ALWAYS SO, ALWAYS SO At the Drift Masters in Latvia, the driver duo from Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland missed out on qualifying for the main tableau. On the other hand, Yves Meyer and Joshua Reynolds showed their rice-burning skills.
Editorial - August 18, 2023
Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland is optimistic about the upcoming drift events.
The fourth round of the Drift Masters European Championship took the Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland team to Riga, some 2100 kilometers away. On the fast and technically demanding Bikernieki Circuit in the capital of Latvia, the drift team from Emmetten, founded by Yves Meyer and Joshua Reynolds in 2020, did not achieve a countable result, but the trip to the Baltic States was not in vain.
Both pilots were very satisfied with their qualifying runs - Meyer scored 64 points twice, Reynolds (black car) 58 and 51 points. Unfortunately, however, these values were not enough for the entry into the show with the Battles.
Yves Meyer (center gallery, yellow car): "But we know that we are at a very different point with the newly developed GR Supra than we were at the beginning of the season."
Asian brands rice burning
In order to gain further experience with the around 1,000 hp bolides, the brand ambassadors of Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland accepted an invitation to the so-called rice race at the Lausitzring. This is Europe's largest event for Asian vehicles with around 40,000 visitors. The supporting program included a round of the German AvD Drift Championship. While Reynolds started with the new GR Supra, Meyer returned to the cockpit of last year's GT86.
Qualification with highest score
In the field of 49 drivers, Reynolds scored the highest number of points in qualifying and finished fifth. Meyer finished fourth best in qualifying and then made it to the small final. There, the Lucerne native was defeated by Austrian Franz Kuncic, but fourth place overall felt like a stage win on the way to the European top.
Yves Meyer: "Basically, it was important to get right back behind the wheel of our drift cars and put in more race kilometers. The GR Supras are now working perfectly, and in terms of speed we would also be there."
The next stop until August 19 is Ferropolis in Gräfenhainichen, south of Berlin, where racing takes place on a custom-built drift race track with concrete walls and safety fences.
FRESH AIR BY MEANS The Aston Martin DB12 Volante as a convertible combines the experience of open-top driving with a blend of luxury, engine performance and driving dynamics. The technology of the roof is remarkable.
Editorial - August 17, 2023
As a counterpart to the recently launched DB12 Coupé, the open-top model combines the drive power and handling of a super tourer with the thrill of a convertible. Developed in parallel with the coupe, the DB12 Volante therefore features the same advances in design and technology. Thanks to its thoroughbred sports car dynamics, it is a true driver's car. The basis for the focus on uncompromising performance and handling is the vehicle's extremely rigid aluminum structure.
In terms of driving dynamics, the 1800-kilogram convertible DB12 Volante is said to be on a par with the coupe.
Striking sound of the 680 hp
The engine performance data speak for themselves. The 4-liter biturbo V8 delivers maximum torque of 800 Nm from just 2750 rpm and a peak output of 680 hp at 6000 rpm. The new power unit not only sounds outstanding, but also enables an acceleration time of just 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed of 325 km/h is stated. The top speed is stated as 325 km/h.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF. The Volante's handling can be precisely adjusted with four-stage stability control and a choice of five driving modes. Other features important for handling are the adaptive dampers, electric power steering and 21-inch alloy wheels with specially tuned Michelin Pilot S 5 tires. There is also an optional carbon-ceramic brake system.
Fabric roof acoustically improved
The eight-way insulated fabric roof has been further improved acoustically. When closed, the Volante preserves the beautiful roofline of the DB12. Open, the soft top with the K-folding mechanism is concealed under a hard tonneau cover. The roof can be opened in 14 seconds and closed in 16 seconds - at up to 50 km/h. The soft top is available in four colors: black, red, blue and black-silver.
Production of the DB12 Volante is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2023, with the first deliveries planned for the fourth quarter of 2023.
IT'S BEING EXCITING Every year, Amag honors particularly sustainable family businesses with the Family Business Award. The three finalists have now been selected. The winning company will be chosen on September 13 in Bern.
Editorial - August 17, 2023
Griesser AG from Aadorf won the award last year.
For the twelfth time, Amag is presenting the Family Business Award in memory of the company's founder Walter Haefner. These family businesses are still in the running for the final in the Kursaal in Bern: Bolliger & Co. AG, Grenchen, Gartenpflanzen Daepp, Münsingen and RWB Groupe SA, Porrentruy.
The award is intended to promote the mindset, values and commitment of family businesses and to underscore their importance for the Swiss economy.
Economy and society
Amag CEO Helmut Ruhl: "Family businesses play a unique role in the Swiss economy and society. Based on a firm framework of values, they preserve traditions and drive innovative ideas. The award presented by Amag honors those companies that have succeeded over generations in repeatedly offering sustainable solutions for the future."
