With 16 teams, the off-road racing series based in the British Isles has the largest field of drivers to date. Both newcomers and experienced drivers are represented in the seven races of this one-make championship.

Coaching is part of the program

While the motorsport backgrounds of the participants range from novices to experts on race tracks and off-road courses, all Defender Rally Series racers can benefit from the opportunities offered by expert driver coaching and full factory support.

As in the previous year, the Defender 90 is perfectly prepared for the racing series as the third competition model. All vehicles have a new livery for the 2024 season: behind a uniform black pattern, the teams were able to opt for an individual color scheme.

Defender 90 P300 serves as the basis

Mark Cameron, Managing Director Defender and Discovery: "In the Defender Rally Series, our high-performance off-road vehicles can prove themselves under the toughest conditions. With great fighting spirit, the participants take over the steering wheel of a Defender 90, whose technology is very close to the series standard. This is the start of a racing series full of challenges, in which absolute reliability and robustness are required from vehicles and crews."

The Series 2024 competition vehicle is based on the Defender 90 P300 series model and is powered by a 300 hp 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the Ingenium series. The 2165-kilogram Defender is race-ready thanks to additional safety features such as racing seats, an FIA-certified roll cage and a fire extinguishing system.

jaguarlandrover.com

The noble Briton is named after Arcadia, a place that was described as heaven on earth in ancient Greek mythology. The masterpiece was presented to the client at a private ceremony in Singapore.

Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge: "Rolls-Royce Coachbuild is an unrivaled concept for our brand in the luxury sector. Here, influential personalities work with our designers, engineers and craftsmen to bring unusual ideas to life. Together they create exquisite automobiles that not only become part of the client's personal story, but also contribute to the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars."

The nature of a Coachbuild design

Design Director Anders Warming adds: "Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail demonstrates the true nature of a coachbuilt design by completely changing the character of an automobile. Each Droptail order reflects a personal understanding and interpretation of the fundamental design. With the creation of this car, we once again demonstrate our comprehensive capabilities in the realization of Bespoke design."

Natural-looking two-tone coloring

To honor the droptail shape, the designers at Rolls-Royce Coachbuild developed a calm, natural-looking two-tone color scheme. The client's wish was to define a white that would evoke a special fascination when viewed closely under natural light. To achieve this, the main color is a white with aluminum and glass particles. This not only creates an effervescent shimmer, but also the illusion of an infinite depth of color.

Specific expectations of the customer

The interior reflects the style the client prefers in their homes and business premises. The color palette and material treatment should be recognizable as the client's signature. Wood was the focus of the interior because the client brought specific expectations regarding texture, grain, color and the richness of the material. Santos Straight Grain was chosen, a high-density hardwood with an extremely fine grain.

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

The date February 29 has symbolic significance for the Fiat Panda. It was precisely on this day in 1980 that the first generation of the versatile small car was presented to the then Italian President Sandro Pertini.

Italy loves the little Fiat

Olivier François: "The Pandina is a nod to the Italians' love of the Panda. In fact, Pandina is the nickname for the Fiat Panda in Italy. I am also proud to be able to announce it: The Fiat Panda will continue to be built until at least 2027."

Eight million sold so far

So the love story between the Fiat Panda and Italy will continue thanks to recent investments that have made it the safest Panda ever. The iconic car has been a success throughout Europe for 44 years. Since 1980, Fiat has sold more than eight million units. Then as now, the Panda is characterized by simplicity, versatility and functionality. This applies all the more to the new Pandina, which pays homage to a car loved by many.

Assistants ensure safety

In addition to six airbags, the Pandina has a wide range of driver assistance systems, including Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Drowsiness Alert and Autonomous Emergency Braking Assist. Also on board are traffic sign recognition, high beam assist and cruise control. The standard equipment also includes the fully digital instrument cluster, which, like the infotainment system, is based on a display with a 7-inch screen.

In the interior, the white-painted trim of the dashboard and specific seat covers are striking. These are made from Seaqual yarn, which consists of materials collected as waste from the sea. The upholstery features embossed Pandina lettering, yellow double stitching and white inserts.

fiat.ch

Only 103 or 206 examples of the Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima will be built to celebrate the past and mark the transition to the new era of electrification. These cars, whose engines have written an important chapter in the brand's history, are a jewel for collectors.

