STRONG RISE The largest parade of Mazda's popular two-seaters formed at the Modena Circuit in Italy. 707 MX-5s turned laps on the race track - a notarized world record.
Editorial - September 23, 2022
As the MX-5 Rally of Records, 707 smart Mazda convertibles broke the Guinness World Record for the largest Mazda model parade a few days ago at the Modena Circuit. This surpassed the Danish record of 683 cars set in 2013.
For the new record, all four model generations were also represented from Switzerland. Under the watchful eyes of the Guinness observers, the record was set and officially registered at 6 pm.
More than 700 Mazda MX-5s met for the record-breaking drive at the Modena Circuit.
Sports car with a large fan base During the record drive, the public had the opportunity to participate in various Mazda activities, such as the presentation "Fun to drive will never die" with Japanese engineer Nobuhiro Yamamoto, project manager of the third and fourth generation MX-5, and Elisa Artioli, car fan and granddaughter of Romano Artioli, former Lotus boss.
In another presentation, Yamamoto, Andrea Mancini, owner of Miataland, and David Giudici, director of Ruoteclassiche, Youngtimer and AutoItaliana, discussed their love of the MX-5 with guests.
SERVICE Every hypercar requires careful maintenance by experts. The Bugatti Certified Pre-Owned Program provides this maintenance for a range of second-hand Bugatti models.
Editorial - September 23, 2022
The Veyron and the Chiron are icons of automotive engineering - hyper sports cars that set breathtaking technical standards.
With the launch of this program, all buyers of a privately owned Veyron or Chiron can rest assured that their future vehicle will be of the quality expected of a Bugatti.
To qualify for the Certified Pre-Owned Program, the car must have undergone a 110-point inspection by the official Bugatti dealer in the six months prior to sale. This one-year limited warranty for Certified Pre-Owned Chiron models is as comprehensive as the original warranty for new Bugatti models.
Separate two-year warranty for spare parts Only authorized Bugatti service companies may be used for warranty work and only original Bugatti spare parts may be installed. These spare parts are covered by a separate two-year warranty, and replacement and labor are included. The first annual service at an authorized Bugatti service partner is also included.
REMEMBER The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is an icon of automotive history. 50 years after its world premiere in Paris, the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen is celebrating it with the Spirit of Carrera RS exhibition.
Editorial - September 22, 2022
The pioneer of the Carrera RS family with the ducktail has turned 50.
Since September 20, everything at Porscheplatz in Zuffenhausen has been under the sign of the duck's rump, the abbreviation RS and the number 2.7. The iconic Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is turning 50.
When the car was presented at the Paris Motor Show on October 5, 1972, it was the first production car in the world with a front and rear spoiler. The requirements for the 911 base vehicle for racing and rallying were clearly defined: It had to be light and fast. To this end, Hans Mezger and Valentin Schäffer redeveloped the 2.7-liter six-cylinder boxer engine.
In the sports version, the coupe, which weighs just 960 kilograms and has 210 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, and the top speed is just under 245 km/h.
History information and pictures The Porsche Museum tells the story of the RS and its motorsport brother the RSR not only with vehicles and anecdotes, but also through films, photos, racing posters and interactive elements.
The centerpiece of the special exhibition is a bright yellow 911 Carrera RS 2.7 in Touring trim as well as a rare experimental car in green metallic.
The vehicles, development documents, advertising brochures, price lists, the Carrera lettering and an article from the customer magazine Christophorus describe the path from development vehicle to production-ready Porsche.
All major models of the GT3 RS family Visitors to the exhibition can also look forward to special members of the duck rump family from the past five decades: the 911 RS (964) duo and the 911 RS (993) as air-cooled sports cars and from the water-cooled era. Alongside them are the GT3 RS models from the 996, 997 and 991 series and the 911 Sport Classic from the 992 series.
The Porsche Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PREVIEW The Göttingen-based company Electric Brands is presenting the X-Bus S as a world first at the IAA Transportation Hannover.
Editorial - September 22, 2022
The X-Bus S electric light vehicle comes with electric all-wheel drive, but is also available with front-wheel or rear-wheel drive only. Its payload is approximately 750 kilograms, the load volume up to 1656 liters.
Electric Brands brings a breath of fresh air to light commercial vehicles with the X-Bus S.
Range of up to 120 kilometers At 3.20 meters, the smaller version of the X-Bus, which is not yet available, is 74 centimeters shorter than the basic model. Solar modules integrated into the body increase the range to up to 120 kilometers. However, the small van is not due to go into series production for another two years.
Following on from the flatbed version already presented, Electric Brands will also be exhibiting a variant of the 90 km/h Evetta Cargo in Hanover.
NATURE REJOICES Apparently it was only a matter of time. With the DSR/X model, the US motorcycle manufacturer Zero is expanding its range with the 100% electric adventure bike.
Editorial - September 21, 2022
With the Zero DSR/X, you're not only driving without exhaust fumes, but also supported by numerous assistance systems.
