The presentation of the Swiss Classic Awards is already a tradition on the classic car agenda. Once again, the audience gathered at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne to find out who had won the coveted awards in the Internet vote. The evening program was routinely hosted by Dino Graf, who even had a few "horses" in the race himself. He immediately explained that he was glad that the audience had made the choice and not the jury.

Neel Jani and the classic cars

The guest of honor was motorsport driver Neel Jani (pictured left with presenter Dino Graf), who has actually won every major endurance race except Daytona. While Jani drives modern hybrid prototypes in racing, he enjoys every drive in old racing cars for a change. At Goodwood, for example, he had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Lotus Cortina or the AC Cobra. In the old car, it's all about the pure physics of driving, in the modern car you have to work with the software to be as fast as possible, explained Jani to interviewer Dino Graf.

These are audience awards

• The "Rookie Award" went to MyOldtimer.fun, a sharing platform where you can rent classic cars, modern classics and other special vehicles made available by private vehicle owners.
• The Motor Chain was honored with the "Innovation Award". Launched in 2020, the online platform allows the history of classic vehicles to be reliably and securely documented and preserved for subsequent owners.
• The Lägern Classic won the most votes in the "Door Opener Award". The classic car and youngtimer meeting, which has only been taking place since 2018, has quickly established itself as an open event for all makes and eras.
• The "Historic Motorsport Award" went to the Alpine Challenge, a rally for classic cars and GT vehicles on a secret route with an average speed target.
• The "Passion Award Suisse Romande" went to the Oldtimer Motor Broye meeting, which has been attracting everything that moves on wheels since 2010.
• The "Gottardo Classic" received the most votes in the "Swiss Classic Passion Award Svizzera Italiana". As an annual event for classic and vintage cars, the Gottardo Classic offers picturesque routes and culinary delights and attracts over 100 teams to the area south of the Gotthard.
• Finally, the "Passion Award Deutschschweiz" went to the Ace Cafe in Lucerne. It is the only Ace Cafe in Switzerland that has been run enthusiastically for years and has a broad fan base.

Lifetime Award for Roger Gloor

The winner of the "Lifetime Award" was not chosen by the audience, but by the jury. In 2023, the winner was Roger Gloor (pictured right with juror Urs P. Ramseier). After completing a commercial apprenticeship, he worked at Automobil Revue for several decades, covering topics such as motor racing, design, vehicle tests and classic cars in particular. He wrote several books, including standard works such as "Cars of the Fifties" and "Cars of the Seventies", as well as works on Monterverdi and Bertone. Roger Gloor not only received the award, but also a tailor-made jacket with a matching Swiss Classic Award lining.

Photos: Bruno von Rotz
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In 1968, during the heyday of international motorsport, Robert Hahn was able to realize his childhood dream. The then 24-year-old, who grew up in a family of beverage merchants in Frauenfeld, became a racing mechanic. This was followed by intensive years on European and American racetracks until 1974. Precarious working conditions, enormous time pressure and seemingly endless transport journeys were his constant companions.

Anecdotes and pilots

Under the promising title "Schlaflos im Renntransporter", Robert Hahn has recorded his experiences as a racing mechanic in a richly illustrated book. He presented the work together with one of his co-authors, Christoph Ditzler.

Hahn told of his time with Swedish racing driver Joakim Bonnier, for whom he looked after the Formula 1 racing car and a five-liter sports car, of encounters with racing legends such as Jo Siffert, Jo Vonlanthen, John Surtees and Jack Brabham, but also of working with top mechanics. Everything is accompanied by refreshing and previously unknown anecdotes from the encounters.

Ode to the racing mechanic

The book makes accessible a world that usually remains hidden behind the glamor of racing. From his perspective as a racing mechanic, Hahn primarily opens up a new perspective. This is emphasized by the "Ode to the racing mechanic" contributed by former motorsport journalist and SP National Councillor Andreas Gross. For Robert Hahn, who later also drove racing cars himself and ran an Alfa Romeo dealership in Frauenfeld for many years, it was more than just a period of his life that he was able to summarize between two book covers.

Book data: Publisher McKlein Publishing, 30 x 20 cm, 320 pages, around 360 illustrations, 1st edition 2023, 79.90 francs, ISBN 9783947156542. Orders can be placed at HERE are made.

