Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH is taking another step forward in its growth and future strategy. On February 1, the company acquires parts of the former Kienle Automobiltechnik GmbH in Heimerdingen and integrates them into the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. Mercedes-Benz Heritage is taking on experienced specialists, offering them prospects and thus securing valuable specialist knowledge for the future.

Special tools for classic cars

Mercedes-Benz Classic is also taking over the extensive stock of spare parts and special tools for exclusive Mercedes classics. With these steps, the subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG is further expanding its position as a competence center for classic vehicles of the Mercedes brand.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH: "We have a responsibility to preserve the heritage of this brand and carry it into the future. With the acquisition, we are securing valuable spare parts and ensuring their best possible availability. We are also gaining additional specialists."

Even more flexible and dynamic

For the brand identity of the world's oldest luxury car manufacturer, its own history plays a prominent role. This is why Mercedes-Benz Group AG merged all Classic activities into Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH in spring 2023. This has further strengthened the Classic division and will enable it to develop even more flexibly and dynamically in future. In addition to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, the first point of contact for factory restorations, repairs and maintenance, this also includes the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Group Archive, Vehicle Collection, Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts, Vehicle Retail and Classic Club Management.

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Glare is a common problem in road traffic that can significantly impair visual performance and driving safety. A study by the TCS found that glare from other cars is perceived as annoying by many drivers. 36 percent of those surveyed stated that they are regularly dazzled by oncoming vehicles, while 49 percent experience this at least occasionally. 71 percent of those surveyed find glare in road traffic annoying. Many say they feel stressed while driving. Road lighting is also perceived as an annoying glare less frequently.

Improving the situation

Headlights are the light source that most frequently dazzles drivers. Drivers react to the glare by closing their eyes, looking away or blinking. Rear fog lights are also perceived as very dazzling and annoying. In fact, in the vast majority of cases they are not even necessary.

And: Drivers are of the opinion that the current regulations should be changed or measures taken to improve the situation.

tcs.ch

The first modern SUV - the iconic Jeep Wagoneer from 1963 - featured a luxurious interior, upmarket materials and high-quality equipment. Now Jeep announces the new Wagoneer S, which is based on the new, flexible STLA platform.

The large SUV delivers 600 hp and is said to offer a range of well over 600 kilometers.

Sunroof and audio system

The interior of the new Wagoneer S features cutting-edge technology showcased in the meticulously crafted details. These include a bespoke driver's control center with a Jeep-exclusive Selec-Terrain switch and dynamic, color-selectable ambient lighting. The new Wagoneer S will also feature a panoramic sunroof as standard and, as an extension of the Jeep brand's exclusive collaboration with McIntosh, will offer a sophisticatedly tuned, segment-exclusive 19-speaker premium audio system.

An authentic SUV brand

Jeep builds on more than 80 years of heritage to become the authentic SUV brand, offering legendary off-road capability, high-tech features and versatility. Jeep Wave, a loyalty and customer care program available across Jeep's 4×4 model lineup, offers multiple benefits and perks to provide Jeep owners with events and 24/7 support.

The Jeep brand's off-road capabilities are being enhanced through a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4×4 into the new 4xe. By 2025, all of the brand's vehicles will offer an electrified variant.

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The Polestar 4 is intended to combine the aerodynamics of a coupé with the spaciousness of an SUV. The fastest Polestar production vehicle to date is positioned between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of size and price. The design of the Polestar 4 continues the key elements of the Polestar Precept concept car.

The absence of a rear window gives rear passengers a new kind of experience. The twin headlights with the typical light signature and the illuminated brand emblem provide a special kind of lighting backdrop. Sophisticated aerodynamics can be seen in the low vehicle front, the retractable door handles, the flush-fitting glazing and the rear aero slats.

Wheelbase of 2.99 meters

The Polestar 4 is based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) developed by Geely with a long wheelbase of 2.99 meters. The overall length is 4.84 meters and the height is 1.53 meters. The interior and its materials were designed under the motto "Soft Tech" and are inspired by the fashion and sportswear industry. The choice of colors and materials for the new model offers new possibilities for Polestar - including the exterior colors Storm and Electron and the interior color Myst.

Two performance variants

The Polestar 4 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, the maximum drive power of the Long Range Dual Motor version is 400 kW (544 hp), that of the Long Range Single Motor model 200 kW (272 hp). The driving dynamics are typical of the brand. The sharp steering and handling ensure a very agile driving experience. The Polestar 4 will be available in both dual and single-engine versions, with the single-engine version featuring rear-wheel drive.

Both long-range variants are equipped with a 100 kWh battery. The provisional target ranges are up to 580 kilometers (dual motor) and up to 610 kilometers (single motor). Prices for the two versions start at 63,900 and 71,900 Swiss francs respectively.

