In Mercedes' electric models, innovations have been incorporated into series production independently of model updates and faster than ever before. Now the EQS saloon is once again receiving an extensive update package. The electric flagship comes with up to 82 kilometers more range, a new radiator grille with chrome applications and a vertical Mercedes star on the hood. And in future, customers will be able to cover even more kilometers without stopping to charge. Thanks to the new 118-kWh battery, the range of the EQS 450 4matic increases from 717 to 799 kilometers, and the EQS 450+ even exceeds the 800-kilometer mark.

1700 kilogram trailer load

The towing capacity for the EQS and EQE saloons with 4Matic has been increased from 750 to 1700 kilograms. This puts them on a similar level to the SUV derivatives and means they can also tow a horse trailer, for example.

EQS models equipped with the Rear Comfort Plus package with executive seats now have a special slanted footrest on the right-hand side in the rear compartment, which significantly increases comfort. The front passenger seat can also be folded forward and the backrest in the rear can be adjusted up to 38 degrees. This provides more space.

Huge screen as standard

The MBUX hyperscreen is now standard in the EQS. Three displays merge almost seamlessly into one another, creating a 141-centimetre-wide screen band. In addition, a heat pump fitted as standard increases climate comfort and efficiency. The waste heat from the electric drive and the high-voltage battery can be used to heat the interior. Many updates are made with the help of over-the-air technology. These include Dolby Atmos, the YouTube web app and a digital travel guide.

The new EQS can be ordered from April 25.

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The Reitnau hill climb association founded last year and the Equipe Bernoise have announced that the Reitnau hill climb will make a comeback on June 30 this year. This means that after a five-year hiatus, a hill climb can finally be held in Reitnau again. The canton of Aargau and the Reitnau municipal council have approved the organization of the event.

Traditions remain intact

Following the founding of the Reitnau Hill Climb Association on July 1, 2023 and thanks to the willingness of the Equipe Bernoise racing drivers' association to support the event, important milestones have been reached in recent months through the joint OC. Once again, local clubs will provide catering for spectators in 2024, and most local residents and farmers have given their consent to the use of their land for spectator areas and parking spaces. The Reitnau church will also once again hold the church service in the traditional motorsport setting.

Sponsors back on board

Various sponsors have pledged their support for the event. The Reitnau Hill Climb Association and the Equipe Bernoise would like to thank all the authorities, clubs, local residents, farmers, sponsors, members and patrons as well as the church for the great support they have received from all sides so far. They are looking forward to June 30th and as many visitors as possible in Reitnau.

Racing history since 1965

Racing history has been written in the farming village of Reitnau since 1965. Now the village is delighted that the hill climb tradition can be continued. The start is at the end of the village on Bergstrasse, the finish on Stockrüti. The course is 1620 meters long and the difference in altitude is 111 meters. Although there are no high-speed sections, the course is technically demanding. Eric Berguerand from Charrat set the course record in 2019 with his Lola FA99 in 47.22 seconds.

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Skoda what? Trekka? Never heard of it! The reaction is always the same, even among experts: Hardly anyone knows this model. This is hardly surprising, as the Skoda Trekka is rarer on this side of the globe than a Ferrari 250 GTO, and its history is as adventurous as its angular design. "It was built in New Zealand, 3000 times in total," says the proud owner of a Trekka, Jiri Valach, who takes us on a test drive.

Production in New Zealand

But how did Skoda get to New Zealand? As in many overseas markets, the brand already had an established customer base there before the fall of communism. The general importer, Motor Industries International, came up with the idea of building an off-road car with robust Skoda technology in the 1960s. The resourceful engineers in Mlada Boleslav helped with the development. A shortened central tube chassis from the Octavia of the time served as the basis. The Trekka is only 3.55 meters long. It was manufactured between 1966 and 1972 in Otahuhu near Auckland. Many parts were supplied by the factory in the distant Czech Republic. A few examples also found their way to Australia, Fiji and other island states in the South Pacific.

Role model Land Rover

The angular Trekka proved itself everywhere - even off-road. Jiri doesn't go easy on his specimen either, letting it rumble through potholes and jump over bumps. The two front seats are still comfortable to sit on. But on the rear benches, which are positioned lengthways to the direction of travel, as in the early Land Rover, it becomes uncomfortable. The angular design of the Trekka, especially the front, is also reminiscent of the English progenitor of all off-road vehicles.

Only with rear-wheel drive

There is no all-wheel drive. A limited slip differential prevents the driven rear wheels from spinning so quickly. The 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 47 hp to a 4-speed gearbox. All the wheels are individually suspended - Skoda was already doing this in the 60s.

Sufficient ground clearance and the central tube chassis protect the Trekka technology from contact with the ground. The air filter is enthroned high on the left mudguard. River crossings in the New Zealand outback thus lose their terror.

