The RS e-tron GT, e-tron Vision Gran Turismo, RS Q e-tron, S1 e-tron quattro Hoonitron, R18 e-tron quattro and e-tron FE07 met for the first time at the e-tron on track event.

Electric and emotional

The models, which were assembled for the first time at Audi Sport in Neuburg, inspire even seasoned racing drivers. With many years of professional experience and notable victories, Mattias Ekström, Stéphane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz were impressed by the development of electric drives (center gallery).

With "Mister Le Mans" Tom Kristensen, e-tron on track featured a professional who has driven the forefather of all e-tron models in motorsport during his career. It has been eleven years since Audi celebrated its first victory with a hybrid drive in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the R18 e-tron quattro and the titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Racing cracks on a test drive

Audi won Le Mans three times with the R18 e-tron quattro hybrid sports car from 2012 to 2014. At e-tron on track, the LMP1 racing car audibly came back to life.

Tom Kristensen: "The R18 is a very driver-oriented, aggressive car. You always got good feedback right up to the limit. It was the most complex car I've ever driven."

Driving in Neuburg was also a new experience for Dakar specialist Stéphane Peterhansel. Carlos Sainz, the two-time World Rally Champion and three-time Dakar winner, and Mattias Ekström, the two-time DTM Champion and former World Rallycross Champion, were also enthusiastic about the electric racing cars.

audi.com

Mercedes-AMG is further expanding its racing car portfolio. With the GT2 Pro, AMG is launching a non-homologated racing car for track days. The new car is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT2 presented in 2022 and impresses with additional design and performance features.

The GT2 Pro is aimed at motorsport enthusiasts who want to achieve even higher levels of performance on the racetrack. It meets the usual high safety standards of the AMG customer sports models. The vehicle also impresses with its outstanding handling and intuitive operability.

Maximum performance potential

The Push2Pass function unleashes maximum performance potential. At the touch of a button on the steering wheel, the boost pressure is temporarily increased and the full power potential of the 4-liter V8 biturbo engine is unleashed. Up to 750 hp is available for a short time. The Push2Pass developed exclusively for the GT2 Pro gives drivers even more influence on track day performance.

Power is transmitted via a sequential 6-speed racing transmission with modified gear ratios. As with all Mercedes-AMG racing cars, the transaxle transmission is mounted on the rear axle and connected to the engine via a torsionally rigid carbon torque tube. The suspension features four-way motorsport dampers.

Carbon and special paintwork

Exclusive design elements characterize the appearance of the GT2 Pro. It is delivered from the factory in a matt gray full paint finish with separately painted trim strips and logos. The carbon components of the exterior are coated with a clear lacquer. The 18-inch alloy wheels are painted in two colors to match.

The interior combines the user-friendliness of AMG customer sports cars with harmonious ergonomics throughout the cockpit. The Cube Controls steering wheel is characterized by its easy handling. Originally developed for e-sports use, the steering wheel has been optimized for the GT2 Pro and further modified with the new Push2Pass function button.

Coaching by AMG pilots

Owners of the GT2 Pro benefit from Customer Racing Support. From a personal engineer and the supply of spare parts to coaching by a driver from the AMG driver pool, many services can be booked via the Customer Service Portal. The premiere of the AMG Racing Series will take place between November 7 and 9, 2023 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia.

mercedes-amg.ch

The Little Car Company and CMC Models are paying tribute to the iconic Bugatti Type 35 with the new model. As part of the CMC project with national colors, the 1:18 scale models will be painted in country-specific colors. The Mini-Bugatti Baby II will be available for the USA, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Monaco.

From Type 35 became Baby II

Customers of a Bugatti Baby II from The Little Car Company also receive a CMC model in one of the special paint finishes - handmade and strictly limited. The Bugatti Baby II was developed together with the French luxury car manufacturer. It is a 1926 Type 35 in 75 percent reduction and with electric drive.

Countries with a racing tradition

Similar to the Bugatti Baby II, the 1:18 model is also a detailed replica - carefully assembled with more than 930 individual parts. The paintwork corresponds to the CMC project, which is intended to honor nations with a great racing tradition.

schmohl-exclusive-cars.ch
cmc-modelcars.com

The new car market in Switzerland is only recovering very slowly.

Although the car market in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein is slowly recovering, it is still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. In October, the number of new registrations grew by 18.4 percent compared to the same month last year. However, at 20,355 units, the number of new cars was around 22% below the 2019 level. The gloomy economic outlook still appears to be having a dampening effect on demand for new vehicles. The cumulative market growth of 13.1% to 203,261 registrations after ten months must also be viewed soberly.

29 percent are plug-in vehicles

However, the continuing growth in the proportion of alternative drive systems is a positive development. In October, the proportion of hybrid and electric vehicles exceeded the 60% mark for the second month in a row. 28.2 percent of newly registered cars had a full or mild hybrid engine, electric cars accounted for 22.1 percent and plug-in hybrids for 10.1 percent of the market. Since the beginning of the year, more than 59,000 plug-in vehicles that can be charged via the electricity grid have already been registered.

