Cadillac, the US brand that has long been particularly popular in Switzerland, is returning to our country. In doing so, the Americans are banking on making a grand entrance on what is probably Switzerland's best-known street. In the Brannhof at Bahnhofstrasse 75, the Cadillac City Experience Center allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of GM's Cadillac brand over an area of 600 square meters on two floors.

Jaclyn McQuaid, Managing Director GM Europe, said, "To ensure we meet our customers' needs, we will sell Cadillac electric vehicles directly to European customers through a new digital buying experience. From configuration to purchase, customers will be able to complete the entire buying process online within minutes."

Electric luxury sedan

The crowd-puller in the new store is, of course, the luxurious 5-meter Lyriq sedan, which will be the first Cadillac electric vehicle to roll onto our streets starting next year. Test drives and orders are already possible.

The vehicle is based on the new Ultium platform, where it houses a 102 kWh battery pack and two electric motors that drive both axles with a torque of 610 Nm and a total output of 388 kW (528 hp). The manufacturer estimates a range of around 530 kilometers. Electricity for 200 kilometers can be recharged in 15 minutes at the DC fast charging station.

High quality interior

The 5.01-meter Lyric has a wheelbase of 3.09 meters and thus offers a comfortable interior and up to 1623 liters of luggage space. The model is available in Luxury and Sport versions and features numerous sustainable materials in the interior. The large, curved LED display and the wood and metal decor with filigree laser engravings are striking. The price is 83,000 Swiss francs.

There is currently no word on other Cadillac models for the Swiss market. Corresponding information will follow soon. The same applies to the service partner with which Cadillac will have its cars serviced in our country.

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Starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, at the auction "Classic Automobiles & Motorcycles" a wide variety of automobilia will come under the hammer, then from 2 p.m. the vehicles. In the morning from 9 o'clock the cars and motorcycles can be visited. Catalogs (as PDF Download) can be selected at any time via the Electronic form order. The catalog costs 40 francs including admission for one person.

Viewing from Saturday

A preview of the Auction vehicles in the Oldtimer-Galerie Toffen is also possible from October 7 to 9 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and from October 10 to 13 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.. In order to give customers a comprehensive impression of the auction vehicles even without an on-site visit, the online vehicle presentations will also be supplemented with underbody pictures and documents. The auction can also be viewed via Livestream be tracked via Invaluable.

oldtimergalerie.ch

Škoda Auto presents the second generation of the Kodiaq. It is not only the body that is new, but also the interior concept. The Kodiaq II features a 13-inch infotainment display, digital dials with haptic controls, and a new offering structure with Design Selections instead of conventional equipment lines. Recycled textiles and environmentally friendly leather underscore the brand's commitment to sustainability.

100 kilometer electric

Škoda offers two diesel and two gasoline engines for the new Kodiaq, delivering between 150 and 204 hp. A new addition is the first plug-in hybrid drive for the Kodiaq. It produces 150 kW (204 hp) in the system and allows purely electric driving for more than 100 kilometers. In addition, the 1.5 TSI is the first mild hybrid to complement the Kodiaq range. The top gasoline engine 2.0 TSI with 204 hp and the 2.0 TDI diesel with 193 hp are equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. All engines in the new Kodiaq are combined with a dual-clutch transmission.

Successful first generation

Škoda launched the first generation of the Kodiaq in 2016. With its overall package of dynamic design, ample space, advanced technology and many clever details, the model has won more than 40 prestigious awards. To date, Škoda has delivered more than 841,900 Kodiaqs to customers in 60 markets worldwide. The SUV also enjoys great popularity in Europe, first and foremost in Germany, followed by the UK and the Czech Republic.

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Video: @autogefuehl

In September, the market grew at a slower rate than in previous months.

