THAT'S IT With the 1500 TRX 6.2 V8 model, Ram brings the current generation of the 1500 series to a close. 4000 examples of this specially equipped model are scheduled to hit the roads worldwide - in exclusive paint schemes.
Editorial - 29 October 2023
Ram celebrates the legendary series with the limited edition 1500 TRX Final Edition model for enthusiasts of the brand. In the final version, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 delivers a maximum torque of 888 Nm and a peak output of 709 hp. This gives the Final Edition TRX a top speed of 190 km/h, and from a standstill it accelerates to 96 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The Ram 1500 TRX once again comes with a powerful supercharged V8 as the Final Edition.
High performance pickup for fans
The 2024 RAM 1500 TRX 6.2L Supercharged V8 Final Edition offers fans of high-performance pickups their last opportunity to purchase a historic Ram model. The car is available eight colors - new are Delmonico Red, Night Edge Blue and Harvest Sunrise.
The interior is also very exclusive. The equipment includes seat backs with embroidered TRX logo, welcome screen and numerous carbon inserts on the doors, center console and dashboard. In addition, a badge shows the production number. A Harman Kardon audio system provides premium sound with 19 speakers, and also standard are the head-up display, digital rearview mirror and eight-way adjustable front seats, as well as assistance systems. Prices on request.
IT'S GOING ON The new Alpine A424 mastered its third test drive in Jerez with flying colors. The hypercar for the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship showed itself for the first time in an all-blue livery.
Editorial - 29 October 2023
The Alpine A424 is a car in the LMDh category - Le Mans Daytona hybrid. It was designed by the Alpine design team headed by Antony Villain. Last weekend, the race team continued the tests necessary for development in Jerez under changing weather conditions. The focus was particularly on improving the hybrid system and the differential. At the same time, the team tested the handling of the new Michelin tires in wet conditions.
Alpine wants to start the new season well prepared with the A 424.
Trio of drivers drove 1200 kilometers
The first night drives were also on the agenda for Alpine so that the headlights and cockpit lighting could be fine-tuned before the first endurance tests. The team also tested various aerodynamic add-on parts in preparation for the upcoming wind tunnel tests and homologation of the car. In total, the driver trio Charles Milesi, André Negrão and Nicolas Lapierre covered more than 1200 kilometers on the three days of testing.
Long-distance tests in November
The A424 will return to the track in mid-November at Motorland Aragon for long-distance tests during the day and night. Then, from December 11 to 13, testing for this year will come to an end at the circuit in Portimão, Portugal.
Bruno Famin, Vice President Motorsport Alpine: "The test runs were an important development step for our project. We're improving with every run, and the good news is that there are no nasty surprises. The first race in Qatar is just around the corner. This will be the start of our learning process for the entire 2024 season."
Child seats: safety for the little ones in the test
RATGEBER In the second TCS child seat test of the year, most products performed well. 21 models are "highly recommended", while two seats are "not recommended" due to the pollutant naphthalene.
Editorial - 28 October 2023
New child seat models have more and more functions and adjustment options.
Parents want their children to be well secured when they are out and about. Because new models are constantly coming onto the market, TCS carries out a child seat test twice a year. In the current test, 30 models in all sizes were tested and evaluated with regard to the criteria of safety, operation, ergonomics and pollutant content. Twenty-one of them achieved a "highly recommended" recommendation, seven a "recommendable". These seats exceed the legal requirements, in some cases significantly, and the higher requirements of the consumer protection test were taken into account in their development.
The cover fabrics of the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro+Family Fix 360 Pro and the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro, on the other hand, are contaminated with naphthalene, which is suspected of being carcinogenic. Therefore, these baby car seats are not recommended and are rated "not recommended".
Integrated rotating platform
Five of the Isofix stations for infant carriers tested have an integrated swivel platform. In addition to the infant carriers, the seat shells for toddlers can also be mounted on these stations. The swivel function then makes it easier to lift the child into the seat and buckle them in, and it also makes it possible to secure older children in the direction of travel. However, the swivel function also carries the risk that parents will already mount the infant carrier in the direction of travel and thus expose the baby to a higher risk of injury in the event of an accident. Six infant carriers have an integrated angle adjustment feature.
Try before you buy
It is best to use a type list to make a preliminary selection of which seat is suitable for the child and your own vehicle. The car and child should then be taken to a specialist store to try out the models in question before buying. The child seat must be as tight and stable as possible when installed in the vehicle.
