OVER TWO SEAS A month before its opening, the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar (GIMS) is fully booked with more than 30 brands. The Tour d'Excellence is designed to link the two host cities of Geneva and Doha.
Editorial - August 30, 2023
Frank M. Rinderknecht will have to come up with something in his search for loading opportunities.
On a route of almost 6500 kilometers, two Volkswagen ID.Buzz in the colors of GIMS cross twelve countries and two seas. The teams are made up of Frank Rinderknecht, CEO of Rinspeed AG, and Rainer Zietlow, owner of the Challenge 4 agency.
Just over a month before the opening ceremony of the first edition of the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar on October 5, preparations are in the final stages. Twelve world premieres will be unveiled at the automotive festival in Doha.
Alexandre de Senarclens, President of the Salon Committee: "We are extremely satisfied with the response of exhibitors to this new automotive event. Their attachment to our brand and the trust of the Qatari partners have enabled the Geneva International Motor Show to set new standards for the design of such events."
Excellence, Innovation, pioneering spirit
To symbolically link the two host cities of Geneva and Doha, the GIMS has launched the Tour d'Excellence.
Sandro Mesquita, CEO of GIMS (gallery on the right): "Excellence, innovation and pioneering spirit are essential components of GIMS' DNA. The Tour d'Excellence is symbolic of this and can and at the same time contextualize recent advances in electric mobility." Now, two teams aboard two VW ID.Buzz have set off from Geneva to reach Doha, the capital of Qatar, by September 30.
Extraordinary challenge
Frank M. Rinderknecht: "Rainer and I are looking forward to the challenge of this extraordinary journey. While the charging infrastructure is well developed in Europe today, this is not yet the case in the Middle East. The 2500-kilometer crossing of the Arabian Peninsula requires creativity and flexibility in the search for electrical energy."
Such a project cannot be realized without the support of a strong partner like the technology group Harting. As a direct supplier to the VW Group, Harting has been involved for years in projects that demonstrate the performance of electric vehicles.
Oberhallau hill climb: Steiner victory on anniversary 🎥
NO RECORD The weather gods had little mercy on the Swiss racing community in Oberhallau. Until Saturday noon, the anniversary edition remained dry. After that, the 100th anniversary was hit by a rain front.
Editorial - August 29, 2023
The first race scheduled for Saturday afternoon had to be partially postponed to Sunday morning. But the weather was not much better on the actual race day. Instead of the 15,000 spectators who came last year, the organizer counted about. 9000 fans for Saturday and Sunday. Even the course record of 1:07.56 min could not be beaten under these conditions.
In the addition of the two best runs Marcel Steiner was in front in the end
Marcel Steiner with fastest time
Only six riders managed to break the 1:20 mark. The fastest time was set by Marcel Steiner in 1:17.327 min in the third and final run with his LobArt-Honda/Helftec. In the addition of the two best runs, Steiner was also in front at the end - just one second behind, last year's winner Eric Berguerand had to settle for second place in his Lola FA99. Christoph Lampert from Feldkirch (A) came in third on his Nova Proto NP01. The SM points for 3rd place went to fourth-placed Joël Volluz on Osella FA30. For the further course of the championship, Steiner's victory in Oberhallau (from a neutral position) is the best thing that could have happened. After six of eight races, the man from Berne leads with 137:117, but adjusted for strike results, the two are tied. So the last two races will be decisive.
Best result for Thomas Amweg
Considering the gap, Thomas Amweg achieved his best result of the season so far as SM fourth in Oberhallau (gallery on the right). A weekend to forget was experienced by the Oberhallau winner of 2021: Robin Faustini.
The Aargauer had a water damage and could only start for the second run. Behind the top 5, Joël Burgermeister (Tatuus F4) once again secured victory in the Formula race cars up to 2000 cm3. Second place in the small class went to veteran Roland Bossy on his Dallara Spiess F311. Third place went to the young Lionel Ryter from Valais. The 23-year-old polymechanic from Martigny is driving his first season and ousted veteran Marcel Maurer from the podium with two strong runs.
