ZUKUNFT ZF, together with Flixbus and the climate protection organization Atmosfair, is participating in a project of the German Federal Ministry of Transport on the use of fuel cell technology in heavy commercial vehicles.
Editorial - November 15, 2021
The aim of the HyFleet project is to design and test an all-electric coach powered by hydrogen.
The three-year HyFleet feasibility study is intended to help optimize fuel cell drives for heavy commercial vehicles. The consortium is led by Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH.
Load peaks for the drive system Specifically, this involves the dimensioning of the battery and fuel cell, the cooling concept and the load peaks for the drive system to be taken into account during operation.
ZF is contributing its expertise in all-electric commercial vehicle drives - including power electronics and the software-based control of all energy consumers.
In addition to the Hy-Fleet project, ZF and Freudenberg are investigating further applications for the development of fuel cell solutions in the mobility sector and industrial use
Mercedes: Lorenzo Santiniello shows the most beautiful SL
WHERE YOU MEET VIRTUALLY The new special exhibition of the Mercedes-Benz Museum is open. It runs until May 15, 2022. "Fascination SL - a dream car for 70 years" shows the history of the legendary models.
Editorial - November 15, 2021
Lorenzo Santiniello leads the virtual tour through the exhibition of the museum in Stuttgart.
On November 15 and 22, the Mercedes-Benz Museum will supplement the presentation "Fascination SL - a dream car for 70 years" with a digital offering. On the Instagram channel@mercedesbenzmuseum museum guide Lorenzo Santaniello takes the community on an interactive tour of the special exhibition.
Viewers can decide what they want to see for some of the vehicles and put their knowledge of the sports cars to the test in quizzes. In addition, historical and current photos and video clips bring the seventy-year SL history to life.
Presentation on a serpentine loop The individual tour of the SL special exhibition is the third interactive guided tour of the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Visitors around the world get a glimpse of selected exhibits. The special exhibition tells the complete story of the SL sports cars.
The focus is on nine legendary vehicles presented on a serpentine loop. For visitors on site, the exhibition is integrated into the guides' German-language museum tours.
The museum is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Registration, reservation and current information by phone +49 711 17-30000, by e-mail to classic@daimler.com or online.
LA Auto Show: This is how the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS roars 🎥
HIGHLIGHT With the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, Porsche is presenting the new top model of the 718 family at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The particularly sharp RS version boasts more downforce and even more power than the GT4.
Editorial - November 14, 2021
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the hottest 718 of all time. Its sound makes you want more.
The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the hottest 718 ever. It laps the 20.6-kilometer Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:04.511 minutes, 23.6 seconds faster than the 718 Cayman GT4 with PDK.
Along with the production model, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport racing version is also making its debut at the Auto Show. It goes without saying that the Mission R will also be on display (center gallery).
On Tuesday, November 17, the covers will come off Porsche's new products at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Taycan with new drive variant The Stuttgart-based company is showcasing a new drive variant of the Taycan electric sports car between the Taycan 4S and Taycan Turbo as well as a third body version.
The Panamera series is also being expanded: Porsche is launching a special series with particularly high-quality equipment as the Platinum Edition (AutoSprintCH reported).
Mark Webber leads through the show The unveiling of the world premieres will take place on November 17 at 5 a.m. (CET) with Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing, and Frank-Steffen Walliser, Head of Model Series 911 and 718. Ex-Formula 1 driver and Porsche brand ambassador Mark Webber will moderate the event.
Museum of Transport: Fritz W. Egli, Abarth and Alfa Romeo
WHERE TO MEET Still in the current month of November, the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne will be hosting various events and special shows centered around classic road and racing vehicles on four and two wheels.
Editorial - November 14, 2021
The Abarth 1000 is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.0-liter engine that produces 100 horsepower.
The vernissage "Egli Motorcycles - A question of the engine. Of the frame. And the attitude" makes the beginning on Thursday, November 18, from 5 pm. The presentation of the most important motorcycles from the motorcycle forge of Fritz W. Egli (Gallery Mitte) is interesting. There will also be historical and technical background information. Motto: Egli lives!
Alternative drives yesterday, today and tomorrow On Saturday, November 27, starting at 1:30 p.m., a lecture on "Alternative drives yesterday, today and tomorrow" is on the program. There will also be an anniversary exhibition and a panel discussion by the Swiss Car Register.
Starting at 5 p.m., the anniversary event "Audi quattro" will take place (gallery on the right). To mark the occasion, the world's oldest Audi quattro will be presented, followed by a talk round on the model's history with national and international guests.
Alfa Romeo Spider and Abarth 1000 La Principessa The vernissage "La Bella Vita" is scheduled for Monday, November 29, starting at 5 pm. This fourth exhibition at the Museum of Transport in cooperation with Corrado and Duccio Lopresto will focus on the Alfa Romeo Spider (gallery on the left).
This will be immediately followed by another vernissage featuring the record-breaking Abarth 1000 car by Pininfarina "La Principessa". Further information and details can be found on the website of the Swiss Museum of Transport.
