The history of the Land Cruiser goes back to 1951, when the Toyota BJ rolled onto the streets. This model was the first vehicle ever to reach the sixth mountain station on the slopes of Mount Fuji. Since then, the off-road legend has stood for durability and reliability on any surface worldwide.

Significantly higher stiffness

A new frame and body are designed to give the classic off-roader even greater rigidity. Electric power steering, available for the first time, increases comfort even when driving off paved roads. The decoupleable front stabilizer bar can be adjusted to driving conditions via a switch on the dashboard. The multi-terrain system has been further developed and will in future also offer a camera view of the road surface.

In Western Europe, Toyota offers the Land Cruiser with a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine. This produces 204 hp and transmits its power via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is 3.5 tons. An electrified powertrain in the form of a 48-volt hybrid system for the diesel has been announced for early 2025.

As a seven-seater if required

The Land Cruiser is available as a five- or seven-seater. It is 4.92 meters long, 1.98 meters wide and 1.87 meters high, and the wheelbase is 2.85 meters. Short overhangs, pronounced edges and a narrower underbody dominate the body. The flat hood, low beltline and low-lying side windows give good all-round visibility.

For the market launch, Toyota is creating a First Edition, which customers can reserve in the first pre-sales phase starting in October. It is limited to around 3000 units and has special styling features such as classic round headlights and a 2-tone paint finish. The first vehicles are expected to be delivered in the first half of 2024.

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Video: carwow

Škoda is launching the compact Scala (top gallery) and the Kamiq crossover model (bottom gallery) with a comprehensive update. Both model series are based on the MQB-A0 platform and are equipped with Evo2-generation TSI gasoline engines that deliver between 95 and 150 hp. The Scala now looks even more dynamic with its re-sharpened lines, and the upgraded design of the Kamiq underscores its robust SUV-style appearance.

Even more safety

Both models are supplied with LED matrix headlights as an option. The increased use of recycled and natural materials ensures even greater sustainability in the interior. The new range includes three trim levels each and six interior variants plus optional packages. A Digital Display with an 8-inch screen and an 8.25-inch infotainment system are standard equipment. In addition, new Simply Clever details round off the new editions.

Johannes Neft, Board Member for Technical Development at Škoda Auto: "When updating Scala and Kamiq, we placed a lot of emphasis on safety. The model series now offer a wide range of assistance systems that are normally found in higher vehicle segments."

Two successful models

As a practical hatchback with extensive standard equipment, the Scala has set standards with its large interior and luggage space. Since its launch, Škoda has delivered almost 230,000 units to customers in 57 markets. Škoda entered the crossover segment with the Kamiq. As the third model series in the SUV offensive, it quickly became a bestseller. To date, around 351,000 vehicles have rolled off the production line.

Sustainable and efficient

The entry-level engine is the 1-liter three-cylinder with 95 hp and 5-speed manual transmission. Škoda offers the 115 hp 1.0 TSI with 6-speed manual or 7-speed direct shift automatic. The 1.5 TSI four-cylinder with 150 hp has cylinder deactivation.

As a typical Simply Clever detail, there is now a convenience opening for the optional electrically operated tailgate, available for the first time on these models. Prices on request.

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The 911 S/T combines the strengths of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package and 911 GT3 RS models and offers a unique combination of agility and driving dynamics. It combines the naturally aspirated 525-hp four-liter boxer engine from the GT3 RS with a short-ratio manual transmission. Added to this, of course, is an adapted chassis setup.

Lightweight of 1380 kilograms

With an unladen weight of 1380 kilograms (DIN), the 911 S/T is the lightest model of the 992 generation. This required considerable effort. The front lid, roof, front fenders and doors are made of carbon reinforced plastic (CfK). The same applies to the roll cage and rear axle stabilizer. Porsche also equips the anniversary model with magnesium wheels, the PCCB ceramic brake system, a lithium-ion starter battery and lightweight glass as standard.

With its light-footed and agile handling, the new model is consistently designed for maximum driving pleasure on winding country roads. It responds directly and without delay to the driver's commands. Every steering movement, every press of the accelerator or brake pedal is immediately and precisely implemented. Unlike the 911 GT3 RS, the focus of development of the 911 S/T was not on circuit use but on driving on public roads.