Further information on the situation in Switzerland, distributors and winners can be found on the Internet

car.swiss

In three categories (Ladies, Pro, Over 45), the best 70 Swiss Simracers will compete against each other in a knockout system to determine the Swiss champion and the champions of the individual categories. The championship is taking place for the fifth time and has set a new record with almost 300 registrations. The last Swiss champions Leonard Heidegger (Geneva) and Thomas Schmid (Jonschwil, SG) will also be taking part.

Finals start at 15.45

All drivers and riders will race on ten high-end simulators from Swiss manufacturer RacingFuel Simulators and will be supervised by sports stewards from the national motorsport association Auto Sport Schweiz. The three final races start at 3.45 pm and can be followed via livestream. The broadcast starts at 10.30 am. Christian Mettler (known as a commentator on Swiss races) and Jörg Petersen (editor of Auto-Illustrierte) will accompany the event.

Link for transmission or https://porsche.simracingseries.ch/

racingfuel-simulators.com
auto-zuerich.ch

From the front, the LED matrix with the triangular eye signature is immediately recognizable. The interior is almost invisible thanks to the characteristic central spine in conjunction with the slim air vents. When head of design Jorge Díez and his team began sketching the outlines of a new all-electric SUV coupé, they knew that some would find it too daring.

Vehicle shows the change

Jorge Díez: "If you want to create something unique, if you want to create a strong personality, you can't please everyone. That would mean losing your identity. And that's not what we want at Cupra. As designers, we are committed to pushing the boundaries to go our own way - and without thinking about what others might say. That's exactly what we did with the Tavascan. It is not a response to change, but the vehicle that brings it about."

Sporty, unique identity

The Tavascan is the brand's second all-electric car. A model with a strong personality that expresses a new approach.

Jorge Díez: "The dark front mask gives it a sporty, unique identity, paired with the progressive, almost sculptural V-shaped design of the hood. Together they create a strong sense of excitement. The exterior design concept is complemented by the new facial expression created by the triangular light signature of the headlights. They are the new brand symbol which, together with the logo illuminated for the first time, shows the strong identity of the Tavascan."

The brand design of the future

With its exterior, the Tavascan will lead the brand design into the future. The interior is even more revolutionary. The strong identity that Díez talks about can also be found there - in another representative symbol of the model: the center console.

Jorge Díez: "For us, it is an unprecedented work of art, the most iconic piece of the interior. It forms the framework that supports the entire dashboard, creating a sculptural, futuristic interior. These elements maximize the sense of space and, in combination with the progressive ambient light, create a unique and characterful design language. "

Always surprises

The world premiere of the Tavascan in Berlin in April (AutoSprintCH reported) was the result of years of work by a brand that has repeatedly delivered surprises in the short time of its existence. For the design team, the premiere was a highlight in the development of the all-electric SUV coupé.

Jorge Díez: "Every time we present a new model to the public, it is a very special moment for us. It's a dream come true after so much hard work. It's simply incredible."

The Tavascan can be seen at Auto Zürich at the Oerlikon exhibition center until November 5, technical data can be found on the website.

cupraofficial.ch
auto-zuerich.ch

The all-female Iron Dames team has big plans for its upcoming outing in the Porsche 911 RSR-19 in the LM GTE AM category at the Bahrain 8 Hours. At the final race of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship, the conspicuously painted car with the starting number 85 is expected to have a successful race.

Fight for a place on the podium

The trio of women in pink will then end their third and most successful season in the hotly contested LM GTE AM category. After six races so far, the battle for a podium finish is still wide open ahead of the race at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Currently in second place behind the unattainable Corvette Racing #33 team, the Iron Dames are aiming to become the first women's team in FIA WTC history to defend this place of honor.

This second place is the result of a relentless fighting spirit in a tough environment. The race weekend in Bahrain will therefore be an open day-and-night race in which the aim is to defend the 79-point lead over the AF Corse #54 team.

Sébastien Buemi wants fourth title

But that's not all. This Sunday, the decisions in the World Endurance Championship will also be made at the 8-hour race in Bahrain. With Sébastien Buemi (center gallery) and Louis Delétraz, two Swiss drivers are on the verge of winning the title. Sébastien Buemi has already won the World Endurance Championship three times: in 2014, 2018 and 2022. This weekend, the Toyota works driver could clinch his fourth world title at the finale in Bahrain.

With Louis Delétraz, a second French-speaking Swiss driver has a chance of winning the title. Unlike Buemi, however, the man from Geneva would not win a world championship title. This is because only an Endurance Trophy is awarded in LMP2 (as in the GTE class). Nevertheless, winning this championship would be a great satisfaction for Delétraz. Nico Müller is making a comeback. The Peugeot works driver returns to the cockpit after his collarbone injury.

