Thomas Preining, Mirko Bortolotti and Ricardo Feller: these are the three protagonists in the title fight. Fourteen highly exciting races have already been completed, two are still to come, and now it's all about the title. Mathematically, four drivers can still grab the coveted trophy at the season finale at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg. Defending champion Sheldon van der Linde (South Africa / Schubert Motorsport / BMW M4 GT3) only has a very theoretical chance.

Realistically, the title fight will be decided between Thomas Preining (Austria / Manthey EMA Racing / Porsche 911 GT3-R), Mirko Bortolotti (Italy / SSR Performance / Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2) and Ricardo Feller (Switzerland / Abt Sportsline / Audi R8 LMS).

Hopeful outsiders

While Preining and Feller are the only drivers in the field to have scored points in all the season's races so far and are thus not least notable for their impressive consistency, Bortolotti is the only driver from the 2023 DTM crop to have won more than one race - three, in fact. Nevertheless, the Vienna-based Italian takes a ten-point deficit on Preining from Linz into the Hockenheim showdown. Feller from Suhr, meanwhile, with a 31-point gap to Preining, is enjoying the role of hopeful outsider, knowing full well that 56 points will still be up for grabs on the final weekend and that, as we all know, anything is possible in the DTM.

Tailwind from the Red Bull Ring

Ricardo Feller, meanwhile, doesn't feel uncomfortable in the role of back-row player: "Not least, we want to take the positive Saturday race at the Red Bull Ring (see video) as a tailwind into the final race weekend. My team has done a flawless job throughout the season, and that's obviously also the goal at the finale, which I'm really looking forward to. Of course, the gap is quite large, so we're certainly in the outsider's role. But things are so close in the DTM that anything is possible."

Meeting with Swiss pilots

Secure your place now for the DTM finale in Hockenheim (DE) and join in the excitement when the last points of the season are awarded. Meet our CH drivers Patric Niederhauser and Ricardo Feller directly on site and look forward to Marcel Steiner, current Swiss Champion Berg in the category racing sports cars, who will show you around the grounds and tell you a lot about the Hockenheimring. You can still register until Sunday, October 15, 2023.

At motorsport.ch for more information and the registration portal.

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In the final year of production, 2024, 150 examples of the F-Type ZP Edition will be produced. As exclusive Oulton Blue and Crystal Grey color variants with contrasting interiors, they also pay homage to Jaguar Classic's E-Type Project ZP Collection. The special SV Bespoke department gave the Edition models a unique interior, exclusive wheels, hand-painted round starting number panels on the doors and a "ONE OF 150" emblem.

Only 150 examples of the F-Type ZP Edition are the last sports cars designed by Jaguar with an internal combustion engine - the 575 hp supercharged V8 unit.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director of Jaguar: "As Jaguar embarks on the boldest transformation in its history to become an all-electric luxury brand from 2025, we honor the tradition of Jaguar's internal combustion engine sports cars in an unparalleled way."

Reminder of first models

The F-Type ZP Edition is available in two color variants. Both are reminiscent of the first E-Type models, which were raced as Project ZP shortly after their launch in 1961. The F-Type ZP Edition's exclusive details on the fenders, 20-inch wheels in Diamond Turned finish with contrast paint, illuminated door sills and dashboard are complemented by a special interior - with horizontal quilting, gloss black exterior accents and black brake calipers.

Sound in the National Library

The F-Type continues to set the standard for thrilling, driver-oriented sports cars - with an unmistakable V8 sound. The exhaust note is so iconic, it's even been archived in the British National Library. The F-Type ZP Edition is available as a coupe and a convertible. With 700 Nm of torque and all-wheel drive, performance is outstanding on any surface and in any weather. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in 3.7 seconds, and the top speed is 300 km/h.

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The faithful 1:8 scale replica consists of 3295 parts and incorporates all the characteristic elements of the original's body design - for example, the iconic longitudinal fin, the roof air scoop or the 10-spoke wheels with tires in the original Michelin pattern. A remote control can be used to control various driving modes, open the two doors and extend the rear wing.

