Of course, a thoroughbred sports car is all about power, performance and emotion. The AMG GT, launched in 2014, offers all of this in abundance, and the two-seater is also luxurious and, depending on the variant, quite comfortable to drive if required. But now the Mercedes-Benz sports department is going one better: the new generation of the AMG GT is now also amazingly practical.

Plenty of space for luggage

The engineers from Affalterbach have turned the two-seater into a 2+2-seater - two emergency seats are now available in the rear for an extra charge of 1850 francs. The AMG GT thus not only catches up conceptually with its main competitor, the Porsche 911, but also offers a very rare commodity in this segment: plenty of space.

312 liters fit into the well-shaped rear of the sports car. If the rear seats are folded down, up to 675 liters can be stored in the easily accessible storage space. A C-Class with an estate rear has space for 490 liters - without the rear seats folded down, but this comparison is nevertheless astonishing. The two-seater variant, on the other hand, has a fixed partition behind the two seats that cannot be folded down.

Commode long-range glider

The elegant cockpit is also surprisingly airy, with plenty of space around the shoulders and practical storage compartments - which is also not a matter of course in this segment. No wonder, after all, the new GT is 18 centimetres longer, 4.4 centimetres wider and seven centimetres higher than its predecessor, although this is hardly noticeable from the outside. And because the AMG GT also rolls very smoothly, at least in the most comfortable driving mode, the uncompromising two-seater has now been transformed into a comfortable long-distance glider in which you can confidently take two people on vacation.

V8 biturbo engine with 585 HP

It goes without saying that the journey there can also include winding mountain passes and a detour to the racetrack at any time. The new AMG GT is a magnificent driving machine: the 4-liter V8 biturbo engine in the AMG GT 63 4Matic+ sends its 585 hp to all four wheels, the all-wheel drive is rear-wheel drive, the front wheels are engaged with up to 50 percent of the drive torque if required. In drift mode, the AMG GT is purely rear-wheel drive. A hydraulic system eliminates almost all lateral inclination when cornering, while the rear-axle steering ensures incredibly direct turn-in and greater stability at high speeds. The price of the new AMG GT is also right up there, starting at 203,900 Swiss francs. This certainly doesn't make it a bargain, but it is well positioned among the competition.

mercedes-benz.ch

While Alpine is pressing ahead with the development of the A424 hypercar, the motorsport team has now confirmed the six drivers who will be behind the wheel of the two cars at the start of the 2024 season in Qatar. In addition to regular drivers Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere and Charles Milesi, there are three new drivers: Mick Schumacher from Germany, who will be making his endurance debut, Frenchman Paul-Loup Chatin and Austrian Ferdinand Habsburg. Alpine will officially present the drivers on February 7, 2024.

Team spirit at the center

Bruno Famin, VP Alpine Motorsport: "We wanted drivers who are not only fast and reliable, but also show real team spirit and a good understanding of racing. We are delighted to have these drivers and hope that they will all bring their qualities to the project."

Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher, drove an endurance prototype for the first time last October. In cooperation with the Alpine team, he got to know the finer points of the vehicle under the watchful eyes of his future team colleagues. After a promising first attempt, Alpine and Schumacher have decided to compete together in the premier class of endurance racing in 2024.

Bruno Famin: "It may be Mick Schumacher's first foray into endurance racing, but his enthusiasm and willingness to join us are palpable. I am sure that he will be a real asset."

Long-distance new experience

Mick Schumacher: "A new chapter is now beginning for me with Alpine in the FIA WEC Hypercar category. The car is impressive and I can't wait to get started. I grew up with monopostos, so cars with a closed cockpit and covered tires are a great opportunity to improve. Endurance racing is a new challenge for me and I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun next year with Alpine."

alpinecars.ch

The Fiat Topolino is an electrically powered light vehicle designed primarily for novice drivers. Topolino is also the Italian name for Mickey Mouse and the nickname of the historic Fiat 500, which was produced from 1936 to 1955. The presentation of the five colorful electric cars took place in the Casa 500, an area of the Pinacoteca Agnelli on the site of the former factory in the Lingotto district of Turin.

A special exhibition in collaboration with the Pinacoteca Agnelli on the fourth floor of the Lingotto building is dedicated to Disney's 100th birthday, 95 years of Mickey Mouse and the 100th anniversary of the former Fiat factory.

Electromobility for young people

Olivier François, CEO of Fiat and Global CMO Stellantis: "The histories of Fiat and Disney are closely intertwined. For example, both Disney and the Lingotto plant are celebrating their 100th anniversaries this year. Topolino, both the Disney icon and the very first Fiat 500, have inspired art, street art and fashion for decades. In addition, the Topolino offers young people electromobility with a smile."

Creativity and friendship

Daniel Frigo, Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Italy and Head of Studio Italy: "At Disney, we are proud to be part of Italy's culture and amazing creativity. It is a great honor to be able to celebrate our 100th anniversary with this magical moment that brings Fiat and Mickey Mouse together again in the spirit of creativity and friendship."