To 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds

Thanks also to the new lightweight clutch in conjunction with a single-mass flywheel, the response of the naturally aspirated engine is significantly improved. The 911 S/T accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and its top speed is 300 km/h. Ultra-high performance tires in the dimension 255/35 ZR 20 provide plenty of grip on the front axle, and tires in the dimension 315/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

The Porsche 911 S/T can be ordered now at a price starting at 366,000 Swiss francs. It will arrive at dealers in late fall. The Heritage Design package costs 21,280 francs, the special Chronograph 1 - 911 S/T 11,950 francs.

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For once, there will certainly be little talk of electric cars in Safenwil. The trump card will be classic cars on two or four wheels - and they may be loud and smell unusually pungent once again. At this unique event on the grounds, visitors will have the opportunity to experience drivers and classic vehicles up close. Petrol talks and first-hand experience reports, test sitting on request.

Motorcycles and sidecars

For more than thirty years, the Oldtimer Grand Prix has attracted lovers of classic vehicles to Aargau. Around 2,500 visitors from all over Switzerland and nearby countries are again expected to attend the event, which is known far beyond the canton. On August 19, the engines will start at 9 a.m. and will not rest again until after 5 p.m.

Throughout the day, car rarities of all brands - vintage 1975 and older - as well as gems from the Emil Frey Museum can be marveled at. The drivers, some of them in original clothing of past eras, demand everything from their oldies on the short circuit. This year, the Friends of Old Motorcycles (FAM) will again round off the spectacle. They present motorcycles and carriages on the circuit and in the paddock.

Rallies through the midlands

$In addition to the circuit operation on the area also lead again star rides across the Mittelland. The field of participants will start new with time trials to tours with the designations north, south, west and east. The aim is to complete the prescribed route in a precisely defined time and to reach the finish without making any mistakes.

Those who find time can also visit the classic car collection of the Classic Center Switzerland on the other side of the highway. Visitors are chauffeured to the museum in an original London bus. Admission is free, and more than 1000 free parking spaces are available. More details on the website.

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The Nürburgring was a good place for Swiss racing drivers this weekend. In the fourth round of the Endurance Cup of the GT World Challenge, Raffaele Marciello (gallery left) and his teammates Jules Gounon and Timur Boguslavskiy celebrated a victory that was never in danger. The #88 Mercedes led the race from start to finish, with them only relinquishing the lead during the refueling stops.

Ricardo Feller in 3rd place

Marciello was not the only Swiss on the podium. Ricardo Feller (center gallery) secured third place as the best Audi driver - with a twelve-second lead over brand colleague Patric Niederhauser. Mercedes driver Miklas Born also achieved an absolute top result. The Basel native sensationally finished sixth overall with his two stablemates David Schumacher and Marius Zug, thus securing class victory in the Gold Cup - ahead of Rolf Ineichen on Lamborghini Huracan.

Title for the Swiss trio

Alex Fontana, Niki Leutwiler and Ivan Jacoma also had every reason to celebrate. With second place in the class, the trio secured the title in the Pro AM category ahead of schedule.

Alex Fontana: "I had no ABS for two or three laps and was more beside the track than on it. But we got through this critical phase and then fought our way back onto the podium."

Victory for Jenzer Motorsport

There was also a Swiss victory to cheer in Spa. With a start-finish triumph, Morris Schuring gave Team Fach Auto Tech its second victory of the year. See report in this newsletter. The Swiss anthem also sounded in Formula 3. Team Jenzer Motorsport from Lyss secured the best result of the season: victory for Briton Taylor Barnard. Third place went to Russian-born Nikita Bedrin ahead of Mexican Alejandro Garcia.

Léna Bühler also stood on the podium twice this weekend. In the sixth round of the F1 Academy, the driver from Vaud finished second twice. In the overall standings, Bühler is in second intermediate place ahead of the finale in Austin at Formula 1 on October 21 and 22. The gap to the leader Marta Garcia is 50 points.

6th place for Sébastien Buemi

For Sébastien Buemi (gallery, right), the Formula E season ended on a conciliatory note in London (see video). The former Formula 1 driver finished on the podium for the first time in three years. Buemi thus ended the season in 6th place. What matters even more: Buemi and his teammate, New Zealander Nick Cassidy, secured the team championship for the Envision Racing team. Nico Müller finished 19th in the final classification, Edoardo Mortara 14th.