Good time for Roger Schnellmann
Among the drivers who went under 1:20 at least once was Roger Schnellmann (center gallery) and his Mitsubishi Evo 8. The fastest touring car driver found better conditions in the second run and took advantage for a time of 1:18.504 min. Second place behind Schnellmann went (as usual so far this season) to the fastest Interswiss driver Bruno Sawatzki in the Porsche 991.1 Cup. Third place went to Frédéric Neff from the Jura, also in a Porsche, but driving in the E1 since Anzère. Simon Wüthrich in the Turbiene Golf did not quite match Neff's time. The man from Langnau, who like Steiner runs on synfuel, won the duel in his class (E1 up to 3500 cm3) against Bruno Ianniello (Lancia Delta S4).
Other winners at a glance
Among the other class winners in Oberhallau were: Anton Büeler (Mitsubishi Evo RSC, N/ISN up to 3500 cm3), Daniel Kammer (Toyota Yaris, Super S to 3000 cm3), Stefan Schöpfer (Audi 50, IS up to 1400 cm3), Jannis Jeremias (VW Polo, IS up to 1600 cm3), who defeated Rudi Oberhofer and Beat Oertig, Stephan Burri (VW Scirocco), who won the IS to 2000 cm3against local hero Jürg Ochsner (Opel Kadett) and Patrick Vallat (VW Golf), Armin Banz (Opel Kadett C, IS up to 2500 cm3), Martin Oliver Bürki (BMW E33, IS up to 3000 cm3), Dominic von Rotz (Audi A4 Quattro, IS up to 3500 cm3), Beat Rohr (Audi 50, E1 up to 1400 cm3), Martin Bürki (VW Polo, E1 up to 1600 cm3), Christian Bralla (Fiat X1/9), who won the E1 to 2000 cm.3 sensationally against Fabien Houlmann (Peugeot 205) and Sébastien Cocquoz (Opel Kadett GTE) as well as Hermann Bollhalder (Opel Speedster, E1 up to 3000 cm3. As in Les Rangiers, victory in the Renault Classic Cup went to Thomas Zürcher. The podium was completed with RCC leader Michael Schläpfer and 2019 champion Philip Krebs.
TCR drivers gave each other nothing
The duel in the TCR between Hyundai driver Mathias Schläppi (gallery left) and Opel Astra driver Patrick Flammer was exciting, with Schläppi having a half-second advantage in the end. Third place went to Danny Krieg. For the first time, all TCR participants drove on synfuel.
Mathias Schläppi: "I am pleased that all seven participants switched to Synfuel without hesitation. We will also be using the synthetically produced fuel on the Gurnigel. It's time to set an example." The future was also at the start in Oberhallau. Good thing.
In the KW-Berg-Cup, Erwin Buck in his VW Spiess Scirocco secured the day's victory with an overall time of 2:58.035 min from two race runs. Second place went to Bernhard Permetinger in a BMW Z4 GT3 with a time of 2:59.712 min, ahead of third-placed Claire Schönborn in a VW Golf 1 STW with a time of 3:02.541 min.
... and so the season continues:
September 9 and 10, Gurnigel
September 16 and 17, Châtel-St-Denis - Les Paccots
Ouelle: Auto Sport Switzerland Photos: Eichenberger, Payerhofer, Video: FreeCampLife motorsport.ch
MOBILITY STACHO A study by Axa on electromobility shows that while more than half of the Swiss can imagine purchasing an electric car, at the same time almost 30 percent rule this out in principle.
Editorial - August 29, 2023
46 percent of the Swiss population sees switching to an electric car as a good way to protect the climate.
With the Mobility Speedometer 2023, Axa investigated the attitude of Swiss motorists toward electromobility. The different attitudes can be explained in particular by social, economic and political factors that accelerate or slow down the changeover.
More than a mere commodity
For 71 percent of the Swiss population, owning their own car is important. This is the result of a survey conducted by the Sotomo research institute on behalf of Axa Insurance. The car is far more than just a commodity, as two-thirds of those surveyed associate driving with independence and freedom. Fifty-six percent of the Swiss can imagine buying an electric car, including many people with a left-green affinity. For 29 percent, the e-car is not an option. This group tends to include people who belong to the right-wing-bourgeois camp.