Evaluation of the applicants
A top-class jury is responsible for selecting the winning company. It is chaired by Gabriela Manser, Co-CEO and President of the Board of Directors of Goba AG. The judging process was developed by the Center for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at the School of Management Fribourg. The scientific procedure provides the basis for an objective evaluation of the applicants by the jury.
PREMIERE This year, the Street Parade was led not by a Lovemobile semitrailer. but by two light vehicles. At the 30th edition of the event drove at the top two Citroën Ami.
Editorial - August 17, 2023
The two light electric vehicles were wrapped in foil to match the Street Parade and had the numbers 3 and 0 on their roofs. The two cars were accompanied by the Eurodancers, a Swiss show and cheer dance group.
At the Street Parade, the Yanks were the fastest lovemobiles.
In addition to the physical presence of the new model among the 920,000 Street Parade visitors, the floats also appeared on digital advertising screens placed around all Street Parade stages, plus posts and stories on social media.
Development of the car landscape
With the Ami, Citroën continues its tradition of contributing to the development of the automotive landscape. With a length of 2.41 meters, a width of 1.39 meters and a height of 1.52 meters, the small Stromer has a practical size and requires only half a parking space. With its turning circle of 7.20 meters, the Ami is extremely maneuverable in the city and easy to park.
Thanks to its electric driving mode, the Ami is environmentally friendly and can easily drive into city centers without any restrictions. Thanks to its technology, it drives quietly, so its occupants can feel comfortable and relaxed.
The little car for two adults is available from 9090 francs.
To bring the motto "Everyday Extraordinary" to life for the new LBX, Lexus is organizing design-oriented pop-up events. An underground car park can become an extraordinary place.
Editorial - August 16, 2023
Naomi Lareine presents the new Lexus LBX at several events.
The Vinyl Factory is all about the senses from September 21 to 24 in London's Soho district, with an extraordinary display of lights in warm colors. This event is intended to illustrate that style plays a central role in the LBX, the brand's smallest model to date. LBX Ambassador Naomi Lareine will attend the event and share it with the community on her social media channels.
LED arches and skylights
The location initially looks like a normal underground parking garage. However, guests are transported through the façade into a world inspired by the LBX, as if they were in a theater. They move through the event as if they were driving a vehicle through a parking garage. As visitors explore the location, they are guided through LED arches and light canopies. These provide social media fans with opportunities to post spectacular content. Fields of billowing light bulbs to heart rate monitors with LED bar displays, the Extraordinary Car Park is an art experience that immerses you in another world.
Ambassador for Switzerland
Before the market launch of the LBX, further events will take place in the coming fall. The Extraordinary Street Gallery will take place in Madrid from October 26 to 29, and the Extraordinary Boulangerie in Paris will be held from November 23 to 25.
Naomi Lareine is a new part of the Lexus Switzerland team as ambassador for the Lexus brand and especially for the launch of the LBX. She is an artist whose music inspires not only in Switzerland but also internationally. She is the face in Switzerland for the new LBX, which will be launched in January 2024.
IT'S HORRIBLE On the weekend of August 19 and 20, the St. Ursanne - Les Rangiers hill climb will be held for the 78th time. In addition to the Swiss Championship, the classic in the Jura also counts towards the FIA European Hill Climb Championship.
Editorial - August 16, 2023
The summer break is over! 114 male and female participants have registered for the Swiss Championship. They are joined by 34 drivers who have registered for the FIA European Hill Climb Championship.
Christian Merli is one of them. The four-time European mountain champion set a new course record last year in his Osella FA30 and is also considered a firm favorite for this year's edition.
The 2023 European Championship leader in Category 2 (race cars), who is still unbeaten, can even close the title bag in Les Rangiers under favorable conditions if he can extend his lead (with two races left after Les Rangiers) to 50 points. In category 1 of closed cars, Macedonian Igor Stefanovski on Hyundai i30 TCR is leading. He will also be on the grid in Les Rangiers.
Ronnie Bratschi is at the start
Five Swiss drivers are also registered in the field of European Championship participants. Among them are Martin Bächler (VW Lupo), Alphonse Kilchenmann (Suzuki Swift), Jérôme Nicolet (Peugeot 308), Fabien Houlmann (Peugeot 205) and two-time Les Rangiers winner Roland Bossy (Dallara F3). Also on the grid: Ronnie Bratschi. The man from Uri, already a three-time race winner in the 2023 European Championship, is driving with a Czech license this year, however.
Marcel Steiner has to hold his own against strong competitors this time.
Victory for Marcel Steiner?