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With around 100 units of the ID.Buzz Cargo model, Helion now operates one of the largest fleets of electric commercial vehicles in Switzerland. The solar energy specialist is thus setting a good example in the energy transition and demonstrating that the switch to e-mobility is both feasible and economically viable for SMEs. The r ID.Buzz fleet was handed over to around 100 Helion employees from all over Switzerland - so-called Helionauts - at the Attisholz site near Solothurn.

Lars Krause, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Germany: "We are delighted that Helion has opted for the ID.Buzz Cargo as a service vehicle and that the fleet will now be powered by its own solar power CO₂-neutral operation."

Operators still cautious

Operators of commercial vehicle fleets are still somewhat reluctant to switch from fossil to electric. However, Helion is proving that it is not only possible, but also economical. Before making the switch, the company set up a support group to test the vehicles and identify the potential challenges. The Helionauts, who have the option of charging at home, were provided with the necessary infrastructure.

Noah Heynen, CEO Helion: "By converting our commercial vehicle fleet, we are also driving forward the energy transition within the company. We will overcome the challenges together."

Due to the short distances between locations and the dense fast-charging network, electric cars are suitable for company fleets. Helion has avoided the somewhat higher initial investment for electric commercial vehicles with full-service leasing from Movon. Leasing guarantees better planning and cost control.

Win-win situation for the Group

Amag CEO Helmut Ruhl: "Switching to an electric fleet is a win-win situation for the Group, to which Helion belongs, and one of the biggest levers for reducing our own emissions and making our own company more energy-efficient on the way to net zero."

The company aims to be climate-neutral by 2040. By switching to the e-fleet, Helion will play a pioneering role.

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helion.ch

The front and rear have a distinctive and unmistakable look with clear, horizontally emphasized lines, round lighting elements and elegant metal trim. The side elevation is more similar to the Corsa than the 208, although the rear door handles are hidden in the C-pillar on the Lancia. This gives the Ypsilon a more elegant appearance than its Group brothers, but above all it is more imposing than its predecessor.

All-electric variant planned

Exact technical data will not be available until February 14, but it can be assumed that the same 1.2-liter petrol engines will be installed under the body of the stylish front-wheel drive model as in its sister models - namely with 100 and 130 hp, possibly also as a naturally aspirated version with 75 hp. There will also be a fully electric version. Lancia wants to become an electric brand, even though Stellantis Group boss Carlos Tavares is known for his now unusually pragmatic attitude: he builds what the market demands.

Feminine-inspired model

The new Ypsilon is likely to be accompanied by a certain change in image, as it had developed into a model with a feminine touch in its last model generations, which was characterized above all by pretty colors and fabrics. This will remain the case in the future, but the new model has a more serious appearance overall.

However, the distinctly sporty genes of the model series, which manifested themselves in the A112 Abarth and Y10 Turbo variants, are now only known to insiders - and it is doubtful whether a 130 hp variant will be enough to uncover them again.

lancia.it

Two Swiss drivers were hoping for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona: Louis Delétraz (center gallery) in the Accura ARX-06 from WTR Andretti and Neel Jani in the Porsche 963 from Proton Racing. In the end, after 791 laps, Delétraz, the driver who had already achieved a top result last year with second place, stood third on the podium.

Jani finished fifth in the customer Porsche, having also been on course for the podium at times. Overall victory went to the Penske Porsche, which was driven by former Sauber driver Felipe Nasr, among others.

Rahel Frey achieved 6th rank

Philip Ellis was delighted with a class victory in Daytona. The ex-DTM driver triumphed together with Russell Ward, Daniel Morad and Indy Dontje in the GTD class for the German team Winward Racing in a Mercedes AMG GT3. The all-female team led by Rahel Frey (Iron Dames) finished 6th in this class.

There were also Swiss successes to celebrate at the Dubai 24 Hours. In the battle for overall victory, however, the two spearheads Ricardo Feller (Attempto Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3) and Daniel Allemann (Herberth Motorsport-Porsche 992 GT3 R) came away empty-handed. Feller & Co. retired on Sunday morning in second place when "something broke" in the right rear section. Allemann and his Porsche teammates had to retire from the race after the car slipped on oil and landed in the crash barrier of turn 1.

Podium places for the Swiss  

Fabian Danz (gallery right) did better. The Emmental native secured his third class win in a row in the 24h Series Middle East Trophy and celebrated the 992 team title with his Red Camel-Jordans.nl team. A Swiss team, Fach Auto Tech (P3), also finished on the podium in the same class. The second Fach Porsche had to settle for 13th place in class (8th in the amateurs). Gero Bauknecht was also on the podium in second place in the TCX class, i.e. the special touring and silhouette racing cars.

