From 2017 to 2019, there was also a championship for juniors as part of the Swiss Hill Climb Championship. The race was held in standard Toyota GT86 RS cars. The project was initiated and supported by Auto Sport Switzerland and implemented by the Seelisberg Event Center. Three Swiss junior champions have emerged from this series: Rolf Reding (2017), Thomas Schmid (2018) and Rico Thomann (2019). The project was put out to tender again in 2020. A lack of participants, financial reasons and the pandemic meant that the project was not continued.

Hill climbs and slaloms

There will now be a new attempt in 2024. This time, it will be a combined junior championship consisting of four hill climbs and four slaloms, which will be contested with the team's own vehicles. The NSK fixed the dates at its last meeting. The 2024 Junior Championship includes the Hemberg, Anzère, Oberhallau and Gurnigel hill climbs as well as the slaloms in Frauenfeld, Bure, Chamblon and Romont.

Counters are crucial

All riders who are in possession of an ASS NAT or INT license and who have registered using the official registration form will be considered for the Junior Championship. Participants must not be older than 25 years (year in which they reach the age of 25). Driving is permitted in touring cars up to 2.5 liters and racing cars up to 2 liters. There is one classification - with two scratch results: one in a slalom, one in a hill climb. The champion is the driver who scores the most points across all disciplines.

Extra stickers for the cars

The participants of the Junior Championship Mountain/Slalom will be recognized with extra stickers on their cars. We will provide information regarding registration for the Junior Championship from January 2024. Further information can also be found in the NSK announcements in the ASS magazine.

The 2024 Swiss Junior Champion will receive his racing license for the 2025 season free of charge. He or she will also qualify for the FIA Motorsport Games, which will take place in Valencia (E) from October 23 to 27, 2024, in the Slalom Car category. In addition, he (or she) is invited to the Dîner des Champions in Bern, just like the Swiss Rally Junior Champion.

Photos: Eichenberger
Source: Car Sport Switzerland
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The fascination of the 1000 miles from Brescia to Rome and back could hardly be more intense. First held as a speed race in 1927, the 1000 Miglia is now one of the world's most popular regularity races for historic vehicles. Mercedes-Benz Classic is offering enthusiasts of historic motorsport exclusive starting places in the 2024 edition - not in the support vehicle, but at the wheel of an original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé from the Mercedes-Benz Classic vehicle collection. Three vehicles are available.

Complete support

The offer includes participation in the event in the Mercedes-Benz works team with a 300 SL - model series W 198 - including a test drive weekend in Stuttgart and a racing driver as navigator in the co-driver's seat. The price of at least 150,000 euros also includes technical and organizational support. Interested parties can apply now and until January 31, 2024 for one of the three starting places at apply via this link.

Service for private vehicles

Anyone taking part in the 1000 Miglia with their own Mercedes-Benz vehicle has the option of booking a service package for technical support from the specialists at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. This package costs from 15,000 euros.

Mercedes-Benz and the Mille Miglia have been closely linked since the very beginning. In 1931, Rudolf Caracciola was the first nonItalian driver to win the overall classification with a Mercedes-Benz SSKL, and in 1955 Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson won in the 300 SLR with the best time ever achieved.

Most exciting automobile

The 300 SL of the W198 series with its characteristic gullwing doors is one of the most exciting cars in history. It was derived in 1954 from the racing sports car of the same name - the W 194 series - from 1952. This first 300 SL had its racing premiere in May 1952 at the Mille Miglia.

Video:  @harrysgarage
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The number of electric vehicles on Swiss roads is slowly but steadily increasing. At the end of September this year, the cumulative share of new battery-electric registrations was 19.8%, that of petrol cars 31.3% and that of diesel cars 8.5%. Despite the growing proportion of e-cars, only 3.3% of passenger cars on Swiss roads are purely electric.

