Farewell: Ken Block died after accident with snowmobile 🎥
R.I.P. Gymkhana legend and rally driver Ken Block has died in a snowmobile accident. The Hoonigan Racing Division made the announcement on social media. Ken was 55 years old.
Editorial - January 3, 2023
The social media star thrilled his fans with daredevil stunts and became famous for his crazy car drifts. Now the world mourns the adrenaline junkie who always provided such spectacular videos.
In a statement on Instagram, it said, among other things: "We deeply regret that Ken Block passed away today in a snowmobile accident. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And, most importantly, a father and husband. He will be sorely missed."
Kenneth Block was driving his snowmobile down a steep slope when the sled tipped over and landed on him.
Coroner investigates cause of death
On Jan. 2, 2023, at approximately 2 p.m., Wasatch County 911 received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area.
The driver of the vehicle, Kenneth Block of Park City, Utah, was driving his snowmobile down a steep slope when the sled overturned and landed on him. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Block was riding with a group but was alone when the accident occurred.
The official cause of death will be determined by the state medical examiner.
Harley-Davidson: Lots of action for the anniversary 🎥
WHERE TO MEET For European fans of Harley-Davidson, the 120th birthday party will be held in Budapest from June 22 to 25, while the American homecoming will take place in Milwaukee from July 13 to 16.
Editorial - January 2, 2023
120 years of Harley-Davidson are casting their shadows ahead. In mid-July, the tradition-steeped motorcycle brand will celebrate its milestone birthday with a huge festival in Milwaukee, its home town. The celebrations for European fans will take place in Budapest in June.
Next year, Harley-Davidson, a motorcycle brand rich in tradition, will celebrate its milestone birthday. i
Current information on the website
However, Harley will present the first new models for 2023 and new accessories as early as January 18. From now on, the company will be providing regular information on its website about further campaigns and events surrounding its 120th anniversary. There, interested parties can also register for the live stream for the presentation of the new models on January 18 and for the newsletter.
Be it a day trip to a ski resort or a Christmas visit to relatives and friends - longer trips are also made in winter. It is therefore advisable to take a look at the weather maps before setting off.
Editorial - January 2, 2023
Before a long drive in winter conditions, there are a few points to consider to avoid major problems.
If snowfall or even freezing rain is announced, it is advisable to postpone the departure if possible. Basically, some things should always be with you on a longer trip. If you are going into the middle or high mountains, snow chains or starting aids as well as work gloves are a must. A headlamp can also be helpful. Wool blankets and a thermos flask with hot tea are also useful in case the car is stuck in a traffic jam for a long time due to bad weather.
Increase tire inflation pressure by 0.2 bar
While warm winter clothing should of course not be forgotten, it should not be worn behind the wheel as it can restrict the driver's freedom of movement.
Cars should also not be parked in winter with the handbrake on, as this can freeze in sub-zero temperatures. It is better to park with the car in gear. When driving on snow and ice, it is generally advisable to increase the inflation pressure of the winter tires by 0.2 bar above the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer. On the one hand, this opens up the tread, which improves both the grip of the tires and the self-cleaning of the tread.
PLEASE NOTE Various changes in road traffic will come into force in the new year. Here you can find out which innovations the Federal Roads Office has in store for 2023.
Editorial - January 1, 2023
With the "carpool" symbol, vehicles with multiple occupants are privileged.
The new federal law on cycle paths (Veloweggesetz), for example, is intended to ensure better and safer cycle paths. To this end, the cantons are required to plan and implement cycle path networks. The federal government is also to build cycle paths on its roads.
Introduction of new speed 30 zones
A simplification is planned for the creation of new 30 km/h speed and pedestrian zones. Until now, it was necessary for the creation of new such zones that, for example, the traffic situation is particularly dangerous or certain road users need special protection.
These so-called qualified reasons will cease to apply from January 1, 2023. In addition, the obligation to prepare an expert opinion will no longer apply if the general speed limit is to be reduced on a road. However, the authorities must continue to order and publish the zones. On traffic-oriented roads in built-up areas, the speed limit will continue to be 50 km/h in principle.
Carpool traffic symbol
Carpooling can reduce environmental traffic congestion. With the new symbol "Carpool" vehicles with multiple occupants can be privileged. In moving traffic, the symbol can be used with the word "exempt" on an additional sign to the signals "General prohibition of driving in both directions", "Prohibition for motor vehicles" and "Bus lane".
