TV tip: Elon Musk - the tech titan

PERSONAL For some, he is a visionary; for others, Elon Musk is an entrepreneur who is as driven as he is inscrutable and unpredictable.

Elon Musk
As the mastermind behind Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk is considered one of the world's most important tech innovators.

A documentary by SWR, which ARD will broadcast on August 31 at 11 p.m. in the First Program, is now dedicated to the Tesla boss. The film "Elon Musk - the Tech Titan" lets old companions and former employees have their say. They explain what drives the 51-year-old and what means he uses to achieve his goals. The film will also be available in the ARD Media Center from August 29.

Hardly any other figure of our time divides public opinion as much as Elon Musk. The flamboyant mastermind behind Tesla and SpaceX has caused stock markets to go crazy with individual tweets, while his controversial PR appearances have some experts doubting his true motives.

Reach, wealth and influence
Through globalized capabilities and universal technical reach, Musk has wealth and influence that far exceeds that of most nations and democratically elected heads of state.

With his own satellite system Starlink, he has now even transformed the night sky. But who is Elon Musk really? What drives him, what motivates him? The film by Richard Sanders provides answers.

ard.de

Koenigsegg: Hyper Coupé for the birthday 🎥

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Swedish automaker Christian von Koenigsegg turned 50 on July 2. To mark the occasion, the company unveiled the CC850 on Aug. 19 in Carmel, Calif.

 

The $3.65 million CC850 is a 1385-horsepower coupe. Powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine that can run on E85 fuel, the CC850 has a low, sleek design, a slightly rounded roof to optimize aerodynamics, and telephone dial-style wheels. As an alternative to the manual transmission, the car can be operated with a nine-speed automatic.

Protection against scratches on the underbody
The CC850 offers comforts like leather upholstery, air conditioning, bird's-eye parking assist, Apple CarPlay, USB ports and a front/rear lift system to prevent scratches to the underbody. Only 50 examples of the CC850 will be produced. Deliveries will begin in 2024.

koenigsegg.com

Geneva Motor Show: No show at Palexpo in 2023

SCHADE The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) will be held exclusively in Doha, Qatar, in 2023. The event planned for Geneva in February 2023 will not take place.

Geneva International Motor Show
Beautiful memory. The Geneva International Motor Show usually attracted over 600,000 people interested in cars.

The decision was made by the foundation Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile de Genève due to lack of predictability.

President Maurice Turrettini: "Due to the uncertainties in the global economy and geopolitical situation, as well as the risks associated with the development of the pandemic, the organizers have decided to focus exclusively on planning the event in Doha in 2023."

Two events were planned for next year
The GIMS will be held exclusively in Qatar in 2023, the members of the Committee and the Board of Trustees of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile de Genève have decided. The original plan was to hold GIMS 2023 in two editions, the first from February 14-19, 2023 at Palexpo in Geneva and the second as a world premiere in November in Doha, Qatar.

Maurice Turrettini: "We have done everything possible to ensure that we can host GIMS 2023 in Geneva in February. The format has evolved and the project has been very well received. However, in the end, the risks have been weighted higher."

No decision because of the uncertain situation

Sandro Mesquita, CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show: "Our team has worked very hard to ensure that GIMS 2023 can take place in both Geneva and Doha. In these uncertain times, many brands are not able to commit to participating in a show in Europe during the winter. After evaluating all elements, it has become clear to the Foundation that the show cannot be held in Geneva in 2023 as planned."

Innovations in decentralized venues
The first edition of the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar will be held in November 2023 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) and several other decentralized venues, such as at the IAA in Munich, and will feature many spectacular driving experiences.

Sandro Mesquita: "We are now fully focused on organizing GIMS in Doha and look forward to confirming the dates and format of this event with our partners at Qatar Tourism shortly. The Qatar event is scheduled to take place every two years."`

Alongside IAA and Tokyo, Geneva is the most important show
The Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) had its beginnings more than 100 years ago. Along with the IAA in Germany, the Motor Show in Tokyo and the Detroit Auto Show, it was one of the most important car shows in the world.

gims.swiss

Genesis: Crystal ball creates security

FUNCTION The Crystal Sphere transmission control - the crystal ball in the center console - is a striking design element of the new Genesis GV60. It is designed to create an emotional bond between the driver and the vehicle.

Genesis: Crystal Sphere Crystal Sphere
The characteristic design element in the new GV60 is the Crystal Sphere.

