Even before the motorsport elite gather for the final F1 race of the season at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, IWC Schaffhausen invited brand ambassador Lewis Hamilton for a tour of Dubai. Hamilton's driver and companion was none other than Alexandra Hirschi, known to many car enthusiasts worldwide as Supercar Blondie.

On the famous Sheikh Zayed Road, they passed several of the city's landmarks and discussed the cosmopolitan city's relationship with automobiles and culture. At the Dubai Mall, Hamilton was welcomed to the flagship boutique by IWC CEO Chris Grainger in a green polo shirt and former F1 star and brand ambassador David Coulthard.

Joint development of the watches
In the entrance hall, seven-time F1 World Champion Hamilton was paired with the Mercedes-AMG W12 E Performance F1 model he competed in during the 2021 season. At the Engineering Wall, the group examined a selection of iconic watches that IWC has developed together with its long-time motorsport partner.

Interactive services in a new way
IWC's new retail concept is designed to blur the traditional boundaries between a physical store and a digital experience. Interactive services allow visitors to immerse themselves in the IWC universe in a new way.

The first of these boutiques opened in Zurich in September 2020. Dubai followed, and just a few weeks ago the third boutique started operations at Taikoo Hui Mall in Shanghai.

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As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the new Prius reinforces Toyota's multi-technology program, which also includes battery (BEV) and fuel cell electric (FCEV) models. As a pioneer, the Prius has inspired the development of other models since 1997. Now it comes with a significant performance boost and a visually strikingly more attractive appearance. The Japanese car is appealing at first glance.

More power and greater efficiency
The new generation of the hybrid system is designed to deliver a new driving experience with more power and greater efficiency. The 2-liter gasoline engine produces 148 hp (111 kW) and is combined with a 120 kW (163 hp) electric motor, resulting in a maximum system output of 223 hp (164 kW).

To enable most trips in EV mode, the range has been increased by more than 50 percent thanks to the new 13.6-kWh battery. In addition, clean energy can be produced via solar cells on the roof.

Wheelbase increased by 50 millimeters
The aerodynamically further optimized body ensures perfect flow and excellent fuel efficiency. The emphatically independent design that has always characterized the Prius is now taken to a new level with the coupe-like silhouette. At the same time, the proportions have changed significantly, as the wheelbase has grown by 50 millimeters, while the car is now 46 millimeters shorter.

The seating position in the new car is slightly lower than before, and all controls are easy to overlook and within easy reach. In the center of the driver's module is the 7-inch TFT screen directly in the driver's field of vision.

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Together, the Stuttgart-based automaker and Roger Federer have launched the Neon Legacy initiative. The first result of the collaboration was on display at the Laver Cup in London in September: a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance painted neon yellow in homage to the color of tennis balls.

Auction by RM Sotheby's
Now this car is going into the next round. On Saturday, November 26, it will be sold at an auction by the RM Sotheby's auction house in Munich. Mercedes is investing the proceeds in the refurbishment of a public tennis court in London.

Britta Seeger, member of the Mercedes-Benz Board of Management and responsible for sales: "Inspired by our long-time partner Roger Federer, it is a great concern for us to support the Neon Legacy initiative."

Further subprojects are planned
However, the auction of the AMG GT 63 S E Performance and the investment of the proceeds in the London project are just the start of the joint initiative. Further sub-projects are planned for 2023, with communication starting at a later date.

Roger Federer: "I'm grateful for all the support I've received during my 24 years as a professional athlete and I'm now looking forward to being able to return the favor."

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Porsche's first overall victory in the Paris-Dakar Rally was achieved in 1984, for the first time with all-wheel drive in the Porsche 911, which is why the new 911 Dakar is offered with an optional rally design package reminiscent of the winning car.

What immediately catches the eye on the new 911 Dakar is the 50 millimeters higher ground clearance. In addition, the lift system can raise the front and rear of the car by a further 30 millimeters.

Reinforced tires for hard use
The sporty off-road appearance is matched by the special tires for hard use of the type Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus, at the front as 245/45 ZR 19, at the rear as 295/40 ZR 20. The coarse tread, the reinforced sidewalls and the treads consist of two carcass layers. Pirelli P Zero summer and winter tires are available as an option, also reinforced. The all-terrain tire, which also offers sports car-typical dynamics on asphalt, is fitted as standard.

