GREAT HONOR An at the closing event of Pebble Beach Automotive Week, the Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster was "Best of Show". The car was manufactured in 1937 for the King of Afghanistan.
Editorial - August 25, 2023
With this victory, Mercedes is now the most successful brand in the history of this top automotive classic event. The Untertürkheim plant produced a total of 760 chassis of the 500 K and 540 K models in the W 29 series between February 1934 and November 1939. Of these, 354 had the five-liter engine and 406 the 5.4-liter unit used from 1936.
The 86-year-old Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster proved to be the fairest of the fair at Pebble Beach.
Special design for the monarch
The Pebble Beach-winning 540 K Special Roadster was ordered and delivered in 1937 for Mohammed Zahir Shah, the King of Afghanistan. The monarch opted for a special design. The Special Roadster is particularly elegant due to the high side line of the doors, the curved shape of the body with recessed radiator, and a flowing rear with concealed spare wheel. After only five changes of ownership in seven decades, current owner Jim Patterson purchased the car at auction in 2022 during Pebble Beach Automotive Week for $9.9 million.
Award for the immense commitment
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, said, "The 540 K Special Roadster's win of Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance crowns the immense commitment of RM Auto Restoration and Mercedes-Benz Heritage to the restoration of this outstanding vehicle."
Current owner Jim Patterson's collection also includes the 2010 and 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance best-of-show award winners - a Delage D8 S de Villars Roadster, 1933, and an Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Worblaufen Cabriolet, 1924.
St. Ursanne - Les Rangiers: Duel for the day's victory 🎥
SUMMARY Marcel Steiner and Robin Faustini fought a thrilling duel for the day's victory in the SM at the St. Ursanne - Les Rangiers hill climb. As expected, victory in the FIA European Hill Climb Championship went to Christian Merli.
Editorial - August 25, 2023
It didn't take much for Robin Faustini (left gallery) to knock Marcel Steiner (center gallery) off the SM throne at the 78th edition of the St. Ursanne - Les Rangiers hill climb. However, the latter was a tad faster in the end with two almost identical running times and with his victory in the Jura (due to the absence of the previous leader Eric Berguerand) has temporarily taken the lead in the Swiss mountain championship.
Joël Volluz in third place
Behind the two fastest Swiss, Joël Volluz (like Faustini on an Osella FA30) finished third. The Valais native did not quite match the top times of Steiner and Faustini, but was nevertheless satisfied with his performance.
Joël Volluz: "I've never driven so fast at Les Rangiers. In this respect, I'm satisfied with my weekend. Of course, it's always possible to go a bit faster. But that wasn't possible this time. Third place behind Steiner and Faustini is still a very good result."
Joël Burgermeister clearly the fastest
In the formula race cars up to two-liter displacement, Joël Burgermeister was the fastest by a clear margin. With a first run in 1:50.4 min, the Thurgau native undercut the previous class record by an incredible 2.9 seconds. Second place in the small formula racers went to two-time Les Rangiers winner Roland Bossy. Third place went to Ludovic Cholley.
Joël Burgermeister: "It's done. Another victory and a new record. A dream has come true for me. It would have been nice if I could have broken the 1:50 mark in the second run. But with temperatures so high, that was simply no longer possible."
Second place in the "small" formula racers went to two-time Les Rangiers winner Roland Bossy. Third place went to Ludovic Cholley.
Roger Schnellman showed strengths
In the touring car category, E1 driver Roger Schnellmann (right gallery) lived up to his role as favorite. The Mitsubishi driver needed 2:01.0 minutes for the 5.18-kilometer track. Second-fastest touring car driver and thus fastest Interswiss driver was Bruno Sawatzki (Porsche 991.1 Cup) - third (one second behind Sawatzki) was brand colleague and local hero Frédéric Neff.
All class winners at a glance
Other class winners (with at least three participants) in the Jura included: Rally ace Olivier Burri (Hyundai i20, R5), Stefan Schöpfer (Audi 50, IS up to 1400 cm3), Beat Oertig (Peugeot 106, IS up to 1600 cm3), Stephan Burri (VW Scirocco), who won the IS up to 2000 cm3 against Manuel Santonastaso (BMW 320) and Patrick Vallat (VW Golf GTI), Martin Oliver Bürki (BMW E33, IS up to 3000 cm3), Dominic von Rotz (Audi A4 Quattro, IS up to 3500 cm3), Joël Werthmüller (Peugeot 106, E1 up to 1600 cm3), Sébastien Cocquoz (Opel Kadett GTE), who held his own in E1 up to 2000 cm3 against Reto Steiner (Ford Escort RS) and Fabien Houlman (Peugeot 205), Benoît Farine (Honda CRX, E1 to 2500 cm3), Jérôme Nicolet (Peugeot 308, E1 to 3000 cm3), Bruno Ianniello (Lancia Delta S4, E1 to 3500 cm3) and Joël Grand (Wolf Thunder GB08, E2 to 1400 cm3). The victory in the Renault Classic Cup went to Thomas Zürcher. Philip Krebs and overall leader Michael Schläpfer followed in the other places.
