For the 2023 model year, Genesis Motor Europe is introducing a range of new biometric features in the GV60. This model will offer the world's first facial recognition technology for keyless entry, as well as additional features such as the digital key and a new air purification system.

Sensor detects the face of the driver
The new Genesis GV60 introduces a new Face Connect feature that allows customers to open their vehicle with just their face. Using a facial recognition sensor with a deep learning image processing controller, the GV60 can be both closed and opened.

Setup is seamless via the Genesis Connected Services app. Customers only need to open the vehicle once with the physical key to set up their profile for facial recognition and start the vehicle with their fingerprint.

The process is facilitated by an LED indicator on the B-pillar that provides visual feedback on the status of the vehicle. All information is stored in the vehicle via encrypted software.

Access offers not only perfect security
At no point is biometric data uploaded and stored remotely. Customers can confidently leave their car keys at home and concentrate on the drive and the day ahead.

Access programmed to the customer's face not only provides perfect security, but is also ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, climbing or running, where carrying a physical key is impractical.

Digital Key works via smartphone
As a supplement to facial recognition, Genesis introduces the Digital Key. This allows the Genesis GV60 to be locked and unlocked via smartphone. The app-based system also eliminates the need for a physical key. The electric SUV greets the driver by switching on the headlights and folding out the exterior mirrors as soon as the driver approaches the vehicle with the digital key. The 2023 Genesis GV60 is available in Switzerland in Premium, Sport and Sport Plus versions.

genesis.com

The numbers are right, too: Currently (as of December 7, 2022), the first video with Pastrana has collected around 56 million views on YouTube. So the bar for the successor is high. This is now out: Subaru, Pastrana and Ken Block's Hoonigan label released the twelfth Gymkhana installment on Youtube - and the 2022 edition doesn't disappoint. But see for yourself.

hoonigan.com

The project, which was already open to numerous young racing drivers between 2013 and 2015, enables ambitious young talents to make the leap from karting to automobile racing. If you convince the jury, you might soon be able to join and show your talent in automobile racing

Testing in the autobau world of experience
In the 2023 season, the Young Drivers Project is aimed at all kart drivers licensed in Switzerland born in 2006, 2007 and 2008. This talent screening is free of charge for the four champions in the autobau Swiss Kart Championship (OK Junior, X30 Challenge Switzerland, OK Senior and KZ2; provided they are between 14 and 16 years old). All other pilots from this and other approved kart series can also participate in the sighting for a fee.

Ranking according to a points system
Making the leap into automotive racing requires more than just driving talent. Fitness and dealing with the media are two equally important factors that are worked on during the project with professional fitness and media trainers.

A jury team of experts and well-known pilots observes and evaluates the performances of the 14- to 16-year-old pilots. Using a points system, the jury draws up a ranking list for the current season.

It's not just speed that counts, but also character, ability and knowledge. Those who hold their own in the various categories and convince the jury of their merits receive the Young Drivers Kart Award and will be able to contest a season in a junior series in 2024 together with Jenzer Motorsport (center gallery).

Financial participation required
The necessary financial resources for the racing season are partly covered by sponsorship, but also require a financial contribution from the rider, team and personal sponsors.

Anyone wishing to take part in the Young Drivers Project 2023 can register by January 31, 2023. The registration takes place directly on www.motorsport.ch. All licensed kart drivers born between 2006 and 2008 (National and International level) will be contacted separately.

Presentation and discussion evening
The sustainable youth project of Auto Sport Schweiz starts for all those who have registered with a presentation and a discussion evening in mid-February. The first media and fitness day is then scheduled for early March. A sighting day in a Formula 4 car from Jenzer Motorsport in October 2023 will conclude the training program.

Discussions with responsible persons
If you would like to become a partner or sponsor of the Young Drivers project and help to promote young Swiss drivers, we will be happy to introduce you personally to the project, the people responsible and the jury of renowned drivers. Further information will be published online in the coming weeks and months.

Photos: Jürg Kaufmann
motorsport.ch

The announcement alone of a possible restriction on the private use of electric cars has already led to corresponding headlines throughout Europe, thus doing a disservice to electromobility in Switzerland.