Juice Technology: App j+ pilot free until end of year
RATGEBER Juice Technology is giving its customers a Christmas present. The recently launched j+ pilot app is now available free of charge with the full scope of the business license for every mobile or fixed wallbox from Juice.
Editorial - November 14, 2021
The software of the j+ pilot app is continuously being expanded with additional functions.
The Swiss company Juice Technology AG, manufacturer of charging stations and software for electric vehicles, is giving its customers the app j+ pilot as a gift. However, registration is required by the end of the year. It makes no difference whether the customer has just purchased a new Juice charging station or has owned one for some time.
A useful tool for all e-mobilists
Christoph Erni, CEO and founder of the company from Bachenbülach: "It is our heart's project to make e-mobility as easy as possible for everyone. With the universal j+-pilot app, we are giving all e-mobilists a useful tool that gives them the perfect overview of their driving behavior and all charging processes."
Energy flows, charging rates and usage patterns In addition to numerous statistics, the app provides an overview of all energy flows, charging rates and usage patterns and is also a logbook. This records all routes driven without gaps. The software is continuously being expanded with additional functions.
The business license is available free of charge with every existing and newly purchased Juice device. Owners of devices that cannot yet be controlled with it still benefit from all other functions of the app. For free use, it is sufficient to register with the serial number of the fixed or mobile wallbox under https://app.jplus-pilot.com/customer-benefit to register.
RENTABLE BRANDS Several car manufacturers are among the world's largest companies. It is therefore not surprising that some of them earned well last year. Insurer U-switch has compiled a ranking.
Editorial - November 13, 2021
With revenues of 238 billion euros, Toyota was the highest-earning automaker in 2020.
U-switch Limited is an English portal for price and service comparisons. Now the car insurance experts at U-switch have cast an eye over the profitability of the major car manufacturers. They looked at all the car companies' results between 2016 and 2020.
Toyota earns 7.54 euros per second With revenues of 238 billion euros, Toyota was the highest earning car manufacturer in 2020. The Japanese manufacturer was followed by Volkswagen, Daimler, Honda, Mitsubishi, Ford, General Motors, BMW, Stellantis and Nissan.
U-switch also has fun calculating the earnings per second: Toyota earns 7.54 euros, while the number ten, Nissan, earns 2.49 euros in the same time.
Volkswagen No. 1 year-on-year In a 5-year comparison since 2016, however, Volkswagen ranks first. The average annual income of Germans amounted to 227.5 billion euros.
Toyota, Daimler, Ford and General Motors followed in fifth place. The US manufacturer in fifth place generated an average of 121.2 billion euros during this period.
AWARD The new Opel Vivaro-e is "International Van of the Year 2021" (IVOTY). The battery-electric van convinced the expert jury of 24 journalists and editors from independent European trade magazines.
Editorial - November 13, 2021
Andreas Bückmann (right), accepts the "International Van of the Year" award from Henrik Petro.
Henrik Petro, Swiss IVOTY jury member and Publishing Director TIR transNews of Galledia Fachmedien AG, presented the award to Andreas Bückmann, Managing Director AO Automobile Schweiz AG, on the occasion of the commercial vehicle trade fair transport-CH in Bern.
Andreas Bückmann: "I am very pleased about the award. Before the end of the year, we will also be launching the e-variants of the Combo and Movano. This means that all Opel commercial vehicle models will also be available in battery-electric form."
Partner for fleets, trade and commerce With three lengths and numerous variants, the new e-transporter (pictures in the gallery) is just as variable and flexible as any other Vivaro. Without any restrictions, the new Opel Stromer is a versatile partner for fleets, trade, commerce and couriers.
Customers can choose between two lithium-ion batteries of different sizes. Depending on requirements, a 50 kWh battery is available for a range of up to 230 kilometers and a 75 kWh battery for a maximum of 330 kilometers according to WLTP1.
Technologies and driver assistance systems
Henrik Petro: "The Vivaro-e offers a wealth of technologies and driver assistance systems - another plus point in the evaluation. The repertoire ranges from head-up display, lane assist, traffic sign recognition, drowsiness warning, semi-adaptive cruise control, front collision warning and emergency brake assist to a 180-degree panoramic rearview camera."
NEW BLICKWINKEL Renowned photographer Johanna Unternährer recently hit the road in an Outlander PHEV to give Mitsubishi fresh impetus as brand ambassador in Switzerland.
Editorial - November 13, 2021
In the application video of Johanna Unternährer you can learn more about the photographer.
The 30-year-old photographer Johanna Unternährer has a trained eye for detail and a good sense of the essential. This is how she manages to tell particularly beautiful stories with her pictures. One of these stories is told by the new brand ambassador for Mitsubishi Switzerland in her application video
Johanna Unternährer with Bruno Campino (Managing Director MM Automobile Schweiz AG).
Joint projects are already being planned
Johanna Unternährer: "I'm looking forward to the joint project with Mitsubishi and to everything else that will come out of it. Actually, I'm not used to the spotlight being on me and not my clientele. It's definitely exciting."
Johanna Unternährer's constant companion is a practical Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The SUV with plug-in hybrid drive has a maximum output of 224 hp, travels up to 57 kilometers on electric power and costs from CHF 36,950.
