Carlo Abarth's sports brand is 75 years old. The 695 75° Anniversario model is a birthday present for the worldwide fan community, a reminder of the many records and racing victories of the brand with the scorpion emblem. The production figure of just 1368 vehicles is a tribute to the displacement of the turbo engine, which produces 180 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm.

The four-cylinder engine accelerates the Abarth 695 75° Anniversario from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 225 km/h. The Record Monza exhaust system provides an unmistakable sound.

Adaptive Koni shock absorbers

The special model is characterized by a special colour scheme. A sticker of the scorpion in gold is emblazoned on the roof. The gold-colored stickers of the logo on both flanks set additional accents.

Adaptive Koni shock absorbers with FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology ensure agile handling. The gold-painted 17-inch alloy wheels provide space for internally ventilated and perforated brake discs. The black-painted aluminum brake calipers come from Brembo.

Carbon and Alcantara interior

An exclusive ambience has been created in the interior, which is characterized by the dashboard covered in black Alcantara and the bucket seats from Sabelt. The seats have a carbon shell and are decorated with special double stitching and Anniversario logos in historic style. Alcantara inserts in the door and side panels intensify the sporty touch of the interior.

In addition to the automatic air conditioning, the standard equipment includes the digital central instrument as a 7-inch TFT display and the 7-inch monitor of the multimedia system. The Beats hi-fi audio system and navigation system are standard. Prices on request.

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The Fiat 500, presented on July 4, 1957, not only made individual mobility accessible to almost everyone in Italy. The ancestor of all Cinquecento models also became an ambassador of Made in Italy and an automotive icon.

Now Fiat is celebrating the historic 500 with a limited edition collector's model, the Fiat 500 Collezione 1957, which will only be produced in 1957 and exclusively as a convertible with an electrically operated soft top. The special model is available in Japan and in selected European countries, including Switzerland.

Gelato white and dew green

An exclusive feature of the new Fiat 500 Collezione 1957 is the bicolor paintwork in Gelato White and Tau Green. The standard equipment also includes the 16-inch alloy wheels, the chrome-plated mirror caps and the silhouette of the 500 printed in the rear window. LED daytime running lights and fog lights round off the look.

The interior impresses with ivory-colored seats with leather inserts from Poltrona Frau and embossed ONE OF 1957 logo. The dashboard is clad in wood.

Mild hybrid drive with 70 hp

The Fiat 500 Collezione 1957 is offered in Switzerland with a mild hybrid drive. The three-cylinder petrol engine delivers 70 hp together with an electric motor. Fiat gives the fuel consumption as 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers. The 500 Collezione will be available from garages in Switzerland from May at a price of 29,990 francs.

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As a representative of the Volkswagen, VW Commercial Vehicles and Skoda brands in the Zurich region, Franz AG has consistently invested in the further development of its car dealerships in recent years. However, trends show that sustainable development in the current set-up will be challenging. With a view to securing the long-term future of the business, Franz AG has found a company in AMAG AG that will take over the Franz garage business for the VW Group brands at the Wettingen, Wettswil, Zurich Badenerstrasse and Wollishofen locations as of June 1, 2024.

Need for action and investment

AMAG AG operates more than 80 garages in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Franz AG has been firmly anchored in the region for 110 years. As Switzerland's largest automobile dealer, AMAG is thus supplementing and completing its presence in the Zurich and Limmattal region.

Michel Tschanz, CEO of Franz AG: "The current developments on the market mean that there is a great need for action and investment in order to meet future customer requirements. In order to be able to meet these requirements to a high standard, synergies must be exploited. I am convinced that AMAG will succeed in this."

Franz customers will be informed personally by Franz AG and AMAG in the coming weeks.

Good and motivated professionals

Mathias Gabler, Managing Director of AMAG AG: "Precisely because Franz AG is handing over the garage business at these four locations after many years of operation, we will do everything we can to be a reliable partner for customers in these regions. In addition, we are of course delighted to welcome many good and motivated professionals to our ranks."

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Following the launch of the DB12 Coupé and Volante model pair last year, Aston Martin is now launching the new Vantage. Its modified 4-liter V8 engine delivers 800 Nm and 665 hp in the latest development stage, and the vehicle weight is ideally distributed in a 50:50 ratio. The technical highlights also include the active suspension with Bilstein DTX dampers, electronic rear axle limited slip differential and specially developed Michelin Pilot S 5 tires in sizes 275/35 R 21 at the front and 325/30 R 21 at the rear.