Without the security of being able to use their own vehicle at any time, customers will be more likely to opt for conventional drive systems when making a purchase. This jeopardizes the achievement of the CO2 target values for importers.

Electrical energy in escalation level 3
As an energy-saving measure in the possible event of a power shortage, the Federal Council proposes to allow "the private use of electric cars (...) only for absolutely necessary journeys (for example, carrying out a profession, shopping, visiting a doctor, attending religious events, attending court appointments". This is provided for in the draft "Ordinance on Restrictions and Prohibitions on the Use of Electric Energy" in escalation level 3.

New situation due to ban on use

Andreas Burgener, Director of auto-schweiz: "Our members and their official brand dealers are putting a lot of effort into promoting electric cars, from advertising to personal sales talks. All customers who buy or order a vehicle now will carefully consider whether they should go back to a gasoline or diesel engine in view of this ban on use. These drives will not be curtailed in their use."

Rejection of any restriction
With increased purchasing behavior of this kind, sanction-free achievement of the CO2 regulations would no longer be possible for automobile importers. A survey of auto-schweiz members showed that the market share of plug-in vehicles (electric cars and plug-in hybrids) could exceed 50 percent in 2025. Today, it is just under half.

Andreas Burgener: "Any restrictions on electromobility should be rejected; the transformation to e-driving is challenging enough for our customers and the entire industry as it is. Moreover, electric cars accounted for less than 0.5 percent of Swiss electricity consumption last year. Restricting electromobility is therefore not proportionate if, at the same time, saunas and whirlpools in wellness hotels are still allowed to run for seven hours a day. If the Federal Council insists on this measure, we will demand the suspension of CO2 sanctions."

Speed limit 100 on freeways disproportionate

The auto-schweiz director also criticizes the maximum speed of 100 km/h on freeways, which is possible in the event of a crisis, so that electric cars would save electricity: "Commuters, tradesmen, delivery services: All would be slowed down across the board. In addition, the ordinance states that this article will be used depending on the situation - a very woolly formulation. Does that mean that the first missing kilowatt hour will bring down all of Switzerland's road traffic, which demonstrably accounts for a large part of our mobility?"

Conclusion: Instead, auto-schweiz advocates a call for voluntary measures in extreme cases, which would not have failed to have an effect during the Covid pandemic.

car.swiss

Launched in 2019 and limited to 500 models, the Bugatti Baby II is a contemporary tribute to Ettore Bugatti's original masterpiece, the Bugatti Baby built in 1926. The 75th scale version of the Bugatti Type 35 was developed to celebrate Bugatti's 110th birthday and is an important contribution to preserving the history of the Bugatti brand.

Adaptation of some original instruments
The Baby II Carbon Edition follows a similar design layout and has the essential features of the interior of a Bugatti. Some of the original Bugatti Type 35 instruments have been adapted to modern times.

As a nod to the Bugatti Veyron, the oil gauge has been converted into a performance gauge. The scaled-down version of the famous four-spoke steering wheel is equipped with a quick-release device to facilitate access to the cockpit.

Many customization options
In addition to a custom paint finish and the individual design specifications, the Bugatti Baby II Carbon Edition includes numerous features made of carbon. Visible carbon elements adorn the radiator grille, the interior dashboard trim and the mirror mount, as well as the center section of the black wooden steering wheel. A series of finely painted black components gives the finish of the Carbon Edition a special depth.

The runabout is available from 80,000 euros
The adjustable pedals are milled from a solid aluminum block and bear the famous EB logo. The fuel pump lever has been exactly reproduced, but now serves as a gearshift for the forward, neutral and reverse settings. The Bugatti Baby II Carbon Edition, developed in collaboration with the Little Car Company, is 2.76 meters long and costs at least 80,000 euros.

bugattibaby.com

For a clean, healthy environment inside a car, Lexus is introducing the Nanoe X system. The technology, developed by Panasonic, is invisible to the human eye but effective in preventing unpleasant and potentially harmful particles.

