Porsche: The Taycan can travel up to 587 kilometers
IT DOES WORK With the next Taycan, Porsche has undertaken its first range test under real-life conditions. The electric sports car sedan covered up to 587 kilometers between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Editorial - February 5, 2024
The test Taycans were equipped with the Perfromance Battery Plus.
The four Taycans drove at the maximum permitted speed of 75 mph on highways Interstates 405 and 5, which is equivalent to around 120 km/h (75 mph). During the drives, the new generation of the electric sports car achieved a total range of up to 587 kilometers. The practical test took place this week on Interstate Highways 405 and 5
Loading has been further improved
The vehicles were equipped with the larger Perfromance Battery Plus. Charging took place at Electrify America in Torrence/Los Angeles. Here, the Taycan displayed more than 300 kW charging power over several minutes and was repeatedly charged from ten to 80 percent State of Charge in under 20 minutes. Charging performance, charging time and the time it takes to start charging were also greatly improved in this test.
Background: Porsche has built almost 150,000 Taycans since the start of production. The most important individual markets for the model series are the USA, Great Britain, Germany and China. The extensively revised Taycan will be unveiled in a few days' time
PROFESSIONALS MAKE IT POSSIBLE Until now, it has been rather difficult for people with physical disabilities to go on camping vacations. There are more and more providers who offer conversions for people with disabilities.
Michael Kirchberger - February 5, 2024
It is true that the sanitary facilities on campsites are now largely barrier-free. However, many motorhomes and caravans have to be specially adapted to the individual needs of customers. There are many solutions. Whether wheelchair-accessible lift and ramp systems, a door widening or a barrier-free interior with adapted sanitary facilities, the conversion specialists are hardly at a loss for tailor-made assistance.
Paravan has converted a motorhome for camper Doris Frey to suit her needs.
For all makes and models
Paravan, for example, has also specialized in the optimal solution for campers with reduced mobility. It is possible to adapt the input devices, such as equipping the vehicle with suitable driving and steering systems with pedal raisers or hand knobs. "Enquiries are increasing," says Joachim Glück, Head of Technical Consulting at the company based in the Swabian Alb. "There is a great need to be able to travel independently, and we have the experience and possibilities to offer solutions and implement them on site." Glück and his team support customers from initial contact through to delivery. Conversion measures can be carried out regardless of brand and model.
Cassette lift and wide doors
The entrance to a motorhome or caravan is usually higher than that of a passenger car. Wheelchair users can overcome this obstacle with a cassette lift and a door extension. For people with restricted mobility who are able to walk short distances, the standing step lift is the right solution. It is installed in the interior to save space and can be swiveled into the entry or exit position in a few simple steps. A remote control activates the lift function.
Raised cushion for the driver
Doris Frey's camper, for example, was fitted with a pedal and a cushion lift for the driver's seat. This enables the administrative assistant, who is only 1.38 meters tall, to reach the steering wheel safely. In the meantime, Doris Frey and her partner have already covered more than 15,000 kilometers with their camper on a trip to Europe: "We had wonderful experiences with campers from all over the world and especially with the locals."
Manufactory work not a series
For more severe restrictions and large motorhomes, the fitters at Paravan install a rail lift system under the ceiling, which makes it easier to use the shower and toilet. This means that obstacles can also be overcome by people with significant mobility restrictions. Paravan is unwilling to give a price, as this is, after all, purely handcrafted work and not series production. Prices range from around 5000 to several 10,000 euros.
Access ramp for a wheelchair
The Caravan Brecht dealership in Heilbronn works closely with Hobby on the conversions. The manufacturer carries out many of the interior conversions at the factory. The finishing touches and the installation of an access ramp for the wheelchair, for example, are then carried out on the Maxia 585 UL-R model in Heilbronn - for between 5,100 and 11,000 euros. For an extra charge, an electric winch is also available to pull the wheelchair and user over the incline. A maneuvering system and hydraulic automatic supports are also available, which make it possible for a person in a wheelchair to couple or uncouple the trailer and position it on the parking space. The factory preparations include widening the entrance door by 20 to 75 centimetres. In addition, the caravan is supplied without a partition wall for the toilet compartment. Instead, a curtain provides privacy.