After three quarters of 2023, there are now 182,906 registered new cars on the books, and the difference compared with 2019 is now 43,000 vehicles. Despite the still significant market growth compared to the weak previous year, the now fourth calendar year in a row with significantly reduced market volume in the new car business is not leaving the Swiss auto industry unscathed. Although many official brand dealers are able to partially compensate for the lack of sales in their workshop operations, the entire industry is clearly feeling the effects of the decline in deliveries.

Waiver of Swiss Finish

The Council of States discussed the future emissions regulations for new vehicles last week during its deliberations on the CO₂-law after 2024. After the Energy Commission of the Small Chamber had proposed a more restrictive Swiss regulation for new passenger cars from 2030 than the EU, Auto-Schweiz is satisfied with the decisions now taken.

For example, the target for new passenger cars would then be 45 percent of the 2021 target - in line with the EU. The Commission had proposed 25 percent.

Auto-Schweiz President Peter Grünenfelder: "The Council of States has clearly rejected the cost-increasing Swiss Finish, which would be at the expense of consumers, and wants to stay with the EU's lowering path, as proposed by the Federal Council. A separate Swiss regulation definitely makes no sense here, because Swiss importers use the same models of car manufacturers as the rest of Europe."

Slower growth

The growth curve for plug-in vehicles has already flattened out in the current year. After nine months, purely electric passenger cars and plug-in hybrids have been able to slightly expand their market shares, but growth rates have weakened significantly compared to previous years.

Peter Grünenfelder: "Consistent and compliant action by policymakers is needed to strengthen demand for alternative powertrains and make synthetic fuels price competitive."

car.swiss

The new season in the classic hotlap format ends with the grand finale at Auto Zürich 2023. Qualify You can find out more at one of the numerous events throughout Switzerland - or directly on site at Auto Zürich on November 2 - 3, 2023.

Qualification 3 to 4 in a center: Contact the Center of your choice directly by phone or email. Per attempt (25 minutes) 40 francs are due. We recommend to arrive 30 minutes before your slot. Depending on availability you can try more often. All tracks are now available on the website for download for home training.

If you need more training

But if you want to get a little coaching as well as a first impression of the competition equipment, you should book a training session directly at the Race Center.

Tips to help you achieve good times

Look at the Internet Onboards onthen you know what it's all about. If necessary, drive in automatic mode at the beginning and memorize the braking points based on signs, curbs or trees.

Try to set the braking point later, as long as you can get on the gas early and don't have to correct with the steering wheel. Bring consistency to your laps. Drive a maximum of 90 minutes per training session.

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Using the System 003 extraction technique developed by the environmental organization The Ocean Cleanup, some 55 tons of plastic were fished out of the water during a long voyage through the large Pacific garbage whirlpool on Vancouver Island.

This world's largest accumulation of floating trash has an estimated area of 1.6 million square kilometers - roughly three times the area of France. By 2040, Ocean Cleanup aims to have removed around 90 percent of the floating plastic waste.

Recycled plastic waste

South Korean automaker Kia has supported the project worldwide since 2022 and intends to use some of the recycled plastic waste in future models. Kia has initially pledged support to the organization for seven years. By 2030, the Koreans want to increase the use of recycled plastics by more than 20 percent, and CO₂-neutrality is planned for 2045.

Kia has already implemented more than 30 sustainable product solutions in various components. In the new EV9 SUV, for example, old fishing nets retrieved from the sea are reused in a new form as floor carpets.

Footprint reduction

To prevent marine pollution, conserve resources and reduce CO₂-In order to reduce the carbon footprint, other automakers also want to use more recycled materials in the future. BMW, for example, is planning to use plastic trim parts for its New Class models from 2025 onwards, around 30 percent of the raw material for which comes from old fishing nets and ropes.

This raw material is preventively sourced from ports around the world to ensure that it is not disposed of as waste in the sea. Overall, BMW has set itself the goal of increasing the proportion of secondary materials in the plastics used in new vehicles from around 20 percent at present to around 40 percent by 2030.

kia.ch

Mister Rally del Ticino, however, is Kevin Gilardoni (gallery, left). The 31-year-old from Misox won the Rally del Ticino in 2016, 2017 and 2018 - at that time still under the Italian flag. In 2022 he prevailed for the first time as a Swiss.