Source: auto-medienportal.net
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With its midnight blue paintwork and white stripes, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Tribute is reminiscent of Jacky Ickx's legendary racing helmet. The model was unveiled at a Chopard event on the shores of Lake Geneva. With this concept car, Genesis honors the career of the former racing driver and current brand ambassador of the brand.

Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7

The X Gran Berlinetta is the flagship concept of the new Genesis Magma Line. The new X Gran Berlinetta Tribute version debuted at an exclusive event in the run-up to Watches and Wonders 2024 in Geneva, organized by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard.

The focus was on the market launch of the new Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph JX7 models from Chopard, which were developed jointly by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and Jacky Ickx. The watch is rich in symbols and references to Jacky Ickx's achievements.

V6 front-mid engine Lambda 11

The concept car features the new Genesis front section, which abstracts the Crest radiator grille and combines it with the Quad Lights. The side profile with its large dash-to-axle distance enables new proportions for the slim mid-engine layout. The rear design is further refined with a rear spoiler and side trailing edges for safe high-speed stability. The fuselage tapers towards the rear and ends in the brand-typical elliptical concave volume.

The vehicle concept is powered by the V6 Lambda 11 front-mid engine, which is electrically assisted. The hybrid racing drive delivers 1337 Nm and 1071 hp, making the car as powerful as it is beautiful. The V6 engine contributes 870 hp at 10,000 rpm for maximum system performance.

genesis.com

Alpenglow represents the future design of the Alpine brand as well as the new sustainable technology for extremely sporty road and racing cars. The driving version with a hydrogen-powered combustion engine and a completely new design will be presented dynamically one day after the static presentation on May 10.

Alpenglow concept vehicle

The Alpenglow concept vehicle was first presented at the Paris Motor Show at the end of 2022. It demonstrates the brand's development of future mobility technologies with hydrogen-powered combustion engines, which will take driving pleasure to a new level.

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Opel shows the first pictures of the new Frontera. The spacious SUV with the lightning bolt will be powered either purely electrically or by a 48-volt hybrid system right from the start. The upright front end and the new proportions of the Frontera form the basis for a spacious cabin. The black Vizor gives the front end its own character by seamlessly integrating the LED headlights and the Opel flash into one element. Three light blocks are divided by inserts in the body color, and in the side view, the striking C-pillar provides a visual division of the cabin.

Networking and convenience

In the interior, clever design meets practical suitability for everyday use. The Opel-typical Pure Panel cockpit with two 10-inch displays and multimedia infotainment is just as eye-catching as the elegantly designed steering wheel. For customers who prefer to use their own mobile device, the new model offers a solution in the form of a smartphone station. As soon as the station is connected via an app, the customer's own smartphone becomes the control unit for the infotainment, which can also be controlled using the steering wheel buttons.

Charging mobile devices is very easy thanks to the wireless charger and four USB ports. Larger devices such as tablets can be stored safely in the center console, and passengers in the second row can use the smartphone pockets integrated into the backrests of the driver's and front passenger's seats for storage. With the rear seats up, there is space for more than 460 liters of luggage in the trunk. If the seats are folded down, the volume increases to 1600 liters.

On request Electricity or gasoline

Customers can choose between a fully electric variant and a 48-volt mild hybrid drive. Regardless of the type of drive, Frontera users enjoy a high level of ride comfort thanks to the specific chassis set-up. The engineers in Rüsselsheim paid particular attention to the safe handling typical of the brand - even at high speeds.

More detailed technical data and prices will be announced a little later.

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In 2024, Horag Hotz Racing AG will again be working with at least 85 percent CO₂-neutral fuels. After attracting a great deal of interest in this drop-in petrol at various events in 2023, the company is now looking to replenish its stocks. Although the price of synthetic petrol is still high, the fuel can be used for both road vehicles and racing cars. No modifications are necessary for classic cars, racing cars or road vehicles.

Marcel Steiner victory with Synfuels

For Horag, it seems necessary to demonstrate the feasibility of using such fuels now. With increasing production volumes, it should be possible to reduce costs significantly in one to three years. Synfuels made from 100 percent biogenic materials are used successfully in classic vehicles and in motorsport. The 2023 Swiss mountain champion, Marcel Steiner, won the title in his Lobart-Helftec Turbo exclusively with synfuel from Horag.

Gasoline is a drop-in fuel

This gasoline, which has been thoroughly tested and evaluated by Ilmor Engineering, the Intertek laboratory and Empa, is a drop-in fuel that can be used in any gasoline engine that previously burned 98 octane gasoline. It complies with the EN 228 standard for commercially available filling station petrol. It is produced from 100 percent fossil-free base materials such as agricultural and municipal waste or leftover cooking fat. The production process is based on the ethanol-to-gasoline principle. P1 Fuels is currently offering the fuel at a price of CHF 6.50 per liter.

horag.com

Lamborghini presents the Huracán STJ. This special model, limited to ten vehicles, is the last homage to the masterful ten-cylinder engine of the car manufacturer from Sant'Agata Bolognese. The naturally aspirated V10 engine is inextricably linked with the history of Automobili Lamborghini. It played a key role in the success of the Huracán family launched in 2014, which will be replaced by a new model with a hybrid powertrain at the end of the year.