The five Topolinos were created in cooperation between two design teams with very different areas of expertise. They symbolize a journey through time and art - from the era in which Mickey Mouse and the Fiat 500 were born to the present day. To further celebrate Mickey Mouse and the Fiat Topolino, an exhibition of the five unique pieces is now being set up in the north ramp of the Lingotto building in collaboration with the Pinacoteca Agnelli.

fiat.ch
pinacoteca-agnelli.it

These are the findings of the fifth E-Barometer, the annual representative study on electric mobility conducted by the TCS in collaboration with gfs.bern. For more and more respondents, the lack of a charging station at home is the reason why they refrain from buying an electric car.

The study also shows that the majority of Swiss people are still in favor of the authorities subsidizing charging stations in general. A tax deduction for low-emission vehicles is also still supported, although approval is declining more strongly in this case.

Sustainability is important

According to the study, more than half of the electric car owners surveyed have their own parking space, garage or parking space with a power connection. 36 percent have a charging station for their exclusive use. 23% use publicly accessible charging stations in the immediate vicinity of their home, while 12% have no such facilities. 14 percent can charge their electric car at work.

The most important reason to buy an electric car is still sustainability or the slightly more environmentally friendly CO₂-balance sheet, although this factor has become less important compared to the previous year.

Range as a purchase criterion

One of the reasons for not buying an electric car is the doubt as to whether there are enough charging stations available. The range of electric cars has become less important as a purchase criterion. Basically, practical considerations play a more important role than idealistic motives for the Swiss when choosing their future means of transportation than was the case in the past.

However, a majority of 54% think the trend towards small vehicles such as e-scooters is rather bad. According to the E-Barometer study, electricity shortages and rising electricity costs have hardly any influence on the willingness to buy an electric car. Only eleven percent of those surveyed said they would postpone buying an electric car for this reason.

tcs.ch

The Turbo models from Porsche now have the modernized emblem in a particularly exclusive design. Instead of gold, the new Turbonit color dominates. This noble metallic shade of gray, which the designers developed especially for the Turbo, is used on other selected exterior and interior components. This makes the look of the Turbo models even more distinctive.

Turbo stands for top models

Porsche is gradually introducing greater differentiation in all model series. The pioneer is the new Panamera, which celebrates its world premiere on November 24.

Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche: "We presented the first turbocharged 911 in 1974. Since then, the Turbo has become synonymous with our sporty top models. We now want to make the Turbo even more visible and set it apart from other derivatives such as the GTS. In future, the Turbo versions will have a uniform appearance across all model series: elegant, high-quality and very special."

Noble with a metallic effect

The new metallic color Turbonit is reserved for the Turbo models. Like all paints, this was painstakingly formulated by the experts at Porsche Color & Trim. Gold elements provide an elegant metallized effect. The top layer has a contrasting silk matt finish. The lettering at the rear and the daylight opening on the Turbo models will in future be in Turbonit. Depending on the model series, other details such as inserts in the front trim, spokes or aero blades in the alloy wheels can also be painted in Turbonit.

Turbonite dominant color

Turbonit is also the dominant color in the emblem of the Turbo models. All sporty top-of-the-range models will soon feature it on the front of the vehicle, on the alloy wheels and on the steering wheel. In addition, selected components in the interior, such as the accent strips and seatbelt straps, as well as some controls, are in Turbonit. In combination with a black interior, Turbonit is also used as a contrasting color for the yarn on the seats, door panels, instrument panel and floor mats.

porsche.ch

The results of the latest Euro NCAP test made it clear that the Omoda 5, which is in the B+ segment, does not need to shy away from comparison and can keep up with similar European and American models in terms of safety.

Jochen Tüting, Head of Development and Managing Director of Chery Europe GmbH: "The days when vehicles manufactured in China could not keep up with European competitors are long gone."

Catching up

More and more Chinese car manufacturers are discovering the European market. However, despite the growing presence of the new brands, European car buyers are still somewhat skeptical.

Jochen Tüting: "Our excellent crash test results will reduce the reluctance of European customers. In combination with the price attractiveness of the Omoda 5, we are convinced that we can put together an interesting offer for consumers."

Petrol engines, hybrids and EVs

The body structure of the Omoda 5 is designed to be very rigid. The new model also features a wide range of driver assistance systems. Chery intends to offer a wide range of models and powertrains with an attractive price-performance ratio via a traditional dealer network in Europe from 2024. The Omoda 5 will be powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Laecoo 7 with a trendy off-road look will follow a little later on the same platform - as a petrol engine and as a plug-in hybrid.

cheryinternational.com

F.A.T. International, a former French logistics company with a long history of sponsorship in motorsport, is being revived as an automotive lifestyle brand at the Ice Race. The initiator of the event is Ferdi Porsche. Now the upcoming edition, which will take place on January 27, 2024 at the airfield in Zell am See, is set to bring together automotive culture and many enthusiastic fans against a spectacular backdrop.

The main thing is always nice and horizontal

Spectators and fans can watch live and up close as amateur and professional racing drivers battle for the best performance on the ice under extreme conditions. Whether icons of automotive history, modern GT and rally cars or agile buggies - spectacular drift angles are guaranteed. The legendary skijoring, in which daring skiers are pulled across the ice by the vehicles, will also demand everything from drivers and skiers and provide a great show on the ice.