In comparison, petrol vehicles still make up 62 percent of the total stock, while diesel models account for 26.8 percent. "This makes it clear that the transition to full electromobility is a marathon and will take time," says Alberto Sanz de Lama, Managing Director at AutoScout24.

Change towards electromobility

However, a comparison between the cantons shows that the transition to electromobility is progressing very differently. At 6.8%, the canton of Zug has the highest proportion of electric vehicles. With 155 public charging stations per 100 square kilometers, Zug is also well ahead in the cantonal rankings.

Peter Blass, Consultant Data & Energy at Swiss eMobility: "However, the high purchasing power and good charging infrastructure are not the only reasons. After all, Zug residents could also buy high-priced combustion cars. In the end, it's probably a mix of many benevolent factors and curious people."

In contrast, the canton of Uri did less well. Its electric rate was just 2.2 percent, putting the canton at the bottom of the league. In terms of the number of public charging stations per 100 square kilometers, Uri only has ten stations.

Densest charging network in Basel-Stadt

When it comes to charging station density, no canton can beat Basel-Stadt. With 600 public charging stations per 100 square kilometers, the city canton has the densest charging network. It is followed by the cantons of Geneva, Bern, Zurich and Ticino.

E-mobility expert Marco Piffaretti says: "These three cantons are doing well when it comes to incentivizing wallboxes, as they promote their installation. In Ticino, for example, there is a cantonal subsidy of 1,200 francs for wallboxes that have a centrally controlled load management system."

At the bottom of the charging network ranking is the canton of Jura with eight charging stations per 100 square kilometers.

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The first well-camouflaged prototypes of the next, purely electrically powered Macan generation completed test drives on the factory premises in Leipzig and the surrounding area as early as mid-2021. These vehicles have now completed around three million test kilometers worldwide under a wide variety of conditions. Before the production version of the electric Macan rolls onto the road next spring, Porsche offered the opportunity to take a ride on a winding handling course on the Leipzig plant's large test site.

450 kW and more than 1000 Nm

The all-electric Macan is based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which was developed together with Audi. Although software problems have led to delays in the market launch, the car will soon be ready to go. The Macan is powered by two permanently excited synchronous motors, which together deliver up to 450 kW (612 hp) and more than 1000 Nm. As the rear-axle electric motor is installed particularly far back, this results in a slightly rear-biased axle load distribution. In conjunction with the dynamic torque distribution of the all-wheel drive and the rear axle steering, this results in very agile handling.

In order to be able to combine a high level of comfort with pronounced sportiness, the new model boasts corresponding suspension qualities. The wheels on the front axle are guided by double wishbones, while a multi-link suspension ensures stability at the rear. For the first time in a Macan, the rear wheels also steer. Torque Vectoring Plus, an electronically controlled transverse lock, is also installed in the top model.

Impressive dynamics

The new Macan feels particularly at home on the handling course. Even when the test driver deliberately and in a controlled manner moves it slightly above the grip limit in bends, it always appears perfectly balanced in terms of driving dynamics. Quick counter-steering movements seem to keep the car safely on course - at a speed that can certainly be described as respectable. Of course, the sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h is also impressive. The 450 kW are optimally transferred to the road with fine slip control.

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Innovation has been part of Renault's DNA for almost 125 years. Over the decades, the French company has consistently developed the automobile further, with inventions that are still relevant today. Some of the most important innovations will be presented in detail this week.

One of the new developments in vehicle technology - still in the 19th century - was the direct-shift gearbox (1899 in the Type A). This was later followed by the replacement of the crank handle with an automatic starting system (1909), the introduction of mechanical rack-and-pinion steering (1950), the integration of the tailgate as a fifth door (1961) and the Plip system for closing the doors using an infrared signal (1983).

