The CO₂-The EU's reduction targets for new passenger cars cannot be achieved as long as important requirements are not met. This is the conclusion of a report by the European Court of Auditors. Despite ambitious targets and strict requirements, most cars on Europe's roads still emit so much CO₂ as they were twelve years ago. Electric cars can help on the road to a zero-emission vehicle fleet. However, efforts to achieve this need to be shifted up a gear.

Pietro Russo, the Court of Auditors' audit manager: "The EU's green revolution can only take place if there are significantly fewer polluting vehicles in circulation. We are facing an enormous challenge here. The CO₂-emissions will only really decrease when the combustion engine loses its dominant position."

Still too many combustion engines

In September 2017 - not least because of the diesel scandal - a new laboratory test cycle was introduced that reflects actual driving conditions. The effective emissions of conventional cars have not decreased, the inspectors emphasize. Technical advances have made engines more efficient. However, this is offset by higher vehicle weight and more engine power. Hybrid vehicles also produce significantly higher emissions in practical driving conditions than those measured in the laboratory.

Removing hurdles for e-cars

There are still numerous hurdles, as the EU has considerable difficulties in helping electric cars achieve a breakthrough. The first hurdle that needs to be overcome is access to raw materials for the production of sufficient batteries. The available charging infrastructure also needs to be improved. And finally, the price is also crucial. The higher purchase costs for electric cars could encourage consumers to drive their old vehicles for longer.

eca.europa.eu

The Swiss Classic World celebrates its tenth edition from May 1 to June 2, 2024 and thus a round anniversary. To celebrate, Switzerland's largest classic car event is offering all classic car fans a special event. As part of the three-day trade fair, drivers and their classic cars can take part in the new Swiss Classic World Rally in Lucerne for the first time.

Tricky navigation tasks

The SCW Rally on Saturday, June 1, is aimed at teams who like to drive an attractive route according to the road book and complete intermediate stages along the way. Some of these tests are regularities, which means completing a route in a precisely prescribed time. However, they can also involve tricky navigation tasks or precise maneuvering of the vehicles. Secret or announced drive-through checks also enrich the SCW rally. The better a team performs, the fewer penalty points it receives.

Prologue with sporting aspirations

The first rally as part of the Swiss Classic World as a one-day prologue has a sporting claim, as the focus is on precise driving and navigation. However, the SCW rally is designed so that beginners can also take part. The driving event on public roads allows a safe and relaxed driving style. In addition, socializing and culinary experiences are not neglected.

Entry deadline is March 31, 2024

The SCW Rally on Saturday, June 2, 2024 lasts from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Registration is now open, the entry deadline is March 31. The entry fee per team is CHF 795 and, in addition to the road book, rally documents and polo shirts for participation, includes other services such as an aperitif riche, lunch and dinner as well as free entry to the classic car exhibition.

rallye.swissclassicworld.ch

With the presentation of the Urban SUV concept vehicle, Toyota is offering insights into its future strategy for battery electric vehicles for Europe. Unveiled at the annual Kenshiki Forum, the new model hints at the production version of an upcoming all-electric vehicle. In developing this small electric SUV, the company is also drawing on the experience gained with the Yaris.

Technology without compromise

The Urban SUV is a true SUV - compact and with a high seating position. The interior is designed for maximum space and can be easily adjusted to accommodate passengers or load capacity as required. The vehicle is available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. In addition, the series model will also offer flexible battery options. Customers will be able to choose between two battery sizes as required.

Alternative fuels in the program

Toyota wants to use a multi-pronged approach to reduce CO₂-neutral. The product portfolio is to be based on both alternative fuels and emission-free drive technologies. The company plans to launch six pure BEVs in Europe by 2026. Further details and information on the production model will be announced in the course of 2024.

toyota.ch

Ford wants to get customers excited about the electric future. The Kuga, which was Europe's best-selling plug-in hybrid in 2021 and 2022, is set to play a central role in the new version. The new model impresses with its powerful hybrid drive, comfort and seamless connectivity as well as a wide range of driver assistance systems.

Trailer load up to 2100 kilograms

Both the Kuga Plug-in Hybrid and the Kuga Hybrid AWD offer better acceleration and lower emissions. With a towing capacity of up to 2100 kilograms, the towing capacity exceeds that of all competitors, meaning that the Kuga can now handle everything from caravans to horseboxes.