100 km/h from a standstill in 3.4 seconds
The 3-liter biturbo six-cylinder with 480 hp and a maximum torque of 570 Nm delivers superior performance with the typical emotional boxer sound. From a standstill the car accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, the top speed is limited to 240 km/h due to the all-terrain tires.

As standard, the engine is coupled to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. In addition, the rear-axle steering, the engine mounts from the 911 GT3 and the PDCC roll stabilization system are part of the standard equipment.

Special stainless steel protective elements
Other distinguishing features of the 911 Dakar, which weighs in at 1605 kilograms, are the fixed rear spoiler and the front hood adopted from the 911 GT3. Details such as the widened wheel arches and sills and the stainless steel protective elements at the front and rear are also standard. A roof basket for large objects is also included in the range.

In terms of the interior, the 911 Dakar, which remains limited to 2,500 units, underscores a sporty claim with full bucket seats and the omission of rear seats. Prices start at 268,700 Swiss francs.

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BMW's large sedan has undergone a major transformation over the years. The petite, stretched touring car became a beefy body. The latest generation now goes one step further. The 7 Series is no longer available in two lengths, but only as a long version. At 5.39 meters, it is even 13 centimeters longer than its predecessor.

The huge kidney radiator grille is joined by narrow LED light strips, which can be fitted with Swarovski crystals on request. BMW's main sales markets for the large sedan are in China (45 percent) and the USA (20 percent). Just nine percent of production remains in Europe, according to forecasts.

All drive variants, but no V12
The prestigious V12 engine has been dropped. An eight-cylinder version is built but not sold in Europe. Here, the range is limited to a diesel with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, two plug-in hybrids and the i7 with pure electric drive (745 Nm, 400 kW). The PHEV and diesel will be available from spring 2023.

BMW's combustion engines, hybrids and electric cars are all based on the same platform. The spaciousness is simply great. The 7 Series wants to be a chauffeur-driven sedan - and makes that clear right away. With the right equipment, the rear becomes a lounge with a reclining seat, darkened windows and even a movie screen. A 32-inch screen folds down electrically from the roof and turns the back seat into a movie theater.

The focus is on driving pleasure
The top priority is ride comfort. The i7 electric version in particular scores highly here. The weight of the battery of around 600 kilograms further improves suspension comfort. The air suspension responds very finely and flattens even the roughest bumps.

Thanks to electric roll stabilization and adaptive dampers, the sedan manages not to roll. In addition, rear-axle steering helps to make the handling more manageable.

Chief developer Markus Flasch: "I'm a big fan of the V12 engine. But no one will miss it here."
After the first test drive in the Stromer, we can only agree with him - especially since the range is up to 625 kilometers thanks to the 101.7-kWh battery. The base price of the BMW i7 xDrive 60 is 169,900 Swiss francs.

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Leonard Heidegger created a huge build-up of tension in the final race of the PRO category. As the only driver ever, the title contender in the fastest category, did not drive a valid Superpole lap and thus started at the end of the field. Surprisingly, the youngest driver Levin Nikitas led the field ahead of Rowan Eaton and Julian Ammann after the start.

The three leaders fought fair battles, while Heidegger fought his way from last place to the front through the field and had to take many risks. As a result, he was even given a 5-second penalty by the race organizers. In the photo finish he had to admit defeat to Yves Eigenmann who was in 4th place. Levin, Eaton and Ammann are the winners of the final race, but not the winners of the championship. By setting the fastest race lap, fifth-placed Leonard Heidegger was able to secure 3 more additional points.

Leonard Heidegger narrowly made it to 1st place
With a lot of suspense and a very tight distribution of points, Leonard Heidegger managed to win the championship of the PRO category after all with 81 points ahead of Julian Ammann (76 pts.) and Levin Nikitas (73 pts.)! In addition to a Porsche Drive voucher worth 3090 Swiss francs, Heidegger wins an Auto Sport Schweiz license course in Hockenheim as well as participation in the FIA Motorsport Games 2024 as a driver for Switzerland.

Tobias Schmidlin is champion in the AM category
Schmidlin, Vetsch and Pereira were the three on the first places, who proved themselves in the Superpole and were at the front of the starting grid. But already in the first lap everything was reshuffled after Vetsch caused a minor chaos and some other riders were involved in the incident.