Placed in the seemingly floating center console of the Genesis GV60, the Crystal Sphere looks like a jewel in the cockpit. When the electrical systems of the new electric model are switched off, the Crystal Sphere becomes part of the ambient lighting. When the doors are opened, it welcomes the occupants with a soothing glow.

Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer at Genesis, says, "Because an electric car is very quiet, it's hard for the driver to make out that it's ready to go. That's why our engineers and designers developed this feature that brings the GV60 to life after a push of the start button."

Control for shift-by-wire transmission
After turning the start button, the Crystal Sphere rotates 180 degrees, exposing the controls for the shift-by-wire transmission. When the desired gear is engaged, the driver receives feedback, including a subtle vibration when shifting between forward and reverse.

At the same time, the sphere also serves as a safety feature, as it indicates the current status of the vehicle. Also contributing to safety is the fact that the Crystal Sphere cannot be turned into drive mode when charging and lights up red when reverse gear is engaged.

G-matrix pattern engraved with laser
The crystal ball is made of real glass and features a laser engraved G-matrix pattern on the inside. This distinctive design feature is further highlighted by the soft lighting.

As the centerpiece of the interior, the Crystal Sphere transmission control system is standard equipment in all GV60 models. The GV60 is available at prices starting at 53,000 Swiss francs.

genesis.com

Porsche: Strong performance of the 911 GT3 RS 🎥

RACE SPORT GENE The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is uncompromisingly designed for maximum performance. To achieve this, the 525 hp road-going sports car makes consistent use of the technology and principles of motorsport.

 

In addition to the torquey naturally aspirated engine with racing genes and the lightweight architecture, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS demonstrates its direct kinship with its motorsport brother, the 911 GT3 R, above all with its cooling and aerodynamic concept.

The basis for the significant increase in performance is the center radiator concept, which was first used in the Le Mans class-winning 911 RSR and subsequently in the 911 GT3 R. Instead of the previous layout with three radiators, the new 911 GT3 RS now relies on a large, angled center radiator in the front of the car.

911 GT3 RS
Thanks to the use of many lightweight components, the 911 GT3 RS weighs just 1450 kilograms.

Drag Reduction System for the first time
This made it possible to use the freed-up space at the sides to integrate active aerodynamic elements. Infinitely adjustable wings at the front and on the two-part rear spoiler, in combination with a large number of other aerodynamic measures, provide 409 kilograms of total downforce at 200 km/h. This generates three times as much downforce as a current 911 GT3. This means that the new GT3 RS generates three times as much downforce as a current 911 GT3.

For the first time, a drag reduction system (DRS) has been installed in a production Porsche. For the benefit of low drag and a higher maximum speed on straight sections of the track, the wings can be flattened at the push of a button within a defined operating range.

Increased downforce on the front axle
Since the wheel arch of the new 911 GT3 RS is subject to strong airflow, the components of the double wishbone front axle are designed as drop profiles. These aero links increase downforce on the front axle by around 40 kilograms at top speed and are otherwise only used in high-class motorsport.

The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. In Track mode, the compression and rebound damping of the front and rear axles can be adjusted separately and in several stages. The rear-axle cross-lock can also be adjusted via rotary controls on the steering wheel.

Four-liter naturally aspirated engine further optimized
The power increase to 525 hp is achieved primarily via new camshafts. The single-throttle intake system and the rigid valve train are derived from motorsport.

The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 296 km/h.
The price starts at 278,500 francs.

porsche.ch

AutoSprintCH: The current issue is here

Summer break, but not this year. Almost all manufacturers put new models on the wheels, show what the future will bring.

Audi is leading the way. Electromobility is still the big topic, even if people are increasingly no longer talking about eFuels as an alternative behind closed doors.

The current issue of AutoSprintCH explains the background, shows vehicles for small and large budgets, and you can also find out where you can virtually race Honda and Porsche this season.

Store

You can read the current issue and more in our store download as PDF.

You want more?

Current news around the clock on our social channels or also as a newsletter

On Tuesday and Friday, there are also current messages in the Newsletter as well as around the clock on FacebookInstagramXING and Twitter

Home delivered

Subscribe easily and simply your personal issue of AutoSprintCH for 56 CHF/2-year subscription.

 

Mercedes-Benz: Being mobile with Mobilisk

CO2-FREE SHUTTLEN Ridepooling is what the Basler Verkehrsbetriebe and Mercedes-Benz call the new mobility concept Mobilisk, which could soon replace fixed timetables in public transport thanks to a sophisticated app.

Mercedes Mobilisk
On a trial basis, several Mobilisk vehicles are on the road in Basel on weekends.