ALTERNATIVE FUTURE Shell's futuristic Starship truck in America is currently being fitted with a new CNG engine from Cummins. The Starship 3.0 is scheduled to take off on its first demonstration trip this fall.
Editorial - 28 October 2023
The Shell Starship 3.0 is expected to set new fuel consumption records with a natural gas engine.
With the Starship truck trimmed for efficiency, Shell wants to show how economical a truck with diesel technology can be. A carbon fiber cab designed to minimize air resistance, including automatic sealing for a seamless transition between truck and trailer, and a 5,000-watt solar system on the roof of the trailer were just some of the features that enabled the Shell Starship 2.0 to achieve low consumption figures. With a payload of around 21.5 tons, the 400-hp diesel engine shone with a consumption of around 23 liters per 100 kilometers on overland trips.
Nearly CO2-neutral on the road
Selda Gunsel, president of Shell Global Solutions revealed that the new generation Shell Starship is equipped with an X15N gas engine from Cummins and, thanks to Shell's Renewable Natural Gas, is nearly CO2-neutral on the road. The Starship 3.0 will be almost completely reconfigured for its next demo run compared with the Starship 2.0, for which the tractor unit was almost completely disassembled.
The fairing to the trailer is also completely redesigned. The top now acts as a canopy, locking both sides when fully deployed for ideal aerodynamics. And the red X15N natural gas engine, which weighs less than its diesel counterparts, delivers up to 500 horsepower and already meets stringent EPA and CARB emissions regulations for 2024 and 2027, is now tucked under the Starship 3.0's sleek carbon fiber nose.
Drift Masters: Disappointing but instructive season 🎥
EVERYTHING SHOULD BE BETTER At the last rounds of the European Drift Masters in Germany and Poland, Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland came away empty-handed. Nevertheless, team boss Yves Meyer sees light on the horizon for 2024.
Editorial - 27 October 2023
The fifth round of the Drift Masters European Championship took Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland to Ferropolis in the central German city of iron. In a gigantic arena with a special drift course, the Iron Drift King 2023 was determined. Unfortunately the team from Emmetten with Yves Meyer and Joshua C. Reynolds (gallery left) missed the direct qualification for the main tableau in the field of 50 drivers from 20 nations. While JC lost his chance with a spin in the first run and a crash in the second attempt, Capo Yves Myer managed a decent qualifying with 85 points.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland team still has some technical problems to resolve.
Accident due to technical defect
Yves Meyer (center gallery, photo AGVS): "I had thought that this score would easily be enough for the top 32, as in other races. But that was not the case, which speaks for the high level of the field of participants. Even if it sounds strange: For me, this was still motivating, because we were able to show the jury much more than before what they wanted to see."
Unfortunately, he failed to do so in the final race at the Narodowy stadium in Poland's capital Warsaw. Reynolds had too few points to qualify, which Meyer missed due to an accident resulting from a technical defect. As a result, Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland came away empty-handed in all six events in Europe. However, there are also positive feelings mixed in with the disappointment. The team was able to use the practice runs at both venues after fitting new tires to further develop the two Toyota GR Supras, which have a power output of around 1,000 hp.
Confident for the coming season
Yves Meyer: "This helped us a lot in terms of chassis and tire set-up. We had small mistakes in the car that had a big impact. That's the price we had to pay for developing the Toyota GR Supra ourselves. And when the cars were running, our driving qualities were lacking. In addition, the tires that had worked with the Toyota GT86s on fast tracks in the U.S. didn't fit the tighter courses in Europe. If we solve these problems together with Nexen, I'm confident for 2024."
PLEASE BUILD At the Japan Mobility Show, Mazda is presenting a concept for a compact sports car. The Iconic SP relies on an e-drive architecture, using a Wankel motor to extend its range.
Editorial - 27 October 2023
The coupe is 4.18 meters long, 1.85 meters wide and 1.15 meters high, placing it a class above the current MX-5. In terms of wheelbase, it also surpasses it with 2590 to 2310 millimeters. The same applies to weight: the concept weighs 1450 kilograms, the MX-5 a maximum of just under 1200 kilograms. Mazda gives a weight distribution of 50:50, and the Wankel engine is located in the center of the vehicle.
The Wankel engine of the Iconic SP is located in the center of the vehicle.