In this series on the Megane E-Tech 100% electric, we don't want to present all 300 patents that were filed during the development of the vehicle, but we do want to highlight four areas of innovation that stood out. Today we start with the model itself and two patents on the lightweight construction of the vehicle:

Range of up to 470 kilometers

The new platform of the Megane E-Tech 100% electric features a very flat 60 kWh battery and a compact 160 kW electric motor. This allows the car to travel up to 470 kilometers on a single charge. The aerodynamically optimized body design, the comparatively low vehicle weight of 1740 kilograms and the thermal management of the battery also make the long range possible.

The all-electric Megane E-Tech 100% electric, which rolls on 18- or 20-inch wheels, also impresses with its sporty driving performance. From a standstill, it reaches 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km/h.

The topic of lightweight construction, which contributes to the range, has been supported by two patents, among other things, which have led to weight savings in the tailgate design and material. They are based on a new design in conjunction with a new plastic injection molding process. The tailgate is made of plastic, there are no metal reinforcements and the number of parts has also been reduced.

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Read on Friday, December 15 why the interior offers so much space.

Lexus is strategically positioning itself for a new generation of all-electric models - with new design principles and new technologies that will shape the automotive industry of the future. At the annual Kenshiki Forum in Brussels, the company provided more detailed insights into its plans to become a 100 percent battery-electric vehicle brand globally by 2035 and in Europe by 2030. In the next generation of electric Lexus vehicles, structural components will become smaller and lighter for greater versatility. The Lexus Driving Signature will also benefit from technological advances in the electric sector - a constant connection between driver and vehicle that ensures comfort, driving culture and control at all times.

LF-ZL and LF-ZC concept vehicles

The recently unveiled LF-ZC and LF-ZL concept cars show how Lexus intends to maximize the potential of electric drive and other innovations to create a new mobility experience. The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero emission Catalyst) is a preview of the production version of the new sedan, which will be available from 2026. The LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero emission Luxury) is a study for a flagship model of an electrically powered SUV that seamlessly connects people and mobility. Interaction with the vehicle is set to reach a new level with personalized suggestions from the car - based on the driver's driving style and habits.

Arene opens up new options

The new Arene operating system opens up new entertainment and connectivity options. The voice recognition system uses artificial intelligence for quick responses to commands and makes personalized suggestions. And, of course, Lexus also brings all its characteristic performance features to bear: powerful acceleration and smooth power transmission with Direct4 all-wheel drive. In addition, the steer-by-wire system gives future BEV models more comfortable maneuverability and a plus on winding roads.

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Before Audi's third start in the Dakar Rally, the engineers focused on further extending the protection of all components. The three driver pairings Mattias Ekström/Emil Bergkvist, Stéphane Peterhansel/Edouard Boulanger and Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz covered a total of more than 900 kilometers during the five-day test on the grounds of Château de Lastours.

Head of Audi Motorsport Rolf Michl: "We have now completed our development tasks and are concentrating on the logistical work until January."

Assemblies and systems

The battery system and other components of the Audi RS Q e-tron had to pass final endurance tests on the site between Narbonne and Perpignan on the French Mediterranean coast.

Technical Director Leonardo Pascali: "We have revalidated all assemblies and systems, both the parts carried over from the previous model and the newly developed ones. The aim was to meet the specified quality standards for all areas."

At the same time, the drivers were able to confirm the set-up of the RS Q e-tron for the Dakar Rally, which was developed over the course of the season, on a different terrain.

Putting it through its paces

Sven Quandt, Team Principal of Q Motorsport: "We were able to work through all the points. Our drivers and engineers have put the cars through their paces for the rally. Carlos, Mattias and Stéphane are satisfied. They have even run in some of the spare parts with their cars. We're going to the Dakar Rally with excitement but peace of mind. Everyone has shown that they are real team players. They approach their tasks with determination and consistency. This increases confidence for the Dakar Rally."