Vetsch could not fight his way back to the top and finished the race in 8th place. This not only mixed up the final race, but also upset the overall standings. Thus the AM classification is led by Tobias Schmidlin with the maximum score of 94 points ahead of Nicola Mantegani (74 pts.) and Pedro Pereira (70 pts.).

Nadja Brülisauer champion with four start-finish victories
It was already clear after Superpole that Nadia Brülisauer would challenge Danica Brönnimann, the reigning champion to date, for the 2-time title of fastest lady in the final. Starting on pole and already in the first lap with a two-second lead over second-placed Bettina Buess, Brülisauer outclassed the field early on.

After contact between Brönnimann and Buess, Buess loses five positions and falls far behind. Vanessa Rüfenacht benefits from this, pulling away from the field with Brülisauer ahead of Brönnimann in the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992 generation).

The race as well as the championship in the category Ladies is won by Nadia Brülisauer with the maximum score of 94 points ahead of Danica Brönnimann (82 points) and the surprising newcomer Vanessa Rüfenacht (72 points).

Michael Dänzer is the new champion in the cat. Ü45
The Superpole was clearly won by the ambitious Daniel Hablützel with a lead of almost half a second over Michel Dänzer. However, after an unsuccessful start he was caught off guard by Fabian Eggenberger and Dänzer. With a lot of patience and pace Dänzer made it back to the top in lap 3 and constantly extended his leading position. While close behind, Hablützel and Gilbert Denzer put up a tough fight and crossed the finish line in this order in the final.

The winner of the category Ü45 is Michel Dänzer with 90 points ahead of Daniel Hablützel (88 points) and Gilbert Denzer (73 points).
All results and finalists are listed here on the leaderboard:
here you can go to the Rankings.

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Of the 129 drivers who made it through to the next round by pre-qualifying deadline, 48 pilots competed for the title in the final at Auto Zürich. In Hall 7 of Messe Zürich, the first champion was sought and found for the newly created class. The finalists from the quarter to the semi-final and finally in the all-decisive final delivered SimSport at its best.

No easy fight for the favorites
After a long day of quarterfinals and semifinals, the favorites Thomas Schmid (Swiss Champion 2020 and 2021), Leonard Heidegger, Julian Ammann, Kevin Hablützel and eight other drivers competed in the final at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. Among the non-favorites, Beat Schmid was able to put himself in the limelight beforehand, as he won the second semi-final both in qualifying and in the race ahead of Leonard Heidegger.

Exciting race for the spectators
The 10-minute qualifying session was hard to beat due to the density of strong drivers as well as the driving characteristics of the Honda Civic TCR: on the last lap Thomas Schmid (#4) was able to take the lead with a lap of 2:00:595 minutes ahead of Simracing Series newcomer Lino Spengler (#23).

Shortly afterwards, Leonard Heidegger (#1) followed suit with a time of 2:00:599 minutes and took second place, just four thousandths behind. In the live interview before the race, Heidegger said that he now wanted to go "full on attack", although overtaking Thomas Schmid seemed "almost impossible" to him. The spectators could therefore look forward to an exciting race.

Spectacular maneuvers in the curves
In the 20-minute race, all drivers got off to a clean start and, after another briefing from race director Alex Maag (Auto Sport Schweiz), adhered to the fairness rules in racing. Thomas Schmid was able to narrowly defend his position in turns 1 and 2 ahead of Heidegger, who now wanted to try his luck in turn 3. Lino Spengler sensed the aggressiveness of the second-placed driver from Geneva and braked right next to him in a spectacular maneuver in turn 3, leaving the spectators hoping for another exciting race.

In the following 19 minutes, silence returned to the field of contenders for victory - instead, the spectators were able to enjoy an exemplary duel between Kevin Hablützel and Jan Offner in 8th and 9th place.

Thomas Schmid is the winner of the new series
It seemed as if places one to three were sealed: Thomas Schmid led constantly with a respectable gap of one second, while Heidegger was rarely able to provoke his man in front. Only on the last lap in the penultimate corner (after a long intermediate straight) did Heidegger surprise his rival with a late braking point and sit next to him on the inside, just as Spengler did on lap 1.

Door to door, they entered the final chicane before the start and finish, but Heidegger was able to prevail due to the momentum he had taken with him and was deservedly allowed to climb the higher podium as the new runner-up.

Thomas Schmid is the deserved first Swiss champion in the new TCR Swiss Virtual Series powered by Honda and can now look forward to a test day in the real Honda Civic TCR. The Jonschwil native is now Swiss champion in simracing for the third time in a row and is steadily building on his Swiss championship titles in real racing.