By and for real enthusiasts

The Mercedes-AMG One hypercar with plug-in hybrid drive sets standards on the race track and on the road. With its turbocharged gasoline engine and four electric machines, the sports car, which originated in the premier class, manages an impressive 1063 hp system output. In collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, the CaDA company has now created a faithful 1/8th scale replica based on this super sports car.

Although the model is assembled from clamp bricks, designer BrunoJJ1 has managed to perfectly reproduce the distinctive lines and characteristic elements of the super sports car. But it is not only the exterior of the 57-centimeter-long model that impresses. It is also fully motorized and features independent front and rear suspension, shock absorbers and functional LED lighting. The engine is modeled on the 6-cylinder powerhouse of the original, including the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).

Close to the Stuttgart original

Using the remote control supplied, the car can be moved forwards and backwards, as well as to the right and left, and the two doors open at the touch of a button, the speed can be regulated and the lighting controlled. For designer BrunoJJ1, whose love of clamp-built models began at the age of ten, working on the supercar was both a challenge and an honor. Thanks to 3D-printed prototypes of various special parts supplied in advance by CaDA, BrunoJJ ensures that each model is as close as possible to the original car. Available from specialist dealers for around 300 francs.

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Peugeot is convinced: The world is better with Allure. This means thinking the future with style, creativity and ambition. Allure is the key to positioning the brand - today and in the future. This concept is also an attitude, a mindset and a demeanor that goes far beyond mere design.

Artists of the new generation

To further strengthen its activities and commitment to the visual arts, Peugeot has this year implemented a series of collaborations with artists of the new generation: with Emeric Tchatchoua, founder of the clothing brand 3.Paradis, and with the artist J. Demsky. In the course of these collaborations, the automaker offers talented photographers the opportunity to realize their vision of Allure. To this end, Peugeot is working with YellowKorner, a distributor of photographic art through a network of 130 galleries in 20 countries, as well as the online gallery yellowkorner.com

One series of 15 images each

Peugeot and YellowKorner asked five renowned photographers to interpret Allure in their own creative universe, each creating a series of 15 images. Three of these images feature a model selected by the artist from the Peugeot range. From now on, the works of the photographic artists will be published on the YellowKorner website, exhibited in YellowKorner galleries and shown at a vernissage in the presence of the artists in the main YellowKorner galleries in Europe.

On Friday, October 20 from 4 pm, the vernissage in Switzerland will take place at the YellowKorner Gallery in Basel. Interested parties register under marketing@peugeot.ch.

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Kia Corporation has used the annual EV Day in Korea as an opportunity to unveil three new electric models from the small car and mid-size segment. One is the EV5 (gallery left and video) an electric compact SUV for families, the other two are electric design studies. While the Kia Concept EV3 (center gallery) aims to offer the advantages of the Kia EV9 in the format of a smaller compact SUV, the Kia Concept EV4 (right gallery) is intended to completely redefine the electric sedan.

Comfort and charging infrastructure

In addition to unveiling the new models, the company's strategy for electric vehicles was also presented at EV Day. The aim is to improve customer convenience and remove hurdles such as the charging infrastructure. In emerging markets where electric mobility is just developing, Kia is focusing on EV6 and EV9 for now. The launch of the EV5, EV4 and EV3 models is not planned until a later date.

The company is also working to strengthen the EV production and battery procurement system. To this end, the number of global EV production plants will be increased to eight by 2025. These plants will include research, development, production and sales teams. Korea will serve as the central hub, and in Europe Kia will focus on building electric vehicles from the small and mid-size segments, while in China it is mainly mid-size and large models that will roll off the production line.

The three upcoming EV greats

The EV5 is based on the E-GMP platform. It is offered in three model variants: Standard, Long-Range and Long-Range AWD. The Long-Range variant, which is equipped with a 160 kW engine and 88 kWh battery, is said to be able to achieve a range of 720 kilometers. In the Concept EV4, powerful lines hint at a whole new kind of electric sedan, and the Concept EV3 embodies the brand's vision of developing a compact SUV that combines practicality and driving pleasure.