Only vehicles that are occupied by at least the number of people corresponding to the number on the symbol are allowed to drive in the lanes and traffic lanes signalized in this way. Carpooling also has advantages when parking - the minimum occupancy requirement does not apply when leaving.
Measurement method for exhaust gas retesting
Exhaust emission regulations are designed to reduce particulate matter that is hazardous to health. However, the federal government writes that the measurement methods used up to now are not sensitive enough to detect all defective diesel particulate filters. That is why a more precise measurement method is being introduced.
Procedure in the event of a driver's license revocation
The procedure for withdrawing a driver's license will become faster as of April 1. Now, after a driver's license has been confiscated, the police must pass it on to the cantonal authority within three working days. The cantonal revocation authority must then return the card to the holder within ten working days - unless there is sufficient doubt about fitness to drive.
Risk in the event of job loss
The federal government aims to reduce the risk of job loss for professional drivers. If a driver's license has been revoked for only a minor offense, the authorities will be able to allow driving that is necessary for the exercise of the profession from April 1, 2023. Such an exception is not provided in the case of moderate or serious offenses. It will also not be possible to authorize such driving for people whose driver's license has been revoked for an indefinite period or permanently.
PASST With Asterix, Obelix and Citroën's 2CV, three French icons come together. Asterix is small, but unbeatable thanks to magic potion and good ideas. Obelix appreciates this and the 2CV.
Editorial - December 31, 2022
Finally, a new interpretation of the Citroën 2CV is presented again - tailor-made for Asterix and Obelix.
In "Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom", the Gauls once again fight against a supposedly unbeatable Roman superiority. But the outcome is well known: In the end, the Gaulish village celebrates with lots of roast boar, and Troubadix is once again not allowed to sing.
Now it's debatable why the filmmakers let the two inseparable friends travel to the Middle Kingdom, but after all, the 2CV also made it as far as Asia in its prime. Like the two brave Gauls, the little Citroën has become part of France's cultural heritage.
Song of praise for the chariot Döschwo
In February next year, the film will be released in France, and a little later the rest of the world will be able to follow the adventure. For the outing, the brand's designers created a chariot, pulled of course by two horses (2CV). Within three months, the Citroën design team developed and built the chariot.
Chief designer Pierre Leclercq: "The meeting of these two legends of French culture is exceptional and there was a closeness, sincerity and mutual respect between the teams of Citroën and them from the beginning. We were offered this opportunity to build a concept dispute car from scratch. The result is an ode to the 2CV."
Reinterpretation of the iconic mobile
The film creatives created a reinterpretation of the 2CV with a suspension made of wild boar stomachs and headlights made of Gallic helmets illuminated by fireflies. Recycled shields bearing the brand's double angle serve as wheels. In the film, the chariot is made by the village blacksmith Céautomatix, who explains to Obelix the most important innovations for a comfortable journey before setting off for China. When Caesar's army finally reaches the Middle Kingdom, the legionnaires are greeted by a billboard advertising "the best car of the age". And that, of course, is the 2CV from Gaul, pulled by two horses.
The film journey to China also recalls the legendary Croisière Jaune, which took Citroën half-track vehicles from Beirut to Beijing in 1931 and 1932.
Exciting, interesting and controversial - that's what the editorial team reported on autosprint.ch with over 1000 new articles in 2022. Have you seen it all?
Ford: Good values for the Puma in the green acid test
SUSTAINABILITY In its December test, Green NCAP took a closer look at five models with internal combustion engines. The Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost with E85 flex-fuel engine scored best with three out of five stars.
Editorial - December 30, 2022
Equipped with the E85 flex-fuel engine, the Ford Puma produces very few greenhouse gases.
Green NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) has been assessing the environmental friendliness of passenger cars according to uniform and future-oriented standards since 2019. The Green NCAP star rating focuses on pollutant emissions and fuel or energy consumption, and thus CO2-emissions.
Five internal combustion engines in testing
In its December test, Green NCAP tested five passenger cars with internal combustion engines. The best performer - with three out of five stars - was the Ford Puma 1.0 Ecoboost with E85 flexfuel engine. It outperformed the model running on Super E10 in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The E85 engine was awarded 6.9 out of ten points, while the conventional gasoline engine was awarded 3.7 points in this discipline.