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On the racetrack on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Mercedes-AMG and the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen have built the Speed City event set-up. The cooperation partners have now been working together for almost twenty years. The race track also provides the backdrop for a breathtaking drone show featuring Mercedes-AMG F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Choreographic interplay

Speed City also provided the perfect setting to celebrate the return of Formula 1 to Las Vegas after more than 40 years. In the run-up to the race weekend, the AMG Driving Academy invited motorsport fans to a special driving experience with the latest AMG models.

The highlight at nightfall was a spectacular drone show. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell represented the cooperation partners Mercedes-AMG and IWC Schaffhausen in a perfectly choreographed interplay of driving skills and the light from 1000 drones.

Brilliant light show around the track

Lewis Hamilton: "Driving with George in the drone show at Speed City was great fun. It was very different to normal, but we love a challenge. And the phenomenal handling of the GT made it easy for us to maneuver around the track in the dark with this brilliant light show around us."

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Even after 40 years, the Fiat Panda 4×4 is still the perfect embodiment of the Italian lifestyle. It combines the comfort of a compact city car with exceptional off-road performance. Stellantis Heritage, the classic car division of Fiat's parent company, is celebrating the milestone birthday of the automotive icon with two special gifts: an emotional film review of the car's adventures around the world and the complete restoration of a Fiat Panda 4×4 from 2001. Stellantis Heritage presented the unique vehicle, which has been restored to new car condition, at the Auto e Moto d'Epoca classic car trade fair in Bologna and is now offering it for sale.

Conversion at Steyr-Puch in Austria

The story of the Panda 4×4 began in 1983, just three years after the official debut of the basic Panda designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. With it, Fiat launched a four-wheel drive version on the market that was characterized by excellent off-road characteristics and an affordable price.

The off-road Panda is converted into a small, lightweight 4×4 vehicle by Steyr-Puch in Austria. A lever in front of the gear knob on the center tunnel engages the rear-wheel drive. Steyr-Puch dispenses with a center differential. Production takes place in two stages. The entire transmission is manufactured at Steyr-Puch in Graz, and the vehicle is then finally assembled at the Fiat plant in Termini Imerese on Sicily.

Power distribution depending on the driving situation

The new Cross version of the Panda 4×4 was launched in 2014. It is a further development with a revised look and electronic innovations as well as new engines. An important innovation was the three-stage torque-on-demand drive system, which optimizes power distribution depending on the driving situation. A Panda 4×4 Trekking built in 2001 is now part of the Reloaded by Creators project, with which Stellantis Heritage is restoring classic vehicles and bringing them back onto the market. Following the restoration, the Panda 4×4 is now available for purchase.

Roberto Giolito, Head of Stellanti's Heritage: "In an ever-changing world, the Fiat Panda 4×4 has accompanied many people continuously and full of emotion for over 40 years."

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The three-time Le Mans winner was supported in his record-breaking drive by an international team from Chile, France, Germany, the USA, Canada and Switzerland. The team encountered adverse conditions: The air is only half as thick as at sea level and the temperatures were around 20 degrees Celsius below freezing.

Romain Dumas shortly after his return from the summit of the world's highest volcano: "It was an extraordinary feeling to drive where no car has gone before."

Team of specialists

The expedition with two heavily modified Porsche 911s was supported by HIF Global, the Schaeffler Group, Mobil 1, BF Goodrich and TAG Heuer. The companies provided the international team of mountain guides, engineers, drivers and mountaineers with important expertise and their technologies.

Frank-Steffen Walliser, Head of Overall Vehicle Architecture and Characteristics at Porsche AG: "At Porsche, we believe in pushing boundaries and testing new technologies in the process. On this expedition, the two nine-eleven models were driven on e-fuels produced at the Haru Oni pilot plant in Punta Arenas."

Volcano summit was the goal

The project meant a return to the Ojos del Salado volcano for the cars and the team. During an initial exploratory tour in 2022, the 911 converted by the Porsche engineers in Weissach together with the off-road specialists from RD Limited was already able to pass the 6000-meter mark.

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