Essen Motor Show: Great appearance of the tuning professionals 🎥

WHERE TO MEET The Essen Motor Show presents sports cars, tuning & lifestyle, motor sports and classic cars in the Grugahalle until December 11. Around 500 exhibitors present their new vehicles and accessories. A must-attend event for every fan.

 

As Europe's leading event for sporty vehicles, the range of the Essen Motor Show includes sports cars, tuning & lifestyle, motor sports and classic cars. The PS Festival occupies a total of nine halls and brings together well-known brands such as BMW, Brabus, Continental, Hankook and the Mercedes Fan World.

Essen Motor Show
At the Essen Motor Show, tuners will be showing their new automotive creations in nine halls.

The Essen Motor Show will also once again be the big stage for stars from motorsport and the tuning world: The visitors can expect Philipp Kaes, JP Kraemer and the Red Bull Driftbrothers, among others.

Black & Gold - 50 Years John Player Special
With the special exhibition Fascination Black & Gold - 50 Years of John Player Special, motorsport fans will experience another highlight in Hall 3: The exhibition includes 15 exclusive vehicles from the Lotus racing team in the striking black and gold design. All varieties of tuning can be found in the tuningXperience in Hall 5: Around 150 elaborately tuned private vehicles, from volume models to detailed high-end show cars, are waiting to be admired.

This year the focus of the exhibition is mainly on classic vehicles and models of German design. Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

essen-motorshow.com

Rolls-Royce: SUVs make fashion as trendsetters

THE LAST SCREAM The Rolls-Royce model Cullinan - Inspired by Fashion lets fashion trends flow into the car. The two tailor-made prêt-à-porter collections Re-Belle and Fu Shion cater to specific customer wishes.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Rolls-Royce models such as the new Cullinan - Inspired by Fashion can be customized to an unlimited extent.

With the two prêt-à-porter collections Re-Belle and Fu Shion, Rolls-Royce offers tailor-made individualized variants of a "fashion-conscious" luxury automobile in the Cullinan - Inspired by Fashion model. The new model versions were presented to relevant circles on the occasion of Art Basel in Miami.

Collections are available as desired
Designers have created various special collections to personalize the fashion Cullinan. The Re-Belle version has an interior in Lime Green or Peony Pink, while the Fu Shion version has one in Mandarin or Forge Yellow. Both versions can be combined with either a striking or a more discreet exterior.

Starry sky with 192 light points
A new tailgate has also been developed for the Cullinan - Inspired by Fashion, which creates a special atmosphere in the interior. This feature, which takes 22 hours to produce, contains 192 points of light integrated into perforated leather.

Also offered in the new Cullinan is a tailored luggage set for short or long journeys - in five sizes depending on requirements.

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Survey: Electrical topics inspire the Schweizer family

CUSTOMER BAROMETER The "Customer Barometer Renewable Energies" shows that interest in photovoltaics and heat pumps is huge. In the automotive sector, these technologies are expected to reduce dependence on energy imports.

renewable energies
The Amag Group is investing heavily in expanding solar installations on the roofs of its bases.

Since 2011, the Renewable Energy Customer Barometer has been conducted as one of the most comprehensive annual surveys of the Swiss population's preferences in energy matters. The study, which was conducted under the scientific direction of the University of St. Gallen in cooperation with the Amag Group, Energie Schweiz and Raiffeisen Schweiz, produced gratifying results for Amag. It confirms the interest of the clientele in the products and services planned with the establishment of Amag Energy and Mobility and the acquisition of the largest PV installer Helion.

Interest for bundling of technologies
44 percent of actual and 67 percent of potential customers are interested in bundling different energy technologies. Photovoltaics top the list. 38 percent of homeowners say they plan to invest in photovoltaics in the next three years. The study also shows that photovoltaics and heat pumps, combined with electric vehicles and battery storage, are a popular way to reduce dependence on imported energy.

Integrated solutions will also be offered by Amag in the future. Following the acquisition of the solar company Helion, the company is expanding its range of services for electromobility. Amag will thus be able to offer solutions for e-mobility with PV systems, heat pumps, battery storage as well as intelligent energy management. The increasing popularity of sustainable energy sources is leading to high demand in the area of sustainable energy supply.

Automobile electric vehicles become dominant
Amag aims to sell more than 70 percent plug-in vehicles in 2030. Together with Helion, the expansion of photovoltaics can be significantly increased, enabling customers to charge their electric cars with self-generated electricity in the future. Amag Import AG already offers interested fleet customers BEV Ultra test drives, where current electric vehicles can be extensively tested over a longer period of time.

amag.ch

Lamborghini: This is how the Huracán Sterrato drives 🎥

POWER WITHOUT END The Lamborghini Sterrato, limited to just under 1500 units, is raised 4.4 centimeters and has a widened track, rally mode, compass and off-road displays.

