appearance of the new Motorsport Collectors Edition.

The interior parts of the front headlights and taillights are darkened, and the brake calipers of the high-performance composite braking system are also black. The tank cap in silver chrome with the AMG lettering also emphasizes the special status of the edition.

Very classy with nappa leather and carbon

The standard AMG performance seats are available with two upholstery covers, in nappa leather/microfiber Microcut black with red or yellow decorative stitching. Both variants are available with the embossed AMG crest in the headrests. The trim elements in carbon harmonize with the heated steering wheel with carbon steering rim.

The high-end sound system from Burmester, ambient lighting, the MBUX interior assistant, the driving assistance package and the head-up display are all standard features of the special model. AMG Track Pace supports driving on the race track with numerous data. Prices on request.

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Honda has extensively upgraded the Jazz. The top model in the future will be the Jazz Advance Sport, which features exclusive design details inside and out. But the other equipment lines also present themselves in a revised look. The Elegance and Advance models feature a more elegant radiator grille design and darker headlight surrounds.

The more pronounced bumpers at the front and rear give the car a more expressive appearance. The Jazz Crosstar Advance also features a fresh design. With a more prominent radiator grille and silver-colored inserts in the bumper in the look of an underride guard, it now appears even more robust.

Now even more efficient with three driving modes

The small Japanese car benefits from a modified e:HEV self-charging hybrid drive system that offers more power and even better driving characteristics. The system includes two electric motors, a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission and three driving modes to achieve high efficiency and drive culture.

The maximum output of the electric drive motor has been increased from 80 to 90 kW (122 hp), and the gasoline engine now produces 107 hp. The maximum torques of the e-motor (253 Nm) and the gasoline engine (131 Nm) remain unchanged.

Precise and dynamic handling

In line with the improvements to the powertrain, the Advance Sport also receives modifications to the chassis. The spring rate has been reduced at the front and increased at the rear. This has resulted in more precise and dynamic handling. Stiffer dampers also provide more traction and higher cornering speeds. In addition, the new Jazz e:HEV is now also suitable as a towing vehicle. All model variants tow loads of up to 500 kilograms. The market launch of the new Honda Jazz and the Jazz Crosstar is scheduled for the end of the first half of 2023 in Switzerland.

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Aston Martin is celebrating its 110th anniversary for an entire year, honoring its past, present and future. On January 15, 1913, founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford officially entered into the partnership that later became Aston Martin's first car. This marked the beginning of an exciting automotive history with technical innovation and success in racing.

Documents of two legendary models

From its beginnings in a small workshop in London's Chelsea district, the company has grown to become one of the world's most respected car brands and synonymous with innovative design, high craftsmanship and performance.

To mark its anniversary, Aston Martin is publishing photographs of two of the most groundbreaking models in its 110-year history. They show how the brand continues to push the boundaries of what is technically possible and bring grand prix technology to the road. The cars in question are one of the brand's oldest surviving race cars, the 1923, and the current Valkyrie hypercar.

Surprise and other anniversaries

The anniversary will be celebrated with a strictly limited, exclusive model to be unveiled later this year. This milestone in the company's history will be on display at various events: the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and other dates in Aston Martin's core regions. All of this is part of the Intensity: 110 Years in the Making global marketing campaign.

The anniversary year 2023 will offer several highlights, because at the same time the DB series will be 75 years old and the legendary DB5 will celebrate its 60th birthday. It will also be the 20th anniversary of the opening of the headquarters in Gaydon.

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Citroën has already launched the C5 X, a model derivative with an idiosyncratic mix of hatchback sedan and SUV - now the French are adapting this concept to the smaller C4, which, as an X with a length of 4.6 meters, slots in between the C4 and C5. The C4 X is also an elegant crossover. The manufacturer describes it as a sedan with the advantages of an SUV, although the latter only shows itself in the form of a slightly elevated seating position.

In Switzerland as an electricity-only

Citroën CEO Vicent Cobée: "The new model will be offered in over 100 markets worldwide - in many European countries, including Switzerland, it will come to dealers exclusively as the e-C4 X with an all-electric drive. So far, 35 percent of customers worldwide have opted for the electric version of the basic C4 model - that gives us confidence. Moreover, now is a good time to give e-mobility a further push."