Back to the Swiss championship: there, the battle for the day's victory may be somewhat closer than in the European Championship standings. Although Marcel Steiner on his LobArt-Honda/Helftec has the best chances of winning in the absence of SM leader Eric Berguerand, the competition, above all the two Osella riders Robin Faustini and Joël Volluz (gallery right), are within striking distance. While Faustini is used to good performances, the fast rider from the Valais in particular has made huge gains in recent races. Last year, Volluz' gap to Steiner was still five seconds per run. Volluz will certainly not lose that much this time.
Opportunities for Joël Grand
In the formula race cars up to 2000 cm3, Joël Burgermeister Galerie (left) is considered the hottest candidate for victory. And that's despite the fact that the Thurgau native recently didn't feel entirely at ease at the hill climb in Osnabrück. Another of Burgermeister's opponents will be competing in Les Rangiers in the smaller displacement class (up to 1400 cm3): Joël Grand. The Valais native, who is competing this year with Wolf racing cars, is switching to the Thunder model for Les Rangiers (and Les Paccots), which is powered by a 1.15-liter motorcycle engine.
Roger Schnellman hopes
In the touring cars, Roger Schnellmann (center gallery) is the favorite in his Mitsubishi Evo 8 (cat. E1 plus 3500 cm3). The man from Wangen has so far won all the races in which he has taken part. However, because Schnellmann decided not to take part in the race in Massongex, he is only in second place in the overall standings, with Bruno Sawatzki in the Porsche 991.1 Cup from the highest-displacement Interswiss class in the lead. Will Schnellmann be able to catch up? One of eight results is cancelled out at the end of the season; in this respect - yes. But Sawatzki not only scored the 25 points for the class win last time out in Anzère, he also secured the two extra points for a new class record. And that could be the deciding factor at the end of the year.
Stephan Burri in the lead
In the Swiss Mountain Cup for touring cars up to 2000 cubic centimeters, Stephan Burri is the sole leader in his VW Scirocco. Burri is the only one to have scored the maximum points in all four races so far. Michael Schläpfer has also been able to extend his lead most recently in Anzère. Ahead of Les Rangiers, the Appenzeller is 27.5 points ahead of Thomas Zürcher in the Renault Classic Cup. "I'm looking forward to the race," says Schläpfer.
50 meters height difference
About the route: The route from St.Ursanne to Les Rangiers measures 5.180 kilometers. The difference in altitude is 350 meters. The average gradient is 6.8 percent. The absolute course record is held by Christian Merli in 1:39.201 min (= 188.0 km/h). It dates from the previous year. The record winner of the St.Ursanne - Les Rangiers hill climb is Simone Faggioli with nine overall victories - ahead of Fredy Amweg (7), Marcel Tarres (6), Lionel Régal (5) and Jo Siffert (4). Of the Swiss drivers currently competing, Marcel Steiner and Roland Bossy are the most successful participants with two victories each.
Saturday starts at 7 o'clock
The practice runs will take place on Saturday, August 19, from 7 a.m. (1st run), from 10:30 a.m. (2nd run) and 3 p.m. (3rd run). On Sunday, August 20, the first race heat will start at 7 am. The second heat will take place from 1 pm. The times of the two heats will be added together. The ticket costs 20 francs on Saturday, 25 francs on Sunday. A weekend ticket is available for 30 francs. Under 16s are admitted free of charge.
MADE TO SIZE The Chiron Super Sport Golden Era is the embodiment of Bugatti's Sur Mesure program, through which the French luxury brand designs and realizes personalized vehicles for its clientele.
Editorial - August 16, 2023
The journey of the personalized Chiron Super Sport Golden Era began, as with every Sur Mesure creation, with an intense collaboration between the Bugatti team and the customer. With the customized Golden Era, this customer wanted a car that would be incomparable and original, to pay homage to what he considered the pinnacle of internal combustion engine development, the Bugatti W16.
The new Bugatti model will go down in Bugatti history as a timeless example.
Revolutionary epochs
After close consultation with the designers and paint specialists in Molsheim, he immediately fell in love with the proposal to celebrate Bugatti's revolutionary eras. The idea was to create a visual work of art depicting the journey from Bugatti's founding in 1909 to the latest W16-engined models. A collection of 45 hand-drawn sketches illustrating the milestones of Bugatti's history was to transform a blank canvas into a total work of art.
Tradition and modernity
Accomplished Bugatti designers meticulously applied 19 sketches on the driver's side and 26 sketches on the passenger's side. Motifs include Bugatti's modern era since 1987, from the EB110 to the Chiron, as well as the groundbreaking moments from 1909 to 1956, with icons such as the Type 41 Royale and the Type 57 SC Atlantic. To highlight the intricate work on the sketches and emphasize the artistic design of the Golden Era, the body itself also had to reflect this celebration of Bugatti. Designers and paint specialists therefore developed the new Doré Gold color, creating a gentle transition to the special Nocturne Black version of the Chiron Super Sport.
