Already on Friday, the race cars thunder up the three-kilometer track for practice runs and on Saturday, the first race run takes place. The best of the Swiss mountain racing scene and the German KW Berg-Cup will do the honors in Oberhallau.

The anniversary edition is once again fully booked with 250 registered drivers. Between the championship races, racing legends from 100 years of Oberhallau hillclimb racing can also chase their racing rarities up the mountain once again.

Fascination and passion

In the beginning there was a dirt road through the Oberhallau vineyards up to the front mountain farms. The temptation to find out who can get to the top the fastest with his motorcycle is so great that in 1923 the first Oberhallau mountain race takes place.

Today, people ride on four wheels instead of two, over asphalt instead of pebbles. But even though much has changed in the 100 years, one thing has remained the same since then: In Oberhallau, the fascination and passion for motorsport is alive and well.

Historical pictures and film footage

This 100-year tradition will be celebrated over three days this year. The current racing action of the Swiss Hillclimb Championship and the German KW Hillclimb Cup will be equally taken into account as the great history of the last 100 years of hillclimb racing. The anniversary program includes an event hall in the starting area where history comes alive. Racing legends show their historic vehicles from back then, are available for talks and take the opportunity to take the mountain track under their wheels once again.

These include Fritz Erb, Edy Kobelt, Patrick Ulrich and Urs Hauenstein. Walter Röhlin, Heiri Bechtel and Peter Eglof will come with their motorcycles. Unfortunately, former Schaffhausen Formula 1 driver Gildo Guidi will be there without a car. He is in the annals of the Oberhallau mountain race because in 1971 he was the first and only driver to climb the mountain in an actual Formula 1 racing car. The living witnesses will be complemented in the event hall by historical pictures, film footage and other treasures.

Tarzan Cross in the program for the first time

Additional spectacle will be provided by the Tarzan Cross, which will be held for the first time at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Eight teams of four drivers will compete against each other in curiously reacting vehicles. The teams will be thrown together from registered drivers and members of the organizing committee. The fun for participants and visitors in the foreground. Thus it fits perfectly into the entertaining supporting program, which transforms the mountain race into a village festival for the whole family year after year.

A special highlight this year is again the traditional soapbox race of the pupils of Oberhallau, which will take place at the anniversary edition not only on Sunday, but also on Saturday during the lunch break. Further entertainment will be provided by race cab rides, drifters or helicopter sightseeing flights. But the best supporting program is offered by the village itself, where the drivers prepare their cars in the garages of the inhabitants and patiently answer all the questions of the visitors.

Many starters also from abroad

Despite the big anniversary celebration, the focus is of course also on racing this year. There are six women at the start this year and also nine local riders will not miss the opportunity to take part in the anniversary race. From abroad, eight Austrians and 68 Germans are starting this year. The latter is mainly due to the fact that the Oberhallau hill climb is once again a championship race of the German KW Berg-Cup. Here, Holger Hovemann is one of the fan favorites. His Opel Kadett C with a 5.7-liter V8 engine is affectionately known only as the "fat one.

Three-way fight for the coveted title

The Swiss Mountain Championship enters the decisive phase in Oberhallau. The third last race of the championship takes place in Klettgau. In both mountain championships, a three-way battle for the title is emerging, which is also likely to be reflected in the duel for the day's victory in Oberhallau. In the touring car category, Bruno Sawatzki is in the lead in a Porsche 911 Cup. He is being chased by Roger Schnellmann in his Mitsubishi Evo 8 and Stephan Burri in a VW Scirocco. In the mountain championship for racing cars, Eric Berguerand in his Lola FA 99 is the championship favorite, but that is no guarantee for the day's victory.

Marcel Steiner on his LobArt LA01 is just lurking for a Berguerand mistake to snatch victory and thus reduce the gap in the championship. The lucky third could be Robin Faustini. So far this season, it has not been enough for him to win the Swiss mountain championship, but he did win in the German Hauenstein with a course record. Faustini is likely to start in Oberhallau correspondingly hungry for further victories.

