SCHICK IN SCHALE Just in time for Christmas, Opel has renewed its lifestyle collection. The clothing, practical products and accessories are largely in the corporate colors of yellow, white and black.
Editorial - November 22 2021
The offer ranges from the bomber jacket and baseball cap to the Opel-e Rally softshell jacket.
The range extends from the laptop bag to the bomber jacket and the baseball cap in Mokka style to the Opel-e Rally softshell jacket. For model car lovers, there is an Advent calendar whose 24 parts come together on Christmas Eve to form a 1/43rd scale Manta.
Orders are placed online in the new Opel lifestyle store. From November 26 to 29, the "Yellow Week Sale" offers a 20 percent discount on the entire product range.
Pom pom hat, smartphone cover and running wheel The Opel collection also offers brand fans, among other things, the Vizor sunglasses, a key ring and coffee mug, a pom-pom hat and a smartphone cover. For the youngsters there is a slide car, a running wheel and a teddy.
Shipping of the items is free of charge in many countries.
SWISS PODEST PLACES Despite the narrow defeat at the finale in Sebring, Autorama Motorsport by Wolf-Power Racing took the overall touring car victory in the 24H Series, as it did in 2019 and 2020. Daniel Allemann finished second overall on Porsche.
Editorial - November 22 2021
Autorama's VW Golf #1 remains the #1 in the championship after the first 24-hour race at the legendary Sebring Raceway.
Just 1:45 minutes behind at the finish, the VW Golf GTI TCR of Autorama Motorsport by Wolf-Power Racing, number #1, finished second in the Touring Car Group (TCE) and in the TCR class. Victory went to the Audi RS3 LMS TCR of AC Motorsport from Belgium (gallery on the left), which was in front practically from start to finish.
For once no Swiss champion The sixth podium finish in the past season is enough for the Swiss team to successfully defend its title. Several Swiss drivers contributed to the third consecutive title win this year, such as last year's champion Miklas Born, Fabian Danz and Jasmin Preisig in Sebring.
However, the drivers' title goes to her two teammates who scored well in all 24H Series races with the #1 car, Austrian Constantin Kletzer and Norwegian Emil Heyerdahl. Jasmin Preisig takes third place overall in the final standings, Fabian Danz fifth. The Appenzeller had already been determined as the winner of the Ladies Cup.
Despite two defects at the rear suspension, which cost some laps, the second Autorama Golf with Kari-Pekka Laaksonen, Antti Buri, Roberto Ferri and the double starters Born and Danz completed the TCE overall podium. However, only four of the only five teams that started finished. Born (gallery on the right) also drove the green #112 to pole position in the Kategforie TCE on Saturday morning.
Audi team wins duel against the fastest Porsche After light rain showers at the start of the race and in the early hours on Sunday morning, heavy rain set in shortly after the start of the final quarter of the race, leading to an interruption. Before and after the re-start, the top two GT3 teams, who alternated in the lead several times, were never more than one to two minutes apart.
After 559 laps on the legendary Sebring International Raceway in Florida, the German Audi R8 LMS of Rutronik Motorsport with professional Markus Winkelhock as well as Michael Doppelmayr, Elia Erhart and Swen Herberger had an advantage of just 1:44.1 minutes over the Porsche 911 GT3 R of Herberth Motorsport. At its wheel, Daniel Allemann from Solothurn alternated with the Germans Ralph Bohn, Alfred Renauer and Robert Renauer.
Podium of the top three overall, which was led by Rutronik's Audi #18.
MANY COMFORT DETAILS Renault presents the special model Clio Lutecia, which is equipped with automatic climate control, online multimedia system Easy Link and parking assistance with rearview camera, among other features, at an affordable price.
Editorial - November 21, 2021
The Clio Lutecia is also available with a new automatic climate control system from 27,900 Swiss francs.
The most striking visual feature of the new Renault special edition Clio Lutetia is the special metallic paint finish Black Pearl Black. Trim elements in copper-gold on the radiator grille, the air vents and the exterior mirrors add a touch of contrast.
Further copper-colored accents can be found on the gloss-turned 17-inch alloy wheels, the shark antenna and the vehicle flanks.
Cladding from sustainable material The interior of the Clio Lutecia features a distinctive design and the use of sustainable materials. The seat upholstery and the trim on the doors and dashboard are made predominantly of wood-based Tencel fibers from European forests.
Standard features of the Clio Lutecia include the Easy Link online multimedia system with 9.3-inch display, smartphone integration and parking assistance with rear-view camera. There are also details such as the tinted rear window and heated front seats.
CONCEPT STUDY WITH ELECTRIC DRIVE The electric Smart Concept #1 was unveiled at the IAA Mobility in Munich. Next year, it will celebrate its world premiere as the first production vehicle of the Mercedes subsidiary's new generation.
Editorial - November 20, 2021
The video of the Smart study shows the main design features of the upcoming production model.
