As the brand's first top-of-the-range electric SUV concept, the Genesis Neolun Concept is designed to embody the philosophy of hospitality - with modern features such as swivel front seats, portal doors, electric running boards and a new heating system. The name Neolun is a combination of the Greek word neo (new) and the Latin word luna (moon).

Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis: "The Neolun Concept was inspired by the moon-shaped porcelain vessels of Korea. It embodies timeless design and sophisticated craftsmanship in its purest form."

The car also impresses with its two-tone Midnight Black/Majestic Blue paint finish, which is reminiscent of the tranquil night sky of Korea.

Variable interior with plenty of space

Swivel front seats maximize interior space and practicality, while the large screen and flex display, which folds out from the headliner in the second row, provide a stimulating experience. The sound system is characterized by a modern sound architecture, with optimally placed tweeters, midrange and woofers as well as subwoofers, guaranteeing a comprehensive sound experience.

Magma Concept for extreme performance

The Genesis GV60 Magma Concept model (gallery below) has been designed as part of the Genesis Magma range and offers a new level of performance and luxury that promises a lot of driving pleasure. The GV60 Magma joins the previously shown GV80 Coupe Concept, G80 Magma Special and X Gran Berlinetta Concept to represent the current dimension of the Genesis model range. Genesis aims to develop a high-performance model called Magma for each vehicle in the existing model range, maximizing both aesthetics and performance.

The GV60 Magma can be recognized by the enlarged mudguards and integrated wheel arch outlets, as well as the titanium-coloured Flow-Formed 21-inch wheels with aero discs. The GV60 Magma offers a sporty driving experience with comfortable power and performance settings.

Two interesting cars to look forward to. There is no information yet about series production.

genesis.com

In 2024, there will be a Swiss Junior Rally Championship as well as a combined Swiss Junior Championship (mountain and slalom). Auto Sport Switzerland published the details back in December. Registration has been open since the end of January. Those who meet the criteria can still register until March 31, 2024.

Decision of the National Sports Commission
Important: Due to the cancellation of the Ayent-Anzère hill climb, which would also have been part of the Junior Championship, the NSK has decided to include La Roche-La Berra in the calendar of the Swiss Junior Championship as a replacement. The calendar now looks as follows:

• April 27/28, Slalom Frauenfeld
• May 04/05, Slalom Bière
• May 18/19, Slalom Bure
• June 08/09, Hemberg hill climb
• June 15/16, La Roche - La Berra hill climb
• June 22/23, Slalom Chamblon
• August 24/25, Oberhallau hill climb
• September 07/08, Gurnigel hill climb

Source: Auto Sport Switzerland
motorsport.ch

Team Peugeot Sport has adapted the aerodynamics of the 9X8 to take advantage of the changes to the regulations, which allow teams to use tires of different widths on the front and rear axles. In doing so, 90 percent of the bodywork was retained. In addition, Peugeot Design and Peugeot Sport worked together to develop a very special paint finish. The lion emblem - a symbol of speed and strength - is at the center of the design.

Actually a completely new vehicle

After its first full season in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Peugeot 9X8 has been fitted with several upgrades. This year, the team wants to play a leading role in the hypercar class, in which nine manufacturers and nineteen prototypes are competing.

Oliver Jansonnie, Technical Director of Peugeot Sport: "We have decided to no longer use the identical tire widths of 31 centimeters on all wheels, but 29 centimeters on the front axle and 34 centimeters on the rear axle. Strictly speaking, it's not a completely new vehicle, as it has the same chassis, but there are a lot of improvements."

Lion's head in various sizes

The upgrades for 2024 also offered the designers the opportunity to continue the collaboration with Peugeot Sport that began four years ago.

Matthias Hossann, Design Director at Peugeot: "After an elegant design for Peugeot's return to endurance racing in 2022 and the livery designed by visual artist Demsky for 2023, this time we have developed an appearance that shows the lion's head in different scales. This motif can also be found on the lifestyle merchandising products."

peugeot-sport.com

Mercedes-AMG is expanding the portfolio of the new AMG GT Coupé with the AMG GT 43. The combination of a lightweight four-cylinder engine on the front axle and pure rear-wheel drive makes the new model an agile cornering artist. The 2-liter turbo engine from AMG delivers 421 hp and generates a maximum torque of 500 Nm. In addition to the temporary power boost, the 48-volt mild hybridization also enables functions such as coasting and recuperation. The driving performance of the new model is up to standard: it accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 280 km/h.

Electric exhaust gas turbocharger

The operating principle of the electric turbocharger is based on the technology also used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. An electric motor around four centimetres in width is integrated directly on the turbocharger shaft. This electronically controlled motor drives the turbocharger shaft directly, accelerating the compressor wheel before the exhaust gas flow takes over the drive conventionally. This improves the response directly from idling speed.

In the AMG MCT 9G Speedshift transmission, a wet start-up clutch replaces the torque converter. It reduces the weight and optimizes the response to accelerator pedal commands thanks to its lower inertia. In addition, the intermediate throttle function in the Sport and Sport+ drive programs provides a particularly emotional gearshift experience.