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The new Ford Tourneo Custom is a completely redesigned multifunctional vehicle with electrically operated sliding doors, a rail-based flexible seating system and up to nine seats. The attractive people carrier is based on a new platform. Among the many premium features are the panoramic glass roof, a B&O audio system and the new steering wheel, which can be folded flat and then serves as a small table.

Diesel, hybrid or electric

The driving characteristics with high comfort levels and pronounced dynamics are based on independent front and rear suspension. The engine range consists of Ecoblue diesel powertrains with 136, 150 and 170 hp as well as a 233 hp plug-in gasoline hybrid and a fully electric variant. The diesels are available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also available as an option. The E-Touneo Custom, due to arrive in 2024, relies on a 160-kW engine (218 hp), and its battery has a storage capacity of 64 kWh, which is said to provide a range of up to 325 kilometers.

Equipment according to choice

Tourneo custom customers can choose between several equipment lines, including the Active variant with robust off-road body elements and the Sport version. At the top is the Titanium X version. It is more extensively equipped ex-works than any Tourneo model before - with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights and Windsor-style leatherette seat covers in Black Onyx. The additional step in the side area makes it easier to get in and out of the car, as well as to load it. The 13-inch touchscreen centrally located in the dashboard relies on the familiar Ford Sync 4 communication and entertainment system, and Alexa Built-in 5 is used as a voice recognition assistant with artificial intelligence.

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Equipped with the drive technology of the future all-electric Porsche Macan, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air electric sports boat offers outstanding handling characteristics.

Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG: "This boat is the result of a great collaboration between two passionate companies with a strong tradition and high standards of innovation."

Strong e-performance

Porsche has further developed its drive technology designed for cars for use on the water. The 850 Fantom Air uses components from the PPE electric platform, on which the new Macan will also be based.

This includes a permanent magnet synchronous machine, whose peak power was limited to 400 kW for use in the eFantom, and the associated power electronics. A shaft transmits the power from the e-machine to the marine-style Z-drive. The 100 kWh battery, also taken from the Macan, is also located under the bed in the rear.

One hour cruising

Similar to Porsche road cars, programmed driving modes can be used to select the appropriate drive characteristics. The eFantom allows the settings Docking, Range, Sport and Sport Plus. The modes change the characteristic curve of the throttle response and also include different speed limits. For example, in Docking mode for harbor cruising, the speed is limited to eight knots (about 15 km/h). The optimum cruising speed is 22 knots (41 km/h). At this speed, the boat can cruise for around an hour or 45 kilometers on one battery charge.

Charging in just under 30 minutes

Thanks to Porsche's 800-volt technology, the electric boat can be charged at fast-charging stations with more than 250 kW direct current. This allows the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. AC charging at conventional household and high-voltage outlets is also possible and, according to Frauscher and Porsche, will often be the case because the relevant infrastructure is available in most ports.

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The first two fast-charging stations went into operation in March 2023 at Amag Oftringen and Sihlbrugg. Since then, one facility each has been added at the Winterthur, Chur and Vaduz operations. Another five fast-charging stations are scheduled to open by the end of the year. All stations are not only open to the public, but are also located near busy transit routes and the highway. At each of these fast-charging stations, it is possible to draw electricity with a capacity of up to 360 kW.

Direct connection to the mains

The five other fast-charging stations will be set up in Rheinfelden, Zuchwil, Bern, Crissier and Petit-Lancy. All locations will use ABB's Terra 360 device, one of the fastest all-in-one chargers currently on the market. Where possible, energy is always supplied via direct connection to the power grid. However, if the municipality's grid infrastructure is too weak, Amag uses a so-called peak-shaving system, where the power is stored in a battery to still allow the highest charging power.

Payment with Charging card and app

Electricity is paid for with a charging or credit card. This is particularly uncomplicated with the new Amag customer app or with the charging card, which can also be combined with a credit card function.

Amag CTO Frank Böhmerle says: "With our fast-charging network, we are creating the basis so that we can offer our customers price and supply security in the field of electromobility."