The powertrain, which is already familiar from other models of the Stellantis Group, is not exactly a big deal. 100 kW/136 hp, a 50 kWh battery for a maximum standard range of 360 kilometers and a charging power of 100 kW - the C4 X does not exactly have a prominent position among the competition. However, Cobée does not want to hear anything about competition; after all, the new model is unique.

It goes without saying that there are not many reserves available with this power and a torque of 260 Nm. However, the performance is sufficient to easily swim along in traffic. It takes just under 10 seconds to reach 100 km/h, and the top speed is limited to 150 km/h. This is also absolutely sufficient. That, too, is absolutely sufficient.

Much comfort in the manner of the French

The C4 X excels in terms of ride comfort, which is, after all, a trademark of the French. An additional foam layer with a thickness of 1.5 centimeters, which the French have packed into the seats, also contributes to this. The new model offers a pleasantly decelerated ride, allows you to enjoy the peace and quiet on board, and the high-quality interior with its new infotainment system.

In Switzerland, the new C4 X is now available at dealerships, with prices starting at 42,000 Swiss francs, although at market launch it will be offered as a Swiss Edition starting at 38,700 francs.

citroen.ch

"First a Käfeli. Then your car." Kenny's Auto-Center is as well known for this slogan and Kenny's Käfeli as it is for selling and servicing Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and smart. The company is run by Marc Eichenberger in the second generation, and he is also the main shareholder.

This was celebrated with a party in the premises, which were completely renovated during one and a half years, with customers and celebrities. Miriam Rickli (gallery left) charmed the audience as host, guest speakers were Mercedes-Benz Switzerland CEO Marc Langenbrinck (gallery right) AMG CEO Philipp Schiemer and smart Europe CEO Dirk Adelmann.

Sustainable and above all future-oriented

For the Mercedes-Benz Center in Dietlikon with a large AMG area and smart showroom, a historic Hans Fehr AG factory building was converted into 6200 m2 of floor space (gallery center): ultra-modern, CO₂-neutral and a customer experience for all the senses.

For example, a solar plant of over 2000 m2 with a peak output of 500 kW enables the company to supply energy and charge electric vehicles. Together with 20 geothermal probes, it covers the operational demand for energy and heat. In the summer months, the system produces an energy surplus that can be fed into electric vehicles via 30 charging stations and stored in the future.

Alternative drives and high-voltage batteries

The second floor of the Auto Center is dedicated to extensive work on alternative drives including high-voltage batteries. An exciting spectacle was specially designed for the handover of the new cars. When picking up the vehicle, the customer presses the "Magic Button". The new vehicle is ceremoniously handed over to the buyer with a spectacular light show, accompanied by music selected by the customer.

Cooperation with La Stanza restaurateurs

The well-known Kenny's Käfeli can still be found at every consultation appointment. In planning and implementing the coffee area, Kenny's worked closely with the well-known Zurich restaurateurs La Stanza. A special area is dedicated to the enjoyment of coffee: in future, customers will be able to take a seat in the Kenny's Café and enjoy the high-quality Demeter coffee from South America.

Two generations present success story

Kenny Eichenberger fulfilled a childhood dream in 1976 when he opened his first location for the sale of used and imported new cars in Buchs (ZH) - at that time on a simple gravel parking lot. In the meantime, Kenny's Auto-Center is one of the leading dealers for Mercedes-Benz and smart in Switzerland and is represented at four locations. Since 2016, son Marc Eichenberger has been CEO of the Kenny's Group and majority shareholder since July 2022.

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Two Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, two strong driver pairings. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup #961 (gallery on the right) is driven by Alexander Fach, Peter Hegglin, Jan Klingelnberg, Christopher Zöchling and Christof Langer. Fach, Klingelnberg and Hegglin were already part of the Schwyz line-up in the desert in 2022. Langer and Zöchling know the team very well from their joint appearances in the Porsche one-make cups. Fach can also draw on expertise from the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland.

Familiar names in the second car

The sister car with the number #962 also features some illustrious names. Two-time Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup champion Larry ten Voorde is part of the promising lineup. The Dutchman is supported by compatriot Huub van Eijndhoven, Gabriele Rindone, Alexander Schwarzer and Matthias Hoffsümmer. Schwarzer also brings experience in the 911 from the Porsche Sports Cup Suisse. Rindone has already competed several times in the 24H Series.