For almost two years now, Smart Automobile Ltd, a joint venture of Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding, has been driving the further development of the Smart brand. Both partners are contributing know-how and capital to develop the next generation of Smart models and distribute them worldwide.
The market launch of the new Smart model in Switzerland is planned for 2023.
New company for the Swiss business
Remo Guthauser, CEO Smart Schweiz GmbH: "The all-electric Smart SUV is a perfect fit for Switzerland thanks to its compact size, range and all-wheel drive. I had the opportunity to see the final design of the production model and am convinced the next Smart will be a design classic."
After Smart Europe GmbH was founded in 2020 with headquarters in Leinfelden-Echterdingen near Stuttgart, the business in Switzerland is also taking shape. Last summer, Smart Schweiz GmbH was founded as a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart Europe GmbH.
Mercedes-Benz: This truck is also called Advent calendar
BACKGROUND Cubic Mercedes front-steer trucks of the 1960s and 1970s were nicknamed Advent calendars because of the numerous maintenance hatches. Now on display as a close-up at the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart.
Editorial - November 20, 2021
The name of the Close-up series at the Mercedes-Benz Museum says it all. Each episode tells surprising as well as background stories and thus focuses on details of a vehicle or an element of architecture and design. For the year, the focus is on the LP 1513 fuel oil tanker from 1974 (Gallery Center).
The vehicle It comes from the generation of front-wheel drive cubic trucks and is nicknamed Advent Calendar.
It has three doors at the front, plus further flaps inside the cab. There aren't quite as many doors as on a real Advent calendar - and there's certainly no chocolate behind them.
At the front, the Mercedes LP1530 has three doors, plus flaps in the cab.
Different variants of the front handlebar In keeping with Mercedes-Benz tradition, the various versions of the forward control unit bear the abbreviation LP in front of the numerical sequence of the type designation. L stands for truck, P for Pullman, in this case for a forward control vehicle.
The combination of numbers 1513 on the exhibit in the museum indicates a gross vehicle weight of 15 tons and an engine output of around 130 hp. The exact figure was 131 hp from an inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5.675 liters.
Production of the forward control cabs came to an end in the mid-1980s, with only the lightweight types being built at the end. In the following series, such as the New Generation (NG) produced from 1973 onwards, the tilting cabs have been standard right from the start. They can be tilted forward hydraulically, allowing convenient access to the technology.
Kits with 24 doors are available in the store But real Advent calendars are already available in the Mercedes Museum store. There, fans of the brand can choose between four kits whose parts are hidden behind the 24 little doors. For example, a 300 SL Coupé or an AMG GT Coupé can be built between now and Christmas - it doesn't always have to be something edible.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. For registration, reservations and up-to-date information, call +49 711 17-30000 or e-mail classic@daimler.com.
LAUNCH IN CHINA At the just-launched Auto Guangzhou, Genesis is presenting the all-electric SUV model GV70. This combines the advantages of conventional and electric drive concepts.
Editorial - November 20, 2021
In addition to the new Electrified GV70, Genesis will also showcase the G80 sedan, the GV80 and two G70s at Auto Guangzhou 2021.
The new Electrified GV70 is available exclusively with all-wheel drive and one electric motor per axle. The motors each produce 160 kW and 350 Nm, and Genesis states 360 kW as the short-term maximum output in boost mode.
This allows the electric SUV to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The expected range is more than 500 kilometers according to the China CLTC cycle. Swiss prices are not yet known.
The Electrified GV70 is the first Genesis model to feature the specific driving mode e-Terrain
Power connection for external electrical devices The Electrified GV70 can be charged at both 400-volt and 800-volt stations. At a 350-kW fast charging station, charging from 10 to 80 percent takes 18 minutes. In addition, the vehicle's charging capability of up to 3.6 kW allows it to power various external electrical devices.
To increase efficiency, the vehicle automatically switches between 2WD and AWD depending on traction requirements. With the i-pedal, it can also accelerate and decelerate with just one pedal. The ANC-R active noise control system also contributes to the comfortable driving experience.
High stability in adverse driving conditions Driving behavior is optimized by the predictive chassis control system, which takes into account information from the front camera and navigation system on the road surface. As the first Genesis model, the Electrified GV70 also features the SUV-specific driving mode e-Terrain, which ensures high stability in adverse driving conditions.
Experience Genesis from December 9 to 11 and get to know your favorite model during a test drive. Secure your place for the Genesis Experience Days at the Hotel Alex on Lake Zurich.
ORIGINELLE HOMMAGE With the Suite N°4 model, Renault presents a concept car based on the legendary R4, which was created in collaboration between Renault specialists and French designer Mathieu Lehanneur.
Editorial - November 19 2021
The original Renault study as an R4 homage to the bestseller can be seen in Paris.
Suite N°4 dispenses with the trunk and rear seats of the original and transforms the interior into a room with a view of the sky. Like the prototype, the study combines simplicity and plainness with efficiency and spontaneity.
Polycarbonate rear end and tailgate Because the Suite N°4 concept car does without rear seats, the interior gives the impression of a small, homely room. The car has the same exterior dimensions and lines as its famous predecessor from 1961, but presents itself with a completely new look.