Finale party at Kaprun Castle

Technology nerds and design lovers will also get their money's worth thanks to numerous highlights away from the ice track. The crowning glory of the day is a party at Kaprun Castle. In the event that another event on ice is not possible due to persistent warm weather conditions, there will be an alternative program. Official ticket sales and registration for participation in the F.A.T. Ice Race start immediately. Tickets can be purchased and registration is possible online at www.fat-international.com/icerace-zell-am-see.

2024 Show in the Rocky Mountains

In 2024, Ferdi Porsche's team will be hosting an ice race outside of Austria for the first time, with a guest appearance in Aspen, Colorado, USA, from February 8 to 10, 2024. Inspired by author Hunter S. Thompson's attempt to become the new sheriff of Aspen and rename it Fat City, the small town in the Rocky Mountains will now be under the star of the F.A.T. Ice Race and transformed into F.A.T. City, at least for a few days. A limited number of tickets for the event in Aspen will be available to purchase online.

fat-international.com

The Essen Motor Show will once again attract car fans from all over Europe to Messe Essen this year. Around 500 exhibitors present their offerings in the areas of performance & racing, tuning & lifestyle, motorsport and classic cars. The popularity of the festival for sporty vehicles is unbroken. This year, exhibitors and fans will be celebrating 75 years of NASCAR and 20 years of Tesla, among other things. The diversity of the car takes center stage in Essen.

Sports car for the long haul

As usual, BBS and KW present their new products together. At KW, the BBS Unlimited wheel program has been expanded with new designs and applications, as the BBS alloy wheels are still available directly from KW Automotive.

One of KW's new products is the DDC plug & play coilover suspension for the Porsche 911 of the 991 series. Another premiere in Essen is the unveiling of a current sports car project for long-distance driving. Further information will be available in Essen.

kwsuspensions.ch
essen-motorshow.com

The automotive trade association AGVS is proud to be sending a woman to the World Skills Championships for the first time. Sophie Schumacher from Studen is going to World Skills 2024 and will compete for Switzerland as the country's best female commercial vehicle mechatronics technician.

The 21-year-old now faces ten months of intensive preparation. Jean Trotti, who will accompany her as chief expert, has already helped talented youngsters to victory on the international stage on several occasions.

Sophie Schumacher after the competition: "The first post went quite well. That gave me confidence". Jean has already indicated to me that there will be some training sessions. But I hope that there will still be some free time."

Only 45 minutes per post

In Hall 8 on the Bernexpo site, numerous trade fair visitors followed the action on the three trucks. For the talented drivers - in addition to Sophie Schumacher, Roger Ruch from Kappelen and Alina Knüsel from Meierskappel had qualified for the competition - the task was to diagnose and rectify the faults under time pressure. Only 45 minutes were available for each item. The breakdown assistance station was particularly tricky: without circuit diagrams and diagnostic technology, they had to get the truck to start again.

The best in her field

Sophie Schumacher from Camionrep AG completed her apprenticeship as an automotive mechatronics technician specializing in commercial vehicles and qualified for this selection competition at the 2023 Swiss Championships in September. This makes her one of the best in her profession - also in comparison with her colleagues specializing in passenger cars.

Photo: Christian Pfammatter/mmch
agvs-upsa.ch

The most important visual features of the Tributo Italiano special models include the exterior mirror caps with the Italian flag and the upgraded interior with the Tributo Italiano logo on the headrest. The colors Rosso Alfa, Verde Montreal and Bianco Banchise - symbolic of the Italian national colors - are available. They are always combined with a black roof.

Distinctive identifying marks

The radiator grille in black for the Giulia and Stelvio and in anthracite for the Tonale are also among the distinguishing features of the special series. Alloy wheels in 21-inch for the Stelvio, 20-inch for the Tonale and 19-inch for the Giulia as well as red-painted brake callipers from Brembo are standard. This look is complemented by body-colored inserts on the bumpers, wheel arches and side sills.

Aluminum paddle shifters

Sporty details also enhance the interior of the special models. For example, the black leather sports seats are perforated on a red background and the front headrests are embroidered with the striking logo. The shift paddles on the steering wheel are made of aluminum. The 2-zone air conditioning system, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, new infotainment system, ventilated and heated front seats and a Harman Kardon sound system with 14 speakers ensure a high level of comfort.

Drone-like 360-degree view

The Tributo Italiano standard equipment also includes the active suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. The Alfa Active Suspension adapts to changing road conditions in a fraction of a second. High-resolution cameras transmit a drone-like 360-degree view around the car to the monitor in the dashboard.

By choosing the southern Italian city of Matera as the backdrop for the videos for the new special models in the Tributo Italiano line, Alfa Romeo is once again following its strategy of using historical locations associated with the brand in its advertising. Examples of this include the films made in Palermo to mark the 100th anniversary of the Quadrifoglio. Prices on request.

alfaromeo.ch