Here you can be there live

The race starts on Sunday at 2 pm local time (12 pm here). According to motorsport-total, the race can be followed on Eurosport. However, the program is not free-to-air. The entire race will be broadcast on the paid channel Eurosport 2, which is also available to DAZN customers. As always, sport.de offers a full-length live stream. The RTL offshoot Nitro will broadcast the final phase live. In Austria, ORF Sport+ will broadcast a total of 4.20 hours live, split between the start and final phases.

Source: Auto Sport Switzerland
irondames.racing
fiawec.com
motorsport.ch

After selling well in North America, the electrically powered Ford F-150 pick-up is now also available in Switzerland. With its market launch at the end of November, the F-150 Lightning proves that electric mobility is not only at home in cities, but also in the countryside and on rough roads.

In the world of pick-ups, the Ford F-150 is a legend. The F family has been the best-selling pick-up series in North America for 46 years and the best-selling model in the USA for 41 years.

Range of up to 429 kilometers

The heart of the new F-150 Lightning is the lithium-ion battery with NMC cells, which offers an optimum combination of range and performance. The battery pack delivers a usable capacity of 98 kWh for the two electric motors on the front and rear axles. The system achieves a combined output of 337 kW (458 PS) and an electric range of up to 429 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. The battery can be charged from 15 to 80 percent in just 39 minutes at the 150 kW fast-charging station.

With a maximum torque of 1050 Nm, the five-seater pick-up can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. And with a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons and a payload of 600 kilograms, the F-150 Lightning is also ideal for commercial use, a skiing vacation with the whole family or a fishing trip with a boat.

Traction battery also emergency generator

The 6.29 meter long, 2.06 meter wide and 2 meter long F-150 offers perfect driving performance thanks to the four driving modes Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Tow/Haul in every situation and on a wide variety of surfaces. Particularly practical: the traction battery is also a mobile emergency power generator. Power tools and other applications on a construction site or when camping can be supplied with power of up to 2.3 kW from the integrated sockets of the Pro-Power-Onboard system on the cargo bed.

For the market launch in Switzerland, Ford will offer the new model in the lavishly equipped Lariat version in the Super Crew Cab double-cab variant, with all-wheel drive, 20-inch wheels and Antimatter Blue Metallic paint finish. The vehicle can be ordered immediately and costs 127,000 Swiss francs.

ford.ch

With the new edition, Honda has allowed the SUV flagship CR-V to grow further - in length, width and height. Another new feature is that the sixth-generation CR-V is no longer only available with the self-charging e:HEV full hybrid drive, but also - as the first Honda model in Europe - with the e:PHEV plug-in hybrid drive (gallery on the right).

Also with all-wheel drive if required

A modified 2-liter petrol engine works together with two electric motors to provide a drive power of 135 kW (184 hp) and a system torque of 335 Newton meters. As a plug-in version with a 17.7 kWh battery, the CR-V can cover up to 82 kilometers purely electrically. While the e:PHEV is always equipped with front-wheel drive, the e:HEV offers both 2WD and 4WD.

More space for passengers and luggage

The 40-millimetre increase in wheelbase gives rear passengers 16 millimetres more legroom and enables an 18 percent increase in luggage compartment volume. New assistance functions make the car even safer, both actively and passively. The Honda Sensing 360 omnidirectional safety and driver assistance system uses a front camera and radar sensors to eliminate blind spots. Also new are the parking assistant and traffic sign recognition, and the navigation system with Predictive Eco Assist improves energy recovery when driving downhill.

The CR-V can be seen at Auto Zürich until November 5, 2023 at Messe Oerlikon.

honda.ch
auto-zuerich.ch

These influences continue to shape the Bugatti brand today - and not just in the automotive world. In the Californian city of Oxnard lies the Mullin Automotive Museum, a tribute to the artistry of French automotive design. Peter Mullin's collection includes iconic models from Bugatti's past. The museum showcases the great talent of the Bugatti family and houses more than 75 pieces of furniture by Carlo Bugatti, sculptures by Rembrandt and the world's largest private collection of Bugatti cars. The highlight for a long time was the 1936 Type 57SC Atlantic designed by Jean Bugatti.

Celebration of automotive art

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is a testament to architectural and automotive passion. Inspired by the shape of a car, the museum's stainless steel exterior wraps around the actual building. The most important work of art, however, is inside the steel structure: the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Shah.

This one-of-a-kind car's turbocharged 3.3-liter twin-cam in-line engine is housed in a body by Vanvooren of Paris, designed in the style of Figoni et Falaschi. The Shah was sold from the Shah's garage in 1959 for $275 and remained hidden until its restoration in 1983.

Collection Smurf in Mulhouse

The Musée National de l'Automobile in Mulhouse, Alsace, houses more than 600 important automobiles, including more than 100 Bugatti models acquired by the Schlumpf brothers over a period of three decades. From the Type 28 to the 1930 Royale, each car was selected for its historical significance. The crown jewel, however, is a modern icon: the Veyron. Placed on a rotating platform, the Musée National de l'Automobile offers a special stage to an exceptional masterpiece.

bugatti.com
musee-automobile.fr