Low problem perception
Michael Hermann, head of Sotomo: "The Swiss estimate that it will take around another 16 years before electric cars are in the majority on our roads - four years after the ban on internal combustion vehicles decided by the EU. This is also related to the low perception of the problem. Despite the heated climate debate, only 28 percent of respondents associate driving with environmental pollution. Fun is even slightly more frequently associated with it."
Doubts about sustainability
The majority of the population still tends to see more disadvantages than advantages in electromobility. The most frequently cited disadvantages are the environmental impact of battery production, the high purchase price and battery recycling. Apparently, the battery issue cancels out the advantages of lower emissions to a good extent. It is noteworthy that only around ten percent of respondents believe that the disadvantages relating to batteries will no longer exist in ten years' time. The low level of convenience during charging is also seen as problematic by the population.
TUNING Until recently, Fiat Ducato, Citroën Jumper and Peugeot Boxer vehicles sparkled through the night exclusively with outdated halogen lights. What primarily wants to be a commercial vehicle must above all be economical.
Editorial - August 29, 2023
The retrofit light is called Night Breaker and is available with H4 and H7 lamps.
However, the customers who have chosen the Ducato, Jumper or Boxer as the base vehicle for their motorhome, and whose purchasing power is not to be underestimated, do not accept this weak point without complaint. Although the latest model updates mean that camper vans are also available with LED lights, this is generally only available at extra cost.
Conversion for little money
If you drive an older model of these series or even another basic vehicle such as the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter, you can significantly increase the light output for little money and with little effort.
The supplier industry has developed LED lamps for these types, and the bulb manufacturer Osram has launched them on the market under the name Night Breaker. The set of two H7 LEDs can be bought for little more than 100 euros, and the replacement can be done on your own thanks to the precise instructions.
Complex headlamp design
The compatibility list from Osram shows whether the right pair of lamps (H4 or H7) is available for your car model. It also contains information on how demanding the conversion is and whether a workshop should be commissioned if necessary. Due to the complex headlight design, this is recommended for the Audi A4 Cabriolet, the Mercedes A-Class and some Golf versions. In the case of vans such as the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter or even the VW T3, T5 and T6.1, the change is not critical and can also be carried out by a layman.
Up to 220 percent more brightness
At 6000 degrees Kelvin, the cold white light cone of the LED lamps is reminiscent of daylight and provides up to 220 percent more brightness (left and right gallery). The sharp outlines of the illuminated surface and the much higher contrast of obstacles are striking. Osram lists a service life of up to 2500 hours, which is about five times that of a conventional halogen lamp. With a power consumption of 19 watts, the LED rod is also more frugal than its conventional counterparts, which is a welcome advantage, especially for motorhomes.
JUST TAP IN Once again, Land Rover is conquering new territory: With immediate effect, the legendary British brand and its Defender model have their own account on the video portal TikTok.
Editorial - August 28, 2023
Defender has an outstanding reputation around the world for its legendary skills on any surface and its unique spirit of adventure. Now Defender is conquering the music world, with which the brand has a lot in common. The official Defender TikTok account was created in collaboration with Kano, the innovative and style-defining rapper, songwriter and actor from the UK.
As the first post, rapper and songwriter Keno delivered a kind of Defender soundtrack.
Creation of a digital community
The launch of Defender on TikTok also marks the creation of a Defender digital community alongside the community of Defender owners. The new TikTok account will connect Defender with and inspire an entirely new audience with content created exclusively for them. Multi-award winning artist Kano and the Defender 90 crown the debut.
Today's Defender vehicles can point to a pedigree that stretches back to the original Land Rover of 1948. Over the course of 75 years, Defender has evolved into one of the most powerful and distinctive 4×4 models in the world.
Defender is more relevant today than ever
Keno: "Defender is an icon. The brand's roots go back to the origins of the genre it defines today. As a musician, I aim to be as authentic as possible and remain similarly innovative. That's why I can identify well with this path. Moreover, Defender is more relevant today than ever before and absolutely distinctive: this is the kind of aesthetic I strive for with my music as well."
FASTEST ROAD MODEL Employees at Ford Performance in Michigan set out two years ago to develop a Mustang that could rival the best European sports cars.