3.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h

In conjunction with the 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 325 km/h. Perforated cast-iron brake discs are fitted as standard, but the Vantage can also be equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes as an option. Compared to the cast iron brake system, the carbon brakes save 27 kilograms of unsprung mass, which has a positive effect on ride quality and steering response.

The interior is completely new with a state-of-the-art infotainment system. In the cockpit, clear, continuous lines create an elegant ambience. The soft, hand-stitched bridge-of-weather leather creates an inviting space, while the perfectly supportive sports seats and driver-focused ergonomics make for a particularly enjoyable drive. First deliveries of the new model are planned for the second quarter of 2024.

GT3 with increased performance

Together with the road-going Vantage, Aston Martin is also presenting the Vantage GT3 (gallery below). This benefits from increased performance and further improved dynamics. It will compete in the most important GT series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship, the IMSA Weather Tech Sports Car Championship and the Fanatec GT World Challenge.

The improved aerodynamics and revised suspension have been designed to offer maximum performance potential for both experienced professionals and passionate amateur racers. The Vantage LMGT3 follows in the footsteps of the successful Vantage GTE, which took an impressive 52 class victories and 11 world championship titles between 2012 and 2023.

Sequential 6-speed manual gearbox

Special features of the GT3's 4-litre V8 are the two Borg-Warner turbochargers, the dry sump lubrication and the new positioning to optimize mass. Its maximum output is more than 540 hp, depending on the boost function. A sequential 6-speed manual gearbox is used for power transmission. Numerous carbon body panels and aerodynamic parts as well as the uniformly flat floor make the GT3 light and streamlined.

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During winter testing in the Arctic Circle, the Lotus Emeya proved that it can deliver impressive performance even in the coldest conditions. The rigorous tuning and testing procedures ensure that the all-electric Emeya drives like a real Lotus - agile and distinctive, with many safety features.

Testing at minus 40 degrees Celsius

The new GT spent this winter in Ivalo, Finland, so that the developers could complete the final series of tests under extreme conditions. Temperatures of up to minus 25 degrees Celsius prevailed around 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. In addition, the Lotus team parked the car in a car refrigerator to test it even at minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Australia, Middle East and USA

All of the tests took place on different terrain and under varying conditions. The test program ranged from country roads in Great Britain to German freeways and Alpine passes. The Emeya was also tested on race tracks such as the Nordschleife and on test tracks such as the high-speed loop in Nardò. And before the model is delivered to Australia, the Middle East and the USA, regional tests will also be carried out there.

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Every year, the brand's best dealers are honored at the Audi Business Session. The Dealer of the Year award goes to the dealer who achieves the best results in the strict quantitative and qualitative criteria in the areas of sales and aftersales. The Audi Business Session under the motto Race of Champions took place with all Audi dealers in Davos.

Demo session on snow and ice

After the break-out sessions from the areas of Sales Operation and Sales and Marketing, the dealers were able to demonstrate their driving skills on snow and ice in a 90-minute demo session on the Fluela Pass. In the evening, the premiere Dealer of the Year was eagerly awaited. There were three categories in total, depending on the size of the business. The three best dealers per category were chosen from the sum of various evaluation points.

Partner network with record results

In addition to the awards, Dieter Jermann, Brand Director Audi Switzerland, presented the prizes in the form of a voucher for a team event: "Despite a variety of challenges, our strong partner network was once again able to achieve record results. The good results show once again how important personal commitment and a clear focus on customer orientation are."

The top three winners in each category are Christen Automobile AG, Schattdorf (category 1), Garage Heinz Stern AG, Bäretswil (category 2) and Autocorner J.-C. & C. Oberson S.A., Lutry (category 3).

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With a market share of 19.7%, practically every fifth new car comes from one of the Stellantis brands. Germany stands out with sales growth of 61 percent, as does the UK with an increase of 27 percent. In France, the Group's share grew twice as fast as the market at 19 percent, and in Italy Stellantis grew by 14.1 percent and remained market leader with Fiat. There were also high percentage increases in Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands and Portugal.

