The Abarth 131 Rally once inspired many racing enthusiast car lovers, now is back on the road in a new look. For the fortieth anniversary of its last race, Abarth pays homage to the famous world champion car with the special series 695 Tributo 131 Rally. This limited edition will be produced only 695 times.

With 1.4-liter turbocharged engine
The Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally is equipped with a 1.4-liter T-Jet engine that produces 180 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 2250 rpm. The top speed is 225 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in 6.7 seconds.

It is available with either manual or automated 5-speed manual transmission. Standard equipment includes Koni FSD shock absorbers and a braking system with four-piston aluminum Brembo calipers and ventilated discs.

The special equipment is rounded off by black 17-inch alloy wheels with a Diamond Cut finish and the Record Monza Sovrapposto sports exhaust system.

Adjustable rear spoiler
The Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally also comes with the ad Assetto Variabile spoiler, adjustable to twelve positions. With an inclination of 0° to 60°, it ensures optimization of the downforce, resulting in greater cornering stability and improved agility.

Incidentally, the 695 Tributo 131 Rally is reminiscent of its historic predecessor with its new Rally blue and black roof. To surprise customers, the designers hide tiny stylistic gems such as the silhouette of the historic 131 Rally in the side stripes, dashboard and seat headrests. Also included are Sabelt bucket seats with blue inserts and stitching.

abarth.ch

During the General Assembly in Horgen, both the current and the future President of Auto Schweiz emphasized the importance of the automotive industry and road transport for the Swiss economy. Albert Rösti was unanimously elected President for a three-year term at the proposal of the Board of Directors.

The Bernese Oberlander accepted the election with thanks and assured the representatives of the Swiss automobile importers of his full commitment to the concerns of motorized individual mobility.

Albert Rösti: "Hardly any other industry is currently undergoing such a transformation as the automotive industry. It fills me with pride and gratitude to be able to play my part in the continued success of this innovative industry in Switzerland in the future."

A technician in the chief post
Albert Rösti holds a doctorate in technical sciences and a degree in agricultural engineering. He has been a member of the National Council for the canton of Bern since 2011.

The outgoing incumbent and new Honorary President of Auto Switzerland, François Launaz, expressed his thanks for an eventful and joyful eight years.

François Launaz: "For me, a chapter of my life is closing, leaving me with many good memories and friends."

Continuity on the Executive Board
Another agenda item at the 64th General Meeting of Importers was the re-election of Marcel Guerry, Managing Director Switzerland of the Emil Frey Group, as one of two Vice Presidents.

As a result, the rest of the board will remain together in its current composition: Donato Bochicchio, Chairman of the Bord and MD of Ford Switzerland, as additional Vice Chairman, as well as Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Switzerland, and Helmut Ruhl, CEO of the Amag Group, as members of the Board.

car.swiss

At the IAA Mobility in Munich, the Mission R concept study presented the vision of an all-electric GT racing car for the customer motorsport of the future. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 e-Performance serves as a test vehicle for this new drive technology.

As fast as a GT3 Cup car
Like the Mission R, the all-wheel drive racing car uses the chassis of the 718 GT4 Clubsport. The electric motor and battery technology also comes from the concept study.

In qualifying mode, 735 kW (1000 hp) and more can be achieved, and in simulated racing mode, 450 kW (612 hp) is permanently available for 30 minutes. In terms of lap times and top speed, the 718 Cayman GT4 e-Performance is based on the current 992-generation GT3 Cup car.

Important factor direct oil cooling
By 2030, Porsche aims to be CO2-neutral across the entire value chain and the life cycle of newly sold vehicles. By then, the proportion of all new vehicles with a fully electric drive should be more than 80 percent.

The direct oil cooling system developed by Porsche for the synchronous motors and the battery pack counteracts thermally induced derating.

Björn Förster, GT4 e-Performance Project Manager: "The integration of oil cooling has had a significant impact on the vehicle concept. Thanks to 900-volt technology, the storage level of the battery increases from 5 to 80 percent in around 15 minutes at full charging power."

Environmentally friendly materials
The design of the 718 Cayman GT4 e-Performance was created by Grant Larson and a team from Porsche Style. The body is made of natural fiber composite materials, among other things.

Recycled carbon fibers are also used in tests. The wider fenders compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport create space for even wider 18-inch Michelin racing tires.