Porsche Cup Suisse: Champion freestyle by Misbach and Garski
PREVIOUS Like Alexander Fach in the GT3 Cup, Laurent Misbach decided both races in Misano in his quest for the GT4 championship title. In the Porsche Drivers Challenge, Nicolas Garski remained unbeaten in 2021.
Editorial - November 12, 2021
After the start of the first GT4 sprint, Thomas Herbst in the #109 led the field for laps (Photos: Deckbar).
Last year's runner-up in Class 10 of the GT4 Clubsport category secured the title with his sprint wins number 6 and 7 in the current season. However, Laurent Misbach's successes were not a foregone conclusion.
In the first Misano race, the Geneva native had to work his way up from fourth on the grid. It wasn't until the twelfth of 15 laps that he was able to wrest the lead from Thomas Herbst. The latter finished second ahead of guest entrant Giuseppe Ghezzi and Alexandre Mottet.
Strong return of the master In the second race, Misbach (center gallery) took a start-finish victory, but danger threatened from behind in the form of Francesco Fenici. Last year's champion had taken over the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR with around 425 hp from Valerio Presezzi and started the race from 11th place.
After a strong race to catch up, the Roman was able to take over second position on lap 12 and reduce his gap to Misbach to eight tenths - but it was no longer enough to overtake. Third place in this class went to Thomas Herbst ahead of Giuseppe Ghezzi and Paolo Gnemmi.
Also two class wins for Schetty In Class 11 for Porsche 718 GT4 Clubsport without MR package, Patrick Schetty (gallery left) had a final weekend to measure. In the first race, he drove to victory from pole position. Behind him, Renzo Kressig, who had started fourth in this category, was able to catch Andreas Greiling first and then Thomas Brauch on the last lap.
This shuffled the cards for an exciting second race. Schetty again took the class lead. Kressig (gallery, right) took up the chase but had to let Alexandre Mottet's MR Cayman pass on lap 12 and shortly afterwards lost his second position to the strong Jens Richter. The German had still been in 16th place overall after the start before a furious chase took him to the second highest step of the podium in Class 11.
Foreigner wins in GT Open In the GT Open category, Germany's Jörg Dreisow won the first race in a 911 GT3 R ahead of Loic Villiger in a Cup model, with the Italians Pieri and Alessandri ahead in the second race. In the two-hour final race under floodlights, Jan Klingelnberg and Dino Zamparelli drove another 911 GT3 Cup to class victory.
Jörg Dreisow and Manuel Lauck started from pole position in their 911 GT3 R, but had to park their sports car on the first lap. The driver trio of Sadamoto Takahashi, Alessandro Baccani and Simone Iaquinta finished as the best-rated Cayman team.
Nicolas Garski and Peter Gafner took the first two places in the Drivers Challenge.
Unbeaten master of uniformity Nicolas Garski can look back on a flawless season after the sixth round of the Porsche Drivers Competition Suisse. He remained unbeaten in Misano as well - rarely has a champion in the uniformity competition earned the title as Garski has in his Porsche 911 GT3.
At the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, his deviations from his own average time varied by just 1.53 seconds over the nine laps scored. Peter Gafner was unable to do anything about this. Last year's champion once again had to settle for second place with a deviation of 2.52 seconds. Places 3 to 5 went to Franco Castellazzi, Marius Hutmacher and Robert Schwaller.
FUTURE It was the surprise of the International Motor Show IAA in Munich. Cupra presented a racing-inspired show car that lays the foundation for a future all-electric city car.
Editorial - November 12, 2021
The prototype presented in Munich took to the track for the first time with Dr. Werner Tietz at the wheel.
But the UrbanRebel Concept is not just a show car. For the first time, you can experience the car in video on a test track. Behind the wheel is none other than Cupra Vice President for Research and Development, Dr. Werner Tietzm (center gallery).
After its unveiling, the concept car emerges as the brand's most radical interpretation; a vehicle where electrification meets sustainability and performance.
Says Dr. Werner Tietz, "And to prove it, there's nothing better than taking it out of the showroom to experience its racing spirit firsthand on the track."
Tempo 100 km/h in just over three seconds In just over three seconds, the car reaches the 100 km/h mark with a maximum output of 320 kW. The key is the two motors that provide the power, combined with the thrill of driving a 100 percent electric vehicle.
Dr. Werner Tietz: "The UrbanRebel is a bold statement from the young brand that electrification doesn't have to be boring. The car has a constant output of 250 kW and delivers 320 kW of maximum power to get the most out of it. It's really fun to drive this car."
Special tuning of chassis and steering The UrbanRebel Concept was designed to minimize drag with large air intakes and outlets and an oversized spoiler. Although the car is four meters long and 144.4 centimeters high, the emphasis on aerodynamics allows it to stay close to the road with plenty of grip and take corners without losing stability.
Dr. Werner Tietz: "Cupra's unique suspension and steering setup gives the car precise handling and is the inspiration for series production. Perfect."
AutoSprintCH hopes the adage "one man, one word" holds true.