Climate Concierge is part of the system
The principle is simple to explain: Water molecules are streamed out into the ventilation, interspersed with hydroxyl radicals, molecules made up of one hydrogen and one oxygen atom. This creates protection against viruses, bacteria, pollen and other allergens, as well as mold. Bad odors are neutralized, and the drying out of the interior is prevented. This new generation was first introduced in the Lexus ES in 2021. Now it is also available in the UX, the new-generation RX and the electric RZ as part of the Lexus Climate Concierge system. Other models will follow in 2023.

Reduction of the intensity of all odors
Laboratory tests have shown that in one hour, viruses and bacteria are prevented from spreading by 99 percent and odor intensity is reduced by a factor of 1.8. The significantly greater effect of the new generation Nanoe X comes from the fact that 10 times more hydroxyl radicals are now emitted.

The advantage of this technology is particularly valuable in heavily polluted urban zones. Constantly purified air is likely to be equally appreciated where other passengers are repeatedly transported, such as in rental cars, fleet cars or vehicles used to transport groups of children.

lexus.ch

The Bronco will be launched in Europe for the first time, starting in spring 2023, in limited numbers and only as a four-door model. Ford is not yet willing to say which engine will be used in the new version of the legendary off-roader, which will be unveiled in 2020. But it will probably be the V6 biturbo gasoline engine with 335 hp - and definitely not electrified.

Easily dismantled components
Although the new edition of the classic off-roader looks a bit out of date with its massive stature, the angular retro look is immediately appealing. The front with its full-size radiator grille, prominently highlighted model name and circular LED headlights is particularly eye-catching.

A clever feature is that many body components can be removed in just a few steps, such as the four-piece hardtop or the doors, to transform the boxy off-roader into an airy convertible in a matter of minutes.

Sublime view of the action
With 30 centimeters of ground clearance, getting into the 4.81 meter long and 1.86 meter high off-roader without an A-pillar handle or running board is not quite as elegant as in a sedan. Once you've climbed in, the seat at the steering wheel turns into an executive chair with a commanding view of the action.

The trail sights on the front edges of the body immediately catch the eye. The black plastic eyelets act as dipsticks for maneuvering in narrow passages or difficult terrain, but they can also be used as anchors for transporting canoes on the roof or, in keeping with the season, Christmas trees suitable for large families.

Extreme inclined drives or inclination angles
The interior wears outdoor looks, is functional and robust, also with some retro design elements and seems to be indestructible with its washable surfaces and silicone-sealed switches. For extreme inclined driving or tilting angles, the grab handles in the dashboard support and center console, which were missed during entry, can be found here.

In contrast, the digital cockpit and the 12-inch touchscreen, which can be used to operate the Sync 4 infotainment system, appear to be a counterpoint to the robust design. Of course, all common smartphones can also be connected here. And a B&O sound system with ten speakers even provides comfortable listening pleasure ex works.

Tracking accuracy, straight-line stability and rolling comfort
And how does it drive? Well, unlike the wedge-shaped wild horse in the logo on the tailgate that gives it its name, it's remarkably civilized and comfortable. The Bronco trots confidently over the asphalt ribbons of civilization, convinces with directional stability and good straight-line stability, even if rolling comfort is not one of the great strengths of the all-terrain tires.

With 335 hp, the 2.7-liter V6 biturbo gasoline engine has an easy time of it with the more than two-tonne Yank, and with 563 newton meters of torque, it provides just as strong a start as it does pulling power in all situations, orchestrated by a 10-speed automatic that knows exactly what it's doing.

The four-wheeler is only in its element on difficult terrain, where it is in no way inferior to its domestic competitor, the Jeep Wrangler, but also to a Land Rover Defender or the Mercedes G-Class. Here, both the high ground clearance and impressive slope and ramp angles as well as 85 centimeters of fording depth pay off, with hardly an obstacle, hill or water crossing that cannot be overcome. But a battery of assistance systems also ensures foolproof guidance over hill and dale, even when unsuspecting newcomers are at the wheel.