Delivery end week
From the exterior, the masterpiece extends to the interior with a subtle allusion to the exterior sketches. On the curved leather door panels, the most important models from Bugatti's golden eras are depicted frontally. The Golden Era will be handed over to its owner at Monterey Car Week later this week.
WHERE TO MEET Following the success of 2021, Sportec will be back in action on August 19 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. At the 2023 Open House Day, there will be a sim competition, among other things, as well as fuel talks.
Editorial - August 15, 2023
Racers can compete against Marcel Fässler in the Sim Challenge.
Sportec is not about to let its guard down on the occasion of the Open House Day and is coming up with a packed program. Petrolheads, motorsport and classic car fans will be able to take a look behind the scenes. Under the motto Fight of the Bulls, two exclusive Lamborghini exhibits will be on show. The company will also be presenting its Plant 2 in Höri, and a sim competition will be held to beat three-time Le Mans winner Marcel Fässler on the virtual circuit at Monza.
Premiere Project SUB1000
Of course, the latest products of the house are not neglected at the Sportec-Fest. The new of the Sportec classic department may not be missing. The SUB1000 is the showpiece. Reduced to a minimum, it offers maximum dynamics, driving pleasure and emotion. Nothing was left untouched on the Porsche G-model. The entire body was changed, the technology modified and optimized. What's more, its interior is sleek, classic and sporty - and all this with a ready-to-drive weight of 990 kilograms.
Sportec GP in slow speed
With Plant 2, Sportec opens the doors of the location taken over in January 2022 to the public. This is also the starting point for the Sportec GP Höri. From here, Sportec Racing's race cars drive slowly on a closed-off track to Plant 1 (gallery on the right). And not just once a day. In addition, visitors are live when a bolide is measured under full load on the dynamometer (center gallery).
Professional against the rest of the world
At Plant 2, racers, sim racers and those who want to be one day can test themselves against three-time Le Mans winner Marcel Fässler in the Sim Challenge. The aim is to beat the Sportec motorsport boss' best time on the virtual circuit at Monza. At the end of the day, the fastest driver can win a Trackday Academy Stage 1 course in Lignières worth 800 Swiss francs.
Action is guaranteed at Hofstrasse 17 in 8181 Höri.
PARTNERSHIP The 14th roller coaster in the Croatian themed area of Europa-Park in Rust is called Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac. The ride is one of the most modern and spectacular rides in the world.
Editorial - August 15, 2023
Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac immerses you in breathtaking experiments with electricity and provides unparalleled adrenaline kicks. With a length of 1385 meters, the roller coaster is the longest multi-launch coaster on the continent and holds the record in Europe with three acceleration sections. Europa-Park's new roller coaster has almost 300 stands that catapult the trains up to 90 km/h no less than four times, including once in reverse.
The Nevera electric hypercar produces 1914 hp and a maximum torque of 2360 Nm.
Croatian car manufacturer
Rimac Automobili, based in Sveta Nedelja near Zagreb in Croatia, is a Croatian car manufacturer that develops and manufactures electric supercars, powertrains and battery systems. The company was founded in 2009 by Mate Rimac. Rimac employs 1500 people.
Visionaries and top engineers
Mate Rimac: "The history of the Mack family is very fascinating for me. What has been built up here over generations is incredible. The combination of Europa-Park and Bugatti Rimac is a great fit. We do crazy things in the automotive industry and Europa-Park does crazy things in the area of attractions. Visionaries and top engineers who strive to be the best in their field meet here."
At the start of the cooperation, a show was held in which over 300 drones were used. A successful start.
IT MUST ALL BE TUNED The Lamborghini Iron Lynx team has successfully completed the first tests with the SC63 prototype at the Imola circuit.
Editorial - August 15, 2023
Behind the wheel of the SC63 endurance prototype were the experienced test drivers Mirko Bortolotti, Andrea Caldarelli and Daniil Kvyat. The car is being prepared for the 2024 FIA WEC and IMSA Weather Tech Sports Car Championship racing series with these tests at Imola.
The Lamborghini SC63 will be prepared for the championships on several tracks.
After initial functional tests at Vallelunga earlier this month, Lamborghini Squadra Corse engineers and members of the factory-supported Iron Lynx crew came to Imola for runs on the new LMDh car.
Drive unit and Xtrac transmission
The test drivers covered 1500 kilometers during the two days of driving to gain further technical insights in several areas. The focus is on the drive unit and the Xtrac transmission. Additional test drives will soon be carried out in southern France - Paul Ricard - and Spa Francorchamps. The aim then will be to gain further insights into the speed limiter and traction control system.
