The Anneau du Rhin near Biltzheim in the heart of Alsace is a permanent French circuit used for racing and club sport events as well as for test drives and trackdays.

The route is located between the cities of Colmar and Mulhouse. It can be reached by car in a good 40 minutes from the border in Basel.

Known pilots and brands
Not only is the Bugatti sports car brand based nearby, but there is also a Peugeot plant there. Almost all of the 35,000 jobs in the region are in the automotive industry. It is clear that Caroline Bugatti, the granddaughter of Ettore Bugatti, is a board member of the Anneau du Rhin operating company.

The region has also produced several successful racing drivers. In addition to the nine-time rally world champion, Sébastien Loeb, multiple touring car world champions Yann Ehrlacher and Yvan Muller were also born and raised in Alsace.

Both races start on Sunday
This year 17 teams have enrolled in the series. At the start are the brands Lynk & Co, Hyundai, Honda, Audi and Cupra, whose pilots have already shown what a rake in the first runs.

If you feel like experiencing a Sunday full of action and exciting duels, then you should apply for one of the Paddock tickets from Honda Switzerland.

For your personal agenda, here is the schedule:

• Saturday, qualification from 3 to 4 pm
• Sunday, Race 1 from 10.15 to 10.45 a.m.
• Sunday, Race 2 from 12.15 to 12.45 p.m.

Register and with a bit of luck you will be there

Deadline is Monday, August 1, 2022, midnight.
If more applications are received than there are tickets available, the decision will be made by drawing lots. The legal process is excluded.
AutoSprintCH wishes you good luck.

fiawtcr.com
honda.ch
anneau-du-rhin.com

The study of the first crossover model for the premium segment of small cars thus combines central features of the future: purely electric drive, a clear and reduced design language, and a material concept without leather and chrome.

Electrified feeling of a go-kart

Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini: "This concept car reflects how Mini is reinventing itself towards an all-electric future and what the brand stands for: an electrified go-kart feel, a deepened digital experience and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint."

Interior with space for five occupants
The Aceman is equipped with four doors and a large tailgate. There are five seats available in its interior. With an exterior length of 4.05 meters, a width of 1.99 meters and a height of 1.59 meters, the study displays proportions typical of the brand.

Wide body surrounds, contoured wheel arches, 20-inch wheels, a distinctive roof rack and front and rear skirt panels in the style of an underride guard emphasize the solid all-round characteristics of a crossover model for urban environments.

The all-electric vehicle concept enables models that take up little space on the road and at the same time have more room inside than conventional vehicles of this size.

Design element in the style of a soundbar
The interior of the Aceman is also dominated by a reduced design with clear forms and carefully executed details. The dashboard is a flat design element in the style of a sound bar that extends across the entire width of the interior and sets the stage for the central instrument, which for the first time is a completely round OLED display.

Below this is the classic toggle switch bar. The study thus combines digital technology with traditional design features of the brand.

In addition, the interior is characterized by minimalist door panels, a flexible center console that extends into the rear, and color contrasts. The seats of the Mini Concept Aceman feature discreet geometry with integrated headrests.

The dawn of a new era for the Mini

Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design: "The design language of the Mini Concept Aceman represents the dawn of a new era of Mini design. The typical design features of the Mini brand have always been unmistakable. We are now returning to these, but at the same time consistently combining them with innovative technology."

mini.ch

The subsidy is to be significantly reduced from next year at the latest and will still apply to company or craftsman vehicles. The subsidy for the purchase of plug-in vehicles is to be abolished at the end of this year.

The compromise ends a months-long dispute between German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) and the Greens. While Lindner has long considered the subsidy harmful and would prefer to abolish it, the Greens insisted on the coalition agreement. It provides for the current subsidy to be reduced, but not to be finally phased out until 2025.

These are the new rules at a glance
The traffic light coalition apparently agreed on new subsidy rules. Accordingly, the subsidy for cars costing less than 40,000 euros will drop from 6,000 euros to 4,500 euros.

For more expensive e-cars, there will only be a subsidy of 3,000 euros, and for a purchase price of more than 65,000 euros, there will still be no subsidy. The tax benefits for electric cars in the company car scheme are to be retained.

federalgovernment.com

With the Electrified GV70, Genesis is taking another step on the way to becoming an all-electric car manufacturer by 2025. The new model has two electric motors that together develop 320 kW (436 hp) of power. Via the boost mode, this can even be increased to 360 kW (490 hp) for ten seconds.

This allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The 77.4-kWh battery enables a range of up to 455 WLTP kilometers. Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, it can be charged to 80 percent in around 18 minutes at a 350-kW fast charging station.