Diesel with the fewest pollutants
Green NCAP awarded two and a half stars to the Ford Focus 1.0 Mild Hybrid and the Mercedes-Benz T180. The Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDI 48 Volt earned two stars, and the Land Rover Range Rover D350 AWD one and a half.
However, the only diesel in the test emits the fewest pollutants of all six candidates. The Range Rover also performs quite well in terms of fuel consumption for a vehicle of this size and type, but both are fundamentally too high, according to Green NCAP. The effect of the mild hybrid system is not sufficiently effective here. The testers determined 100-km consumption values for all vehicles that are 0.6 to 0.9 liters above the WLTP figures.
The Mokka-e has been renamed the Mokka Electric and equipped with the new electric motor from the Stellantis Group. This delivers 115 kW (156 hp), 15 kW more than the engine previously used in all models.
Editorial - 29 December 2022
In addition to the new name Mokka Electric, the revised Mokka-e also gets an optimized powertrain.
The Mokka-e becomes the Mokka Electric, even more powerful and efficient. With the electric motor with 260 Nm and 115 kW (156 hp) and the new 54 kWh battery, up to 406 kilometers can be covered locally emission-free without stopping to charge.
The battery is recharged to 80 percent in just under 30 minutes at the 100 kW fast charging station. In addition to receiving direct current, Opel drivers can also charge three-phase alternating current thanks to the 11-kW onboard charger - via wallbox or cable for the household socket.
Nimble and comfortable on the road
In the new Mokka Electric, the three driving modes Eco, Normal and Sport are offered, and the Opel electric car is said to be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than ten seconds. The governed top speed is 150 km/h. Numerous heating systems and functions of the my-Opel app, which can be used to program the pre-heating by remote control, ensure a cozy atmosphere right from the start.
Car Auction Gstaad: Want an oldie for the new year?
QUALITY OF CHOICE At the end of the year, the Oldtimer Galerie Toffen offers a large selection of classic automobiles, motorcycles and memorabilia at this year's Gstaad Classic Car Auction in the Festival Tent in Gstaad.
Editorial - 28 December 2022
How about a new classic car for the 2023 season? There is a great offer at the auction in Gstaad.
If you want to get a superlative Christmas present late in the season, the Gstaad Classic Car Auction is just the right place for you. In addition to many classic vehicles, various newer vehicles will also go under the hammer.
Models of all brands on offer
Among the 50 or so cars - from the 1951 Alfa Romeo 1900 Berlina Abarth to the 1979 VW Beetle 1303 Cabriolet - are such attractive classics as the 1937 Jaguar SS 100 2½-Litre Roadster, the 1939 Talbot-Lago T 150 C Competition, the 1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, the 1987 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole, the 1992 Honda NSX 3.0i 24V and the 2001 Bentley Continental R Le Mans. Those who like it even more exotic can perhaps start the next season in the 1957 Facel Vega FV3 with a 4.5-liter V8 engine.
First look, then check and buy
A preview of the auction vehicles and collectibles will be possible on December 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on December 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Immediately afterwards, the auction will begin in the Festival Tent in Gstaad with the automobilia and memorabilia, while the vehicles will have their turn from 5 p.m. onwards. The auction will be livestreamed via Invaluable and the complete catalog can be browsed online.
KONZEPT Cupra sends the Urban Rebel Racing Concept into the world of the virtual racing game Forza Horizon 5. The fully electrically powered concept car boasts a peak output of 320 kW (435 hp).
Editorial - December 27, 2022
The sporty Spanish Volkswagen subsidiary Cupra is preparing the Urban Rebel Racing Concept for the world of the virtual racing game Forza Horizon 5. The all-electric concept car delivers 320 kW (435 hp) as peak power and still 250 kW (340 hp) as continuous power. It thus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds.
With up to 320 kW, virtual racing in the Urban Rebel Racing Concept promises to be a great pleasure.
Get started with Forza Horizon 5 for free
The Cupra Urban Rebel Racing Concept virtual is available to anyone playing Forza Horizon 5 during the Horizon Holidays series. It can be redeemed for free until January 5, 2023 using the Gift Drop Option tab in the Message Center. This is the second Cupra in the game - after the Tavascan XE, which is scheduled to go into production in two years.