Aerodynamically optimized

The Airpanel active air control system is a technical highlight for improving aerodynamics. The horizontal slats behind the upper air intake can be opened and closed electronically. This improves the aero performance. The rear spoiler changes its position depending on the driving situation. From 80 km/h, it adopts five different angular positions to either optimize driving stability or reduce drag.

mercedes-amg.com

This confirms the trend that, for the past two years, congestion peaks have been spread over two weekends. This year, Easter is earlier than last year. The first wave of vacation travelers already passed through the Gotthard on 23 and 24 March. In twelve cantons and three federal states, however, the start of the vacation coincides with the Easter weekend. A high volume of traffic can therefore be expected again in the days leading up to and over Easter.

Maximum already on Good Friday

During the week before Easter, an increased volume of southbound traffic is expected for the first time on Wednesday. On Maundy Thursday, traffic jams can be expected early in the morning before eight o'clock. Traffic jams are most severe between 12 noon and midnight. The traffic jam in front of the north portal is not expected to clear up during the night of Good Friday. As in the previous year, the biggest wave of travelers is expected on Good Friday. As a general rule for the journey south: to avoid traffic jams as much as possible, you should arrive at the Gotthard north portal early in the morning before eight o'clock or in the evening after 10 pm.

Biggest traffic jam on Easter Monday

The most time-consuming obstructions are expected on Easter Monday. Between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., long tailbacks can be expected in front of the Airolo south portal. There may be further delays on Tuesday. Traffic jams and longer waiting times in front of the south portal can also be expected throughout the rest of the week. To minimize traffic jams on the journey north, it is recommended that you start your return journey early in the morning before eight o'clock or in the evening after 10 pm.

Alternative routes or car train

For travelers from the greater Zurich area and eastern Switzerland, the Federal Roads Office recommends a detour via the San Bernardino route. This alternative is recommended as soon as the waiting time at the Gotthard tunnel exceeds one hour. However, there may also be delays there. If you are traveling south from the Mittelland, you can take the car train through the Lötschberg and Simplon. For travelers from western Switzerland, the Great St. Bernard is a good alternative.

tcs.ch

Porsche is further expanding its range of drive systems for the Panamera sports saloon. As part of the E-Performance strategy, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and 4S E-Hybrid models have been added to the portfolio with immediate effect. This is Porsche's response to the particularly strong interest in dynamic e-hybrid drives in many markets. The Panamera will be available in a total of four performance variants.

Top speed of 290 km/h

For powerful propulsion, Porsche combines a new e-hybrid system with a fundamentally revised 2.9-liter V6 biturbo petrol engine (224 kW/304 hp). The system output of 346 kW (470 PS) and the maximum torque of 650 Nm enable acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h. The electric range of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is increased to 96 kilometers.

The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid places a stronger focus on driving dynamics and power delivery in the upper rev range. Its 2.9-liter biturbo six-cylinder engine delivers 260 kW (353 hp). The system output is 400 kW (544 hp) and the maximum torque is 750 Nm. This enables the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 290 km/h.

Active Suspension Management as standard

Porsche equips all Panamera variants with adaptive 2-chamber air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with 2-valve dampers as standard. The Porsche Active Ride active suspension is also available for the E-Hybrid models. This resolves the technical conflict of objectives between optimized traction and cornering behavior and high ride comfort.

In Switzerland, prices for the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid start at 151,200 francs. The Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is available from 169,600 francs. Deliveries will start in the second quarter of 2024.

porsche.ch

From the so-called flybridge, which now offers 1400 millimetres more space, the captain steers the yacht with the sea breeze in his hair. A lounge sofa and an optional barbecue create a pleasant ambience. The bathing platform has also been enlarged - by 700 millimetres: This allows passengers to enjoy even more water sports activities at sea. The new model is 20.66 meters long and 5.76 meters wide. There are three bedrooms with six beds on board. The yacht offers space for a total of 15 people.

High stability and maneuverability

Visually, the luxury yacht continues to embody the brand's "L-Finesse" design philosophy: the LY680 aims to create a "refuge in the middle of the sea and a space in which discerning customers can feel free and at ease." The design demonstrates great attention to detail in order to exceed customer expectations and create a unique experience at sea.

In addition to a high-quality interior that reflects the Takumi craftsmanship and guarantees maximum comfort, the high stability and maneuverability as well as the excellent handling and noise level contribute to this. It is powered by Volvo marine engines. The fuel tank holds over 4000 liters.

lexus.ch
horizonyachteurope.com

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first all-electric model of the Hyundai sub-brand N. It celebrated its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023 - where the craziest cars always cover a short distance through the castle park at racing speed in front of a huge audience. This new Hyundai is also a little crazy.

478 kW output and 770 Nm

With its boosted power output of 478 kW (650 hp) and the enormous torque of up to 770 Nm, it offers race car performance; its 4.7 meter long four-door body, however, identifies it as a practical compact class hatchback. The N model differs from the standard Ioniq-5 in its different proportions. The N version is 20 millimeters lower and 80 millimeters longer. The vehicle width has been extended by 50 millimetres to accommodate the wider 275/35 R 21 tires. The large wheelbase of 3.00 meters is also striking.

