Automobili Lamborghini celebrates the first edition of the Lamborghini Arena festival with an exclusive example of the V12 HPEV super sports car Revuelto customized by the Ad Personam program. The new studio of Lamborghini's personalization department at the company's headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese was inaugurated only recently. The Arena weekend was the biggest event in the car manufacturer's history.

Festival one-off an eye-catcher

The exterior of the special Revuelto has become a real eye-catcher thanks to the contrasting colors used and the new carbon elements. The body painted in Grigio Hati stands out with details in Verde Scandal. Brake callipers in Verde Chiaro green round off the overall aesthetic.

The Italian flag in green, white and red is emblazoned as a decorative element on the underside of the movable wing at the rear. Two black stripes in Nero Noctis run across the hood to emphasize the racing character of the Revuelto. The roof, rear hood, spoiler, air intakes, side skirt inserts and other components are finished in glossy visible carbon fiber, giving the components a radiant look that is further enhanced by the glossy black 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels.

Seams in green tone Verde Scandal

The interior picks up on the colors of the exterior and stands out with black sports seats in Nero Ade with stitching and piping in Verde Scandal green. The cladding of the firewall is adorned with an elegant embroidery of the Imola race track, the white Lamborghini Arena 2024 lettering and plans of the escape routes in Verde Scandal. The carbon plates with the Lamborghini Arena 2024 and Ad Personam logos at both ends of the dashboard also demonstrate the exclusive character of the vehicle.

V12 mid-engine with 6.5 liter displacement

Lamborghini's first plug-in hybrid super sports car is powered by a naturally aspirated V12 mid-engine with a displacement of 6.5 liters and three electric motors. Together, they deliver a maximum system output of 1015 hp and a maximum torque of 725 Nm. This is enough for a top speed of more than 350 km/h and an acceleration time of 2.5 seconds for the parade spurt.

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The new 4.24-metre Renault Captur retains its versatility, two-tone body and generous interior space, and features a range of sophisticated high-tech equipment. The design is more expressive inside and out and offers a special blend of elegance and sportiness with the new Esprit Alpine paintwork. The new front section with the one-piece Nouvel-R logo in the multi-faceted radiator grille also gives the Captur a more premium look. The new headlights feature full LED technology as standard on all equipment variants.

World first Android Automotive 12

The interior features new upholstery and new screens. The Open R Link multimedia system with integrated Google, which is available depending on the version, offers a world first in the B-segment with the Android Automotive 12 operating system. The new electronic architecture raises safety to a higher level and offers a range of driving aids, including the predictive hybrid driving function and Active Driver Assist for level 2 autonomous driving.

Thanks to the rear seat bench, which can be moved lengthways by 160 millimetres, the 221 millimetres of knee room in the rear is one of the best in the segment. This allows more space to be created for luggage or passengers as required. The trunk capacity is 616 liters when the rear seat bench is pushed all the way forward.

As a full or mild hybrid from 140 hp

The Renault Captur will be available with five drive variants, including a 145 hp E-Tech full hybrid, which has already been chosen by more than 40 percent of customers in Switzerland. The range also includes a 1.3-liter mild hybrid variant with 140 or 160 hp, which is available with manual or automatic transmission. The chassis has been revised and the power steering recalibrated for greater driving pleasure and more dynamic handling. In Switzerland, the new Captur, which is still built at the Valladolid plant, can be ordered from 28,700 Swiss francs.

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At the "World Car Awards" in New York, a jury of 100 trade journalists voted the all-electric Kia EV9 into the top position - ahead of the Volvo EX30 and the BYD Seal. The EV9 also won the "World Electric Car" award.

The EV9 is a five-meter-long SUV with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Its power output is between 150 and 283 kW (204 and 385 hp), depending on the version. A GT version with more than 440 kW (600 PS) is to follow later.

Surprise winner Toyota Prius

In the other categories, the compact Volvo EX30 was named "World Urban Car" (center gallery). The BMW 5 Series took victory in the "World Luxury Car" category, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (gallery left) outclassed the competition in the "World Performance Car" category. There was a surprise in the design category, where the futuristically designed Toyota Prius (gallery right) came out on top of the Ford Bronco and the Ferrari Purosangue.

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The Dacia Spring has already sold more than 140,000 units since its launch in Europe in 2021. 2023 was a record year with 61,803 sales worldwide. The new model features the Dacia design that was introduced with the new edition of the Duster. Both the interior and the exterior have been extensively redesigned. The new Spring is available in six paint finishes, including the new Beige Safari and Rouge Brique colors.

Media Nav Live System

Media Control is a multimedia system that is controlled via the steering wheel buttons and displays information and phone calls on the digital dashboard. The Media Nav Live system, which comes as standard in the Extreme trim level, offers a central 10-inch touchscreen that integrates eight years of networked navigation with real-time traffic conditions and up-to-date maps of Europe.