Excitement is therefore guaranteed at the Oberhallau 2023 mountain race, whether on the race track during the championship decisions or in the village during the extensive anniversary program. When the Oberhallau mountain calls from August 25 to 27, 2023, racing will become a family celebration. One can be curious.

Video: @Friends of Swiss Motorsport
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Typical of the modifications to the second generation of the AMG sports car are the further improved driving dynamics, increased comfort as well as the fully variable performance all-wheel drive, active roll stabilization, standard rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics. The extended space and good all-round visibility also enhance everyday usability.

Two power variants

The sporty coupe also brings its power to the road for the first time with AMG Performance 4Matic+ fully variable all-wheel drive. In combination with the 4-liter V8 biturbo engine, this results in a driving experience at a very high level. At market launch, the AMG GT will start with two performance levels. In the GT 55 4Matic+, the V8 unit develops 476 hp maximum output and 700 Nm as the highest torque. The sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h takes 3.9 seconds, the top speed is reached at 295 km/h. The more powerful version delivers 585 hp and 800 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and its top speed is 315 km/h. An electromechanically controlled clutch variably connects the rear axle to the front axle. This allows the new coupe to be driven continuously variably from 50:50 all-wheel drive to pure rear-wheel drive. In addition to traction and lateral dynamics, all-wheel drive also improves longitudinal dynamics for even more powerful acceleration.

Also as 2+2 seater

The MBUX infotainment system makes it possible to use digital services from Mercedes me connect. Advantages include smartphone integration, hands-free calling via Bluetooth connection, and DAB/DAB+. Thanks to navigation with live traffic information and car-to-x communication, customers drive with real-time traffic data. This allows them to efficiently avoid traffic jams, and car-to-x communication enables networked vehicles to exchange information about traffic events. The AMG sports car architecture with its complex composite aluminum body structure also allows it to be designed as a 2+2 seater. In Switzerland, the sales launch for the new GT Coupé is scheduled for mid-October. Prices will also be announced then. In 2022, around 170 units of the AMG GT had been registered in our country.

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The manufacturer describes its latest product, the MCXtrema, as a "beast designed for the racetrack, without type approval for road use". The brand's latest vehicle is designed to be "out of the box". Thus, only just 62 copies will be created.

MC20 is the basic model

The name MCXtrema refers to the base model MC20, the super sports car that heralded the start of a new era for the brand. The car is designed in every respect to outshine everything that has gone before on the race track. At the same time, it continues the glorious history of the MC12 on the track. With the MCXtrema, the Maserati Centro Stile has created a work of art. The body is characterized above all by three striking lines and the special transition between the front and rear sections. The aerodynamics of the front section also ensure high downforce on the front axle.

730 hp power from three liters

The heart of the Maserati MCXtrema is the V6 biturbo Nettuno. Equipped with new turbochargers, the 3-liter engine delivers 730 hp at 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 730 Nm. This is based on the twin-combustion system with prechamber combustion and twin spark plugs familiar from the MC20. This enables the 5.2-meter-long vehicle weighing just 1300 kilograms to deliver outstanding performance on the racetrack.

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To put the new Sub1000 on the wheels, the specialists from the Sportec Classic department changed the entire body of the G model, modified the technology and optimized it further. In addition, the interior was made sleeker and even sportier - and the ready-to-drive kerb weight remained at 990 kilograms.

No stone is left unturned when it comes to the engines. The units are completely disassembled and freshly reconditioned, and the cylinder liners are expanded to 3.4 liters displacement. Forged pistons and modified connecting rods their service make the engine lighter imd more durable. With the sports camshaft, the engine finally reaches a maximum torque of 340 Nm and a peak power of 270 hp. All cars are approved for Swiss road traffic.