The FIA European Hill Climb Championship race was won by Christian Merli.
The second success for Christian Merli
$he victory in the FIA European Hill Climb Championship went, as expected, to Christian Merli. The South Tyrolean was the only one to set 1:42 times and thus celebrated his second overall victory in the Jura after 2022. In the European Championship, Merli is still unbeaten after eight of ten races. The driver of the Osella FA30 clearly missed the track record from last year of 1:39.201 min for regulatory reasons with 30 kilograms of additional ballast and 35 hp less. The second fastest time in the EBM was set by Joseba Iraola Lanzagorta of Spain on a Nova NP01. Belgian Corentin Starck (also on a Nova) was third.
Victory in the touring cars (in the EM classification) went - for the fourth time this year - to Ronnie Bratschi from Uri, who is driving with a Czech license this year. The Mitsubishi driver distanced the two Porsche drivers Nicolas Werver (F) and Luca Gaetani (I) by more than three seconds in the addition of the two runs. The best Swiss European Championship starter was Jérôme Nicolet. The Peugeot driver secured a commanding victory in the touring car category in Group 4.
FULLY ELECTRIC Super sports car manufacturer Lamborghini celebrates its 60th anniversary with the world premiere of the Lanzador, a vision of the fourth model on the range. The two-seater fits into the new ultra-GT segment.
Editorial - August 25, 2023
The Lanzador, the first all-electric concept car from the Italians, is said to provide a preview of the company's fourth model series. It is a 2+2-seater Gran Turismo with high ground clearance. The Lanzador (in German: Werfer, Stosser) combines the high-performance elements of the flagship Revuelto with the versatility of the Urus.
The new Lanzador is an attractive mix of SUV and super sports car.
1000 kW and all-wheel drive
To achieve outstanding driving performance, the Lanzador has one electric motor per axle. According to the manufacturer, this adds up to "more than one megawatt", i.e. more than 1000 kW (1360 hp).
Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO Lamborghini: "The Lanzador concept fulfills all aspects that the first all-electric Lamborghini should have."
Production is sold out
In its 60th year, the company has set a new sales record with 5341 vehicle deliveries worldwide in the first half of 2023. The Urus remains the best-selling model with 3241 units, followed by the Huracán. Both models are sold out until the end of production. These results come at a time when Lamborghini is entering the second phase of the Direzione Cor Tauri program, in which 1.9 billion euros are to be invested up to 2028.
FUTURE More and more Swiss are switching to electrically powered cars. As a study by TCS shows, the growing number of electric vehicles offers the opportunity to relieve the burden on the power grid.
Editorial - August 24, 2023
Time-optimized undirectional and bidirectional charging stabilize the power grid.
Renewable energies such as solar cells on the roofs of single-family and multi-family homes, in industrial plants and commercial properties are playing an increasingly important role in local power supply in Switzerland. However, this type of energy production is dependent on the respective meteorological conditions, which leads to strong fluctuations in electricity production. During winter, electricity production from renewables is seasonally low, and at the same time electricity demand is high, especially in the morning and evening.
Fluctuations according to time of day
Switzerland is therefore dependent on importing electricity from abroad to meet the increased demand. Electric vehicles can help to balance out the fluctuations in the grid caused by the time of day by shifting the charging processes over time. Instead of charging the vehicle in the morning or evening, this can be done during the day or night. As analyses show, 95 percent of electric vehicles are parked during the day. They are hardly used during office hours and at night.
Power shortage at peak times
Bidirectional charging offers another way to reduce the shortage of electricity at peak times. Electric cars capable of this are already available on the market. In the future, this technology will be standard for most electric cars. Both unidirectional and bidirectionally controlled charging help to increase the stability of the power grid.
The TCS study showsthat with a 20 percent share of bidirectional models among electric vehicles, peak loads on the power grid will be reduced by five percent in 2025. By 2030, this figure could rise to eleven percent.