Driving experience Ghibli 334 Ultima

Since its debut in 1967, the Maserati Ghibli (gallery right) has been the epitome of beauty and commercial success. Its sporty, elegant line was the model for the models of later years and the emotionalization of the sedan. The Ghibli 334 Ultima was further improved to enhance the driving experience. The focus was on aerodynamics as well as many discreet and elegant details.

The number 334 on the fender (center gallery) refers to the top speed. With a jump from 326 to 334 km/h, the Ghibli 334 Ultima takes first place in the rankings, making it the fastest saloon in the world. Work was also carried out on the weight and tires to optimize the vehicle's 0 to 100 km/h acceleration from 4.3 to 3.9 seconds. Externally, the special Ghibli is reminiscent of the past - as a tribute to Maserati's first V8 creation. The model comes with the carbon exterior kit as standard, including front bumper panels, door handles, mirror caps and B and C pillars.

SUV Levante V8 Ultima with 580 hp

The Levante (gallery left) has always been all about the impressive radiator grille, which is intended as an ode to the Maserati Alfieri and Tipo 60 Birdcage concepts. The Trofeo trim level now inspires this new special edition, dedicated to the celebration of the 580 hp V8 biturbo engine. Like the Levante Trofeo, the V8 Ultima also comes with the carbon exterior kit as standard, similar to the Ghibli 334.

Nero Assoluto or Blu Royale

The interior is characterized by light terracotta leather components that frame the black seats. The contrast is continued on the front headrests, where the trident is embroidered together with the V8 Ultima logo. Maserati also dedicates two body colors, Nero Assoluto and Blu Royale, to the Levante V8 Ultima. Prices are available on request.

maserati.com

At Škoda's annual Importer of the Year awards, the international markets are honored with various prestigious awards for their achievements. Škoda Switzerland was honored with first place in the Aftersales category for the year 2023. This international award underlines the outstanding achievements of the Škoda importer.

Passion and a lot of heart and soul

Markus Kohler, Brand Director Škoda Switzerland: "It makes me very proud that we have received this award. Last year, we were voted Importer of the Year 2022 and took home first place in the Sales Europe category. And now we are also taking first place in the Aftersales category. My thanks go to the entire Škoda team, who always put their heart and soul into their work, and to our dealer network, who deliver top performance for Škoda every day."

Customers take center stage

Škoda has always been known for its human touch, which puts the individual mobility needs of its customers first.

Thomas Mani, Head of Aftersales Škoda Switzerland: "It is important to us that our customers know that we are there for them even after they have purchased a vehicle. We want customers who trust us and are satisfied with our service, because this is part of our DNA. My special thanks therefore go to the Škoda service partners, because they are the foundation for these results."

skoda.ch

You get to the best years when you have the good ones behind you. Car enthusiasts from German-speaking Switzerland are also traveling across the Röstigraben to Geneva for the 100th Geneva Motor Show. There will no longer be over 700,000 visitors at Palexpo as in the golden years. "But I was surprised that so many came from German-speaking Switzerland on the first day of the show," says Martin Friedli from Niederbipp. This is his 40th visit to the salon. He is there with his brother Herbert (top left gallery): "This is my first time at the Motor Show," he says. He is a Dacia driver and is mainly interested in the Renault and Dacia stands - and less in the Chinese cars.

Chinese superiority does not bother

Marco Graziani (center gallery in the middle) from Thun is also an old hand when it comes to visiting the salon. The classic car driver - two Porsche 911s from the years 79 and 88 - is there with his 14-year-old son Loris. "We've already been to Auto Zurich, the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este on Lake Como - and now Geneva." As a coachbuilder, he misses the additional exhibitions on spare parts and accessories that used to be shown in Geneva. He is not bothered by the predominance of Chinese exhibitors. Rather the focus: "Everyone is talking about climate protection and electromobility, but the Chinese represented here are all present with huge cars."