Fit for pass and race track

The connection between road and driver enjoys the highest priority at Sportec Classic. Thus, the Sub1000 also received a specially adapted chassis, which comes directly from motorsport. It is separately adjustable in rebound and compression damping in the high and low speed range and can be compared with the chassis of a modern GT3 racing car. The whole thing is concealed behind 16-inch Fuchs wheels, as befits its status. All relevant values of the steering geometry such as damper characteristics and spring rates were tuned by multiple Le Mans winner Marcel Fässler.

Lightweight construction, rigidity and optics

The body modifications relate to lightweight construction, rigidity and appearance. Doors, bumpers, hood, trunk lid and fenders are made of carbon. And to save even more weight, rear and side windows are made of Makrolon. Of course, the Sub1000's conversion measures do not stop at the interior. Here, the lightweight construction is particularly visible in the special door panels and the reduced insulation materials.

Gregor Burkard, CEO Sportec: "For me, the Sub1000 is the definition of driving a car. I want to feel what the vehicle is doing underneath me. Communication between vehicle and driver is central to fast lap times. That's exactly what we've done with the Sub1000."

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The scene of friends of air-cooled Volkswagen meets again this year at many meetings throughout Europe. One of the biggest parties will take place in Switzerland. Around 1500 air-cooled Volkswagen models are expected in the Vaud Alpine region of Pays-d'Enhaut.

The event is a celebration for VW fans, families and friends. The program offers variety for big and small guests with exhibitions and films starring the Beetle, concerts, competitions and animations for children.

Special show 85 years Volkswagen Beetle

More than 30 years ago, the first international Volkswagen meeting took place in Château-d'Oex. This year, a breathtaking alpine landscape will be the meeting place for the scene of air-cooled cars. In the Landi Hall, the exhibitions give "85 years beetle" and "30 years hot air balloon beetle" interesting insights into the history of Wolfsburg.

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Europcar offers 5500 vehicles at more than 90 stations. The wide range includes small cars, family vans, luxury sedans, commercial vehicles, campers and convertibles. The proportion of electric vehicles is being continuously increased, with the aim of using around 50 percent battery-electric vehicles in the fleet by 2025.

If required with All-wheel drive

In order to serve additional customer segments with e-vehicles from Volkswagen, the ID.4 GTX, ID.5 GTX and ID.Buzz models have recently become available at locations in Switzerland. The ID.4 GTX and ID.5 GTX represent powerful additions to the electric fleet. The average range is 400 kilometers.

ID.2 and ID.7 are being planned

Customers looking for a travel companion with even more space can now rent a VW ID.Buzz. This scores with a trunk capacity of 1121 liters, a drive power of 150 kW (204 hp) and an average range of 300 kilometers.

Hendrik Lütjens, Managing Director Europcar Switzerland: "At the moment, the VW ID family is complete at Europcar. But we are already looking forward to being able to offer customers the ID.2 and ID.7 models soon."

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In the annual design competition, the brand was recognized firstly for its exhibitions and events on the "Opposites United" design philosophy, which draws its inspiration from the opposites in nature and humanity.

Secondly, the jury awarded a prize to the new infotainment system generation in the upcoming EV9 three-row electric SUV, which enables quick access, integrated search and a new EV mode.

Eco-orientation of the Group

The mighty SUV, five meters long and 1.75 meters high, will be the brand's new flagship, with 800-volt technology and the group's latest battery technology. The model represents the new eco orientation of the Koreans, who are using even more recycled or sustainably produced materials in every model. Leather, for example, will be passé in the future.

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Under the motto "Wheels that move the world", classic cars, youngsters and brand clubs as well as friends of old motorcycles and tractors roll into eastern Switzerland. The organizers want to offer a comprehensive range of vehicles of every type and era.

Fixed highlight in the agenda

In recent years, this event has developed from a classic car insider meeting to a national and international family event. The traffic show has become a fixed highlight in the calendar of events in the Euregio region of Lake Constance. Around 5000 friends of historic vehicles meet in the border triangle.