 

The Italians want to build exactly 1499 examples of the Huracán Sterrato. The limited edition gives the supercar 4.4 centimeters more ground clearance, which is intended to show off the 610 hp of the V10 behemoth even off paved roads.

Huracán Sterrato
The Huracán Sterrato accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.

The necessary driving stability is provided by the track, which is widened by three centimeters at the front and 3.4 centimeters at the rear. In addition to the Strada and Sport settings, the driving program also offers a Rally mode.

Current geographic coordinates
There are interesting things to discover inside. The cockpit has a compass, a roll, pitch and steering angle display and also provides information on the current geographical coordinates. The Sterrato accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and is up to 260 km/h fast. The price for the exclusive fun on gravel and other unpaved surfaces has not yet been set.

lamborghini.com

Toyota: Hydrogen drive for the Hilux

FUTURE Due to growing customer demand and the holistic solution approach to mobility, Toyota sees fuel cell electric drive as a new opportunity for a zero-emission product offering.

Hilux hydrogen
The next generation of fuel cell drive is being used in the Toyota Hilux with government support.

Toyota successfully applied for APC (Advanced Propulsion Centre) funding last year by presenting a project to develop new, cleaner technology and mobility solutions.

The APC plays an important role in the UK automotive industry because it provides opportunities to expose the industry to new technological requirements. Funding supports development steps from the concept to the prototype stage.

Fuel cell components for Hilux
The consortium, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, will receive funding to develop a fuel cell-powered Hilux. Working with Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research, the goal is to use Toyota's second-generation fuel cell components to transform the Hilux into an electric vehicle.

Small series production is planned
It is planned that the first prototypes will be produced at Toyota in Burnaston next year. After successful performance tests, a small series production is to be prepared.

Matt Harrison, President and CEO Toyota Motor Europe: "UK is one of the most important markets for pick-ups and also for Toyota. This funding provides a great opportunity to develop a zero-emission vehicle for an important market segment."

toyota.ch

Market: catch-up brings encouraging figures

IMMATRICULATIONS The third monthly increase in a row melts the gap between the car market and the previous year's level. In November, 21,406 new passenger cars hit the roads in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

New enrollments
November's enrollment numbers show light at the end of the tunnel.

Since the beginning of the year, 201 197 new cars have been registered in the two countries. This means that after eleven calendar months, only six percent or 12,761 new registrations are now short of the 2021 tally. If the trend continues in December, the overall previous year's level of 238,481 first registrations could be just missed.

Making up the shortfall by the end of the year

Auto-Schweiz media spokesman Christoph Wolnik: "After a dry spell of almost three years, this upward trend over several months is very pleasing for the Swiss automotive industry. Of course, we are still a long way from the normal level of around 300,000 passenger cars per year. But hopes are growing that we will be able to get even closer in 2023."

One in five new cars is an electric vehicle
The market share of electric cars was 20.5 percent in November, 1.4 percentage points higher than a year ago. The 4391 battery-electric passenger cars were joined by 1701 plug-in hybrids and 5531 hybrids without an external charging option. Together, the alternative drive systems accounted for 54.3 percent of the market in November. Detailed figures by brand are available on the website.

car.swiss

Lexus: Discreet model update for the flagship

PERFECT CONNECTIVITY The new edition of the Lexus LS features a number of detailed improvements. Access to information, communication and entertainment has also been optimized with new connectivity technology.

Lexus Link Pro
Lexus equips the new LS with optimized comfort and safety features.

The latest Lexus Link multimedia system represents a real transformation of the LS model range. It allows passengers to interact with the system via touchscreen, voice inputs or smartphone with the new Apple Car Play wireless integration. The new Lexus Link Pro offers a user-friendly multimedia experience thanks to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and "Hey-Lexus" on-board assistant, with quick response to voice commands for Internet searches, phone calls, and audio and climate adjustments.

Multimedia software and smartphone app
Over-the-air updates convey the new multimedia software, while Lexus Link enables remote control of windshield defrosters, door locks and hazard warning lights via a smartphone app. In addition, LS owners can set the interior temperature and steering wheel heating via app. The app also provides trip analysis, transmits function warning lights, gives tips on hybrid driving techniques, and displays the vehicle's location.

Wheel position on the panoramic view monitor
Maneuvering the car is made more comfortable and safer by the camera view through under the car floor, displayed together with the wheel position on the panoramic view monitor. In addition to the numerous safety and convenience functions of the Safety System+, the Parking Assist Monitor makes it easy to estimate the parking space when reversing by displaying the vehicle's longitudinal axis. Another practical feature is that a smartphone can be stored in an open compartment in the redesigned center console. The first deliveries of the new LS will take place in December.

lexus.ch

Comparison: Where do electric cars really make sense?

CITIES AND COUNTRIES Many want to switch from gasoline to electric cars today, but are still hesitant because of logistical problems with recharging. That's how well European countries are doing when it comes to infrastructure for e-cars.

Electromobility
Hamburg, the best city for electric drivers in Germany, has 678 public charging points.