GETTING STARTED Citroën wants to facilitate the entry into electromobility with an affordable vehicle in the B segment. The all-electric ë-C3 can be ordered immediately as a You from 24,690 francs and will be available in early summer.
Editorial - February 4, 2024
The electric car's engine produces 84 kW (113 hp) and the 44 kilowatt hours of battery capacity promise a range of up to 300 kilometers. The Citroën accelerates to 100 km/h in around eleven seconds. The top speed is limited to 135 km/h.
The all-electric ë-C3 will be available in Switzerland from early summer.
Up to 80 percent in just under 30 minutes
The ë-C3 can draw up to 100 kW of electricity, so that the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in less than half an hour. In addition to the basic You version, which comes with air conditioning, cruise control, lane departure warning and a Bluetooth hands-free system, there is also the higher specification ë-C3 Max for 28,990 francs.
More space for shopping and luggage
Both models can be upgraded with an 11 kW onboard charger and a winter package including heated front seats, heated steering wheel and heated windshield. Thanks to the electric drive, the Citroën offers above-average space for a small car.
SCHNELL VERSTAUT Faltos is the name of a foldable trailer that has been enriching the transport industry since the end of 2023. Derived from the accordion principle, its unique folding mechanism allows the loading area to be varied.
Editorial - February 4, 2024
The Faltos is a variable passenger van trailer for a wide range of transportation needs.
Thanks to the smart Faltos space-saving principle, the trailer for cars fits into any shelter or garage. With the loading area, which can be easily and quickly adjusted in length from 80 to 240 centimetres, and the maximum payload of 550 kilograms, the Faltos is suitable for a wide range of transport tasks. Lashing eyes in the floor plates ensure flexible load securing. Suitable accessories include holders for motorcycles and e-bikes as well as various tarpaulins and safety nets.
Practice-oriented functionality
The Faltos folding mechanism is easy to operate by hand without the use of tools. The design combines high stability, durability and longevity with low weight. The basis for this is the galvanized steel frame, the aluminium side walls and thick base plates. With its special folding design and practical functionality, the Faltos offers car owners the option of having their own trailer at all times. Prices are available on request.
PROTOTYP From 2025, Dacia will be taking part in the Dakar Rally and the World Rally Raid Championship with the Sandrider. Powerful propulsion in the desert is provided by a turbocharged V6 powered by e-fuel.
Editorial - February 3, 2024
The Dacia Sandrider was specially designed for rally use. It is inspired by the minimalist Manifesto concept car presented in 2022, which serves Dacia as a test vehicle and laboratory for ideas. In developing the new rally car, Dacia was able to draw on the motorsport expertise of the Renault Group and the British racing and sports car specialist Prodrive. In keeping with the brand philosophy, the layout of the Sandrider has been reduced to the essentials. High agility and low weight were particularly important.
The Sandrider is equipped with 17-inch tires from BF Goodrich, which are designed to combine optimum grip and maximum robustness.
Striking purist design
Drivers and passengers were also involved in the development process and supported the vehicle developers with their experience. The no-frills exterior of the Sandrider comes from the Dacia design studio. All body parts are absolutely essential, there are no decorative parts. Another focus was on aerodynamics.
When designing the interior, the Dacia design and engineering teams placed particular emphasis on the needs and habits of the driving crews.
Optimized for tough use
The Dakar and other rally raids are particularly tough motorsport events. The concept therefore includes a reinforced subframe and strong bumpers, a carbon body, wheel suspensions with double wishbones and an adapted 4×4 drive. The spare wheels are not covered to make them easier to change. The crew can also quickly access the on-board tools without having to open a box. Another feature is the Sabelt seats upholstered with antibacterial fabric, which quickly wick moisture away to the outside.