Rich equipment already ex works
The Electrified GV70 is offered exclusively in the high-quality Sport trim. In addition to 15 exterior paint finishes, there is also a choice of equipment packages with additional technology and comfort extras. In the elegant interior, leather seats, ambient lighting and high-quality materials create a special environment.

The standard equipment also includes a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, up-to-date safety systems, all-wheel drive with e-terrain mode for the best traction in any situation, and an electronically controlled suspension with preview function.

Configuration on the Internet or in the studio
As the Electrified GV70 will still be available for a limited time, it is now possible to secure a purchase option online by registering for the pre-order. The right car can be put together electronically using the online configurator.

Alternatively, you can visit the Genesis studio on Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. The first deliveries can be expected in October.

genesis.com

Registration for the qualification phase has been underway since July 27. In the meantime, those interested in the championship rounds in the fall can secure their starting place via online time trials.

The finale at the digital Autodromo of Mugello will take place in front of the public on November 13 as part of Auto Zürich.

Carrera Cup 2022 a national championship
The Porsche Esports Carrera Cup Suisse is based on the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup of customer sports racing. As in real motorsport, the Carrera Cup represents a national championship, while the Supercup comprises international competition.

The Porsche Esports Carrera Cup Suisse will again be held in 2022 in various categories (Pro, Am, Ü45 and Ladies). The online time trials - which can be held on the driver's own simulator or at one of Race-Centers.ch's Swiss locations - will take place on the virtual Grand Prix circuit at Imola.

The championship rounds at the Red Bull Ring, the Nürburgring and the Misano circuit will be held solely on site at the simracing centers.

Under the care of the sports sovereignty
The reigning champion of the Swiss Simracing Series is Thomas Schmid (Pro). This year, the winner of the final in Zurich will once again be allowed to represent Switzerland at the FIA Motorsport Games, the multisport event of the international automobile umbrella organization FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile).

The Swiss Simracing Series is under the sporting sovereignty of the Swiss motorsport association Auto Sport Schweiz, which is a member of the FIA. Attractive prizes await the successful drivers in the other categories.

The best twelve start in the final of the championship
There are 21 starting places per category to be filled for the championship. The best twelve in each category make it to the Zurich final.

The participation costs after the qualification phase are a one-time fee of 150 francs. Added to this are the fees for the simracing license from Auto Sport Schweiz of 25 francs.

... this is about the ticket to the grand final:

• to September 4: Imola (I), qualifying, online and in the simracing center
• September 10: Red Bull Ring (A), championship run at the simracing center
• September 24: Nürburgring (D), championship run at the simracing center
• October 8: Misano (I), championship race at the Simracing Center
• November 13: Mugello (I), championship final at Auto Zurich

The digital Porsche one-make cup is the top class of this year's Swiss Simracing Series.

More detailed information and the enrollment form are available online.

simracingseries.ch

The first generation of the Ford Mustang, introduced in the U.S. in 1964, coined its own genre of U.S. automobiles, that of pony cars: sporty cars with long hoods, short rear ends and affordable prices. The car was named after the replica of a Mustang on its radiator grille, which stood for a member of a horse species that lived wild in North America, a mixture of various European domestic horse breeds.

Young people target group
The engines of these coupes and convertibles consisted of six- or eight-cylinder machines with somewhat more modest power, in contrast to the then-trendy, beastly and more expensive muscle cars (example Chevrolet Corvette or Plymouth Fury).

The American Motors Corporation (AMC), Chrysler, General Motors and Ford groups had young people in mind as the target group. Thus, the Mustang with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine, 78 kW - 106 hp and a three-speed manual transmission initially cost $2368 (about $33,000 in today's value).

Although namesake of a complete car genre, the Mustang was not even the first representative of its kind. That was the Plymouth Barracuda of Chrysler presented two weeks before, whose mass and engine corresponded approximately to the Mustang.

Lee Iacocca had the idea for the Mustang
The father of the Mustang was Lee Iacocca, Ford's managing director at the time. At the beginning of the 1960s, he commissioned a marketing study to find out what kind of car would attract young buyers in particular.

As a result, it turned out that such a project could best be accomplished with the further development of the Ford Falcon, which was popular at the time. The Ford Mustang was finally developed on the platform of the Falcon and was available as a two-door coupe, fastback and convertible with rather modest basic equipment.

Mustang broke all sales records
Individual seats in the front, carpeted floor, shift lever on the center tunnel and sports steering wheel. If you wanted eight cylinders under the hood instead of the six-cylinder engine, four gears instead of three, and a little luxury, you could easily raise the base price of just under two and a half thousand dollars by 60 percent.