Experienced pilots and young talent

Team boss Alex Fach: "Last year we also had two Porsches on the grid. Both cars had the potential for top results, but unfortunately we had a lot of bad luck. This year we're making a fresh attack and are sure that we can climb the podium with our mix of experienced drivers and young talent."

Previous successes of Swiss riders

Twice, Swiss drivers have been able to celebrate overall victory at the Dubai 24 Hours: in 2014, Adrian Amstutz, Marcel Matter, and Mark and Rolf Ineichen won for Stadler Motorsport; in 2017, Daniel Allemann was successful in the Herberth Motorsport team. And that's where it will probably stay for the time being. Because in the 18th edition, no Swiss are represented in the PRO class.

Good chances in the other classes

On the other hand, the chances in the other classes are very good from a Swiss perspective. In the GT3 PROAm, the hopes lie on the shoulders of Daniel Allemann mentioned at the beginning. The man from Solothurn shares a Porsche 911 GT3 R (center gallery) from Herberth Motorsport with Ralf Bohn and Alfred and Robert Renauer.

Switzerland is also well represented in the field of almost 20 Porsche 992s. Fach Auto Tech from Sattel in the canton of Schwyz fields two cars at once. See above. Fabian Danz is also driving in the 992 class. The man from Burgdorf drives for a Dutch team. While Gislain Genecand from Geneva is trying his luck with a Luxembourg racing team in the AM class.

Podium finish in the touring cars?

Under normal circumstances, a Swiss podium finish must emerge in the touring cars. Of the five cars entered, two come from the Wolf Power Racing team from Wangen (SZ). Driving one of the two Audi RS3s (gallery on the left) is Jasmin Preisig (#121) from Schwellbrunn, who is highly motivated to compete against the rest of the world. Also at the start are Yannick Mettler and his protégé Miklas Born for Team AC Motorsport from Belgium.

Other CH participants in Dubai include Nicolas Nobs (GTX) and Swiss-German dual citizen Patrik Grütter (TCX), who competes with a Swiss license.

Transmission of the race via livestream

The weekend at the Dubai Autodrome kicks off on Friday, January 13, with free practice. This will be followed by qualifying at 14:45 local time (11:45 CET). The starting lights for the race switch to green on Saturday at 15:00 local time (12:00 CET). All sessions from the Qualification as well as the Races will be shown in the official livestream of the 24H Series.

Source: motorsport.ch

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The Nissan Ariya has passed an extensive endurance test with flying colors. For more than three years, the performance of the all-electric model was tested on the basis of 5,000 parameters. The electric car covered a total distance equivalent to five times the circumference of the earth. In addition to different road surfaces, the Ariya also mastered rough tracks and in high water.

Experience in electromobility

Naturally, Nissan made use of its more than ten years of experience in electric mobility, whose success story began with the Leaf. The tests, conducted by day and night, were accompanied by more than 500 experts at Nissan's test site in Tochigi, Japan.

In Hokkaido, Nissan also put the all-wheel drive capability of the Ariya e-4orce under the microscope. Various aspects were examined on snow-covered and slippery roads - from accelerator pedal use to acceleration and cornering behavior.

Safety is always a priority

With precise control of the all-wheel drive system, lightning-fast response and smooth acceleration are made possible. All the while, the power of the four wheels improves traction, handling and safety. With the rigorous testing, Nissan aims to deliver a reliable driving experience, more comfortable ride and, ultimately, even more customer satisfaction.

nissan.ch

The special edition Ultime will replace the Megane R.S. and R.S. Trophy models from spring onwards - virtually as the crowning glory of a three-generation model series that started in 2003. The Megane R.S. Ultime is also the last model to bear the Renault Sport logo. Future Renault Group sports models will bear the tradition-steeped Alpine name.

Production from 1976 to 2023

The model's hallmarks are graphic elements inspired by the new Renault logo on the roof, hood, rear bumper, doors and fenders. Their matte black appearance harmonizes with the body colors Black Pearl Black, Pearl White, Sirius Yellow and Tonic Orange.

Another special detail: On the right side of the vehicle, the founding year of Renault Sport, 1976, is engraved into the stripping. By limiting the special series to 1976 vehicles, Renault pays tribute to the starting point of this era.