Special aerodynamics kit

The Huracán STJ is based on the STO1. However, the package of extras introduced especially for it teases out the racing car character even further and makes it the most powerful model in the Huracán family. STJ stands for Super Trofeo Jota - Super Trofeo as a tribute to the Lamborghini one-make championship launched in 2009, Jota alluding to Appendix J of the FIA regulations, which defines the technical regulations for racing cars. The letter Jota was already introduced with the Miura SVJ and later carried over to the Aventador SVJ.

The special features of the Huracán STJ primarily include a special aerodynamics kit developed by Lamborghini Squadra Corse technicians with the know-how gained from ten years of experience at the top of GT racing. The sophisticated aerodynamics of the STO have been further improved. The iconic coffango has been joined by two new aerodynamic add-on parts made of carbon fiber, and the rear wing is set three degrees steeper than on the production model.

Maximum torque of 565 Nm

Like the STO, the Huracán STJ delivers a maximum output of 640 hp at 8000 rpm and a maximum torque of 565 Nm. The power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Mechanical grip has been significantly increased thanks to four adjustable racing shock absorbers. The 4-way dampers are adjustable in rebound and compression at high and low frequencies and therefore offer great freedom in the choice of set-up. These damper characteristics allow the use of softer springs, which ensure optimum dynamic control of the car.

lamborghini.com

The most expensive cars in Switzerland come from the canton of Zug. This is shown by statistics from Swiss motor vehicle insurer AXA for 2023, where the average vehicle value is around CHF 65,000. In second place is the canton of Schwyz with just over CHF 58,000, followed by Appenzell Innerrhoden with just under CHF 55,000. The cantons of Graubünden, Basel-Stadt, Zurich, Nidwalden, Basel-Land, Obwalden, Aargau, Valais and Geneva are also above the average.

Models from every price category

The cheapest cars are on the road in the cantons of Jura, Neuchâtel and Fribourg. The average vehicle value there is between 43,000 and 44,000 francs. The ranking shows the average prices of the insured cars, but the range is wide in all cantons.

Jérôme Pahud, Head of Mobility Insurance at AXA: "The spectrum of insured cars ranges from models costing less than 10,000 francs to luxury cars worth several million francs."

Vehicle values continue to rise

A look at the figures from 2019 shows that cars in Switzerland are becoming more expensive. At that time, a car cost an average of around 44,000 francs. Four years later, it is just under CHF 49,000. In the Jura, the price increase is progressing at a somewhat slower pace. While Schaffhausen, Bern and Appenzell Ausserrhoden rely on the tried and tested, the newest vehicles are registered in the canton of Ticino. Zug is in second place. The oldest cars drive around with Schaffhausen, Bern and Appenzell Ausserrhoden license plates. They are around eleven years old.

Neuchâtel are kilometer kings

Cars are used the most in the canton of Neuchâtel. Users there cover more than 14,000 kilometers by car per year, crossing Switzerland from east to west more than 40 times. The cantons of Zug, Obwalden, Fribourg and Vaud follow close behind with an average annual mileage of not quite 14,000. Cars are driven significantly less - around 12,000 kilometers per year - in the cantons of Geneva, Uri and Bern.

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Numerous events for car and motorcycle fans are once again on the program in Kemptthal this year. The "Overland and Vanlife Festival" kicks off at the end of April with a varied multi-day program for adventure-seekers and long-distance travelers. The "10th Swiss Season Opening", the day for all sports cars, convertibles, youngtimers and classic cars, and the "Annual Meeting of the Ducati Club Switzerland" follow at the beginning of May. The program also includes four more editions of the popular "Older Classics" format as well as a "French Car Meeting", a "German Car Meeting" and an "Italian Car Meeting".

Myle super and hypercar event

Once again, more than a thousand vehicles and several thousand visitors are expected at each event. A varied supporting program with live music, food stands and bars as well as entertainment for children make the events the perfect Sunday outing for the whole family.

New this year is the Myle super and hypercar event, and the season ends with the Töffträff motorcycle meeting. Even outside of the events, Motorworld is always a worthwhile excursion destination with constantly changing exhibits and a varied supporting program. The location is open 365 days a year and admission is always free.

These events await you

The dates at Motorworld are: 26 - 28 April Overland & Vanlife Festival, 5-5 Season Opening & Ducati Meeting, 12-5 Older Classics, 9-6 Older Classics, 16-6 French Car Meeting, 7-7 Italian Car Meeting, 11-8 Older Classics, 24-25 August Myle Festival, 31-8 and 1-9 Töffträff, 6-8 September The spirit of Goodwood, 8-9 Older Classics, 6-10 German Car Meeting.

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