The locally emission-free motorcycle from Zero Motorcycles is equipped with a new engine that delivers a peak output of 75 kW (102 hp) and 225 Nm of torque at 35 kW (48 hp) continuous power.
This enables a top speed of 180 km/h. The battery has a capacity of 17.3 kWh, which should be sufficient for a combined range of around 185 kilometers.
Off-road ABS, maneuvering aid and power bank A model-specific trellis frame and a fully adjustable front fork were developed for the electric motorcycle. The off-road ABS from Bosch includes an electronically combined braking system and a vehicle hold function for sloping terrain.
Start of master shots...
The Zero DSR/X also has a maneuvering aid - both forwards and backwards. From next spring, some of the storage compartments can be exchanged for a power bank to increase the battery capacity to 21 kWh.
Alternatively, a quick-charging module can also be integrated, which reduces the charging time to around one hour, according to the manufacturer. The Zero DSR/X is available at a price of 28,165 francs.
LOOK BACK A new Heritage Hub is open to the public in Turin Mirafiori. The museum of the Fiat, Abarth and Lancia brands displays classic passenger cars and racing cars in the former Turin factory.
Editorial - September 21, 2022
A highlight at the Heritage Hub Mirafiori are 16 Fiat models of the Carabinieri.
The show was made possible by the collaboration between the Stellantis Group's Cultural Heritage Department, the City of Turin and the National Automotive Museum of Italy. The Hub, located in the Mirafiori industrial complex, offers two-hour guided tours three days a week. Tickets are available online at the Turin Automotive Museums website.
Presentation in former production halls The Stellantis Group hub houses a collection of historic Abarth, Fiat and Lancia models in an area of around 15,000 square meters. The building, which was commissioned in 1968, was originally a production hall of the Mirafiori plant in the Turin suburb of the same name.
For more than 30 years, mainly mechanical components for various series models were manufactured there. Today, Officina 81 is an ideal stage for the presentation of more than 300 classic vehicles.
Workshops and conferences for 200 people In the center of the exhibition area are 64 classic cars, representing Records and Races, Concepts and Fuoriserie, Archistars, Eco and Sustainable, Small and Safe, Style Marks, Epic Journeys and The Rally Era. The other vehicles are divided by brand in ascending chronology. In addition to classics from Fiat, Abarth and Lancia, vintage cars from Alfa Romeo, Autobianchi and Jeep are also on display.
A dedicated exhibition space is devoted to the history of the Mirafiori plant from 1939 to the present day. This area of the Heritage Hub also houses rooms for workshops and conferences with a capacity of up to 200 people. An ideal setting for a conference is the engine hall, where important engines from more than 100 years of Fiat and Lancia history are presented.
Mitsubishi: First photos and details of the next ASX
COMEBACK Just two years ago, Mitsubishi announced that it no longer intended to develop new models for Europe. Now, however, the Japanese have presented their new ASX.
Stefan Donat - September 21, 2022
From the market launch of the ASX from March next year, six colors will be available on request with a black roof,
With almost 380,000 models sold, the first generation was a sales hit on this continent. The new generation was developed in collaboration with alliance partner Renault and therefore probably looks similar to a well-known crossover, the Captur.
Development specifically for markets in Europe The new ASX was developed specifically for European markets and is based on the CMF-B platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The new ASX offers a wide range of powertrain options, including plug-in hybrid (PHEV), full hybrid (HEV) and mild hybrid.
Frank Krol, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, said, "SUV growth and electrification are the dominant trends in the European market, and this will continue - as an electric SUV with a complete package of advanced technology and infotainment features, the new ASX is perfectly suited for Europe."
Driver-oriented layout of the cockpit Body, dimensions, interior, engines and drive technology - everything is taken almost one-to-one from the Captur. Even the Dynamic Shield front design looks confusingly similar to the Renault radiator grille. The only difference is that instead of Renault's diamonds, Mitsubishi's three-diamond logo can be seen and the brand name is emblazoned on the tailgate in thick letters instead of the model name.
The interior of the 4.23-meter-long ASX also features the familiar driver-oriented cockpit layout with corresponding dashboards and infotainment systems. The center-mounted Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA), which is called Easy Link in Renault, also catches the eye here.
Six-speed manual transmission or automatic The ASX starts with a three-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of one liter and 91 hp, which is put on the road via a 6-speed manual transmission. Above that ranks a 1.3-liter turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection plus mild hybrid system with belt-driven starter-generator, which develops either 140 hp or 158 hp. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT).
Full-fledged hybrids are then available with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine, with which Mitsubishi is celebrating two premieres in Europe. A full hybrid version HEV with 143 hp (105 KW), which combines two electric motors with an automatic multi-mode transmission. And a 117 kW (160 hp) plug-in hybrid, in which the drive battery stores 10.5 kWh of electricity, which can be used to cover just under 50 kilometers in pure electric mode.
Many safety systems are standard In terms of passive and active safety, the Japanese again benefit from the systems of the French, including front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags on each side, anti-whiplash head restraints and the standard rear-end collision warning system with emergency brake assist.
