The traditional Swiss racing team will compete in the DTM with regular drivers Jack Aitken and Thierry Vermeulen. After a year's break, the team is also taking part in the ADAC GT Masters again, entering a Ferrari 296 GT3 with Swiss driver duo Jean-Luc D'Auria and Alain Valente.

Rigorous test program
To mark the 40th anniversary of the DTM, the top-class championship presents itself with twenty drivers and eleven teams. More than half of all participants have already achieved victories or podium finishes in the DTM. Despite the high performance density, Emil Frey Racing is positive about the new season, as the team completed a meticulous test program during the winter, and the hard work already paid off during the official tests in Hockenheim, when Aitken and Vermeulen set competitive times.

Fast Masters drivers
The young drivers made an equally successful debut at the ADAC GT Masters tests at the Hockenheimring, when D'Auria finished the second day of testing as the fastest of the day. In the DTM this season, 32 drivers from nine teams and seven manufacturers are battling it out for the winner's trophy. With Valente, Emil Frey Racing has brought the runner-up from 2023 into the team and will do everything in its power to win the championship this time. The first double weekend with the DTM and the ADAC GT Masters will take place in Oschersleben from April 26 to 28.

Team vote
Team Principal Lorenz Frey-Hilti comments: "The whole team is really looking forward to the new season. We had a productive winter period in which we analyzed a lot of things from last year and fixed the mistakes. The official test drives looked promising, but in principle you can only say how strong we are after the first qualifying session."
ProSieben will remain the exclusive TV partner of the DTM in the anniversary season and will show all 16 races of the season live on television. Coverage begins on Saturday and Sunday 30 minutes before the start of the race at 13:00.

emilfreyracing.com

At Porsche, the abbreviation GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport. In its basic character, the Cayenne is both a dynamic sports car and an off-road SUV. In the GTS models, this balance traditionally shifts towards enhanced on-road performance. The new Cayenne GTS continues this principle with a powerful drive, a sporty set-up and an exclusive design.

Turbo GT chassis
The GTS-specific suspension with lowering of the body by ten millimeters brings significant innovations to the Cayenne GTS. Porsche now equips it as standard with the adaptive air suspension including active damper control and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. All suspension components and control systems, such as Porsche Traction Management and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilization, are specifically designed for high on-road performance. The two-valve damper technology enables a fast response and, thanks to the two-chamber air spring, a very sporty spring rate and high ride comfort.

Power increase up to 500 hp
The four-liter V8 biturbo engine developed by Porsche and manufactured in Zuffenhausen has been extensively revised. The results are improved efficiency and a significant increase in performance. The engine now produces 500 hp - 40 hp more than in the previous model, and the maximum torque is 660 Nm. The revised 8-speed Tiptronic S improves driving performance thanks to shorter response and shift times in Sport and Sport Plus modes. These measures give the four-door sports car remarkable performance. The new GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 275 km/h.

Warranty and assistance ex works
Porsche is offering the new Cayenne GTS in Switzerland as an SUV with prices starting at 158,000 Swiss francs and as an SUV coupé for 16,000 Swiss francs. Both models can be ordered immediately. Deliveries in Europe will begin in the summer. Swiss customers benefit from an extended warranty and assistance, a current currency compensation premium and the services of the Porsche Swiss Package.

porsche.ch

The Suzuki Swiss Racing Cup is the most cost-effective way for amateur athletes to take part in competitive motorsport. "AutoSprintCH" spoke to race coordinator Christian Zimmermann about the upcoming season, which starts on April 27 and 28 at the Frauenfeld Auto Racing Days.

What can starters expect in 2024?

The Cup season once again promises a head-to-head race at the highest level and professionalism, which, in addition to the classic racing character, will also inspire with the family atmosphere and cohesion among the riders.

Which model do you drive?

This year, the Cup will once again be held with a standard Suzuki Swift Sport 48V Hybrid 1.4 Turbo. With the starting position that all drivers take part with exactly the same vehicle, the Racing Cup guarantees fairness and a battle of hundredths at the highest level.

What costs should I expect?