World premiere at Goodwood
The Cayman GT4 e-Performance will make its first appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from June 23 to 26. The second stop will be the Porsche plant in Leipzig on August 20, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The two demo vehicles will then travel through various European countries before heading to North America in early 2023.

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The three-seater still represents the core model series at BMW. From July, the model built at the Munich plant comes with various model maintenance details.

Full LED headlights with flatter contours and daytime running lights in the shape of an inverted L come as standard, and the light show in blue is available with the optional adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam and variable light distribution.

The kidney with double bars, the front apron and the air intakes in glossy black have also been redesigned.

With optional M sport package
17-inch light-alloy wheels now standard on all models, and the metallic paint finishes Skyscraper Gray, M Brooklyn Gray, Frozen Pure Grey and Frozen Tanzanite Blue stand out as new exterior colors. The M Sport package includes fresh front and rear aprons, special BMW kidneys and 18-inch alloy wheels.

A new feature in the cockpit is the Curved Display, a fully digital display network consisting of a 12.3-inch info display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display. The number of buttons and switches has been reduced.

Wide range of drives
Several plug-in hybrid variants as well as gasoline and diesel engines with four or six cylinders and 48-volt mild hybrid technology are on offer for both body versions. The power spectrum ranges from 150 hp to 374 hp.

All models are equipped with 8-speed Steptronic as standard. Of course, 4×4 versions are also offered again.

The sedans cost between 51,900 (318i) and 83,900 francs (M340d xDrive), with an additional 2000 francs charged for each of the Touring models.

bmw.ch

At the end of May, the GT2 European Series will start its second event of the 2022 season at Austria's Red Bull Ring. On the Grand Prix circuit in Styria, SPS Automotive Performance will bring the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series to the starting line on the initiative of the SRO Motorsports Group. The test vehicle will be subjected to a trial run under racing conditions at the end of the extensive development and testing phase.

The vehicle, which is limited to 55 units and has an output of 734 hp, was specially developed for trackdays and club sport events. Due to the exclusive limitation, this will also be one of the few opportunities to experience the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series up close.

Brand ambassador Bernd Schneider at the start
The Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series will be driven on the race weekend by Stéphane Ratel, founder and CEO of the SRO Motorsports Group, and DTM legend and Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador Bernd Schneider.

Ratel and SRO Motorsports are organizers of many GT series around the world, including the global Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS, the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli and the Fanatec GT2 European Series.

Bernd Schneider is a racing legend, especially in Germany. He competed in over 200 DTM races from 1986 to 2008 and is the sole record holder in this racing series with five championship titles. In 1997, he won the FIA GT1 World Championship and competed in the Formula 1 World Championship from 1988 to 1990.

The goal is a trouble-free race weekend
On May 20, the Fanatec GT2 European Series will start at the Red Bull Ring as part of the ADAC GT Masters race weekend.

Stephan Sohn, Team Principal SPS Automotive Performance: "Running the Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series under racing conditions is an interesting task. The most important goal will be to complete a trouble-free weekend and collect data."

sps-performance.com

Lexus has updated its entry-level UX model launched in 2019. The new multimedia system is now more responsive, more intuitive to use, and offers additional features.

Depending on the equipment version, the new models are equipped with an 8- or 12-inch touchscreen, which replaces the previous trackpad operation. The significantly higher computing power enables faster operating responses. There is also cloud-based navigation, with access to real-time traffic reports.

Multimedia system updates over-the-air
The system's new voice recognition includes the option of "Hey-Lexus" on-board assistance, which makes voice inputs easier to use. Smartphone integration via Apple Carplay or Android Auto is standard, and updates to the multimedia system can be made over-the-air.¨

Diabolo front grill and mesh grid pattern
The F Sport Design version is new to the UX range. A key feature is the diabolo front grille, whose mesh pattern picks up the Lexus L motif. The same pattern is shown by the enlarged bezels around the fog lamps and the cornering lights in the bumper.

The rear also features a model-specific design, with a black roof spoiler and black light surrounds. The 18-inch F Sport Design alloy wheels feature a 10-spoke structure with a dark metal finish.

Other equipment features include synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with air quality system, rearview camera, chrome roof rails, black wheel arch moldings and Lexus F-badges.

Improved rolling comfort and handling
The equipment of the UX F Sport model includes adaptive suspension. This is accompanied by reinforced stabilizer bars at the front and rear, which improve both handling and ride comfort. Steering feel has become even more precise thanks to a new, stiff connection between the steering box mount and suspension element.