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Inspired by the Bolide exterior, which is characterized by X-shaped lights at the front and rear, among other things, the cockpit of this model elegantly blends into the same X design. Just as striking as the rear lights is the spectacular steering wheel, which has an X-shaped structure in its center. The design of the steering wheel is intended to inspire absolute confidence as the driver and vehicle become one.

With its finely balanced proportions, the steering wheel also takes on an artistic form and transforms into a creative work of art when the car is stationary. The steering wheel can be easily detached, removed from the cockpit and set up as an eye-catcher, for example in a meeting room.

Modeling with polygon models

When designing the steering wheel, the Bugatti designers relied on 3D modeling with polygon models, an innovative technique established by developers from the games and visual effects industry. This process made it possible to precisely model the steering wheel with all its complex components and subsystems. This allowed the team to simulate every feature and the various surfaces using polygon meshes. The design of the steering wheel also incorporated feedback from the test drivers, who requested a slim, compact and ergonomic design with eight buttons. These should be optimally positioned to facilitate operation at speeds and g-forces.

Connection between pilot and car

The striking X design runs like a red thread through the entire cockpit, creating a unified design. The seats of the Bolide also visibly bear the X design, which is embedded in the multi-pad design of the seats. The seats are installed directly on the monocoque with the utmost precision, creating an inseparable connection between the driver and his car.

Such an arrangement contributes to a significant weight reduction and makes the Bolide the first Bugatti with fixed seats that offer a perfect seating position for a racetrack-optimized vehicle.

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The prizes for the best truck, best van and best pick-up were awarded at the Solutrans trade fair in Lyon. MAN won the Truck Innovation Award, the Ford Transit Custom was named Van of the Year and the Pick-up Award went jointly to the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.

Large selection of equipment

Volvo Trucks started series production of heavy-duty electric trucks around a year ago and has sold its 100th vehicle in Switzerland, for example. For the jury, in which TIR transNews is also represented, the wide range of possible applications for the heavy-duty e-series plays a central role, thanks to the large selection of battery sizes, axle configurations, engine outputs, cabs and chassis variants. With the Mercedes-Benz eActros 300/400, the Scania 45S and the Fuso eCanter, four of the five candidates were equipped with battery-electric drive systems.

MAN received the Truck Innovation Award for its truck automation projects. These projects have abbreviations such as ANITA and ATLAS-L4, in which MAN is working with renowned partners from research and industry to research what is needed for vehicles and the entire respective environment to be able to function autonomously - i.e. without a driver in the cockpit.

Ford Transit Custom on the podium

The Ford Transit Custom, designed on a completely new multi-energy platform, impressed the jury the most overall.

Ford Pro's new Transit Custom is the latest recipient of the "International Van of the Year" for 2024, with the jury of 24 members of leading commercial vehicle publications from across Europe (including TIR transNews) awarding top marks to the new Ford Transit Custom, ahead of the Iveco eDaily and Renault Trafic E-Tech.

Other finalists included the HYVIA Master E-Tech H2, the Mercedes-Benz eCitan and the Opel Vivaro-e Hydrogen, illustrating the variety and choice of powertrains available in the light commercial vehicle sector today.

Joint award for VW and Ford

The Ford Ranger has never been available in as many variants as the current generation. It also offers numerous new innovations for commercial e-use. The Ford Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok share the Pick-up Award. This means that both Ford Pro and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have now won the International Pick-up Award three times.

While the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok completed their hat-trick of IPUA wins, this time it was shared by models from the two brands. This was the first time since the global award was introduced in 2010.

Each model with its own character

Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the jury: "After the comparative tests, it was impossible to separate the two models, as both the new Ranger and Amarok were developed together and are manufactured at the Ford plant in South Africa. Despite being a joint project, each manufacturer has managed to retain its unique design and driving characteristics, which customers will confirm."

In this seventh edition of the poll, the sixth-generation Ranger adds to the titles won in 2013 and 2020, while the original Amarok won its two previous trophies in 2011 and 2018 with the upgraded version.

tir-transnews.ch

Super sports cars embody a highly emotional world. Only racing cars convey even more goose bumps. With the XGT, Abt Sportsline unites the two worlds. Developed as a thoroughbred GT2 vehicle, the vehicle tuner created the most exclusive vehicle that has ever left the factory in Kempten in a two-year process. With 640 hp at 1400 kg, a limited edition of 99 units and a striking appearance, the road-legal racer is a dream on wheels, especially for sporty drivers and motorsport enthusiasts.