Are fixed schedules a discontinued model? With the on-demand ridepooling service Mobilisk, BVB is currently testing a concept for the future. At the heart of the pilot project are an intuitive app, a clever algorithm and three electric vans from Mercedes-Benz.

Supplement for regular operation
At a time when individuality is a top priority, the demands placed on public transport are also changing. Transport companies are therefore working on concepts that are independent of the timetable and complement regular services.

Bruno Stehrenberger, director of Basel's public transport company: "There are many people, especially younger ones, for whom fixed schedules are too tight - and cabs too expensive. Our new ridepooling service Mobilisk is aimed precisely at this target group."

Algorithm forms carpools
The principle of BVB ridepooling is simple. Anyone who wants to use the on-demand service downloads the Mobilisk app to their cell phone, creates a user account - and enters their starting point and destination.

An algorithm does the rest. Depending on demand, it forms carpools and calculates the optimal route.

Start and finish points are BVB stops
The test operation has been running since the beginning of May. For an initial period of six months, Mobilisk will operate between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Starting points and destinations are all BVB stops on the cantonal territory of Basel-Stadt.

These are served by a BVB minibus and three long, eight-seater e-Vito tourers from Mercedes-Benz.

bvb.ch

Nico Rosberg: My first ride in a hypercar 🎥

Just one month after the first production-ready 2000 hp Rimac Nevera rolled off the production line at the Rimac plant in Zagreb, Croatia, the #001 car was handed over to its owner.

 

2016 Formula One World Champion and sustainability entrepreneur Nico Rosberg.
Before the car is transferred to him in Monaco, Rosberg traveled to Rimac headquarters in Croatia to have the hypercar explained to him in person by Rimac boss Mate Rimac.

 

rimac-automobili.com

Volkswagen: Rendez-vous of the air-cooled models

WHERE THEY MEET This August is a busy month for fans of Volkswagen Beetles and Bullis. The air-cooled scene gathers at larger and smaller meetings all over Switzerland.

Volkswagen Meeting Murten
Beetles with vintages from 1939 to 1957 and VW buses up to 1967 will come to the Volkswagen Meeting in Murten.

On the weekend of August 20 and 21, the international Volkswagen Meeting will take place in Murten for the third time. The panorama at Lake Murten provides a beautiful backdrop for the unique Beetles with vintages from 1939 to 1957 and VW buses up to 1967 - of course air-cooled and in original condition.

Over 1500 vehicles in Rolle and Château-d'Oex
The following weekend, from August 26 to 28, two Volkswagen meetings will take place. For the 22nd time, the international Volkswagen Meeting Château-d'Oex invites the air-cooled Volkswagen scene to the alpine landscape of Vaud.

The international meeting organized by the Beetle Club Lemania is expected around 1500 air-cooled Volkswagen from all over Europe. The 10th meeting Cox & Dérivés will be held the same weekend at the castle of Rolle.

vw-vintage.ch
coccinelle.ch
MeetingVwdeRoll

Subaru: Highest score for the Outback 🎥

DONE A new test procedure from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has tightened up the side-impact crash. With an overall rating of 5 stars, the Subaru Outback achieved the highest rating.

 

The updated side impact test uses a heavier barrier traveling at a higher speed. The barrier simulates an impacting vehicle coming from the side into the driver's side of the test vehicle.

The new barrier weighs 1905 kilograms - roughly the weight of today's mid-sized SUVs - and hits the test vehicle at a speed of 60 km/h. In the original test, a 1496-kilo barrier was moved at 50 km/h.

Subaru Outback
The developers have optimized the ring-shaped reinforcement frame of the Outback's body.

The tests are carried out in four areas
The overall rating is made up of the results in four areas: Occupant protection, tested separately for adults and children, pedestrian protection, and supportive safety systems, i.e. driver assistance systems and active safety technologies.

Reinforcement frame of the body
The crossover from Japan achieved the highest possible score for side impact protection for the occupants with very good protection of the entire body. The developers at Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries have further optimized the ring-shaped reinforcement frame of the body in the new Outback.

Use of high-strength steels
As with the Subaru Forester, the use of high-strength steels has reduced the weight of the chassis while increasing structural stability and occupant protection in the event of a collision. The design of the front seats and front and rear head restraints also prevent the dreaded whiplash effect in the event of a rear impact

Only the Subaru Outback 4×4 passed the side-impact protection test with a rating of good; all other tested mid-size cars from competitors failed.

subaru.ch

get_footer();