The powertrain remains unchanged. The all-wheel-drive UX 250h is equipped with the fourth-generation Lexus hybrid system, with 2-liter gasoline engine and the system output of 184 hp.

Swiss prices and equipment are available on request.

lexus.ch

In honor of Queen Elizabeth II's 70th reign, British supercar manufacturer McLaren has unveiled a bespoke anniversary livery and badge.

The presentation took place at the Technology Centre at McLaren's headquarters in Woking, which was opened exactly 18 years ago by Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty is now celebrated with the specially developed Platinum Jubilee silver paint finish.

Premiere with super sports car Artura
The paint and badge were unveiled on a McLaren Artura, the new hybrid supercar. After developing a special tool and press to produce the badge, MSO (McLaren Special Operations) and coating partner Akzo Nobel analyzed various lighting conditions to determine the most suitable metal pigment combination.

Homage to a historic milestone

Ansar Ali, Managing Director MSO: "It was an honor for us to develop a new platinum color to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee. This special paint, which will be available to customers in the coming years, is a tribute to this historic milestone."

cars.mclaren.com

Tenor Andrea Bocelli and son Matteo jointly presented the new Fiat 500e La Prima by Bocelli, the first electrically powered city car equipped with JBL's Virtual Venues sound technology.

Matteo Bocelli also presented his new single, which is the soundtrack to the communication campaign for the market launch of the new 500 variant.

The event at the Alpemare Beach Club in Forte dei Marmi was also an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the Fiat 500e. With 30 international awards to date, it is the best-selling all-electric city car in eleven European countries.

Farewell to fossil fuels in Europe
Fiat is accelerating its path to a more sustainable future. Following the recently introduced hybrid versions of the 500X and Tipo models, the Italian brand now has electrified vehicles in every model series.

From 2024, the Italians will also offer every new model in Europe with an electric drive, and from 2027 they want to say goodbye to fossil fuels completely in Europe.

Challenge for the 500e's audio system
The meeting of the musical and automotive partners also presents a challenge for an audio system. The challenge was to combine the aesthetics of the Fiat 500e La Prima by Bocelli with JBL's premium audio system, tuned by Andrea Bocelli.

fiat.ch

In the virtual race for the Cupra Master 2021 title, more than 1000 participants from 43 countries completed hundreds of tests over a period of four weeks.

Bekim Berisha from Garage Gautschi in Lyssach achieved the best results within the Swiss ranking. Berisha was able to accept the prize as Swiss Cupra Master.

Component of the sales strategy
Lucas Fürer (left gallery) from Garage Herzog in Sirnach was also presented with his award on the stage of the Chicago 1938 event venue, and Stephan Sprenger from Garage Autoviva AG in Amriswil (center gallery), the third-place winner, was surprised with the happy news.

Cédric Keller, Head of Cupra & Business Development: "The Cupra Masters are a central part of the brand's sales strategy. As the sole point of contact with the clientele, they are responsible for delivering the best brand experience throughout the entire duration of the business relationship."

Cupra Tribe on digital platform
The Challenge took place on a digital platform that had already been used for the launch of the Formentor model. Last year, the brand went one step further for the Cupra Born.

Not only did she want to impart extensive knowledge about her new model, but she also wanted to strengthen the sense of belonging to the "Cupra Tribe."

cupraofficial.ch

Once again, Tesla is going full throttle in an important quarterly closing month for a publicly traded company.

This time, the Model 3 with a whopping 916 redemptions in one month and the Model Y with 653 units right behind it are even two vehicles of the US electric brand at the top of the model statistics for March.

Three SUV models, the BMW X3, the Audi Q3 and the VW T-Roc, follow at some distance.

Small and compact vehicles on trend
In addition to SUVs, small and compact cars in particular have made up considerable ground in the favor of Mr. and Mrs. Swiss. The Dacia Sandero (326 units), the Fiat 500 (312 units) and the Peugeot 208 (305 units) are followed by three models from this segment in sixth to eighth place.

And with the Skoda Fabia in tenth place with 288 registrations, yet another small car places itself very narrowly in the top ten. The recently revised Czech simply had to let itself be beaten by the VW Tiguan, which was still at the top of buyers' wish lists last month with 293 units.

Only two electric models in the top ten
It is striking that apart from the two Tesla models, no purely electric model has made it into the top ten. Finally, the first pure electric model is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in 33rd place in March sales with 176 units, followed by the VW ID.3 in 49th place with 139 units.

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