The new Kuga has evolved both inside and out and presents itself in a fresh design. The Titanium, ST-Line and Active versions have special design features. An LED light strip across the entire width frames the radiator grille, which bears the blue Ford oval.

Faster with 5G connectivity

The interior is equipped with Sync 47, which has twice the computing power of its predecessor. It integrates seamlessly with smartphones and offers 5G connectivity for quick access to information, cloud-based navigation for traffic jam avoidance and Apple Carplay and Android Auto for access to apps and information. Alexa Built-in is also installed as standard, allowing the driver and front passenger to ask questions or perform control functions even without a connected smartphone.

The new Kuga is built at the Ford plant in Valencia, Spain, where 3D printing of components enables high-precision and sustainable production. Engineers there work hand in hand with artificial intelligence to ensure the highest quality and production standards.

ford.ch

The VW brand is the market leader in Switzerland for the 24th time. Skoda (the gallery on the right shows a delivery) is in third place with a record result of 8.4 percent, closely followed by Audi, also with a record share of 8.1 percent. Seat/Cupra rounds off the positive picture in the hit parade of brands on the Swiss market in seventh place with above-average growth of 12.4 percent and a market share of 4.7 percent.

Living renewable mobility

Amag Group CEO Helmut Ruhl is particularly pleased: "The market share for electric cars was even over 35 percent. In figures: the company sold 1,542 electric cars last year - an increase of almost 50 percent compared to the previous year. Five of the ten best-selling electric cars in Switzerland come from us."

Interesting: In the same period, Helion Energy AG, which belongs to the Amag Group, was able to add photovoltaic systems (center gallery) with a capacity of 70GWh in Switzerland. That is almost twice as much as the electric cars sold by Amag last year.

Helmuth Ruhl: "For me, this is renewable mobility in action - with electricity from Switzerland for Switzerland."

Alternative for combustion engines

Amag has long since ceased to see itself purely as a car dealer. The company wants to offer vehicles and the associated energy with charging stations and services for all aspects of mobility (gallery left). In addition to photovoltaics on customers' roofs, the Group is also focusing on solar fuels with Synthelion: it was the first company in the world to produce synthetic gases on an industrial scale using only solar heat as an energy source. In future, this could be an environmentally friendly alternative for the ever decreasing number of combustion engines.

Electromobility is the future

Because one thing is clear to Helmuth Ruhl: "The future lies in electromobility. In his opinion, however, measures need to be taken for tenants and condominium owners to ensure that Switzerland continues to make rapid progress. The second-hand market is a good place to start. You can buy an electric car cheaply here."

The best news from the boardroom at the end: New e-cars will be cheaper to buy from garage owners in future.

amag.ch

The 62nd edition of the 24 Hours of Daytona will be dominated by the GTP class. Ten prototypes, including four Porsches, two BMWs, two Cadillacs and two Acuras, will be battling it out for victory. With Louis Delétraz and Neel Jani, two Swiss drivers will also have hopes of overall victory.

Jenson Button is team-mate

ASS Award winner Delétraz drives an Acura from Wayne Taylor Racing by Andretti. Delétraz's team-mates include former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button (gallery left). Last year, the man from Geneva narrowly missed out on overall victory in second place. On Saturday, he will start the race from 5th on the grid after an exciting qualifying session. On his fastest lap, Delétraz was only 0.444 seconds slower than pole-setter Pipo Derani in his Cadillac.

Not so Neel Jani (gallery right). The man from Seeland will have to start the race from the back of the grid. Jani flew off the track in the warm-up and damaged his Proton Porsche 963, although he was able to drive back to the pits under his own power. But due to extensive repairs, Jani and his team-mates had to sit out qualifying.

Rahel Frey drives a Lamborghini

Rahel Frey (center gallery) will also be at the start. The driver from Solothurn drives a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 for Iron Dames and will start the race from 41st position. Frey and her teammates Sarah Bovy and Michelle Gatting were 13th in the GTD class (25 cars) in qualifying. Frey is therefore ahead of Philip Ellis, who had to make do with 18th place in class in qualifying in a Mercedes AMG GT3 from Winward Racing and will start from 26th on the grid.

The race starts on Saturday at 13:40 local time (19:40 CET). Motorvision TV will broadcast the race live in full length.