3-liter V6 turbo engine with 360 hp
It is powered by a 3-liter V6 turbo engine (540 Nm, 360 hp) that runs on e-fuel. The synthetic fuel supplied by Aramco is made from hydrogen and CO2 should also provide Dacia with important insights into this technology. The Sandrider will first undergo a series of tests before making its debut at the Rallye du Maroc in October.
SALES After 16 months of rising figures, the passenger car market in Switzerland and Liechtenstein recorded a decline again in January. The minus of 1201 new registrations corresponds to 7.3 percent.
Editorial - February 3, 2024
Cars with a petrol or diesel engine in combination with an electric motor are on trend.
Due to the difficult economic situation, the slow start to the year comes as little surprise, according to the Association of Official Automobile Importers Auto Schweiz. Of the 15,236 new passenger cars in January, 2,364 are equipped with a fully electric drive - in January 2023, there were 2,840 electric cars. Their market share fell accordingly from 17.3 to 15.5 percent.
President Peter Grünenfelder. "After almost ten years of continuous growth, this decline must be a loud wake-up call for federal policy. The introduction of the import tax on e-cars and the still inadequate framework conditions for electromobility are counterproductive," says Auto Schweiz President Peter Grünenfelder. "Access to the charging infrastructure must become more user-friendly throughout Switzerland."
Good results for gasoline engines
It is only thanks to the strong growth of plug-in hybrids by 14.1% that the overall market share of plug-in vehicles increased slightly. With 1582 cars with a petrol or diesel engine combined with an electric motor and 2364 electric cars, their total market share in January was 25.9%.
Hybrid drives without plugs accounted for 30.3 percent of new registrations, while petrol engines accounted for 32.6 percent and remain the market leader. Pure diesel engines were found in 11.1 percent of new cars - remarkable because this is more than in the same month last year. The detailed figures by brand can be found on the Internet.
BIG BROTHER The 600e, the second all-electric model from Fiat after the 500e, impresses with new design ideas, comfort and assistance systems and a WLTP range of more than 400 kilometers.
Editorial - February 2, 2024
No more gray cars. Fiat offers two versions of the 600e model in different colors.
The Attisholz site with the former cellulose factory and its many graffiti formed a fitting backdrop for the presentation of the new Fiat 600e. After all, the Italian brand has decided to stop producing gray vehicles. The 1955 Seicento underlined the tradition on the XXL artwork.
One for the whole family
With its length of 4.17 meters, the new Fiat 600e is a good solution for city dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts, for singles, couples and families. It offers comfortable space for five people and also has plenty of storage space for luggage. The trunk has a volume of 360 liters.
The infotainment system of the 600e La Prima combines a radio with six loudspeakers with a navigation system that responds to voice commands. The touchscreen measures 10.25 inches (26 centimetres) diagonally, the central instrument cluster 7 inches (17.8 centimetres).
Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes
The electric motor of the Fiat 600e delivers 115 kW (156 hp) and enables acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. The three driving modes Eco, Normal and Sport are available depending on the situation and the driver's wishes. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 54 kWh, giving the five-door model a range of more than 400 kilometers or more than 600 kilometers in purely urban operation. At appropriately equipped charging stations, the battery can be charged to 80 percent in less than half an hour with 100 kW fast charging.
The 600e is available in the Red (from CHF 38,190) and La Prima (from CHF 44,190) versions.
Maybach: The glasses are also of the finest quality
HINGUCKER The models in Maybach's current Eyewear collection are available either as prescription glasses or sunglasses. Selected fine materials are used in their manufacture.
Editorial - February 2, 2024
Maybach Icons of Luxury offers products in many lifestyle areas.