Now, at the 25th edition of the Rally del Ticino, he has achieved his fifth overall victory. Gilardoni and co-driver Corrado Bonato drove a Citroën C3 WRC Plus for the first time and held a commanding lead from the first to the last stage.

Advantage of the favorite

Second place behind Gilardoni went to Jonathan Hirschi/Michaël Volluz. As Gilardoni is not eligible for points in the WRC, the driver from Neuchâtel lived up to his role as favorite in the Swiss championship and scored the maximum points for the fourth time this season.

After the VW Polo that went up in flames, the Citroën C3 that he used in the Chablais and the Hyundai i20 in which he drove to victory at Mont Blanc, Hirschi took his seat in a Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo in Ticino. Third place behind Hirschi went to eight-time Swiss rally champion Grégoire Hotz (gallery right) with co-driver Pietro Ravasi. Like Gilardoni, Hotz was only a guest starter in Ticino. He also drove a Skoda Fabia in the same Italian team as Hirschi.

Decision falls in Valais

Jonathan Michellod leads the championship ahead of Hirschi with 161 points to 154. Hirschi must therefore score points at the finale in Valais if he wants to defend his title. The top 7 in the CH classification were rounded off by the two Citroën drivers Yoan Loeffler and Mirko Puricelli. The fastest junior in the field was Jérémy Michellod, the younger brother of SM leader Jonathan.

Success for the local hero

In the historic VHC class, local hero Ivan Rusca (center gallery) prevailed in an Opel Ascona B. Eddy Tapparel on Porsche 911 SC was second, Pietro Galfetti on Opel Monza 3.0 E third. Rusca's victory also means that this championship has been decided early. The leading Pascal Perroud on BMW M3 did not start in Ticino, but his lead in the championship is so big that he cannot be caught up at the finale in Valais at the end of October. The Rallye International du Valais takes place from October 26 to 28.

Photo: Kaufmann
Video: @VideoDemaTV
Source: Car Sport Switzerland
motorsport.ch

Under the eyes of Swiss racing celebrities - from Marcel Fässler to Eric Berguerand - the die was cast at the finale of the Autobau Swiss Kart Championship. In four out of five categories, the champion was only decided after the last race.

Decisions in the last race

In the Super Minis (center gallery), four riders were still in the title race before the final on the 825-meter track in Wohlen. The leading Albert Tamm and his pursuer Dan Allemann had the competition under control. The young rider from Ticino crossed the finish line with a lead of 0.7 seconds and thus secured the title in the Super Minis.

In the OC Juniors, too, the decision was not made until the last race. Last year's champion Chiara Bättig made off after just two turns and secured her second junior title after 2022 with a lead of 6.8 seconds.

X30 Challenge with dramatic finale

Four drivers were still in the title race at the final of the X30 Challenge Switzerland. Samuel Ifrid of UBIQ Racing and Alessio Strollo (gallery right) of MH Racing were separated by just seven points. In the final, Strollo took advantage of the best starting position and took the lead. He kept his cool and took his first win in the final this season.

There was no lack of drama in the OC Seniors either. The top 3 were separated by just ten points before Wohlen. In the end, Pascal von Allmen kept the upper hand (gallery on the left). Although Jérôme Huber was faster in the final, a second place was enough for the second OC Senior title for the experienced von Allmen.

Ethan Frigomosca clear winner in KZ2

The only category that was already decided after the first heat was that of the switch karts. In the KZ2 category, Ethan Frigomosca from the Gerber Corse team was in an unassailable lead after the first heat. With a lead of 76 points, he finally secured the title in a commanding manner ahead of Kevin Wälti and Paolo Castagnetti.

Sandro Melena decided the final of the Swiss Historic Kart Cup in his favor. In the daily standings, he was ahead of Thomas Glauser and Francesco Doria by seven ranking points. Melena thus also secured the title ahead of Fido Sommer and Thomas Glauser.