New driver assistance systems have been added to meet European safety standards, including Active Emergency Brake Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition with Speed Warning, Rear Parking Assist and Emergency Call Signal. And to make life easier for customers, Dacia links them to the My Safety button, which provides quick access to the preferred configuration of the driver assistance systems.

Power levels from 33 kW

The basic engine delivers a modest 33 kW (45 hp), while the more powerful 48 kW (65 hp) electric drive enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 14 seconds. However, with an unladen weight of 984 kilograms in the highest Extreme trim level, the new Spring is the only fully electric car in Europe that weighs less than a ton.

Prices range from 15,000 (Essential 45) to 17,700 francs (Extreme 65).

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A car should be prepared for the summer months - regardless of whether you have driven it in winter or not. The interior and exterior of the vehicle should be cleaned, paying particular attention to the windows and mirrors. The exterior is best cleaned in a car wash, as the residues are also treated there. It also makes sense to carry out a spring check to check the main safety aspects. In addition, winter equipment can be removed in spring, as its weight affects fuel consumption and handling.

Check equipment and motorcycle

A motorcycle also needs to be prepared for spring. The lights, indicators and all safety-relevant components must be in good condition. The manufacturer's manual usually provides information on the necessary maintenance work.

Of course, attention must also be paid to the condition of the clothing. Boots, gloves and knee, shoulder and elbow protection integrated into the clothing as well as additional back protection are essential. To protect the head from serious injury, the helmet must comply with the ECE 22-05 standard. The TCS recommends changing it every five years or after a fall.

Always wear a helmet on your bike

The bike must be cleaned in spring. You should also lubricate the chain, the gearshift joints, the gearshift mechanism, the pedal bearings, the brake levers and the seat suspension. The battery of electric bikes must also be checked. If the charge has not been maintained at 50 to 70 percent, it must be recharged to at least this level. In Switzerland, helmets are only compulsory for fast e-bikes, but the TCS recommends wearing a helmet for all two-wheelers.

To prepare a camper for the new season, the oil level, battery and tire pressure should be checked. The same applies to the brakes, brake fluid and coolant. You should also make sure that the lighting is in order.

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It finally worked out in the fifth race of Formula E 2024. Nico Müller (Cupra ABT) secured his first points of the season with sixth place at the electric premiere in Tokyo. Edoardo Mortara from Geneva also finished in the points. However, the Mahindra driver's joy is limited. Mortara was subsequently disqualified because he had exceeded the permitted amount of energy. There were no points for Sébastien Buemi. The man from Vaud fought his way up from 21st on the grid to 12th, but remains the best Swiss driver for the time being with 20 points and tenth place in the overall standings. Victory in Japan went to the German Maximilian Günther.

Best Swiss in 4th place

To prepare for the start of the Swiss Rally Championship in the Jura (April 19 and 20), a number of Swiss drivers took part in the Franche-Comté Rally in Delle (near Belfort) last weekend. Sacha Althaus (gallery left) achieved the best result with 4th place, missing the podium in his Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo with co-driver Lisiane Zbinden by just 1.3 seconds. Fifth place went to Michaël Burri/Gaëtan Aubry (also Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo). Nicolas Althaus, Sacha's father, finished 7th with daughter Coline Althaus. There was a Swiss one-two-three in the historic VHC class. Eddy Bérard (BMW M3) won ahead of returnee Jérémie Toedtli (Ford Sierra RS) and Clovis Brosy (BMW M3).

Albert Tamm won first run

Albert Tamm (gallery, right) also celebrated his first triumph of the new year. The young driver from Ticino won the first round of the Champions of the Future karting series in the Mini category on Saturday in Cremona, Italy. In the second race on Sunday, the reigning Swiss champion took third place and is leading the championship - neck and neck - with Italian Alessandro Truchot. Lorenzo Zucchetto's performance was also strong. The young man from Zurich came third twice in the minis under ten category.

Photos: Formula E/Bagall, Abt, Cornevaux, RGMMC
Source: Car Sport Switzerland
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The Audi 50 was also a blueprint for the almost identical VW Polo, which the Wolfsburg-based company launched seven months later. Using synergies within the Group family was already a recipe for success 50 years ago. As early as 1970, the engineers at Audi NSU Auto Union AG set to work. What was needed was a modern successor to the NSU small cars.

Transverse engine with 1.3 liter displacement

The key to success was the transversely mounted engine. With it, the Ingolstadt-based company created a car that offered a relatively large interior with an overall length of just 3.49 meters. The small car, which weighed just 685 kilograms, was launched as the Audi 50 LS with 50 hp and the Audi 50 GL with 60 hp, both with a 1.1-liter engine. The Audi 50 LS reached 142 km/h, the Audi 50 GL 152 km/h. From 1977, a newly developed 1.3-liter engine was used.

Base premium of 8195 German marks

Ingolstadt presented the Audi 50 to the media in Sardinia in the summer of 1974, and it arrived in dealerships in October - at a price of 8195 marks. By March 31, 1975, exactly 43,002 Audi 50s had rolled off the production line at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, after which series production of the VW Polo also began. Production of the Audi 50, of which a total of 180,828 units were produced, ended in the summer of 1978.