Opel and Vauxhall up strongly

Opel and its sister brand Vauxhall grew by 35.9 percent in Europe last year, followed by Citroën and Peugeot with increases of 23 and 23.7 percent respectively. Jeep recorded an increase of 21.4 percent, Alfa Romeo grew by 14.6 percent compared to January 2023 and Lancia grew by 9.3 percent despite the upcoming model change with the Ypsilon in Italy. In the commercial vehicle sector, Stellantis' volume rose by 20.6%. The market share increased by 1.8 percentage points to 31.1 percent.

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Representatives of the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Kraftfahrzeug und Motorentechnik (WKM) are angry. In their new position paper "The future of the combustion engine - assessment of the diesel engine situation", it becomes clear just how unrealistic the current hostility towards combustion engines could be. They assume that "according to all predictions, more combustion engines will be built worldwide in 2030 than today". Intensive research and further development will therefore be required in order to maintain technological leadership.

Emotional reporting

27 professors from German, Austrian and Swiss universities who work as institute directors, heads of departments or chairs in the field of automotive and engine technology have signed the position paper. They all want to provide the public with scientific findings and an assessment of the facts in "the ongoing, intensive discussion about combustion engine emission issues".

The WKM is disturbed by the development that "instead of sober, fact-based information, we are seeing predominantly biased and highly emotional reporting". The association now wants to counter this with "based on the current state of scientific knowledge": "The combustion engine was and is the engine of mobility, freight transport and mobile machinery. This role is supplemented, but not replaced, by electric drives. A technology-open further development of drive systems is a prerequisite for a successful climate policy in a prosperous society."

Consideration of CO₂-emissions

The WKM views "with great concern the discussion trend towards a ban on the combustion engine". Such a ban, for example in 2030, would have a detrimental effect on the fight against climate change. Instead of a ban, the WKM advocates a holistic and honest view of CO₂-emissions for the provision of energy and the production and disposal of drive systems. Synthetic and biogenic fuels should play an important role in further reducing CO₂-reduction.

wkm-ev.de

The best car spotters have now been honored at Motorworld Region Stuttgart in Böblingen. Aleksandr Pedanian from Stuttgart took first place with a dynamic shot of a Ferrari LaFerrari, followed by Florian Kellermann from Böblingen (center gallery), who captured a McLaren Artura at night. Third place went to Noel Simert (gallery right) from Korntal-Münchingen with a Ferrari Roma as his motif.

The jury of the film and photo production company Blue Delta Films, who judged the photos: "The three talented car spotters have created impressive images with their special perspectives."

The three winning photos were all taken on the site or in front of Motorworld Region Stuttgart (gallery on the left).

Valuable prizes for the winners

From now on, the three winners can not only adorn themselves with the Carspotter Award 2023 logo, but can also look forward to high-quality prize packages worth more than 10,000 euros. The prizes include overnight stays in the hotels at the Motorworld locations in Munich, Cologne and the Stuttgart region, the use of various locations as photo shoot venues, shopping vouchers, clothing, driving fun in racing simulators and other facilities, as well as vouchers for restaurants. A special highlight is the A0 photo print on a four-millimeter-thick aluminum composite panel from the Optiplan print shop in Böblingen, which all photographers will receive from their winning photo.

Invitation to tender Award 2024

The Motorworld Carspotter Award is aimed at all photography enthusiasts who have a soft spot for automotive themes. The only requirement for the motif is that the photos should have a connection to Motorworld. The award will be presented again in 2024. The call for entries will go online in spring.

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The new Abarth 600e was on public display for the first time during a promotional shoot in Milan. Its electric motor with the makes the new model the most powerful production vehicle in Abarth's history. It starts with the special edition Abarth 600e Scorpionissima, which will be produced in a limited edition of 1949 units. The number of units is a tribute to the year in which the brand was founded.

Formula E borrowings in driving behavior

The new model is characterized by three features: high performance, sporty design and technical details from motorsport. These underline the character of the 600e, which combines very agile handling with a muscular look. The Abarth 600e Scorpionissima is equipped with a mechanical limited slip differential to ensure that the engine power is safely transferred to the road. The effect of the limited slip differential is supported by specially developed tires based on Formula E technology. The tires, designed with low rolling resistance in mind, also increase the range of the 600e Scorpionissima.

Limited launch model in hypnotic purple

The body design and the Hypnotic Purple color clearly identify the new model as an Abarth. The roof spoiler optimizes aerodynamics, and the 20-inch alloy wheels allow the use of a powerful braking system with large discs. As a special gift to owners, each Abarth 600e Scorpionissima built in 1949 comes with a certificate of authenticity.

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