Participants must have the Swift Sport 48V Hybrid registered in the regulations. The vehicles must be equipped with a set of the prescribed Yokohama semi-slicks. Travel, meals and accommodation costs as well as any penalty fees or repair work are the responsibility of the participants.

When can I start receiving bonuses?

Riders who have taken part in at least three slalom races in the Suzuki Swiss Racing Cup will receive a retroactive participation bonus of 300 francs per race at the end of the season. In addition, riders who finish in the top 10 in the final ranking will receive prize money of up to CHF 5,000 and a Yokohama tire voucher worth CHF 1,500.

Is there any information on the 2025 season yet?

How the Suzuki Swift Racing Cup will continue is still uncertain. However, various discussions about the future of the Cup have already taken place. For now, we are looking forward to a successful, accident-free and great 2024 Cup season, because the field of participants promises exciting races. You can find out when and where the races will take place online. We are particularly pleased to welcome a young talent in Gregory Kresta.

AutoSprintCH wishes you a successful season

Gregory Kresta, the 18-year-old young talent from Füllinsdorf, is currently still attending grammar school in Liestal and has set his sights on studying business administration at the HSG St. Gallen. After that, he would like to become self-employed in the automotive sector or work in marketing. It will be interesting to see how the young talent will wind his way around the Suzuki Cup pylons this season. AutoSprintCH wishes him all the best for the start of the season at the Frauenfeld Auto Racing Days next weekend.

suzuki.ch

The appearance of the MHero 1 (heroIt looks like a movie car from Terminator or Judge Dredd and, with a length of almost five meters and sharp corners and edges, looks ready for adventure. However, the luxurious interior, the complete equipment and the price of 148,990 Swiss francs are more likely to tempt you to cruise down Bahnhofstrasse first. With the high battery capacity of 142 kWh, WLTP ranges of up to 450 kilometers are also possible.

Four electric motors

But it can also really get down to business. Two electric motors per axle offer a total of 800 kW (1088 hp) maximum power and a torque of 1400 Nm, the all-wheel drive has six modes and both axles can be locked in the event of traction problems. The rear wheels of the MHero 1 actively steer, which makes the car very maneuverable despite its dimensions. The turning circle diameter is 10.2 meters. Unusual: thanks to Crab Mode, the MHero 1 can also drive sideways and diagonally if necessary - something that was previously only possible with the Hummer EV from the GMC General Motors brand.

Heavyweight

The MHero 1 demonstrated its off-road capabilities for the first time on the challenging off-road terrain of the TCS in Hinwil and gave a convincing performance on rocks, scree, inclines and tree trunks. The vehicle has an unladen weight of 3410 kilograms and a maximum total weight of 3920 kilograms. That's a lot, but - thanks to new regulations for alternative drive systems - you can still drive it with a normal B permit.

Dongfeng importer

Daniel Kirchert's still young Noyo AG imports the massive eye-catcher from China. The company from Rotkreuz works together with Dongfeng and has already brought their premium brand Voyah to Switzerland. MHero is also a Dongfeng brand.

mhero.ch

With the new eyewear collection, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and eyewear manufacturer ic berlin are continuing their cooperation that began in 2020. The eight new timelessly elegant models combine the aesthetics of the two Mercedes brands. They are available either as prescription glasses or sunglasses and are handmade in the ic berlin manufactory.

Colors from the automotive world

The MB models are inspired by the design language of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Purist lines, flowing shapes and high-quality materials characterize the four prescription glasses and sunglasses in this collection. The color palette ranges from subtle to elegant, with accents in the typical Mercedes-Benz colors. The AMG models combine aesthetics with dynamism. They are available in many color combinations and strikingly colored lenses such as Crocus and Ultraviolet, but also in timeless variants such as Black or Venice Green.

Carbon models

A particular highlight of two models is the Flexarbon carbon fiber, which was designed based on the carbon interior of Mercedes AMG vehicles. It offers lightweight comfort and durability.