Photos: Eichenberger
Source: Car Sport Switzerland
motorsport.ch

In October 1963, Carlo Abarth unveiled the Fiat-Abarth 595 at the Turin Motor Show. The sporty newcomer, derived from the Fiat 500 D, was given the name because of its increased engine capacity. Externally, the Abarth was distinguished by the new radiator grille and the inscriptions Abarth 595 and World Champion, which referred to record-breaking drives.

The car's racing ambitions were also evident from the larger aluminum oil pan and the sports muffler. 27 hp achieved at 5000 rpm allowed a top speed of 120 km/h. As early as March 1964, the Fiat-Abarth 695 was on display at the Geneva Motor Show. Subsequently, numerous Abarth conversion kits were also offered for standard Fiat models.

Derived from success models

Abarth is following a similar pattern in the modern era: The current Abarth 500e is based on the successful Fiat 500 electric. In addition, the characteristic of the performance-oriented Fiat sub-brand is embodied by the two gasoline models Abarth 595 (with 165 hp) and Abarth 695 (with 180 hp). They all feature outstanding driving performance and a conspicuously loud exhaust sound - even the electric variant, which naturally relies on synthetic sounds for this purpose.

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The first 5 Series, the 520 model, was launched in 1972 as the successor to the BMW 2000 with a 90-horsepower gasoline engine. In the new edition, it now rolls into dealerships with 48-volt mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well as with pure electric drive in two performance variants. The Touring body variant will then also be presented in February 2024.

Wide range of products

As combustion engines are still primarily in demand in many markets, the Bavarians are offering the 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid gasoline engines with system outputs of 220 kW (299 hp) and 360 kW (489 hp). However, mild hybrid versions are still available with the 520i and 520d models. The all-electric i5 comes as the eDrive 40 with 250 kW (340 hp) maximum system output and rear-wheel drive, and as the M60 xDrive with two e-motors that together deliver 442 kW (601 hp) to all four wheels in sport mode. The high-voltage battery provides a net energy content of 81.2 kWh, which should enable WLTP ranges of 500 to 580 kilometers in the i5 eDrive 40 and 450 to 510 kilometers in the i5 M60 xDrive.

Longer and also heavier

The new 5 Series sedan has grown in length by 97 millimeters to now 5060 millimeters, and the wheelbase is almost three meters. This results in more comfort space inside, but the vehicle's maneuverability remains good thanks to rear-axle steering. With the drag coefficient c_W of 0.23, the 5 Series is also well done in terms of aerodynamics. The curved display is the central element of the brand-typical iDrive, which in the latest generation with Operating System 8.5 offers a new graphic display and simple touch operation with Quick Select quick access. OS 8.5 also includes a wider range of infotainment, faster update cycles and improved info on charging points. Video streaming on the Control Display - now even with current Bundesliga broadcasts - is possible, as is in-car gaming with the Air Console platform. The control panel on the center console has also been redesigned with the iDrive Controller, the gear selector and the My Modes buttons.

Agile comfort sedans

Thanks to the 430 Nm available in boost mode and despite an unladen weight of 2130 kilograms, the i5 eDrive40 accelerates to 100 km/h in just six seconds. In the i5 M60 xDrive, which is even heavier at 2305 kilograms, the sprint to 100 km/h is even achieved in 3.8 seconds. Both drive versions are surprisingly easy to handle on winding roads for such large sedans. This impression is supported by the synthetic drive sound designed by sound engineer Hans Zimmer. On the other hand, by limiting the drive power and comfort functions, the range can be extended with the Efficient and Max Range driving modes. However, initial test drives with the all-electric five-wheelers have shown that it takes a cautious "foot on the gas" to achieve the stated consumption and range values. BMW quotes base prices of 85,200 Swiss francs for the i5 eDrive40 and 123,900 Swiss francs for the i5 M60 xDrive.

bmw.ch