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Nissan is pushing ahead with its plans to offer 100 percent electric vehicles in Europe by 2030. In doing so, the manufacturer is taking advantage of the opportunity to develop and produce vehicles in the UK and is building on the brand's core competencies: electrification and the development of crossover models.

Makoto Uchida, President and CEO of Nissan: "Electric cars are the ultimate mobility solution. More than one million customers are already with us on our journey. Now there is no turning back."

Development activities in Europe

The Japanese continue to invest in design, research and development activities in Europe. Both the NDE design center in London and the nearby Technical Centre Europe NTCE are celebrating historic anniversaries this year and pushing ahead with work on new vehicles. On the banks of a canal outside the NDE, Nissan has now unveiled Concept 20-23, a sporty urban EV concept vehicle celebrating 20 years at the Paddington design studio.

27 electrified vehicles by 2030

Under the Ambition 2030 plan, Nissan is introducing 27 electrified vehicles worldwide by 2030, including 19 all-electric cars. It will also introduce a cobalt-free battery during this period, which is expected to help reduce the cost of batteries by 65 percent by 2028. Nissan also plans to launch Autose with its own solid-state battery by 2028.

At Nissan, electric vehicles now represent 16 percent of total sales in Europe.

Guillaume Cartier, chairperson for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region, said, "As Europe accelerates the transition to electric mobility, Nissan will continue to deliver the distinctive crossover design and fun-to-drive experience that our customer base loves."

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For once, Raffaele Marciello did not stand at the top of the podium in a GT3 race. At the Indianapolis 8 Hours, the fourth and penultimate race of the Intercontinental GT Challenge season, the newly-crowned GT World Challenge champion finished second with his two teammates Maxi Götz and Jules Gounon. Victory at the former GP circuit went to the BMW WRT team with Philipp Eng, Sheldon van der Linde and Dries Vanthoor.

After the penultimate IGTC round of the season, Gounon continues to hold a commanding lead in the drivers' standings. His lead over the runner-up is eight points ahead of the final Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi on December 9 and 10. Marciello also still has a mathematical chance of winning the championship.

Wins and titles for Ethan Ischer 

Another Swiss GT3 driver also made it onto the podium: Patric Niederhauser. The driver from Bern, who has so far been beaten below par in the 2023 DTM season, scored third place in the finale of the Nürburgring Endurance Series.

Ethan Ischer secured two more victories and the title in the F4 CEZ, the Eastern European Formula 4 Championship. The driver from Vaud, who two years ago was still competing in the Swiss Kart Championship, drove a strategically clever race and took the title at the last race on the Balaton Park Circuit with just two points ahead of second-placed Reno Francot, who, like Ischer, drives for Jenzer Motorsport. Third overall was Michael Sauter. The driver from Solothurn also celebrated his first win of the season at the finale. The team title also went confidently to Switzerland: to Jenzer Motorsport.

Enea Frey recorded best result

Speaking of karting: At the FIA World Championship finale in Franciacorta (I), Enea Frey achieved the best result for Switzerland with 14th place in the OK category. The newly crowned Swiss OK Senior Champion Pascal von Allmen, after a top-10 result in free practice and a good pace in the Qulai heats, was involved in one or the other crash and, with a crooked chassis, had no chance in the end. Calvin Kunz also missed the final in the senior category. Best Junior was Matt Corbi, who finished 16th in the preliminary heat for the final (in Super Heat B) on Sunday.

But there were two podium places at the ROK Trophy in Lonato: Tiziano Kuzhnini was third in the Juniors, Sergio Koch second in the Cat. Super ROK.

Alfa Romeo in eighth place overall

Alfa Romeo F1 Team KICK scored a double points win at the Qatar Grand Prix in Losail with Valtteri Bottas eighth and Zhou Guanyu ninth. This result was the reward for a strong performance by drivers, pit crew and the entire team.

Alfa Romeo F1 Team KICK now has 16 world championship points under its belt and improved to eighth overall in the FIA Formula One World Championship Constructors' Championship as a result of the Qatar result.

Source: Car Sport Switzerland
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