The rear end and tailgate have been replaced by polycarbonate windows, allowing light to enter like in an artist's studio. The solar panels on the roof are also translucent and support charging of the electrically powered vehicle.
Radiator grille is made of polished aluminum The front features the same lights and lines as the original. The grille is made of polished aluminum and the body is covered with three layers of paint.
Inside, the upholstery fabrics convey a cozy feeling. Yellow velvet runs across the seats and dashboard, while the backrests are covered in a thick chenille fabric. The highlight is the trunk, which has been completely redesigned and features a floor covering made of natural fibers.
Elegant hotel room under the open sky
Designer Mathieu Lehanneur: "Suite N°4 opens the door to a new kind of mobility that aims to give people experiences. I wanted to merge the worlds of the car and architecture to create an elegant hotel room in the open air."
The vehicle is on display at the Atelier Renault on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
SUV BECOMES SUEV Hyundai Motors unveils the Seven Concept, a cross-segment study. This is intended to provide a preview of the Hyundai Group's future Sport Utility Electric Vehicles (SUEV).
Editorial - November 19 2021
The flat floor Seven Concept offers space for a completely new seating arrangement.
Hyundai is presenting the Seven Concept study at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The electric SUV (SUEV) can be seen together with other models at the Hyundai stand in the Convention Center until November 28. The Seven showcases new technology and the latest design and is therefore also a clear commitment by Hyundai to climate neutrality by 2045.
Jose Munoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America: "The innovative interior, eco-friendly powertrain and advanced safety and convenience technologies promise a future of electric mobility that Hyundai SUV customers can look forward to."
The Seven Concept vehicle embodies the Hyundai Group's SUV future plans.
Electric Global Modular Platform is the basis The Seven Concept study is intended to be an example of how pioneering hygiene and space features can be implemented in an Ioniq to create a new kind of experience on wheels. The vehicle is based on the Hyundai Group's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The BEV architecture offers a long wheelbase and a flat floor, enabling the creation of new vehicle classes.
Significant difference to conventional SUVs With its aerodynamically clean, smooth silhouette and long wheelbase of 3.20 meters, the study is clearly different from conventional SUVs. The flat floor offers space for new seat arrangements with a flowing interior design. The elimination of the B-pillar and the wide-opening doors also contribute to this. They provide a view of a lounge-like interior.
SUCCESS Just in time for the 40th anniversary of its presence in China, ZF received orders from the world's largest automotive market: Two manufacturers will use cubiX, a software component for chassis control, as standard.
Editorial - November 18, 2021
The software-defined vehicle is in vogue. ZF has expanded its competence and product range accordingly.
The cubiX control algorithm networks active systems in the chassis, steering, brakes, and driveline. In this way, it optimizes the driving behavior of a passenger car - and this is even independent of whether the suspension systems developed by the specialists at Lake Constance come from ZF or from third-party suppliers.
A chassis controller accesses sensor information from the entire vehicle and derives optimum control commands for active systems in the chassis, steering, brakes and powertrain.
Innovations and cutting-edge technology
Dr. Holger Klein, member of the ZF Board of Management: "The market launch of cubiX is a milestone for us. The fact that the market launch of our first software product is taking place in China makes it clear how important this market has now become for innovations and cutting-edge technology."
WHERE TO MEET The winter classic car rally RAID leads through spectacular scenery of the Alps and the Dolomites in January. Winter-ready drivers can look forward to 950 kilometers of driving pleasure on snow and ice.
Editorial - November 18, 2021
The rally is an event that leads from Seefeld through the Felbertauern to Cortina d'Ampezzo
If you're looking for a sporting challenge combined with winter driving pleasure, the Winter RAID is the place to be, as habitués and first-time participants quickly bond there to form a companionable community.
The classic car rally is an international event that leads from Seefeld through the Felbertauern to Cortina d'Ampezzo from January 19 to 22, 2022. After two nights at the Grand Hotel Savoia, the route will take you over the most beautiful passes and Alpine roads back to Seefeld.
The fact that older vintages are also suitable for winter can be proven at the Winter RAID in January.
Three vehicles one team with own name Classic car on snow? No problem! After all, the car also drove on snow and ice when it was not yet a classic car. Besides, less and less road salt is used on the roads today. All participants will receive a leaflet about winter protection measures for the vehicle before the rally.
Anyone who wants to take on the winter challenge together with friends, acquaintances or business partners can form a team with three cars bearing their own name. The winner is the team with the lowest number of penalty points of all registered teams.
Austrian hospitality and Italianità During the day there is sporting competition, but in the evening the focus is on luxury and coziness as well as culinary delights - with Austrian hospitality, Italianità and unforgettable driving experiences. In winter, after all, everything is different - and that, too, is what makes this traditional long-distance drive so appealing.
Registrations will be made online. Shortly before the event, participants will be informed about the current status of Covid measures in Austria.