The new eyewear collection comprises eight models. The unisex model MB 17 is a pair of prescription glasses with classic, square frame shapes. MB 18 has a classic navigator look. MB 19 is the name of the sunglasses that combine organic lines with a sophisticated design. The MB 20 stands out due to its size and the lens in the familiar hexagonal pattern. The AMG 12 and the unisex model AMG 13 are sunglasses designed to evoke the dynamism and elegance of sporty cars. The AMG 14 prescription glasses and the AMG 15 unisex sunglasses emphasize advanced material technology and precise craftsmanship.

mercedes-benz.ch

The Porsche Sports Cup Suisse (PSCS) will start the 2024 season with refined regulations and a new circuit. The fourth of a total of six rounds of the Swiss Porsche one-make cup will take place in Portugal for the first time - on the challenging Autódromo Internacional do Algarve circuit in Portimão.

International starting field

The 17-year-old Aarau driver Ekaterina Lüscher is also a newcomer. She will be competing in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. She is looking forward to the new challenge in the competitive international field of drivers: "My expectations are high, but for now I will just focus on myself and learn as much as possible." She can also be pleased about the support for young drivers provided by Porsche Schweiz AG and the PSCS organizer Porsche Motorsport Club Suisse. "We are proud to be able to support a young female racing driver for the first time," emphasizes Club President Richard Feller.

Six races

The PSCS will also be based on two pillars in 2024: In the Porsche Drivers Competition, production cars will compete in a uniformity competition. In the Porsche Sprint Challenge, racing cars from the 911 and Cayman model series will battle for victory in three groups. It all starts from April 25 to 27 at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. This is followed by four more race weekends at Le Castellet (F) at the end of May, Imola (I) at the end of June, Portimão (P) in August and Mu- gello (I) at the end of September, before the season finale is held in Misano (I) at the end of October.

porschemotorsportclubsuisse.ch

Mercedes-Benz Vans intends to further expand its position as a manufacturer of premium vans. With the introduction of the modular and scalable Van Electric Architecture from 2026, the transition to a focused premium strategy for commercial vans is to be fully implemented. The new Vito, eVito, Sprinter and eSprinter light commercial vehicles mark an important step on this path. They offer more comfort, safety and functionality, especially thanks to the added smart connectivity.

Connectivity and convenience

The new Vito is the all-rounder among midsize vans with a gross weight of between 2.5 and 3.2 tons. It is available as a panel van, a tourer and a mixto, i.e. a mixture of panel van and tourer. It is available in three lengths, with two wheelbases and two drive systems. There are also three equipment lines. The Vito and eVito make a big leap forward in terms of connectivity. For the first time, they are equipped with the MBUX multimedia system. This means that commercial customers can now also benefit from digital connectivity and a wide range of digital extras.

Flagship Sprinter

The new Sprinter has become even safer and more intelligent and is also available as an all-electric eSprinter. It offers a maximum permissible gross weight of up to 5.5 tons. The Sprinter is already available in its basic form as a panel van, flatbed vehicle, chassis and tourer in three lengths and with a choice of front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. It is also available as a motorhome. The second generation of the electric van is based on a new modular concept with rear-wheel drive. The eSprinter allows higher payloads with a gross vehicle weight of up to 4.25 tons. Customers can choose between two body styles and lengths, three battery capacities and a peak output of 100 or 150 kW. The WLTP range is up to 478 kilometers.

Prices for the Vito start at 40,500 francs (panel van) and 49,500 francs (Tourer). The eVito starts at 58,700 francs. The Sprinter costs at least 53,800 francs, the eSprinter as a panel van at 63,300 francs.

mercedes-benz.ch

Racing slaloms have their own rules. If you want to win in this discipline, you have to be able to combine courage with skill. At speeds of sometimes more than 200 km/h, precise steering is just as important as bravado. In the end, only those who drive through the 3.5 meter wide gates, which are formed by consecutively numbered pylons, not only quickly but also without making any mistakes will be successful. Any shifting or knocking over will be penalized with a ten-second time penalty, and missing a gate will even result in disqualification.