Editorial - August 28, 2023
To make it to a lap time on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in less than seven minutes, Ford has equipped the Mustang GTD - the fastest street-legal variant - with a more than 800-hp 5.2-liter V8 turbocharged engine. The designation comes from the North American IMSA series, where the GT3 racing counterpart will compete in the GTD class (GT Daytona) next year.
The new super Mustang is scheduled to hit the road with an 800-hp V8 at the end of 2024 at the earliest.
Balanced weight
A carbon-fiber propshaft is responsible for power transmission. It connects the engine to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission on the rear axle, thus ensuring a weight balance between the front and rear axles. This is complemented by a chassis with adaptive springs that lowers the car by 40 millimeters in race track use.
The wide body with the powerful rear wing and the hydraulically adjustable aerodynamic elements at the front and rear are also primarily made of carbon, as are the drive shafts and brake discs. In terms of track width, the Mustang GTD exceeds the standard model by almost ten centimeters.
Comparison with European brands
Ford CEO Jim Farley: "The new Mustang shows what Ford Motor Company can do and what our team is capable of every day. I'm happy to compete with it on the racetrack against the other carmaker bosses with their fastest road-going sports car." Oliver Blume (Porsche), Michael Schiebe (AMG), Stephan Winkelmann (Lamborghini), Benedetto Vigna (Ferrari) or Mate Rimac (Bugatti) will have heard.
The hand-built Mustang GTD is scheduled to be launched on the market in a limited edition at the end of 2024, beginning of 2025. In the USA, Ford expects a sales price starting at $300,000.
STRONGLY PERSONALIZED For more than 30 years, Chinese artist Ding Yi has painted nothing but crosses. His paintings hang in museums and with private collectors-and one will soon hit the streets of Shanghai on a Porsche.
Editorial - August 28, 2023
The Taycan Turbo S was customized by artist Ding Yi together with Porsche experts in Zuffenhausen.
As part of Porsche's special request program, a very special Porsche Taycan Turbo S was created. Both the exterior of the body and the interior of the car feature excerpts from a painting by the Chinese artist Ding Yis.
Alexander Fabig, Head of Individualization and Classic at Porsche: "What Ding Yi asked us to do was the most complex paint job Porsche has ever carried out. In the summer of 2022, the artist discussed his idea with the Porsche design team and the experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. At the same time, he defined the basic paint scheme for the body and wheels, and Appearance of Crosses 2022-2 was born."
Experts painted each color individually
Parts of the painting adorn the front hood, rear spoiler and exterior mirror housings of the Taycan Turbo S. Using special masking films matched to the artwork, the experts painted each color in the painting individually. Added to this were several coats of clear lacquer.
Alexander Fabig: "This was also a premiere for us. We had not used this printing process on such a large surface before. Parts of Ding Yi's image are also integrated into the interior of the one-off. The panels of the front and rear doors, the instrument panel and the front cupholders contain parts of the image."
Electric mobility age car
Ding Yi, who already owns several Porsche models, also wants to drive the valuable one-off at his home in Shanghai. He describes the Taycan Turbo S as the most impressive car of the early electric mobility age. This does not worry the special request specialists in Zuffenhausen. Every Porsche is suitable for everyday use, they say. What's more, there are repair procedures even for one of the most elaborate paint jobs of all time.
ORIGINAL The market for motorhomes continues to grow. Not as vigorously as in previous years, but Citroën now also wants to take a well-measured slice of the pie.
Editorial - August 27, 2023
At the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf (until September 3), the French are presenting the production version of a study that was already shown last year and is being heralded as the father of an entire camper family. The Citroën Type Holidays combines features of the historic Type H with those of the current Space Tourer. It is to be launched on the market next year.
The Citroën Type Holidays is one of the most striking models at the show.
Historical transporter as a model
A special feature of Monsieur Holiday is its retro design by Italian coachbuilder Caselani. Like the historic Transporter Type H, which played roughly the same role in post-war France as the VW Bulli did here, it has the famous corrugated metal look, but here it is made of plastic. The gray color of the retro-mobile is also characteristic.