Tough challenges

As a traditional racing team, Abt Sportsline has contested more than 300 races in the DTM since 2000, achieved dozens of individual victories and more than 250 podium finishes and is currently the most successful active DTM team. The best prerequisites for an ambitious project like the XGT. But it is more than just a project.

Abt Managing Director Thomas Biermaier: "Two intensive years passed from the idea to completion. Our engineers and mechanics had some tough challenges to overcome."

With around 40 individual approvals, the approval process went beyond the scope of classic vehicle development. The highlight is that the road version only differs slightly in appearance from the Audi R8 LMS GT2 racing car. Now 99 rolling chassis are waiting to be hand-built into unique vehicles according to customer specifications.

Specially manufactured steering wheel

Anyone who has always dreamed of sitting behind the wheel of a real racing car will get their money's worth in the Abt XGT. The XGT is steered with the steering wheel specially manufactured for the racing version. The technical modifications in the areas of thermal management, software and vehicle diagnostics system were carefully implemented in order to maintain the character of the racing car. For everyday usability, the fuel tank system from the series was integrated and the instrument cluster was modified for civilian use. The handbrake, central locking, reversing camera and immobilizer have also been added.

Hans-Jürgen Abt: "The XGT is the quintessence of our heritage. It was not easy to get the GT2 racing car onto the road. "

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When Ian Callum lends a hand as a designer, the result is a vehicle with striking lines and perfect proportions. This has always been the case during his career at Ford, Aston Martin and Jaguar, and he intends to keep it that way. Instead of retiring, the enterprising Scot has designed his own car, the Callum Skye. Just 4.05 meters long, it is immediately recognizable as a multi-purpose car with its large, practically free-standing wheels. But of course, despite the off-road look, designer Callum has paid attention to high-end body design.

To 100 km/h in four seconds

Designed as a 2+2-seater, the Skye is equipped with a 42-kWh battery that can be charged quickly and should enable a range of around 270 kilometers. According to the manufacturer, the battery can be fully charged in less than ten minutes. Despite its robust spaceframe chassis, the Skye weighs just 1150 kilograms, half of which is distributed between the two axles. It should be able to accelerate from a standstill to 96 km/h (60 mph) in less than four seconds.

Versions for road and off-road

Before definitive technical data is available, the Callum Skye will now undergo extensive tests and test drives in England and on the European continent. In addition, various model variants are to be developed by spring 2024, which are designed more for operation on paved roads or more for off-road use. Interested parties can find more information at

callumdesigns.com

More and more electric cars, often with huge drive powers and extreme ranges, are carrying large batteries. The cars often weigh two tons or more, which leads to high energy consumption. How the increasing demand for electricity is to be covered is still being assessed in very different ways.

For Remo Mucha from Helion Energy AG, an Amag subsidiary, however, the case is clear: the potential of photovoltaics is enormous, and there are enough areas in Switzerland where such systems can be installed. In addition, solar cells have become inexpensive and will become even cheaper in the future.

Intelligently compensate for deficiencies

If nuclear power plants no longer ensure constant electricity production, the surplus of photovoltaic electricity in summer and the shortage in winter must be balanced out intelligently. It would be possible to store the surplus energy from summer, for example, by producing hydrogen and synthetic gases (power to gas), which could be converted back into electricity in winter.

Vehicles help with Vehicle to Grid

As electric cars, like conventional models, do not drive for around 90 percent of the time and their batteries are much larger than is necessary for everyday use, they can be used to stabilize the grid in the future. With bidirectional charging V2G (Vehicle to Grid), the potential of the car battery can be better exploited. The battery is then available as a decentralized and controllable electricity storage unit.

Conditions and incentives for users

Bidirectional charging is particularly interesting in combination with a photovoltaic system. During the day, the battery is charged at the workplace with solar power, and in the evening the electrical energy can be drawn from the battery again.

Adrian Wachholz from ABB E-Mobility AG: "However, before bidirectional charging can be used efficiently, norms and standards must be harmonized across the industry. In addition, all electric car manufacturers should provide access to the batteries and, last but not least, attractive conditions and incentives for users are also necessary."

Megawatt charging is feasible

There is no question for Huber und Suhner that there will one day be enough electricity available for electromobility. Stefan Buri, President of High Power Charging, presented plug connections developed by his company that can be used to achieve charging capacities of up to several megawatts. This allows electrically powered heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, ships, construction machinery and even electric aircraft to be supplied with energy in a short space of time. An e-truck, for example, should be able to draw electricity for 100 kilometers in just three minutes.