Permanent winner

The 3.2-kilometre course on the Grosse Allmend in Frauenfeld is one of the slowest courses on the Swiss Slalom Championship calendar - but also one of the most challenging. For many years, the course record holder and multiple daily winner has been Philip Egli. At the event organized by ACS Thurgau, the Glarus resident from the canton of Zurich has been unbeaten in his Dallara F3 racing car since 2015, although several opponents have always challenged him for victory on the day. "This slalom course is challenging, but not as fast as the other races. That's why you have to find a good flow quickly after the fast start straight and also carry as much speed as possible after the slow gates. I've always managed this well," says the soon-to-be 40-year-old civil engineer, trying to explain his run of success. On Sunday, April 28, he will be going all out for his ninth victory of the day, especially as this slalom is his home race, so to speak. "Nowhere else are so many friends and relatives watching, so this is an important race for me."

Free admission

After the inspection run, all racing fields divided into different classes complete two training runs, which are followed by the two race runs after a break. The faster of the two race times is awarded. As in 2022 and 2023, all visitors will enjoy free admission to the race site and paddock. Information on other attractions for the public relating to the races and the supporting program, as well as the food truck festival, can be found on the ACS Thurgau website.

author-days.ch

In the construction period from 1971 to 1989, the roadsters and coupés of the 107 series were the last Mercedes models that were closed to the modern zeitgeist of the 80s with chrome and design. The suspension manufacturer KW automotive has now expanded its KW Classic program for all types and models of this series. In addition to a V3 damper set with adjustable compression and rebound damping, the KW V3 Klassik coilover suspension is now also available. It enables stepless lowering from 25 to 45 millimeters. On the other hand, the KW V3 damper set is recommended for all those who are primarily interested in modern driving behavior in their original restoration and want to do without lowering. The V3 classic dampers made of stainless steel are available from 3015 Swiss francs, and the catalog price for the V3 classic coilover suspension is 3610 Swiss francs.

Live in Stuttgart

At Retro Classics in Stuttgart, which runs from April 25 to 28, the suspension manufacturer will be presenting its extended range of dampers and complete suspensions for vintage and classic cars in Hall 3.

Regardless of whether someone opts for the V3 Classic damper set or the V3 Classic coilover suspension for their Mercedes SL of the 107 series: Thanks to the modern KW multi-valve technology in the damper design, the driving behavior increases in all areas.

KW Classic expert Sascha Dauer: "Our dampers are independently adjustable in low-speed compression and rebound for both options".

"This adjustment option means that our preset damper setup for the classic Mercedes-Benz can be further customized."

Ideal for restoration

The V3 classic dampers for the Mercedes-Benz SL have the same dimensions as the original parts of the time. This damper set is particularly recommended for Mercedes enthusiasts who attach great importance to the original ground clearance in their contemporary restoration. The stainless steel dampers are installed in conjunction with the original springs. When changing them, the manufacturer recommends replacing all wearing parts such as the original springs with new spare parts.

kwsuspensions.ch

An interior that sets standards

The Mazda CX-80, introduced as the successor to the CX-60, is the second model in Mazda's "Large Product Group". Available in six- or seven-seater configurations, the vehicle offers generous space complemented by a wide instrument panel and an optional panoramic glass roof. The CX-80's different seating configurations offer flexibility and comfort for all occupants, making every journey an experience of openness and freedom.

Innovative and powerful

The CX-80 is powered by two powerful electrified engines: the e-Skyactiv PHEV delivers 327 hp with an electric range of 60 kilometers, while the e-Skyactiv D2542, a 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, produces 254 hp and is supported by the Mazda M-Hybrid Boost system. Both variants are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD all-wheel drive for optimum traction and performance in all driving conditions.

Progress on board

The CX-80 is packed with cutting-edge technology, including a 360° monitor with See-Through View, which improves visibility in front of the vehicle, and the Trailer Hitch View function, which simplifies trailer hitching. The car offers an impressive towing capacity of up to 2,500 kilograms and is equipped with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, which allows you to switch between different driving modes, including a special EV mode for all-electric operation.

Mazda's priorities

In addition to its luxurious interior, the CX-80 relies on an extensive portfolio of i-Activsense driver assistance systems that make driving safer and more relaxed. These systems support the driver in monitoring the vehicle's surroundings and help to avoid accidents.

Pre-sales for the all-new Mazda CX-80 start in May. The new model will be available from Mazda dealers from fall 2024. Price from CHF 67950.

mazda.ch