Olivier Burri finished in the top ten

Olivier Burri (gallery left) was also satisfied. The four-time Swiss rally champion, who was competing in the Monte Carlo Rally for the 26th time, finished 16th in the final classification, just over 30 minutes behind winner Thierry Neuville. In his class, the RC2, Skoda driver Burri and his French co-driver Anderson Levratti even made it into the top 10 in ninth place.

Bad luck for the Formula E drivers

There were no success stories from a Swiss perspective at the two Formula E races in Saudi Arabia. Sébastien Buemi, twelfth on Friday and thus the best Swiss driver, had to sit out the second race after an accident in qualifying. Edoardo Mortara finished the two races in Diriyah, a suburb of Riyadh, in 15th and 11th place, while Nico Müller was 13th and 18th respectively. The victories went to Jake Dennis and Nick Cassidy. The next race will take place on March 16 in São Paulo.

Photos: Winward Racing, Delétraz archive, 24h Series, Cornevaux
Source: Car Sport Switzerland
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The aim is to assemble the Peugeot 9X8 24h Le Mans Hybrid Hypercar from Lego Technic as quickly as possible. It consists of 1775 parts. The winner wins a one-week trip to the Peugeot Ocean Trophy in Greece in June with a companion. The runner-up will also travel to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a companion of their choice and have access to the Peugeot VIP lounge.

Here's how the competition works: the participant who is furthest behind after two hours is eliminated, followed by the next participant after one hour. After five hours, only the two fastest Lego builders remain in the final.

Nico Müller signs a 9X8

The application phase for the crazy hyperbattle ends on February 4 (hyperbattle.peugeot.com). Five candidates will be selected from all registrations. A 9X8 kit signed by racing driver Nico Müller will also be raffled off on the Peugeot and Lego social media channels.

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lego.com

Since 2012, Fredy Lienhard has been the main sponsor of the Swiss Kart Championship, first with the LO brand (Lista Office) and since 2016 with his autobau Erlebniswelt in Romanshorn, together with his son Fredy Alexander. And this partnership will continue in 2024 for the 13th year in a row.

Paul Gutjahr, Member of the Management Board of Auto Sport Switzerland: "In these fast-moving times, it is not a matter of course that partnerships exist over such a long period of time. We are therefore all the more pleased that we can count on the support of autobau Erlebniswelt again this year."

Season begins in Lonato

The 2024 championship kicks off on April 14 in Lonato, on a prestigious track that will host a race for the autobau Swiss Karting Championship for the first time. Anyone wishing to register for the premiere on the Pista South Garda Karting can do so from the end of February on go4race.ch make. As always, you will find the call for entries five weeks before the race on motorsport.ch If you register for the entire season, one of five races is free.

Fredy Lienhard: "We are also proud of this partnership. Promoting young talent has always been very important to us. We are delighted that we are entering our 13th year together. We hope to see exciting races with lots of great duels again this year!"

Visor sponsorship also in 2024

As in previous years, the popular visor sponsorship will be available again in 2024. If a rider completes all five events with the autobau sticker on their helmet visor, they will be reimbursed the entry fee of CHF 300 for one race at the end of the season.

The dates for the other SM races:

• May 26, 2024, Franciacorta (I)
• June 30, 2024, 7 Laghi (I)
• August 18, 2024, Levier (F)
• September 21, 2024, Wohlen

Source: Car Sport Switzerland
motorsport.ch

In total, the models of the new Taycan generation as a sports saloon, Cross Turismo and Sport Turismo covered around 3.6 million test kilometers on proving grounds, race tracks and public roads. And they did so under extreme conditions, with temperatures ranging from plus 53 degrees Celsius in California's Death Valley to minus 41 degrees Celsius north of the Arctic Circle in Finland.

Even faster charging

Series Manager Kevin Giek: "The car has been improved in almost all disciplines compared to its predecessor. And because the changes are so comprehensive, the strenuous testing program is almost the same as for a completely new model."

Of the 3.6 million kilometers of testing, 300,000 were in cold country and 200,000 in hot country. Around 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, the electric sports car not only proved its driving dynamics potential on snow and ice, but also charging times, which were sometimes halved in cold temperatures.

Heat test in Death Valley

The climate in Death Valley was just as challenging, but with temperatures at the other end of the scale. Among other things, the Porsche test team tested the charging of the battery and the reliability of the thermal management system in extreme heat.

Head of testing Florian Stahl: "Electric cars have to undergo the same tough test program as our sports cars with combustion engines. In addition to superior performance, the requirements always include unrestricted suitability for everyday use in all climatic conditions. When the significantly improved Taycan is launched on the market in a few months' time, it will have undergone extensive testing in 17 countries."

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