Other standard driving assistants include active lane departure warning, cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic speed control, parking aids and a rearview camera. In the higher trim levels, blind spot assist, active lane departure warning, speed warning, adaptive cruise control (with stop-start function) and high beam assist are also available.
IAA 2022: Ford Pro offers comprehensive Eco package
FOR EVERY NEED Ford's commercial vehicle division is presenting an eco package for commercial vehicles, service, charging system, software and financing at the IAA Transportation Hannover through September 25.
Editorial - September 20, 2022
The Ford E-Transit Custom is available with an optional propower onboard system.
The aim of this one-stop offering is to help commercial customers reduce their operating costs and switch to electric vehicles. The highlight is the new all-electric E-Transit Custom in the 1-ton payload segment, which is celebrating its public debut.
Ford Pro - Pro stands for productivity - is the name of a vehicle services and sales unit established in 2021 under the umbrella of Ford Motor Company that operates worldwide.
New generation of the well-known pickups In addition to the E version, however, custom variants with plug-in hybrid and Ecoblue diesel drive will also be on show. Delivery of the first Transit Custom models is scheduled from the second half of 2023.
Another attraction on the stand is the new generation of the Ford Ranger pick-up, which has been the number 1 in the segment in Europe and Switzerland for many years. With the Ranger variants Raptor and Wildtrak, Ford Pro is underpinning its leading position in the European pick-up segment.
Supply with onboard system Propower As with the E-Transit Custom and E-Transit, the Propower onboard system will also be available on request for the Transit Custom PHEV. These are sockets in the rear of the vehicle that can be used to power electric tools, connect external light sources or other devices with a power consumption of up to 2.3 kW.
Around 50 percent of all Ford Transit models sold in Europe are customized according to customer wishes, i.e. converted or extended into vehicles for special purposes.
FUTURE Lamborghini Squadra Corse has revealed the technical specifications of its LMDh project for entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship hypercar class and the IMSA Sports Car Championship GTP class.
Editorial - September 20, 2022
Lamborghini's racing department has high hopes for the upcoming LMDh.
In line with the LMDh regulations of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the International Motor Sports Association and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the Lamborghini LMDh will be equipped with a hybrid drive system consisting of an internal combustion engine and energy recovery system with a maximum total output of 500 kW (681 hp).
In addition to the single-source ERS kit, Lamborghini has opted for an 8-cylinder twin-turbo 90° V-angle carburetor developed by the company's motorsport division, Squadra Corse.
Hybridization of motorsport The LMDh represents a special project for the company, based on the developments and experience of the sports cars and thus fully in line with the corporate strategy Cor Tauri (means bull's heart). Squadra Corse is thus taking a step towards the future of motorsport with hybridization.
The main ERS components of the homologated LMDh kit are the electric motor from Bosch, the power management and energy storage system from Williams Advanced Engineering and the 7-speed hybrid transmission from Xtrac.
340 km/h top speed and 1030 kilos weight The vehicle, which will debut in the IMSA Sports Car Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2024, has a top speed of 340 km/h and weighs 1030 kilograms. It has a maximum width of 2.00 meters and a length of 5.10 meters, and the wheelbase is 3.15 meters.
The base vehicle was developed together with Ligier Automotive, and the carbon fiber elements are manufactured in Italy by HP Composites. Thanks to the collaboration with Ligier Automotive, Lamborghini's Squadra Corse was able to enter the top class of endurance racing with an established chassis supplier.
Peugeot: 308 soon also available as a pure electric vehicle
SUSTAINABLE The sedan and SW station wagon variants of the Peugeot 308 are already available as plug-in hybrids and will also be offered as 100 percent electric models starting next year.
Editorial - September 19, 2022
The Peugeot E-308 will appear in mid-2023 with a recognizably revised design.
The Peugeot E-308 and E-308 SW models, which will expand the range from mid-2023, will receive a new electric motor with 260 Nm and 115 kW (156 hp). Peugeot also draws particular attention to the WLTP average consumption of 12.7 kWh/100 km, which is very modest for this segment.
The two new models will be available in the Allure and GT trim levels. They also get new, particularly aerodynamic 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Range of more than 400 kilometers The new 54-kWh lithium-ion battery operates at 400 volts and is based on cells with a high nickel and low cobalt content at the cathode. The e-308 models are expected to achieve ranges of more than 400 kilometers.
To make energy consumption as efficient as possible, it is also possible to choose between Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes. The three-phase on-board charger with an output of 11 kW includes a charging solution for all charging processes. At a 100 kW charging station, the vehicle can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in less than 25 minutes.
Thermal presetting with MyPeugeot The i-Cockpit of the electric 308s includes a heated steering wheel, a 3-D digital instrument cluster and a central 10-inch digital panel. The smartphone app MyPeugeot can be connected to the vehicle, schedule remote charging or start thermal preconditioning remotely.
The new e models are also equipped with numerous driver assistance systems. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, park assist and automatic emergency braking, for example, ensure greater safety.