For a new study on electric mobility, Savoo examined 24 German cities, as well as European countries, on various metrics to find out which are best suited for electric vehicles. The number of charging stations, the average price per kilowatt hour and the salary share for operating an electric car were evaluated.

Hamburg best city for electric drivers
Hamburg, Germany's second largest city, is the best city for electric drivers in Germany with an overall score of 6.27. It has 678 public charging points at a price of 0.39 euros/kWh. Munich follows with an overall score of 6.04, with 533 charging stations. Düsseldorf, in third place, has 161 public charging points.

The German capital takes fourth place in the ranking. The worst place for e-drivers is Cologne, which, along with Frankfurt, is one of the most expensive cities to charge electric cars. In both cities, you have to reckon with 0.44 euros/kWh.

Switzerland still made it into the top ten
First place in the comparison of European countries with the best charging infrastructure goes to the Netherlands with an overall score of 5.76. The country has the most charging stations with 41,223. Close behind is Germany with 28,553 public charging stations, while Switzerland still makes it into the top ten with an overall score of 3.94.

Belarus comes in last place in the ranking. Charging an electric car there costs an average of 16.50 euros. With only 30 public charging stations, the country is very poorly positioned in terms of charging infrastructure.

In addition, this data was compared to current gasoline prices to determine how much electric car drivers can save on operating costs and which European countries are leading the way in meeting electric car demand.

savoo.com

Bugatti: The Chiron rubs tires on the ground

DRIFT IN THE AM SUN As the delivery of the 30th Chiron Pur Sport marks the completion of half of the series, Bugatti celebrates the car's performance spectrum with a drift of the C-Line, the iconic sideline inscribed in the design.

 

There is no wind, the asphalt is damp and glistens in the morning sun. The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is waiting in the middle of the racetrack. It's ready to execute a controlled maneuver, made possible only by plenty of drive power and perfect balance. Via all-wheel drive, the 8-liter W16 engine is said to deliver 1600 Nm and 1500 hp to the road.

Chiron Pure Sport
The Chiron Pur Sport delivers superior performance across the entire speed range.

Controlled cross travel with perfect arc
The challenge for Sven Bohnhorst, a senior development and chassis engineer at Bugatti, is to describe a perfect arc with the Chiron in a controlled drift that forms the famous Bugatti C-line when viewed from above. This design element has been synonymous with styling elegance for decades and can be found on the Veyron and Chiron as well as in Jean Bugatti's early Art Deco creations.

But the C Line is not just a design element. It also serves to optimize the performance parameters and originally arose from the need to improve the ventilation of Bugatti's 16-cylinder models. At window level, a clean airflow meets the Pur Sport behind the A-pillar. The C-line picks up the airflow, which is then directed through the wheel arches and exits at the rear of the vehicle.

Up to 200 km/h in just 5.9 seconds
When the driver countersteers into the turn after accelerating at the start and smoke rises from all the wheel arches, the character of the Chiron Pur Sport becomes apparent. With precise control of the steering wheel and accelerator pedal, the driver completes the drift perfectly and leaves a C-line on the asphalt.

Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles: "The Chiron Pur Sport is one of the most agile models we have ever developed. The car is so compact that it can be driven every day, and at the same time so precise that it allows such a controlled drift. From the first attempt to the last drive at dusk, the Chiron Pur Sport successfully mastered the task."

The Pur Sport accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Please take a deep breath.

bugatti.com

Lancia: The Delta S4 is a real high-flyer

LEGENDARY In the Ruoteclassiche - Best in Classic 2022 competition, the all-wheel-drive Lancia Delta S4 outperformed such prominent competitors as the Bugatti EB 110 GT Parigi and the Lamborghini Countach 25 Anniversary.

Lancia Delta S4
Purely functional components make the body of the Delta S4 look very peculiar.

In the youngtimer category of the prestigious annual classic car competition Ruoteclassiche - Best in Classic 2022, the Lancia Delta S4 came first. It left not only the Bugatti EB110 Parigi but also the Lamborghini Countach 25 Anniversary behind. In this category, vehicles from the 1980 to 2000 model years were on the ballot.

World champion Miki Biason in the jury
The chosen Delta S4, a road-legal version, is one of the rare surviving examples of the small series limited to 200 units produced between 1985 and 1986.

The award ceremony of the organizer Ruoteclassiche, a traditional Italian classic car magazine, took place on November 30 at the Pirelli hangar Bicocca. Among the twelve jury experts was Miki Biason, the last Italian World Rally Champion.

Power through turbo and compressor
The Lancia Delta S4 won 15 rally victories in the second half of the 1980s. Its 1.75-liter four-cylinder engine was doubly supercharged by a turbocharger and a supercharger. This gave it a maximum torque of 450 Nm at 4500 rpm. Weighing only 966 kilograms, the 4×4 car is now part of the large Stellantis Heritage collection.

lancia.com

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