WORLD PREMIERE At the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Ford is also showing the new Transit Custom Nugget camper with electrified drive. It is designed to be even more fun thanks to more vehicle functions and an upgraded interior.
Editorial - August 24, 2023
The Ford Transit Custom Nugget will be on display at Caravan Salon until September 3.
The latest generation of this recreational vehicle benefits from the new features of the future Transit Custom family. A plug-in hybrid drive is also available for the first time. For the development of the five-seater Nugget, Ford has again collaborated with the specialists at Westfalia Mobil GmbH. Westfalia is also responsible for fitting out the advanced camping vehicle, which once again stands out from the competition with its multi-space concept.
Initially with 170 hp diesel
Orders for the Transit Custom Nugget in the Titanium equipment line with pop-up roof, 170 hp turbo diesel and 8-speed automatic transmission will soon be taken by Ford's Swiss partners. Retail prices will be announced in due time. Deliveries of the Nugget will begin in summer 2024, with other model variants including PHEV drive to follow in the next twelve months. The plug-in hybrid uses a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an 11.8-kWh traction battery. Ford lists 171 kW (232 hp) as the maximum system output.
All-wheel drive is available on request
The new chassis of the next Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom generation improves suspension comfort and handling with independent suspension on the rear axle as well. All-wheel drive is available as an option. This is a particularly interesting option for those campers who practice outdoor sports or attend heavy metal concerts in difficult-to-access terrain. Ford also offers an 8-speed automatic transmission for the Nugget for the first time.
The cockpit area is based on the high-quality interior of the Tourneo Custom. It impresses with special workmanship and material quality. In addition to a fully digital instrument panel, a 13-inch touchscreen facilitates operation. The Sync4 entertainment system, which also understands voice commands, is available for controlling the navigation system and connectivity functions.
SPECIAL MODEL Rimac celebrates a new record-breaking drive at the Nürburgring with the unveiling of the special limited edition Nevera Time Attack at the glamorous car enthusiast event The Quail, a Motoring Gathering, in California.
Editorial - August 24, 2023
With the special Nevera Time Attack model, produced in a limited edition of just twelve units, Croatian racing driver Martin Kodric drove the 1400-kW Nevera super sports car (1914 hp) to new best times on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring.
The Rimac Nevera is said to be simultaneously very comfortable in everyday driving and extremely fast on the racetrack.
With the times of 7:05:298 minutes - respectively 7:00:928 minutes for the shortened distance - Kodric is now the fastest in the category of standard electric cars with the Nevera. The car was fitted with Michelin Cup 2R tires for the record drive and was monitored by on-board telemetry from TÜV Süd.
Amazingly comfortable and fast
Martin Kodric: "After practice runs in challenging weather conditions, we completed the record drive on one of the hottest days of the year. What's most amazing is that such a comfortable car is so fast on the race track."
Already in April collected the Nevera at the Papenburg test site in Germany 23 world records, among others for 0 to 60 mph, 0 to 100 mph, and 0 to 186 mph (0 to 300 km/h), as well as for the top speed of 256 mph (412 km/h).
WHERE TO MEET On Friday, September 1, Auto Mobil Basel opens its doors in the St. Jakobshallen just outside Basel. From 36 brands, the garage owners will present 20 Swiss premieres.
Editorial - August 23, 2023
Auto Mobil Basel is the largest new car exhibition in Switzerland after Auto Zürich.
Until September 3, the St.Jakobshalle will once again be the big rendezvous of the regional automotive industry. At the Auto Mobil Basel, the garages of northwestern Switzerland will show all the novelties of this car year. This means that more than 270 new cars from 36 brands will be on display. Among them, there are 20 Swiss premieres - from the all-electric Abarth 500e to the VW ID.3 Facelift to discover. And with the Jeep Avenger, the current car of the year will also be on display.
Accessories around the car
On a tour of the exhibition, visitors can gain an overview of all new forms of mobility and drive technology. From the classic combustion vehicle to hybrid concepts and all-electric models, from the classic purchase model to leasing and car subscriptions. In addition to the presentation of the vehicles in the exhibition halls, the outdoor area of the St.Jakobshallen offers the possibility to drive all models right away. The Expo will be rounded off by various exhibitors of services and accessories related to cars and electromobility.
Admission is free as usual
Auto Mobil Basel begins on Friday, September 1, at 12 noon and is open until Sunday, September 3, at 4 pm. As in the past, admission is free of charge. All info and the overview of the presented vehicles can be found on the website.