Opportunities for Tiziano Kuzhnini

Tiziano Kuzhnini has a good chance of winning his second international karting title. The 13-year-old from Lucerne secured another final victory at the penultimate round of the IAME Series Italy in Lonato and leads by 17 points ahead of the final race on September 9 and 10 (also in Lonato).

Karel Staut, who competed for Switzerland in the FIA Academy, finished the season in 15th place with 28 points. At the finale in Cremona, Staut was sensationally on course for the podium when he was shot down by an opponent.

Source: Auto Sport Switzerland
motorsport.ch

Now that the passenger capsule has been fully certified, the research group at the Technical University of Munich is primarily investigating the propulsion system, levitation technology and vacuum behavior.

Says project manager Gabriele Semino: "The change from model scale to real dimensions and, in particular, Europe's first passenger test under vacuum conditions are an important milestone for scaling up the technology soon and implementing longer test segments. We can now study the system on a full-scale Hyperloop segment."

Five passengers have space

The demonstrator at the Ottobrunn Campus consists of three elements. The 24-meter-long test track in the form of a concrete tube has a diameter of around four meters and, in addition to a platform, also houses parts of the technology required for levitation and propulsion of the passenger capsule. The capsule has a full interior and can accommodate up to five passengers.

The third part of the system is the operations control center, which contains not only the control system for the system but also the powerful vacuum pumps. The aim of the project is to build a reference line by the end of the decade over several development stages, in which passengers can be transported at more than 900 km/h.

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The team, led by the then director of the Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Bienne, Fredy Sidler, together with the founders of the carmaker, father and son Lienhard, inaugurated the new location of the winning car in a custom-made, energy-autonomous glass container in front of the entrance.

Courage of the players involved

Background: Through a former schoolmate, Fredy Lienhard (center left in the gallery), founder of Autobau Erlebniswelt, came into contact with those responsible for the Biel Engineering School. It was important to the entrepreneur from eastern Switzerland to pay tribute to the pioneering work of the engineering school and the courage of the players involved. As a thank you for sponsoring the Bern Racing Team (BRT), he was allowed to exhibit the Spirit of Biel/Bienne II, before the solar car was donated to the Autobau Erlebniswelt in 2022. As a result, his son Fredy Alexander Lienhard restored the vehicle together with a professor and students from the engineering school.

Victory in the second race

Retrospect: On November 11, 1990, the Biel School of Engineering took part in the World Solar Challenge in Australia for the second time with its solar mobile. Powered by electricity from its own solar panels, the Spirit of Biel/Bienne II covered the more than 3000 kilometers from Darwin to Adelaide at an average speed of 65 km/h in just 46 hours.

After the team from the Biel School of Engineering had to give way to the industrial giants GM and Ford in the first staging, it won the second race in 1990 to everyone's surprise. The favored Honda team arrived at the finish line only one day later.

Exhibition in Romanshorn

After restoration by Fredy Alexander Lienhard and the team from the Engineering School in Biel, the vehicle can be viewed today in front of the Autobau Erlebniswelt in Romanshorn. The vehicle's solar panels are still fully functional after more than 30 years. In addition, the panels on the roof of the custom-made container provide a self-sufficient power supply, and USB sockets for the Mobils for visitors are also available.

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July 4 is a historic date. While the USA celebrates its Independence Day with huge fireworks displays on this day, a small car rolled off the production line in Turin for the first time without any fireworks at all on July 4, 1957. The Fiat 500 - the larger 600 had been launched two years earlier - marked the beginning of mass mobility in Italy. And now the 500, which has since been revived, is being followed by the 600 as an all-electric model.

Historical predecessor

Like the smaller 500, the 600e cites elements of its historic predecessor, which was popular in Italy at the time, especially with families. It is produced at the Polish plant in Tichy. However, at 4.17 meters, the new 600e is around one meter longer than its predecessor and also has four doors and a tailgate for the 385-liter luggage compartment.