Tuning cars are part of a show

The two car mechanic apprentices Phoenix Iseppi and Giuliano Di Grisolo (center left gallery) travelled to Geneva with the Wetzikon vocational school: "There are too few tuning cars and too many electric cars," criticizes Iseppi. "That's not a good development for us as budding car mechanics," adds Di Grisolo. But the two creative youngsters knew how to help themselves: They bought models of the Porsche GT3 RS at one of the stands. Instead of a Chinese car, the two prefer a car from Germany or Japan for quality reasons.

For Christoph Burger (center right gallery), there are clearly too few Europeans here. He says: "If I had to do a blind tasting like a wine tasting, I would most probably not buy a Chinese car." He laughs. He traveled from Olten to Geneva with his two sons and his godson. They are drawn to the sports cars. "The Geneva Motor Show is and remains a wonderful experience - we'll be back!"

The manufacturers' stands are appealing

Sepp Gwerder (top right gallery) from Schmitten is somewhat surprised to discover that the new salon has unfortunately been slimmed down compared to the old one. He likes the presentations and stands - including those from China. Buy one? No, he wouldn't do that after all. His two colleagues Josh Hofstetter from Baselland and Dejan Bogdanovic from Nunningen are anything but convinced by the new concept. "There used to be a fair like this in Geneva in every village," says Hofstetter. There was a lack of variety and therefore important opportunities for comparison. "That would be the great advantage of a trade fair." And then he says: "Just because many Chinese exhibit their models here doesn't mean that I will buy one." The only thing that can save the day now is a juicy steak in a fine Geneva restaurant.

People want to touch cars

One person is happy that the big Europeans are skipping Geneva this year. It's Merlin Ouboter with his Microlino (top center gallery): "This way, the focus is more on us," he says and smiles. He is also convinced that the salon has a future. "I can see from the example of our Microlino how important haptics and emotions are for cars - people want to get into a car, touch it, feel it." Ouboter is convinced that there will be fewer trade fairs in the future, but with Geneva, Paris and the IAA in Europe, there will be three trade fairs of great importance.

genevamotorshow.com

The festival, which takes place from April 26 to 29 in Kemptthal, is the perfect opportunity for all vanlife and overlanding fans to find out about travel routes, off-road equipment and much more. It offers a varied program that includes live music as well as a wide range of workshops, lectures and discussions on the latest trends and techniques. Various exhibitors present their products and offer inspiration and exchange. The festival is organized by The Valley Event AG in collaboration with Motorworld Manufaktur Region Zürich. The partners of this year's edition are Overland Outfitters and Venon Projects.

Training on special courses

There are two camping areas on the site where you can spend the night with your vehicle. Visitors also have the opportunity to put their driving skills to the test by testing their own car on a special course and a vehicle scale.

The Overland & Vanlife Festival is open on Friday, April 26, from 4 pm, on Saturday, April 27, from 9 am to 11 pm and on Sunday, April 28, from 9 am to 4 pm. Overnight tickets are available for the nights from Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday on the official website.

overlandvanlifefestival.ch

The legendary blue paper driver's license will lose its validity from October 31, 2024. It is therefore recommended that you replace it as soon as possible with a driving license in credit card format. From November 1, 2024, the police will be entitled to fine people who do not yet have a driver's license in the new format.

Driving tests take longer

New provisions for eye tests and medical examinations will apply to driving tests from March 1, 2024. People who already hold a valid driving license do not have to take a new eye test to obtain a driving license in another category. Persons aged 75 or over must undergo a medical examination in order to obtain their driving license. In addition, it is now compulsory to drive in traffic for at least 45 minutes during the practical tests for driving license categories A and B.

Speed measurementr for e-bikes

Fast electric bikes that are newly put into circulation must be equipped with a speedometer from April 1, 2024. Vehicles already on the road must be equipped with one by April 1, 2027. Riding without a speedometer on a fast e-bike will be punished with a fine of CHF 20.