CRAZY WORLD The dismal pile of junk that was once a Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider, put up for sale a few days ago by auction house RM Sotheby's, fetched an improbable $1.9 million.
Editorial - August 23, 2023
How much is a piece of scrap metal that was once a Ferrari worth? Opinions differ.
Had the 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider been offered at auction in perfect condition, $1.9 million would have been considered a fitting price. After all, the car was not only a famous racing car, but also an exquisite beauty. (AutoSprintCH reported)
Especially crafty auctioneer
However, the fact that a buyer was willing to spend almost two million dollars for such a dented, bent and burnt-out wreck seems rather irritating. However, the scrap heap was made palatable to the bidders by the auction house RM Sotheby's with many arguments. This 500 Mondial Spider had been the second of only 13 examples from the Pininfarina design house and had brought in racing successes for Ferrari at the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio and the Imola Grand Prix in 1954 with pilot Franco Cortese.
Only modest successes in races
One could counter that Franco Cortese is not one of the best-known drivers and that his racing successes with this car were also rather modest. But arguing about the value of classic Ferrari models obviously belongs more in the realm of religions. Still, one wonders what money means to someone who spends so much of it on a vintage Ferrari.
NEW FROM OCTOBER 1 The Federal Council has enacted the first package of amendments to the Road Traffic Act. It concerns the sanctioning of speeding offenses and also adjustments to the withdrawal of the driver's license.
Editorial - August 23, 2023
Finally, judges are given more discretion in judging so-called speeding offenses.
In the spring session of 2023, Parliament approved amendments to the Road Traffic Act that will be introduced in a staggered manner. The first package, which has now been enacted by the Federal Council, involves measures that can be implemented without major expense.
More discretion
In the future, speeding offenses will continue to be sanctioned with a minimum prison sentence of one year and a driver's license suspension of two years. However, the courts will now have more discretion to take into account the circumstances of the individual case and avoid unnecessary hardship. If the offender is still blameless, the court can impose a sentence of less than one year's imprisonment. In that case, the duration of the deprivation can also be reduced to one year.
Driving license on probation
If a probationary driver's license holder commits a minor offense, the probationary period will now neither be extended nor will the driver's license be cancelled. The probationary period will only be extended by one year if the probationary driver's license is revoked for committing a medium or serious offense. The probationary driver's license expires if another medium or serious offense is committed during the probationary period.
Driving with blue light exception
The penalties for disproportionate violations of traffic regulations by drivers of police, fire, ambulance or customs vehicles on urgent or tactically necessary official journeys must now be reduced. In addition, only the difference to the speed that would have been appropriate for the operation and no longer that to the signalized maximum speed is judged. The legal minimum duration of the driver's license suspension can also be undercut.
DONE There were two Swiss successes at the fifth DTM race of the year: In addition to second place for Ricardo Feller, Emil Frey Racing celebrated its first victory in Europe's most popular touring car series at the Lausitzring.
Editorial - August 22, 2023
Emil Frey Racing takes commanding first DTM victory at the Lausitzring.
The team from Safenwil started from pole position with Briton Jack Aitken and set the pace right from the start (gallery on the right). After the pit stops, Aitken in his Ferrari 296 GT3 confidently maintained the lead position and did not relinquish it until crossing the finish line. In the second race, the Ferrari team was not quite as successful, but again finished in the top 10 thanks to Aitken (7th).
Level for podium positions
Jürg Flach, Head of Engineering Emil Frey Racing: "We already knew from the tests and the free practice sessions that our pace was good. Of course, you never know how strong the competition is before the actual race, but to be standing here now with the first DTM victory in the bag is just great. We've always had a few problems in terms of competitiveness. But now we're at a level where we can also fight for podium positions. Hopefully, we'll have luck on our side for the rest of the season and can continue to compete at the front."
Ricardo Feller just behind leader
Speaking of podium positions: Audi factory driver Ricardo Feller rounded off the fine Swiss performance with second place in Sunday's race. Feller is only 19 points behind leader Bortolotti in the overall standings and thus continues to have excellent title chances. Ricardo Feller (center gallery): "The battle with Mirko Bortolotti was incredible. I managed to get closer to him several times in the infield, but unfortunately I had no chance on the straights. I would have liked to win, of course, but Mirko simply didn't make a mistake. The overall standings are extremely close, so I'm happy with the points for second place."
With a third consecutive podium finish in the Rookies and a season's best performance in ninth overall, Jasin Ferati (left gallery) confirmed the upward trend in the Porsche Carrera Cup at the Lausitzring. The Winterthur native also finished in the points in the second race.