Nine seconds to 100

The electric 600 is powered by the 115 kW (156 hp) Stellantis e-motor and reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in nine seconds. The 54 kWh battery is said to enable a range of 400 kilometers. In city traffic, which will be the 600e's ancestral biotope, 600 kilometers should be possible according to the WLTP measurement method. At a fast-charging station, it will take 30 minutes at best to charge the battery to 80 percent.

Coolness and dolce vita

Inside, 600 lovers can expect a design that, according to Fiat's marketing poets, should embody Italian coolness and the philosophy of dolce vita. An initial seat check reveals the reality to be less in the direction of dolce vita and more simply well made. Four adults have enough room, and the driver can even enjoy a massage function in the top version 600e La Prima (see galleries). Ambient lighting reaches 64 color combinations, and the most important information aids are clearly placed. With 15 liters of total volume, the storage compartments have family-friendly dimensions, and the seats are made of ivory-colored imitation leather.

Response to voice commands

La Prima is also equipped with assistance systems that enable partially automated driving. The adaptive cruise control adjusts the speed to the traffic conditions and reminds the driver to keep to the speed limit. In addition, the top version comes to customers with blind spot assist, emergency braking function and automatic parking, among other features. The infotainment combines a radio with navigation system that responds to voice commands.

In addition to the La Prima, Fiat offers the Red variant, in which Fiat collaborates with the Red charity, founded by musician Bono of U2 and American activist Bobby Shriver. Please note the video.

Combustion engine as an alternative

In addition, a combustion engine version of the 600 will roll onto the market in the future. The 600 equipped with a mild hybrid drive will initially be offered in Italy, Spain and Poland. Whether and when this version will also come to Switzerland has not yet been decided.

The first deliveries to customers are expected to take place this September in two equipment lines: the more expensive top version La Prima and the more affordable entry-level Red.

Source: auto-medienportal.net
fiat.ch

Fifth race of the season, second victory for the Swiss team: At Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Morris Schuring secured his first win in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. The fast Dutchman had already clinched pole position for the race. His teammates Gustav Burton and Alexander Fach finished 14th and 17th.

Morris Schuring: "Unbelievable! I am so happy. The season hasn't always been easy for me so far, so I'm even happier about the win. It really takes a load off my mind!"

Guided tour via Race distance

The 18-year-old Dutchman also crowned himself the youngest winner in the 31 seasons of the Porsche Supercup. Schuring defended his lead over the entire race distance against Porsche Junior Bastian Buus. The Dane from Team BWT Lechner Racing finished ahead of French CLRT driver Dorian Boccolacci and thus extended his lead in the overall Supercup standings. Schuring dethroned his Spa rival Buus, of all people, as the youngest Supercup winner of all time.

Exciting second half of the season

Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup: "The success of Morris Schuring and the previous victory of his teammate Alexander Fach as well as Porsche junior Bastian Buus and Harry King show that youth is in command this year in the Supercup. After a short summer break, it's off to the Supercup round with two races in one weekend. I think we will see a very exciting second half of the season."

Zandvoort is the next round

The next round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is part of the supporting program for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort from August 25 to 27, 2023.

Team manager Alex Fach: "Finally, the knot has been broken. After many ups and downs, we can celebrate our second victory this season. That's great - Morris showed an incredibly strong race."

specialistautotech.ch
motorsports.porsche.com

The E has a number of advantages for drivers. For example, there is no longer any need to search for sales outlets for the adhesive toll sticker. And if the windshield is broken, drivers do not have to go through the Swiss customs offices to get a replacement sticker. At the moment, the e-vignette for Switzerland can only be purchased via an Internet portal for 40 francs. The validity of the e-vignette begins with the purchase and does not differ in terms of validity period from the adhesive vignette (December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year).

Spot checks

This information is important for the purchase: vehicle category, country of registration and license plate number. It is not necessary to create a user account or enter any personal information. According to the website, payment can be made either by credit card (Visa and Mastercard) or with the Swiss payment app Twint. The purchase of the e-vignette is checked via random queries of the license plates.

Validity also over one year

In contrast to Croatia, where the e-vignette is to replace toll booths from the end of 2024, both systems will remain in place in Switzerland for the time being. The price is not to change, and the validity period is to remain at one year. The sale of adhesive vignettes is only to be discontinued when this reaches a share of less than ten percent.

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