Mandatory data recorder

Stricter safety standards for cars will also apply from April 1, 2024. New vehicles must be equipped with an accident data recorder and new driver assistance systems that comply with European approval standards. These systems are used, for example, to warn of drowsiness or distraction, for automatic emergency braking or to assist when reversing and turning. Improved bodywork elements that ensure a less severe impact in the event of an accident will also become mandatory. This will provide better protection for cyclists, pedestrians and vehicle occupants.

tcs.ch

Following the first public presentation of the two snow concept cars at the White Turf in St. Moritz, the cars painted in Matterhorn White and Uyuni White respectively can be seen at Rue du Rhône 65. Both vehicles are designed for extreme winter conditions. They will be presented to the public as part of an interactive installation in the Genesis Studio. In the video, Samir Sadikhov, Senior Designer at Genesis Motor Europe in Frankfurt, explains the design of the two models.

Inspired by the Genesis design philosophy of Athletic Elegance, the exhibition has been designed to seamlessly integrate visitors into the space and make them part of the installation. In addition to an exhibition of design sketches, an accessory package with Genesis I Anavon skis, helmet, gloves and a travel bag is also on display.

Paintwork in Matterhorn White

Piergiorgio Cecco, Regional Operations Manager at Genesis Motor Switzerland: "We are thrilled to present the Genesis Snow concepts in one room in our Geneva studio. X Snow Speedium and GV70 Snow offer distinct but complementary designs that fit seamlessly into the Genesis range, which now includes our G90 luxury sedan."

The Genesis X Snow Speedium is the natural evolution of the X Speedium Coupe Concept, which, like the X Concept and the X Convertible Concept, is part of the X Concept trilogy. The Matterhorn White paint finish is reminiscent of the beauty of the Matterhorn. The color was specially designed to represent the purity and cleanliness of untouched snow.

Cooperation with Delta 4×4

The GV70 Snow concept is the result of a collaboration between Genesis and Delta 4×4, a German company specializing in off-road accessories. The GV70 Snow is equipped with special winter sports equipment, including a roof rack with two 40-inch Vision X LED lights that ensure good visibility when exploring off-road. Genesis has also entered into a cooperation with Anavon, a Swiss ski brand known for producing customized skis. Both the X Snow Speedium and the GV70 Snow are equipped with a two-line design ski set from Genesis.

genesis.com

After the successful premiere a year ago, the biker get-together is going into its second round until March 3. The biggest national event for motorcycles, scooters, clothing and accessories will showcase the new products for 2024. The majority of the market-relevant brands will be represented in Bern, including BMW, Ducati, Honda, Indian Motorcycles, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Morini, Suzuki and Triumph. Watch the moto.ch video to find out what you shouldn't miss.

Motorcycles, scooters and accessories

Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular in cities and conurbations. As in the EU countries, 16-year-olds in Switzerland have been allowed to ride motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125 cm3 and an output of 15 hp (11 kW) since 2021. These models are very popular with young people as utility and leisure vehicles. They are therefore also an important pillar of the Swiss motorcycle market. In 2023, the third year since driving licenses were introduced, 5752 of the 28199 new motorcycle registrations were in the 125 cc class.

Special shows and powerful V8s

The spectacular special and action shows presented as part of the motofestival are also emotionally powerful experiences. Powerful V8 bike conversions by Boss Hoss, fascinating custom conversions, panel discussions on current topics with important personalities and much more will captivate the audience in Bern. A new feature is the integration of an e-sports zone, which experience has shown is not only popular with very young motorcycle fans. Special shows and action Indoors, thrilling races and exciting shows will be held on a spectacular off-road track. And when the Crazy Nock Brothers whizz through the steel ball on their motorcycles, many will be left breathless. In the outdoor area, adrenaline junkies will get their money's worth at the top-class freestyle motocross show with former world champion Mat Rebeaud & Friends.

Relaxation and catering

The outdoor area offers a varied selection of street food, from traditional Swiss cuisine to exotic dishes. The food court is completely separated from the action area so that you can take a break from the hustle and bustle. The motofestival day ticket for adults is available online in advance for 19 francs, families with up to three children pay 40 francs. The concerts on Friday and Saturday evening are included in the ticket price. Tip for getting there: If you want to save yourself the annoying search for a parking space, you should travel to the motofestival by bus or train. The bus stops are close to the trade fair. It couldn't be more convenient. Enjoy the biker party.

motofestival.ch