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Ekaterina Lüscher follows Jocelyn Langer and Johannes Kapfinger, who is using the Porsche Sprint Challenge Suisse title win in the GT3 Cup as a springboard for a career in international motorsport. Ekaterina Lüscher from Aarau will receive a sponsorship package worth more than 35,000 Swiss francs. The first of six event weekends of the Swiss Porsche one-make cup will take place at the Red Bull Ring in Austria from April 25 to 27.

Richard Feller, President of the Porsche Motorsport Club Suisse: "We are proud to be able to support a young female racing driver for the first time. I hope that she quickly settles into the GT4 Clubsport group, where she will be up against strong competition that doesn't hand out gifts."

Talent development in its sixth year

Ekaterina Lüscher marks the sixth year of the PSCS talent promotion program. In addition to a sponsorship sum, the new PSCS Junior also benefits from free Michelin tire sets, driving equipment, personal coaching and reduced participation fees.

Michael Glinski, CEO Porsche Schweiz AG: "Promoting young talent is very important to us, and we are proud to have established a successful promotion concept. We are delighted that it is now also finding favor with female drivers. We will accompany Ekaterina on this path and at the same time wish Johannes Kapfinger all the best for his new challenge in the ADAC GT Masters."

In the sports car cockpit at 13

Despite her young age, the Swiss woman with Ukrainian-Italian roots already has extensive motorsport experience. She was given a small kart for her fifth birthday, which she initially raced around her local neighborhood street. At the age of 13, Lüscher switched to the sports car cockpit and initially drove an X-Bow in KTM's junior program. Later, Ekaterina also gained her first experience at the wheel of a Porsche Cayman GT4 during track days (center gallery). At the 2023 Porsche Sports Cup Suisse season finale in Misano, Italy, she drove the 500 hp 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport for the first time.

The goal is the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in 2025

She is looking forward to the new challenge in the GT4 Clubsport group. "My expectations are high, but for now I will just focus on myself and learn as much as possible," says Ekaterina, who would like to move up to the GT3 Cup with the current Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in 2025. Professionally, Ekaterina is currently still in her second year of a sports commerce apprenticeship.

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In October 2016, Jaguar TCS Racing returned to motorsport on the factory side and entered the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E. In the 2023 season, Jaguar took the runner-up spot in the team standings. On March 30, 2024, the first edition of the Tokyo E-Prix marked the 100th Formula E event for both driver and team. As part of the celebrations, drivers Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy (center gallery) wore racing overalls with the team members' names embroidered on them.

Proven team at the start

Now in its eighth season, Jaguar TCS Racing has developed into a top team in the last 99 races. This is evidenced by 36 podium finishes with 13 victories and 1139 championship points. A number of important team members also reached the 100-race mark at the Tokyo E-Prix. First and foremost driver Mitch Evans and team boss James Barclay, who have both been with the team since it was founded. Since then, Evans has achieved ten victories and 26 podium finishes. The New Zealander has worked with race engineer Josep Roca on all 100 races.

Special vehicle paintwork

To mark the anniversary, both Evans and Cassidy wore bespoke racing overalls with the names of team members, staff competition winners and team partners sewn on. The two drivers' Jaguar ITYPE 6s were given a special anniversary livery to match.

Jaguar scored valuable points at the Tokyo E-Prix 2024. Nick Cassidy drove to eighth place. As a result, he left Tokyo in second place in the drivers' championship, just two points behind the leader. Mitch Evans finished 15th and is sixth in the drivers' championship. Jaguar maintains its lead in the team standings with a 17-point advantage.

Soon only electric

Over the past eight years, Jaguar TCS Racing has continuously advanced the technology of electric vehicles. However, with Jaguar set to become an all-electric brand from 2025, it is as interesting a time for the company off the track as it is for the team on it.

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On March 31, 1949, Carlo Abarth founded his own company in Turin. Over the years, the Austrian-born horsepower wizard's performance-enhanced or self-developed vehicles have become legends on the race track and on the road. To mark the brand's 75th birthday, Abarth is now giving its fans a special gift: new photos of the future Abarth 600e Scorpionissima. The new model is powered by an electric motor with a maximum output of 176 kW (240 hp).

Close to motorsport

The racing-inspired technical details include the mechanical limited slip differential. The interior is also characterized by a motorsport atmosphere. The dashboard decorated with Abarth graphics, exclusive patterns on the seat covers and dark trim are complemented by the scorpion logo on the steering wheel and the colorful decorative stitching. The front seats are designed as sports seats with pronounced lateral support. The steering wheel features leather and Alcantara inserts, and a special cover for the center tunnel creates additional storage space.

Again with Abarth sound

The Abarth 600e is equipped as standard with an infotainment system with a 10-inch display and integrated navigation system. Among other things, it can also display the drive power that has been called up. The infotainment system also activates the electronically generated driving sound. This distinctive sound fits perfectly with the driving pleasure offered by the new 600e. More information on the new car will follow in June.

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