Very well-behaved in everyday traffic

As a software-defined vehicle, the Ioniq 5 N can adapt its driving performance almost at will. In everyday traffic, it drives like a normal electric car in Eco, Normal or Sport mode and allows five people to travel in comfort. Its 84-kWh battery provides a WLTP range of up to 448 kilometers and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes at the DC charging station with up to 350 kW thanks to the 800-volt E architecture. The new model is based on the E-GMP (Electrified Global Modular Platform) of the Ioniq 5, but also uses motorsport technology and know-how from N. The all-wheel drive with rally-inspired handling and improvements to the bodyshell structure make it a very safe everyday vehicle with enormous performance potential.

Virtual to the combustion engine

The car's N-specific features can be enjoyed in many different ways. With N e-Shift and N Active Sound, the electric car is virtually transformed into a combustion engine vehicle with gearshifts and matching sound accompaniment - deceptively realistically staged. On the chassis side, the response and feedback from the steering have been optimized. Intensive fine-tuning was also necessary to combine regenerative braking with the hydraulic brakes so that the driver feels safe in every situation.

Ride perfectly with one pedal

With the N Pedal, the car can be driven perfectly with one pedal in conurbations and also on country roads, and the degree of recuperation can be adjusted in several stages using the paddles on the steering column. Less suitable for public roads, on the other hand, are the N Drift Optimizer function, which allows the 4×4 car to be manoeuvred through corners, and N Launch Control, which allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a repeatable 3.4 seconds - despite an unladen weight of 2,240 kilograms. The car is then in N Grin mode for ten seconds, which increases the peak output from 448 to 478 kW (from 609 to 650 hp). To master all these disciplines with ease, an improved battery thermal management system with optimized engine oil and battery cooling is used.

hyundai.ch

New vehicles from the Porsche 911 and 718 model series and the all-electric Taycan from Zuffenhausen are delivered to the 14 dealerships in Switzerland by Galliker e-trucks.

Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG: "Switzerland is the first Porsche market in the world to which we also deliver new vehicles electrically. This is an important step towards reducing CO₂ to save money."

Savings potential compared to diesel

An e-truck runs exclusively for Porsche on the route from Kornwestheim to Altishofen, and two e-trucks run from the Galliker vehicle logistics site in Switzerland to the Porsche Centers. Free transport slots are filled with vehicles from other manufacturers in order to maximize capacity utilization, provided this makes logistical sense.

René Zurkirchen, Head of Sales Car Logistics at Galliker: "On this basis, we quantify the calculated CO₂-savings potential of the three e-trucks in use for Porsche at 267 tons. The savings potential compared to transportation with diesel trucks is calculated along the so-called well-to-wheel chain. This analysis method considers all emissions from the extraction and delivery of raw materials to fuel production and the conversion of fuel into drive energy on the truck."

Supply with own electricity

Galliker produces a large proportion of the charging current for the electric trucks itself using photovoltaics. The company purchases the remaining electricity in the form of green electricity. An external audit ensures that the CO₂ be properly credited to the sports car manufacturer.

Rolf Galliker, Chairman of the Board of Directors and co-owner of Galliker: "In the medium and long term, we want to convert our entire fleet to sustainable drives. With more than 50 electric and hydrogen trucks today, we transport a wide variety of goods in a more environmentally friendly way. By the end of 2024, the alternative fleet should consist of 90 vehicles."

porsche.ch
galliker.com

The Mercedes-Benz Museum's Close-up series is a program. Each episode tells surprising and enigmatic stories. It focuses on the details of a vehicle, an exhibit or a design element. Now the Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster (W 29) in the Mythos 3 room takes center stage.

Technology and elegant design

The 500 K Special Roadster is a superstar in the museum. It is an extraordinary automotive sculpture whose elegance from the 1930s radiates right up to the present day. The best technology, elegant design and luxurious equipment come together here. Anyone approaching the red vehicle will be captivated by its grandeur.

The 500 K celebrated its premiere at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition (IAMA) in Berlin from March 8 to 18, 1934, where the luxury car was presented as a spectacular "freeway courier". The special roadster (see video) cost 28,000 Reichsmarks. That was an exorbitant amount, for which you could even buy a detached house in a prime location at the time.

Flair of the Roaring Twenties

Celebrities from the worlds of culture, show business, business and politics buy the 500 K. The great effort that went into building the special roadster still amazes us today. The bodywork with the large, elegantly curved fenders and the meter-long hood was designed by stylist Friedrich Geiger, who would of course be called a designer today. He lent the vehicle the flair of the Roaring Twenties, which were famous for their exuberant lifestyle.

Supercharged engine with 160 hp

The 500 K's M 29 supercharged engine produces 100 hp, or even 160 hp with the supercharger switched on. The two-bladed Roots blower located in front of the carburetor is activated by moving the accelerator pedal beyond the full throttle position. This is followed by the distinctive roar of the supercharger and the immediate increase in power. The chassis of the 500 K includes the trapezoidal-link front axle and swing axle at the rear. The 500 K was already rare in the 1930s. Only 342 of all body variants were produced between 1934 and 1936.

mercedes-benz.com