1300 vehicles and brand clubs

Always about 1300 cars, motorcycles, tractors, buses, trucks, mopeds and even historic bicycles are expected. In addition to private individuals with historic vehicles, various vintage car and brand clubs are invited to the event to enjoy the atmosphere and exchange ideas.

Admission is free for those under 18 and for drivers of vintage vehicles.

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What was evident last year continues this year. The fascination of Arosa Classic Car is unbroken, the interest in the run-up is enormous. More than 220 entries were received by the closing date. Markus Markwalder, OC President: "The number of entries and the attractiveness of the vehicles are overwhelming. The interest exceeds the number of starting places and therefore the jury was particularly challenged in the selection. The result is a starting field with attractive vehicles and strong drivers."

Well-known names in the program

Some familiar names stand out in the starting list. Laura Kraihamer (center gallery), DTM racer and part of the IWC Racing family, will start in the Competition category. Tiago Monteiro, the former Formula 1 driver, will also start there. Fabio Scherer, who won the LMP2 class of the Le Mans 24 Hours in June, will start in the Sport Trophy category. Giacomo Agostini has announced himself as another personality on site and pilot of the historic motorcycles.

Alternative fuels in use

The effort to harmonize economic, ecological and social factors is an integral part of the Arosa 2030 sustainability strategy. As part of the Klimdest project (climate-neutral destination), Arosa is for the first time having CO₂-The Arosa Classic Car is taking on a pioneering role in this respect. The Arosa Classic Car is taking on a pioneering role in this regard and was the first event in Arosa to calculate its total emissions.

Arosa Classic Car is now committed to using the synthetic fuel P1 Racing. This consists of 100 percent fossil-free base materials such as cooking fat residues and waste from agriculture and municipalities. The artificial gasoline is produced by Ilmor Engineering in England and tested by Horag Racing in Switzerland. The CO₂-neutrality of the fuel is 85 percent. It can be used without engine modifications in all vehicles that process 98-octane gasoline.

Travel better by public transport

Grandstand tickets and VIP packages are available online. The organizers recommend arriving by public transport. There is a shuttle bus between Arosa and Langwies with various stops along the route and also between the train station in Langwies and the start area.

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With the start of the school year, parents' worry carousel also begins to spin. This is shown by an AXA survey of 1,000 mothers and fathers in Switzerland. 31 percent of parents almost always or often worry about their children when they are on the way to school. Among younger children between the ages of four and seven, the figure is as high as 40 percent.

Michael Pfäffli (large picture), Head of Research and Prevention at AXA: "Children's cognitive abilities are not yet as developed as those of adults. They are less attentive and misjudge situations. For example, children can't estimate how fast a car is traveling or whether it can still brake in time."

Objective danger decreases, subjective fears remain

Almost half of the parents surveyed believe that the dangers for children on the way to school have increased in the last twenty years - although accidents involving children have decreased significantly during this time. The parents' assessment is probably related, among other things, to the greater volume of traffic.

For example, streets without sidewalks, main roads (both mentioned by 54 percent of parents) and rush hour in general (47 percent) are considered particularly delicate for the little ones. Trucks, large cars such as SUVs, electric cars and e-scooters are also seen as a danger to little ones. Parents have the greatest concerns when their children are out and about on bicycles or scooters.

Michael Pfäffli: "Rightly so. The often high speed of a bicycle or scooter not only increases the risk of injury in the event of a fall, but also requires children to grasp dangers more quickly and at an early stage."

Consequently, parents most frequently want safe routes to school (72 percent of respondents) and safe bike paths (57 percent). They also want more crosswalks (36 percent) and a general speed reduction to 30 kilometers per hour in built-up areas (35 percent).

Larger than expected" exhibition at Zurich HB

At the AXA prevention event "Bigger than imagined", visitors can experience an XXL traffic situation - both an oversized traffic situation at a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights, as well as with Virtual reality glasses - experience the risks in road traffic from a child's point of view. The installation has been on display in the concourse of Zurich's main train station since until August 19, 2023.

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