Nevertheless, the Mustang sold like hot cakes and broke all sales records for automobiles after the Second World War. Of course, the competition took an example and brought their own pony cars on the market. There were even European representatives such as the Ford Capri or the Opel Manta.

Detroit built the most successful models
But the most successful came from Detroit and the surrounding area.

Five of them, namely.

• Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT from 1967
• Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 from 1969
• Dodge Charger Daytona from 1969
• Ford Mustang Boss 302 from 1969
• Dodge Challenger R/T from 1970

the U.S. Postal Service is now erecting a memorial.

Source: Car-Medienportal.net
usps.com

The technology for the Maserati Project24 was taken from the MC20 and further developed. The V6 Nettuno unit now delivers 740 hp with the additional, newly designed turbochargers. Added to this are an improved chassis, carbon-ceramic brakes and tires specially tuned for racing.

The unladen weight of the bolide is 1250 kilograms. As a result, the vehicle achieves the excellent power-to-weight ratio of 1.69 kg/hp and correspondingly good driving performance.

Beauty and real sportiness
The designers have also developed a new look for the Project 24. This resulted in something incomparable, it combines beauty and genuine sportiness, actually typical for a classic collector's item.

The service package, which is only available to owners of vehicles in this range, offers attractive benefits. In addition to first-class support, the program also includes dedicated experiences on specific race tracks.

maserati.com

On January 7, 1998, Ferrari invited more than 800 journalists to Maranello for the unveiling of the new F300 F1 car. The latest model variant was equipped with a 3-liter V10 engine that delivered 800 hp and revved to a maximum of 17,500 rpm. During the season, the engine and the car's aerodynamics were continuously developed.

First victory at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
The Ferrari F300 with chassis 187 won for the first time at the Canadian GP at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Schumacher celebrated two further victories with this car in France and England.

With these three successes, Ferrari reached second place behind McLaren-Mercedes in the drivers' and constructors' championships. Schumi was then also victorious at the Italian GP in first place.

Car is maintained in original condition
Car 187 remained in the possession of the Scuderia until September 1999, when it was sold to the current owner, who left the car well protected in its original condition for 23 years. In Monterey, California, the Ferrari racer will be up for auction between August 18 and 20. Expected price range: six to eight million dollars.

rmsothebys.com

The young Spanish brand Cupra lends the top model Formentor VZ5 additional exclusivity with the limited Special Edition in Taiga Grey. The special model combines an adjustable chassis with progressive steering and the safety reserves of all-wheel drive. The 2.5-liter TSI engine with five cylinders delivers 480 Nm and 390 hp.

Special exterior paint in Taiga Grey
Limited to 999 units, the Special Edition VZ5 Taiga Grey further enhances the characteristic Formentor design, including the metallic color developed especially for this edition.

Inside, the seat center panels are finished in black Dinamica, while the rest of the seating surfaces are made of dark brown leather. The door panels and dashboard are also finished in brown leather look.

Exactly 999 copies of 7000 five-cylinder
Matrix LED headlights are also part of the standard equipment. In combination with the front camera, they can dynamically regulate the light distribution so that other road users are not dazzled. The Editions are part of the Formentor VZ5 total production, which is limited to 7000 units.

The price of the Special Edition is 78,900 francs.

cupraofficial.ch

Oliver Blume will assume the position as of September 1, 2022 in addition to his duties as Chairman of the Executive Board of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG and will continue to hold this position even after a possible IPO of Porsche.

Product impulses and product portfolios
In the view of the Supervisory Board, Herbert Diess has above all provided numerous product impulses, realigned product portfolios and initiated the clear focus on electromobility. The organizational realignment of the Group with more independent regions and the introduction of brand groups and model series can be attributed to him.

The Supervisory Board also resolved that Group CFO Arno Antlitz will additionally perform the function of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and thus support Blume in day-to-day operations.

Executive function with several brands
Oliver Blume, a native of Braunschweig, joined the Volkswagen Group in 1994 and has since held leading positions at the brands Audi. Seat, Volkswagen and Porsche brands. He has been Chairman of the Board of Management at Porsche since 2015 and a member of the Group Board of Management since 2018.

Former BMW manager Herbert Diess has led VW since April 2018, and his post at Volkswagen had already been shaky once. Last year, a power struggle broke out between the manager and employee representatives.

The human being is always in the center

Oliver Blume: "I am very pleased to be leading Porsche AG and the Volkswagen Group together. My focus is on customers, brands and products. People are always the focus for me. Team spirit, fairness and passion are crucial for success. This applies to the brands as well as to the group. The Porsche team can rely on me to lead the company in the long term - even after a possible IPO. We have successfully positioned Porsche technologically, economically and culturally - and see ourselves as a pioneer of sustainable mobility."

volkswagenag.com