Trail Toolbox for difficult situations
At the center is the so-called Terrain Management System, which combines seven driving programs. In addition to the three modes for everyday road traffic (Normal, Eco, Slippery), these include four off-road settings (Mud, Sand, Stony and Sporty Baja mode). Depending on the mode, the response of the steering, accelerator pedal or automatic transmission also changes.

If the going gets really tough, the Bronco driver can also use the Trail Toolbox. It contains a number of off-road assistants that help even the inexperienced asphalt cowboy out of trouble. Trail Control, for example, controls braking and acceleration off-road so that the driver can concentrate on steering. Or Trail Turn Assist, which reduces the turning circle by up to 40 percent by means of controlled brake intervention, allowing the car to maneuver in the tightest of spaces. The Bronco obviously doesn't know any hurdles.

In the U.S., the car starts at the equivalent of 30,000 euros, and used import models with six-cylinder engines are available on car exchanges from 55,000 euros. It will probably not be available for less than 60,000 Swiss francs when new.

ford.ch

Nissan is on the attack in the ABB-FIA Formula E World Championship: In Madrid, the e-4orce 04 racing cars were unveiled along with their new livery. The integrated cherry blossom, the national flower of Japan, not only refers to the team's Japanese DNA, but also symbolizes a new beginning in more ways than one.

Nissan looks back on an 85-year history in motorsport and more than a decade of experience in electric mobility. With its renewed participation in the all-electric racing series, the company is bringing both traditions together while underpinning its sustainability goals for an electrified future.

For the first time as an independent team

Ashwani Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Nissan: "The ninth Formula E season marks a new era for Nissan. We are competing in Formula E for the fifth time, but for the first time as an independent team. The new livery celebrates our Japanese heritage and will stand out on the track like never before."

But the Gen 3 race cars will also make their debut next year: with 40 percent more power and a top speed of more than 320 km/h, they underscore the performance capabilities of electrified vehicles.

Official test drives in December
Frenchman Norman Nato (car number 17) and Franco-Argentine Sacha Fenestraz (car number 23) will be at the wheel of the two new Formula E race cars. They will turn their first laps during the official tests from December 13 to 16 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia.

With 17 races planned, the ninth Formula E season is the longest to date. While the finale is scheduled for London, teams and drivers can also look forward to new races in India, South Africa and Brazil. Nissan is relying on its two strong partners Shell and The Woolmark Company for the 2023 season.

nissan.ch

On behalf of all members, the Board of Auto-Switzerland would like to thank the future member of the national government for his commitment to the Swiss automotive industry. Albert Rösti had only been President of the Association since June 1 of the current year, thus chairing the Board of Directors.

Resignation from office at the end of the year
Due to his election to the Federal Council, he will not be able to hold this office beyond the end of the year. The Board of Auto-Schweiz is grateful to Rösti for the work he has done and will now begin the search for a successor.

car.swiss

At Toyota Motor Europe's annual Kenshiki event last week, a team of senior representatives from the company's global and European management teams provided an overview of vision, technology and strategy, as well as new products and services.

By 2035 by 100 percent Editorial
Toyota Motor Europe is committed to achieving full CO2 neutrality by 2040 at the latest. Last year, the Japanese company announced that emissions from all vehicles in the EU, UK and EFTA region would be reduced by 100 percent by 2035. Toyota's multi-technology strategy will take into account the complementary benefits of battery and hydrogen-powered vehicles for zero-emission mobility.

Toyota's global strategy primarily meets the diverse needs of European customers - with a model range that includes battery electric and fuel cell vehicles as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. TME expects a sales volume of around 1.1 million vehicles in 2022 - representing a small but important annual increase.

Mobility, security and data protection
The role of Woven City, which is currently under construction near Mount Fuji, was also discussed. Once completed, Woven City will be a unique test facility where innovations can be accelerated and the world's future mobility can be demonstrated. Mobility technologies can be developed more quickly, as can solutions for smart agriculture, clean energy and healthy living - all with software that incorporates security and privacy into the design.

Matt Harrison, president and CEO Toyota Motor Europe: "In general, we are focusing on two areas: carbon neutrality and future mobility."

toyota.ch