Electric drive and rotary piston motor
The drive concept includes an electric drive and a two-disc rotary engine that acts as a generator for the 272 kW (370 hp) e-drive. According to Mazda, the system is highly scalable and offers a flexible layout. The Wankel engine also allows the vehicle to use a variety of different fuels, including hydrogen, it said. Although the Iconic SP is a sports car, its system can also provide power for outdoor activities or in the event of a disaster, it said.
Preview of all-electric MX-5?
Whether the Iconic SP shown from October 28 to November 5 is a preview of an all-electric MX-5 or a completely new series remains to be seen. Currently, Mazda only has one all-electric in its lineup with the MX-30 crossover. At the end of 2022, the Japanese had announced that it would invest billions in its electrification. By 2030, the range should be completely electrified. We'll see.
DONE Lower sales prices and the great interest of customers in the Model Y has increased the sales figures of the electric brand Tesla. Recently, the manufacturer delivered its millionth car in Europe.
Editorial - 26 October 2023
Tesla offers its customers in Europe a well-developed network of charging stations.
The Californian electric pioneer brand sees the reasons for its success on the one hand in the continuously falling average sales price, which has dropped by around half in Europe since its beginnings in 2006. In fact, the drastic price cuts of recent months have made the Model Y the best-selling electric car in Europe.
Network constantly expanded
Secondly, the steady expansion of the company's own Supercharger charging network has played a decisive role in reaching this 1 million milestone. Most competitors in many countries are still struggling to provide practical, efficient and, above all, reliable charging solutions. Tesla says it now operates more than 1,000 such fast-charging stations in Europe with more than 13,000 columns
Renault: That's why the Japanese like the Kangoo 🎥
WHERE TO MEET For the 14th time, the world's largest gathering of Renault Kangoo models took place in Japan. Every year, thousands of fans share their passion with the Frenchman at the foot of Mount Fuji.
Editorial - 26 October 2023
This year's event was an opportunity for Renault to present the new Grand Kangoo to the Japanese public. The Kangoo, which opened up the high-roof station wagon segment with a practical design and featured a sliding side door for the first time, quickly became a success story. More than 4.4 million vehicles have been sold in the now 25 years in 50 countries around the world.
More than 5000 visitors came to see the nearly 2000 models on display as well as the new Grand Kangoo.
From France to the world
Since 1997, the Renault plant in Maubeuge has been producing the Kangoo for the rest of the world, with special attention to the vehicles going to the Land of the Rising Sun. Of all the countries where the Kangoo is sold, Japan is the one that celebrates it most originally. Enthusiasm for this vehicle grew quickly, and in 2008 the fans decided to organize a meeting to share their passion for the French car with as many people as possible.
EVERY POINT COUNTS The eagerly awaited finale of the Swiss Rally Championship is coming up. Two teams can still become champions: Jonathan Hirschi/Stéphane Fellay and Jonathan Hirschi/Sarah Lattion.
Editorial - 26 October 2023
The season finale in Valais next weekend, October 26-28, will see Jonathan Michellod/Stéphane Fellay (center gallery) and Jonathan Hirschi/Sarah Lattion battle it out for the title. The starting position ahead of the 63rd edition of the Rallye International du Valais is as follows: Hirschi is 154:161 points behind and must score points if he wants to defend his title. However, if Michellod wins, Hirschi would only need to finish fourth in Valais due to the scratch result rule. In this case, Michellod would have 178 points, Hirschi 179.
It's hard to say on whose side the advantage lies. Hirschi knows that he can't afford a zero. And Michellod is dependent on support even if he wins. The fact is: If you take the season so far as a yardstick, the odds are 4:1 in Hirschi's favor in terms of victories. Or to put it another way: When Hirschi has been on the starting line, he has also won.
Third home win for Mike Coppens?
Winning is also the keyword for Mike Coppens (gallery left) with co-driver Christophe Roux. The 2021 Swiss champion is only 6th in the overall standings. At the Rallye du Chablais, he retired after a puncture with a defective brake system. At the Rallye de Bourgogne, a driving error led to an accident. At the time of retirement, Coppens was in the lead on both occasions. Because he also recently abandoned the Rally del Ticino, Coppens no longer has a chance of finishing in the top 3. That, in turn, allows him to drive liberated and opens up the chance of a third home victory in a row. In 2021 and 2022 (please note the video from 2022), he narrowly beat Michaël Burri in each of the RIVs. The driver from the Jura, who is again driving with a French license this year and therefore does not collect points for the Swiss championship, is in a Skoda Fabia like Hirschi, Michellod and Coppens.