Photos: Archive Delétraz, Porsche, Williams Racing, Iron Dames
Source: Car Sport Switzerland
motorsport.ch

According to federal recommendations, fines for speeding in Switzerland are as follows. Fines and measures can vary from canton to canton. In urban areas, fines of CHF 40 are imposed for exceeding the speed limit by 1 to 5 km/h, CHF 120 for 6 to 10 km/h and CHF 250 for 11 to 15 km/h. Outside built-up areas, a fine of 40 francs is also imposed for exceeding 1 to 5 km/h, while 100, 160 and 240 francs must be paid for 6 to 10, 11 to 15 and 16 to 20 km/h respectively. Finally, on freeways, fines of 20 francs are imposed for 1 to 5 km/h over the limit. 6 to 10 km/h cost 60 francs, 11 to 15 km/h 120 francs, 16 to 20 km/h 180 francs and 21 to 25 260 francs.

Inner city

Out of town

Highway

Censure and withdrawal of identity card

Minor violations of traffic regulations are punished with a fine. Moderate and serious violations, however, may result in charges, warnings and disqualification from driving. In the case of a moderately serious offense, you can expect to be charged and have your driving license withdrawn for at least one month - i.e. from 21 km/h in urban areas, 26 km/h outside urban areas and 31 km/h on the freeway. In the case of a serious offense, you can expect to be charged and have your ticket withdrawn for at least three months, i.e. from 25 km/h in urban areas, 30 km/h outside urban areas and 35 km/h on the freeway. Particularly high speeding is considered Speeding offense. You will be severely punished.

Safety deduction during measurement

Because speed checks are never completely accurate, the law allows for a safety margin - the so-called tolerance margin. This depends on the speed and the measurement method and is between 3 and 14 km/h.

There is still a fine for not carrying a driver's license (20 francs). Failure to carry a highway sticker will cost 200 francs, and making a phone call without a hands-free system will incur a fine of 100 francs. What is also noticeable again and again in everyday traffic is that many drivers do not observe the zipper principle on the highway: this also costs 100 francs.

comparis.ch

Over the past hundred years, Bugatti has given the world numerous magnificent roadsters. Jean Bugatti in particular is regarded as the driving force behind these models, which were produced in small numbers in the 1920s and 1930s. These include the Type 40 A, the Type 41 Roadster Esders, the Type 55 Roadster and the Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid Gangloff.

1600 hp and a lot of luxury

Now comes another roadster masterpiece from Molsheim: the W16 Mistral, a car that is impressive in every respect. After all, it is the first roadster from Bugatti since the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse from 2012 and the last model from the French company to be powered by the legendary W16 engine. Based on the 1600 PS version, the W16 Mistral offers exquisite craftsmanship and luxury like no other open-top vehicle. The monocoque has been reworked and redesigned to create a rounder silhouette that meets legal safety regulations even without a roof. One of the biggest challenges was also to develop a roadster that could reach a top speed of 420 km/h and combine this performance with a refined driving experience.

Adapted air intake system

Due to the exterior design of the Mistral, a completely new air intake system had to be developed. New carbon intake scoops behind the headrests were developed, taking into account strict rollover safety tests. The new intake layout enhances the driver's W16 experience and underlines the soundscape of the 8-liter engine. However, the soundscape inside the W16 Mistral is not limited to the presence of the W16 engine, but is accompanied by a specially developed high-end sound system, even when the car is at high speed embodying the powerful wind for which it is named.

bugatti.com

Ten years after its market launch, the Porsche Macan is now entering its second model generation as a fully electric model. The two model variants Macan 4 and Macan Turbo are intended to fully meet the requirements of Porsche customers with their timeless design, brand-typical performance and high suitability for everyday use.

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG: "We are taking the Macan to a new level - with exceptional e-performance, the new Driver Experience and expressive design."

To 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds

Porsche relies on the latest generation of permanently excited synchronous motors on the front and rear axles. The figures speak for themselves. With Launch Control, the Macan 4 achieves up to 300 kW (408 hp) of overboost power, while the Macan Turbo even reaches up to 470 kW (639 hp). The maximum torques are 650 and 1130 Nm respectively. The Macan 4 accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, the Macan Turbo in 3.3 seconds. Top speeds are reached at 220 and 260 km/h. The electric motors draw their energy from a lithium-ion battery with a net capacity of 95 kWh. The battery is a central component of the newly developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with 800-volt architecture.