Interior design from specialists Bravia
The Slovenian company Bravia takes care of the interior and installs two swiveling front seats as well as a fold-out two-seater bench that, when unfolded, becomes a berth for two. Two additional sleeping berths can be found in the elevating roof, which was also fitted by Bravia. The kitchenette, also in the retro look of the Gelsenkirchen Baroque, comes with a stove, sink and refrigerator, while a folding table and Webasto auxiliary heating complete the equipment.
A distinctive travel experience
The Citroën Type Holidays promises a distinctive travel experience. With its retro exterior and modern interior, the model is the ideal companion for a stylish vacation in absolute freedom. It marks the start of a comprehensive product range that will be available in the Citroën sales network next year. Source: Auto-Medienportal.net
PREMIERE At the Essen Motor Show 2022, Ronal presented the Energy Wheel, which generates energy by means of a generator. The wheel will be used for the first time in the Opel Experimental concept car.
Editorial - August 26, 2023
The Opel Experimental concept car can be seen at the IAA Mobility in Munich.
Opel's design study will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Mobility in Munich from September 5 to 10. The concept vehicle from the Rüsselsheim company shows the direction in which the brand will develop. This also includes the wheel, which was developed by the Swiss company.
Florian Theis, Chief Designer Future Concepts at Opel, explains the design philosophy that shapes the concept car: "The Opel Experimental shows the next evolutionary stage of our Bold&Pure design language, purist sculptural surfaces combined with technical details. The wheel with its aeroefficient design plays a key role in this."
Customized Opel lightning logo
In the center of the 23-inch wheels in turbine blade look is the hexagonal hub cap with the new Opel lightning logo, which can be illuminated thanks to Ronal's Energy Wheel technology. Not visible from the outside, the center cap hides an LED lighting system with high efficiency. The LEDs are supplied with energy from a rechargeable battery and thus make the Opel emblem glow white.
Generator produces energy
The concept is energy harvesting, i.e. generating energy from the rotational movement of the wheel. A generator produces energy during the ride and stores it in a battery. Maintenance is not required because no batteries need to be replaced and no rechargeable battery needs to be charged. In addition, the wheels of the Opel Experimental feature other special touches. Particularly distinctive is the three-zone design, which has a light blue metallic shimmer and has been matched to the car's color.
Aerodynamically sophisticated
The importance of the wheels' aerodynamics is demonstrated by the closed design and the built-in aero flaps. These ensure efficiency and enable greater range through less air resistance. The aero flaps are made from sustainable natural fibers instead of carbon fibers. The flax fibers have similar properties to carbon fibers, but are much more sustainable due to their natural origin. The technical look of the wheels is rounded off by the design's groove structure, which is extended to the tire.
CONCEPT CAMPER The Volkswagen California is a full-fledged VW bus for everyday use, but also a motorhome for all kinds of adventures. Now VW is presenting the new California Concept at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon.
Editorial - August 26, 2023
The near-production California Concept study contains numerous practical innovations.
The new model is based on the long-wheelbase version of the Multivan, which will be launched in 2021, and is therefore larger than its predecessor, the California 6.1. The show car will be presented at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon until September 3. The new California Concept is once again equipped with the pop-up roof that was always part of the first California in 1988 through to the California 6.1 of today.
Emission-free with hybrid drive
Thanks to its hybrid drive, the new model can power through everyday life with zero emissions, while at the same time ensuring an overall range for long journeys. The living and kitchen areas have been rethought. For the first time, this California is also equipped with a sliding door on the kitchen side. This extends the usability more than before to the outside area, opening up a new dimension of summer camping. Since the study is equipped with a folding arm awning on the left and sun awnings on the right, both sides of the vehicle can be shaded.
Three room concept for families
For the first time, VW presents a three-space concept with the show car.
Room 1, outside: With its sliding door, the right-hand side of the vehicle offers safe entry and exit on the sidewalk side in everyday use, as in the current California 6.1. Loading and unloading is correspondingly safe and easy.
Room 2, interior: The entire interior behind the 180-degree rotating front seats is the usual flexible passenger compartment in everyday use. Compared with today's California, removable individual seats are used, and thanks to the variable seats, boards and bikes can now also be transported more easily.
Room 3, outside: The additional sliding door on the driver's side, the redesign of the kitchenette including awning creates a new outdoor area on the left, which was not previously available in any California in conjunction with an outdoor kitchen.