For decades, the name Maybach has stood for the highest standards of quality, luxury and individuality. This philosophy also defines the design of the Mercedes brand beyond the car. Maybach Icons of Luxury regularly sets new standards for eyewear, leather goods and other lifestyle accessories.
The glasses in the current collection are available either as prescription glasses or sunglasses. Every single piece in this collection is made by hand using selected, high-quality materials such as natural horn, wood, leather, titanium, 18-carat gold and diamonds.
Under the sign of the double M
From turquoise marbled natural horn to 22-carat gold-plated titanium and high-quality Zeiss lenses. This is how the models in the Maybach Eyewear collection present themselves in a timelessly beautiful look. In addition to other design elements of Maybach automobiles, one unmistakable feature always takes center stage: the Maybach logo with the double-M. The names of the new models for men and women are The Alternative II, The Artist III, The Commander, The Dean I, The Independence II, The Magic I, The Magic III and The President I. Prices are available on request.
POWER The new generation of the Ford Mustang combines sharpened design, advanced digital features and additional performance on the road and track. It is available as the Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse.
Editorial - February 2, 2024
The new Mustang Dark Horse enables driving experiences at the highest level.
Ford's legendary US sports car Mustang opens the next chapter in its history. It is now available to order in Europe. In its latest edition, it impresses with a further developed V8 engine and outstanding driving performance as well as a new interior. With its slightly more angular design, it is intended to appeal to the next generation of fans - again as a fastback and convertible.
On request 446 or 453 hp
The Mustang GT delivers 446 hp and develops a maximum torque of 540 Nm. The top Mustang Dark Horse model delivers 453 hp. Ford offers the new Mustang GT in Switzerland from 66,500 Swiss francs. It already has a special performance package ex works, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels and correspondingly large brakes as well as a limited slip differential and an active flap exhaust.
Spectacular driving performance
Numerous modifications and new software solutions raise the driving performance of the Mustang to an even higher level. The fourth-generation 5-liter V8 in the Mustang GT has a new intake system with two air intakes and two throttle valves. A forged crankshaft is also used. Up to six driving modes optimize the driving dynamics for different scenarios. The graphics of the digital instrument cluster show the mode.
Thanks to the optimized wheel suspension, the chassis is even more torsionally rigid under load and thus reduces the tendency to understeer. Ford equips the Mustang GT with either a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Attractive interior
The traditional dashboard with the slightly raised "eyebrows" on the driver and front passenger side has given way to a flowing and openly designed unit. It offers the driver an appealing interior. Behind the flattened steering wheel, the driver sees a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster that merges seamlessly into the central touchscreen of the Ford Sync 44 communication and information system.
WHERE TO MEET For the third time, Genesis returns to the frozen lake of St. Moritz as the main sponsor. The brand also offers test drives at the White Turf horse racing event.
Editorial - February 1, 2024
Genesis, the main sponsor of the White Turf on the lake in front of St. Moritz, will be on site throughout the event from February 3 to 18. Test drives with the all-electric Genesis Electrified model series and combustion engines will be available on the race weekends. The new top-of-the-range G90 model will also be available for interested parties.
St. Moritz once again attracts visitors with horse racing and the Genesis model range.
PS on the ice and under the hood
The White Turf stands for elegance and plenty of horsepower. The world-renowned horse race is part of a long-standing tradition where jockeys compete on the frozen Lake St. Moritz in the light of the Swiss Alps. The competition formats over the three weekends include trotting races, flat races and the attractive skijoring.
This year, Genesis is also donating a prize for the Prix d'Honneur raffle. The winner will enjoy a luxurious weekend away, taking home a Genesis model of their choice for a weekend. The winner will also receive a very special work of art entitled "The Beauty of White Turf", created by Swiss design artist Ginny Litscher.
Typical Korean hospitality
Lawrence Hamilton, Managing Director for Genesis Motor Europe: "Partnering with such a prestigious European event is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our brand. In 2024, we will once again enrich this event with luxury activities and Korean hospitality."