Sascha Althaus in front of Sergio Pinto
The fight for third place in the championship between Sacha Althaus (also Skoda Fabia) and Sergio Pinto (gallery on the right) on Alpine A110 RGT will certainly be exciting. Althaus is 19 points ahead of Pinto. Both will be dropped one more result, provided they finish.
Thibault Maret no longer has a chance of making it into the top 3. Ideally, the young man from the Valais can only finish fourth. He proved that he has the means to annoy the experienced drivers in 2023 at the Rallye du Chablais (in 4th place) and at the Rallye Bourgogne (in 3rd place).
Jonathan Michellod rolls up to the start in a Skoda Fabia Rally2.
Rally Cup decision
Among the 67 drivers on modern cars at the RIV, keep an eye out for Yoan Loeffler (Citroën C3 Rally2), David Erard (VW Polo) and Cédric Althaus (Porsche 991 Cup), who is competing against Pinto in the RGT. Also on the grid is newly-crowned Junior champion Jérémy Michellod. The younger brother of Jonathan Michellod has already closed the bag at the Rally del Ticino.
The decision in the Swiss Rally Cup is still open. Four drivers are still in the title race. Claude Aebi (Renault Clio) leads with 74 points ahead of Alphonse Kilchenmann (Suzuki Swift, 71 points), Laurent Rossi (Peugeot 206 XS, 64) and Olivier Ramel (Renault Clio, 57).
These champions are already fixed
In the Trophée Michelin Alps Open, the die has also been cast. However, champion Sergio Pinto will still try everything to prevail against the two Renault Clio 3 drivers Thomas Battaglia (F) and Ismaël Vuistiner at his home rally. In the Trophée Michelin Alps 2WD, the leader Alexandre Bastard from France is missing. Jérémy Michellod and Olivier Ramel can still challenge him for the title, depending on the outcome of the rally.
In the VHC, the historic class, the title has already been decided. BMW driver Pascal Perroud has an unassailable lead of 173 points before the finale in Valais. Second-placed Eddy Tapparel (Porsche 911) is also practically through. His lead over third-placed Florian Gonon (Ford Escort) is 45 points. That's the maximum number of points Gonon, Swiss rally champion in 2009, can score at his home rally. A total of 19 historic cars are at the start. In addition, there are a dozen vehicles in the VHRS, which is all about uniformity. There, too, the decision has already been made: Laurent Pernet (BMW 325 ix) is unassailable at the top of the standings with the maximum points.
Service Park and Rally Village
After a transitional year at the Bains des Saillon, the Rallye du Valais returns to the CERM exhibition center in Martigny. There is the service park, which is open to the public free of charge, as well as the Rally Village with stands and attractions. The rally starts on Thursday with the shakedown just a few kilometers away from the rally center. On Friday, eight stages are scheduled in the Sion region and on Saturday six around Martigny. A total of 181.55 special stage kilometers have to be covered.
Peugeot: Good values for the e-308 SW station wagon
ELECTRIC AND PRACTICAL Among the new releases on the Swiss market, the first electric station wagon offered in Switzerland, the Peugeot e-308 SW, stands out with good ratings on the eco-auto.info rating platform.
Editorial - 25 October 2023
With the e-308 SW (right), Peugeot offers an all-electric station wagon model.
The eco-auto.info platform currently rates 673 passenger car models according to environmental criteria - including 191 electric cars. The cars with the lowest environmental impact are currently the electric models Dacia Spring, Renault Twingo E-Tech and Mini Cooper SE. Due to their low energy consumption, small battery and low noise emissions, these models receive the best rating in all aspects compared.
Pioneer in the station wagon EV class
The new Peugeot e-308 SW, the first electrically powered station wagon available in Switzerland, positions itself in the top 20 electric cars and also in the top 3 of the lower mid-size class.
Anette Michel, eco-auto.info officer at the Swiss Transport Club, says: "This model complements a market largely dominated by SUVs with a fundamentally high environmental impact, and offers an interesting alternative for families."
Hybrid drives perform well
From the range of gasoline and diesel cars with a maximum of 150 g CO2/km, the Mazda 2 Hybrid, Toyota Yaris VVT-i and Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD models achieved the best values in the eco-auto comparison. These are cars with hybrid drive, which are equipped with a small battery and run electrically at low speeds. As a result, they have low gasoline consumption. Over its entire life cycle, an electric model generates about half as much CO2 looks like a comparable model with an internal combustion engine.