Charging to 80 percent in 21 minutes

The DC charging power is up to 270 kW. This means that the battery charge level can be raised from 10 to 80 percent in around 21 minutes at the rapid charging station. While driving, energy can be recuperated via the electric motors with up to 240 kW. The combined WLTP range is up to 613 kilometers for the Macan 4 and up to 591 kilometers for the Macan Turbo.

Drag coefficient of 0.25

The proportions typical of the brand have been further developed and adapted to the challenges of an electric vehicle. This has further sharpened the dynamic appearance of the 4.78-metre-long and 1.62-metre-high Macan. The car rolls on wheels measuring up to 22 inches and has an extended wheelbase of 2.89 meters. Porsche combines the design DNA with range-optimizing aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of 0.25, the Macan is one of the most aerodynamic SUV models.

All occupants now sit lower

The generous amount of space includes the load compartment with a volume of up to 540 liters and the frunk with 84 liters. With the rear seat backrest folded down, up to 1348 liters are available at the rear, and the maximum towing capacity is 2000 kilograms.

The driver and front passenger now sit up to 28 millimeters lower and the rear passengers up to 15 millimeters lower than before. The interior is unmistakably Porsche. The display and operating concept includes up to three screens, including the free-standing 12.6-inch instrument cluster and the 10.9-inch central display.

With rear axle steering on request

Porsche has developed the Macan with a strong focus on the driving dynamics typical of the brand, high everyday comfort and a characteristic steering feel. The Macan 4 and Macan Turbo feature all-wheel drive with electronically controlled Traction Management (ePTM) and Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Models with air suspension - standard on the Turbo - are equipped with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) damper control, and for the first time the Macan comes with optional rear-axle steering. The first deliveries of the new model will take place in the second half of the year - with prices starting at 95,800 Swiss francs (Macan 4) and 131,200 Swiss francs (Macan Turbo).

porsche.ch

The meeting of the international automotive world will take place this year from February 26 to March 3. For the first time since 2019, the doors of the GIMS are opening again. Although there are far fewer car manufacturers represented in the exhibition halls of Palexpo in Geneva, the program offers new highlights such as immersive experiences, master classes, special exhibitions and the Auto.Future.Now forum

Motto Car, Future, Now

Alexandre de Senarclens, President of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile (center right gallery): "After an absence of four years, the Geneva Motor Show is back. We look forward to welcoming manufacturers and visitors to Palexpo again soon with an innovative format. Our aim is to make the Motor Show grow from year to year."

Tailor-made experiences

In addition to well-known brands and premieres that will be presented in Geneva, the new format offers customized immersive experiences. These have been developed in collaboration with the brands to represent the theme of the Auto.Future.Now show. Four themed areas underline this motto: Adrenaline Zone, Design District, Mobility Lab and Next World.

Classics Gallery with legends

To mark the 100th anniversary of the GIMS as an international motor show, the new Classics Gallery will be exhibiting 35 iconic vehicles that have made automotive history, many of which made their debut at previous Geneva motor shows. These include the Jaguar E-Type 9600 HP from 1961, the Porsche 901 Quick Blue from 1964 and the Ferrari 500 Superfast from 1964. For the first time in the history of the automotive industry, the two body variants Roadster Esders and Coupé de Ville Binder of the Bugatti Royale 41.111 will also be presented together.

15 world and European premieres

Following the presentation of the prestigious Car of the Year award, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024, there will be a large number of new vehicles on display - including 15 world and European premieres. On VIP Day, February 27, leading personalities from the automotive, technology and design sectors will present new ideas and visions for the future of mobility at the Auto.Future.Now forum.

Thought leader at a high level

Sandro Mesquita, CEO of the Geneva International Motor Show: "GIMS 2024 represents a completely new way of organizing a motor show. It is more focused and collaborative than ever before. Each exhibitor brings something unique to enrich the visitor experience. This includes special experiences, thought leadership at the highest level and the world premieres that visitors have come to expect from the Geneva Motor Show."

The return of the trade fair in 2025 is already being planned. Details will be announced after the end of GIMS 2024. GIMS Qatar will also return to Doha in the fourth quarter of 2025, with dates to be announced in due course.

genevamotorshow.com