The complete Ranking list you can find HERE

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The new model appears with short front and rear overhangs and racing motorcycle-inspired mirrors and gullwing doors. It uses the potential of electric drive technology to rewrite the rules of car design.

The flowing lines also contribute to perfect aerodynamics. Following this first project by chief designer Filippo Perini, a sedan is also to be unveiled as early as February 2023.

Unconventional and classic Italian
Every single design element of the SUV shows an effort to be both unconventional and classically Italian. This is evident, for example, in the windows, which flow as if from a single mold from the front of the vehicle over the roof to the tailgate. The doors open upward for optimal entry and exit.

Aehra has opted for innovative aerodynamic management with movable elements at the front and rear to combine sporty handling characteristics and active driving safety.

Composites and carbon technology
The use of modern and lightweight composite materials including forged carbon technologies, which only came onto the market a few years ago, reduces the weight of the vehicle and increases efficiency. The drive power is 550 to 600 kW, and the range is more than 800 kilometers.

Hazim Nada, Aehra founder and CEO: "Aehra's SUV represents the combination of sustainable materials, advanced EV technology, smart manufacturing processes and Italian design."

SUV and sedan to be launched in 2025. We are curious.

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Since the introduction of the Audi e-tron around four years ago, Audi has been pursuing a straightforward e-roadmap and now has a portfolio of eight models - by 2026 there will be more than 20.

Audi Chief Technology Officer Oliver Hoffmann: "We have been able to significantly increase both battery capacity and charging power in the new Q8 e-tron. This enables us to achieve an optimized balance between energy density and charging capacity, thus ensuring greater efficiency."

New design and corporate identity
Audi is making a clear statement with the Q8 model designation. The Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron are immediately recognizable as all-electric models. This is ensured by the new front and rear design, which consistently continue the design language of the house. The Q8 e-tron introduces the new corporate identity on the exterior with a two-dimensional design of the four rings.

The model identification with an Audi lettering on the B-pillar is also new. With a length of 4.92 meters, a height of 1.62 meters and a wheelbase of 2.93 meters, the new Q8 offers plenty of space and comfort. The trunk capacity is generous at 569 liters for the SUV and 528 liters for the Sportback. There are also 62 liters in the front luggage compartment, the so-called trunk.

Three drive variants are available
Three versions each with electric all-wheel drive are available for both body styles. The base models Audi Q8 50 e-tron and Q8 Sportback 50 e-tron with their two motors produce 250 kW in boost mode with a torque of 664 Nm and enable a range of up to 505 kilometers.

Q8 55 e-tron and Q8 Sportback 55 e-tron produce 300 kW in boost mode with a torque of 664 Nm. Their range is up to 600 kilometers. The top SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron models are powered by three engines that provide a boost output of 370 kW and torque of 973 Nm.

The market launch of the new Audi Q8 e-tron and the Q8 Sportback e-tron is scheduled for the end of February 2023 in Switzerland. The base price for the Q8 e-tron in Switzerland is 84,900 Swiss francs.

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As the new edition of Auto Zürich shows, there are also points of light alongside the many less pleasing reports from the automotive industry. The enthusiastic reception among exhibitors and the large number of visitors of more than 60,000 speak for themselves.

The organizers registered the biggest crowd in years, and the 54 brand appearances with more than 80 novelties - including world premieres - represent best performance in the 35 years of existence.

Around 1000 test drives with 17 e-cars
The new ev experience format was also unexpectedly well received at the second event. Around 1000 test drives with 17 electric vehicles were carried out. This represents an increase of almost 20 percent compared to the previous year.

Organizer Karl Bier: "All in all, with these results Auto Zürich has not only regained its old strength, but can claim to be more vital than ever."

Anchor the future viability of the trade fair
With the 2022 mood among visitors and exhibitors, the Zurich auto show is successfully bucking the only apparent trend, according to which the auto show format is generally seen to be in retreat.

On the contrary: The 35th Auto Zürich has gained massively in substance compared to previous years. With this result, the organizers see themselves confirmed in their plans to continue to drive forward the change heralded in 2019.

Karl Bieri: "The overriding goal is and remains to sustainably anchor Auto Zurich's future viability."

The next Auto Zürich will be held at Messe Zürich from November 2 to 5, 2023.

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