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Freeway users can now choose whether they want to use an adhesive vignette or the digital version in 2024. The sales price of CHF 40 and the validity period from December of the previous year to January of the following year remain unchanged for both variants. Unlike the adhesive vignette, the e-vignette is not linked to the vehicle but to the number plate. This is a particular advantage for owners of interchangeable number plates and people who buy a new vehicle during the year. It also saves the hassle of scratching off the old vignette.

Online purchase via web portal

The TCS recommends purchasing the e-vignette exclusively via the Via web portal at e-vignette.ch of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. Other providers usually charge a higher price. When purchasing, the vehicle type, the country of registration and the license plate must be entered on the form. You can also choose whether the registration is publicly visible. People who share a rental or car-sharing car choose publicly visible.

Fine of 200 francs remains

The first users of the new vignette are likely to have been foreign tourists passing through on their way south, and owners of motorcycles, trailers or vintage cars have also been able to benefit from it. Adhesive vignettes can still be purchased at the usual points of sale and at TCS section offices. The amount of the fine remains unchanged. Drivers who drive on the highway without a vignette must expect a fine of CHF 200.

e-vignette.ch

In 2009, the Porsche four-door Panamera was lavishly presented on the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center. After all, the market strategists from Zuffenhausen considered China, and the metropolis of Shanghai in particular, to be a particularly good place for the Panamera. Generation two followed seven years later, and after another seven years, the Leipzig region now offered the first opportunity to drive a pre-production model of generation three.

Freshly designed front section

Externally, the new edition of the sports saloon is quickly recognizable by the freshly designed front end, the strongly raised front fenders, the new wheel designs and the frameless rear window. Inside, the dashboard has been redesigned and features a 10.9-inch passenger display. The climate control panel and gear selector lever are also new.

The Panamera gets revised engines for the model change. Four plug-in hybrid models are now available. All e-hybrid models are based on an oil-cooled 140 kW electric motor that is fully integrated into the dual-clutch transmission housing. It draws energy from the 25.9 kWh battery, which is designed to provide purely electric operation for up to 90 kilometers.

Even more drive power

The main drive unit in the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid test vehicle is the revised 4-liter V8 biturbo. With an optimized valve train and increased injection pressure, together with the electric motor it delivers a maximum torque of 930 Nm and a peak output of 680 hp. Despite its high weight and expansive dimensions, the top-of-the-range Panamera can therefore deliver superior performance in any situation. It takes just 3.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, and a maximum top speed of 315 km/h is possible.

Impressive driving experience

However, the new suspension was primarily responsible for the wow experience on the first test drive. Instead of the adaptive air suspension with 3-chamber system and 1-valve damper, the Active Ride control system with 1-chamber air suspension and 2-valve damper was developed in Weissach. This allows the compression and rebound stages to be controlled independently of each other.

The driving experience is captivating: on the one hand, the suspension irons out all road irregularities almost completely, and on the other hand, the usual normal movements of the vehicle body when starting off, braking and cornering can be neutralized. The Panamera lies on the road like the often-quoted plank, rounds bends without lateral inclination and avoids pitching movements when starting off and braking. Nevertheless, a high level of suspension comfort is offered in every driving situation.

The Panamera 4 with 2.9-liter V6 (353 hp, 500 Nm) is available from CHF 136,100 and the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid from CHF 234,900.

porsche.ch

Six seasons in the premier class of motorsport have helped to revitalize the image of the Alfa Romeo brand and make the brand's vehicle technology even better known worldwide. Now Alfa Romeo is closing another chapter in its motorsport history.

After a break of more than 30 years, Alfa Romeo returned to the premier class of motorsport in 2018. As part of a strategic, commercial and technological partnership with Sauber Motorsport, the team entered two cars in the world championship.

Sergio Marchionne was F1 driver

A special thought goes to the then Chairman of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Sergio Marchionne, who was the driving force behind Alfa Romeo's return to Formula 1 until shortly before his death. The brand would like to thank Charles Leclerc, Marcus Ericsson, Antonio Giovinazzi, Kimi Räikkönen, Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas, who competed for Alfa Romeo.

At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, both of the Alfa Romeo team's racing cars are adorned with the number 6 on the bodywork - a symbol in honor of the six-year partnership with Sauber Motorsport. The design also features the lettering Alfa Romeo nei nostri cuori, with which Sauber pays tribute to the brand. This means that he will always be in our hearts.

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