Black accents in the center

The fenders are 60 millimeters wider at the front and 45 millimeters wider at the rear than on the standard version, giving the car a special appearance. There are also many details in black: logos, door handles, rear diffuser and window surrounds, as well as wheels and wheel nuts.

Another exclusive feature is the Ultime lettering on the front bumper in R.S. design. The side air outlets and auxiliary headlights in the chequered flag design also have a dynamic look. Standard equipment includes Recaro sports seats with black Alcantara upholstery and embroidered R.S. monogram.

Semi-slicks Bridgestone Potenza S007

The Megane R.S. Ultime is powered by the familiar turbo two-liter with 420 Nm and 300 hp. The four-cylinder combined with the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission accelerates the Frenchman from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. Bridgestone Potenza S007 semi-slick tires, 19-inch wheels, Brembo composite brake discs with red calipers and 4Control all-wheel steering complete the standard dynamic package.

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The opening race of the 2023 Formula E World Championship will take place on Saturday (January 14) in Mexico at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. The race will not be held on the full Grand Prix circuit used by Formula 1, for example, but on the 2.63-kilometer track specially marked out for Formula E. The drivers from eleven teams will compete in the season opener. 22 drivers from eleven teams will tackle the 2023 Formula E season.

Sébastien Buemi and Envision Racing 

From a Swiss perspective, Sébastien Buemi, Edoardo Mortara and Nico Müller are three fast Swiss drivers who are clearly aiming for victory. How good the trio is right off the bat remains to be seen. After eight years with Dams/Nissan, veteran Sébastien Buemi has changed teams this season. The driver from the canton of Vaud will now be driving for Envision Racing, a Jaguar customer team, alongside Nick Cassady.

Maserati relies on Edoardo Mortara

There have also been changes for Edoardo Mortara (previously Venturi). The team of the Geneva driver, who finished in the top 3 in each of the past two years, will now be fielded by Maserati. Instead of using engine units from Mercedes, the racing team that pulled out, Maserati relies on the know-how of DS Automobiles. The German Maximilian Günther will drive alongside Mortara.

Nico Müller goes to the start with ABT

Nico Müller is making a fresh start. The Peugeot factory driver relies on the know-how of returnee ABT, which sold its racing team to Audi in 2017. ABT uses Mahindra Racing's powertrain technology and competes as an official Cupra team. Müller still knows his teammate Robin Frijns from their DTM days together (AutoSprintCH reported).

Four new races in the 2023 season

With races in Hyderabad (India), Cape Town (South Africa), Portland (USA) and São Paulo (Brazil), there are four new events on the racing calendar. Marrakech, New York and Seoul have been dropped. The first race in Mexico City kicks off on Saturday - live on Pro Sieben from 8.25 p.m. (race from 9 p.m.).

Source: motorsport.ch
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The new car sales figures for December and also for the whole of 2022 show Tesla as the frontrunner. Volkswagen was once again the strongest brand in a still weak market overall, where almost one in five new cars is now purely electric.

Permanent winner Golf 2017 dethroned

Until 2016, the VW Golf had held the position of CH bestseller for more than 40 years. In 2017 and three subsequent years, the Skoda Octavia took over. Finally, in 2021, the Tesla Model 3 won the race - and in 2022, the Model Y.

The 15 bestsellers in 2022 included three Skoda and VW models each and two Audis each. In absolute terms, the picture is as follows: The Tesla Model Y led the field by a clear margin (4928 units). It was followed by the VW Tiguan (4245) and the Skoda Octavia (4090).

Gasoline still ahead despite minus

With a market share of 11.3 percent, the VW 2022 brand remained ahead of BMW (8.7), Mercedes (8.5) and Audi (8.0). In fifth to tenth place were Skoda (7.7 percent), Toyota (5.4), Seat/Cupra (4.7), Ford (3.9), Tesla (3.9) and Hyundai (3.4).

The share of mild and full hybrids among new cars rose from 21.9 to 24.8 percent, and that of pure electric cars from 13.3 to 17.8 percent. By contrast, plug-in hybrids fell from 9.1 to 8.1 percent, and gas cars stagnated at 0.1 percent. Gasoline-powered cars fell from 41.9 to 37.5 percent, but still account for the largest share of drive types, while diesels fell from 13.6 to 11.6 percent.

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