MARANELLO SAYS HELLO The Ferrari Testa Rossa is one of the most prestigious classics. Little Car Company has made it a miniature replica, for which a new configurator has been provided.
Editorial - 26 July 2023
The Little Car Company, manufacturer of handmade, electrically powered miniature cars, has developed a new configurator together with software specialist Ibisdev. This is designed to give customers maximum creative freedom for personalization. Thanks to the 3-D display with augmented reality, the configured car is brought to life. Customers can not only choose one of many historic paint colors, but also determine their own starting number.
The small electrically powered replica fulfills all customer wishes thanks to the new configurator.
Cooperation with Ferrari
The 250 Testa Rossa model, which won 18 races in the 1950s and 1960s, was created in collaboration with Ferrari. The small Testa Rossa J from Little Car Company is a faithful replica of the original, but is powered purely electrically. With the Pacco Gara upgrade, among other things, the engine power can be increased to 14 kW in race mode. As an official Ferrari model, the Testa Rossa J meets the highest standards, as the engineers have taken their cue from the craftsmanship of the technicians from Maranello to produce the Little Car.
Four driving modes depending on demand
With the Manettino, inspired by that of the 812 Superfast model, the driver selects one of the four driving modes Novice (1 kW, 24 km/h), Comfort (4 kW, 40 km/h), Sport (10 kW, 80 km/h) or Race (12 kW, 80 km/h).
Says Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, "The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a car that is full of history and tradition. With our new configurator, customers can put all their personal taste into the car."
TUNING With the RS7 Legacy Edition Abt Sportsline presents a special model shortly after the RS6 Legacy Edition, which is also limited to 200 units and is supposed to meet highest performance demands.
Editorial - 26 July 2023
The new special model Abt RS7 Limited Edition combines attractive sport optics with a lot of additional performance.
The Audi RS7 Sportback entered its second generation in 2020 with an extensive facelift. Since then, the look of the RS7 has differed considerably from that of other A7 derivatives. The front apron with the honeycomb inlays typical of Audi Sport and the huge air intakes make for a strong appearance. At the rear, the standard RS7 bears the oval tailpipes typical of all Audi RS models.
Distinctive additional performance
Now the engineers at Abt Sportsline have set their sights on this model. The tuner increased the standard 630 hp of the RS7 Performance to around 760 hp and a maximum torque of 980 Nm with its in-house Power-R technology.
The suspension adapted to the increased performance with the coilover springs and the Abt stabilizers on the front and rear axles ensure perfect roadholding at all times. The free-standing rear spoiler and the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport 295/30 ZR22 tires mounted on forged wheels in Glossy Black also play their part.
Unmistakable appearance
Visually striking, the Abt RS7 LE is also distinguished by the Signature Carbon Bold surface used for the add-on parts. Also special are the hood with the carbon insert, the front lip with the front blades, the mirror cap attachments and the side blades as well as the rear skirt insert. The perfect sound is provided by the Abt stainless steel silencer system, which ends in 4-pipe trims with a diameter of 102 millimeters.
The special model is also visually distinguished from the standard RS7 by the refinement of the front seats with Abt logo in the headrest and RS7-LE logo in the head of the backrest. The steering wheel stands out with its high-quality Alcantara finish and 12 o'clock marking.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE Supercar maker Koenigsegg unveils the production version of the Gemera, unveiled as a study in 2020, and shows off the home of the high-performance model - the Gripen Atelier.
Editorial - July 25, 2023
In the halls of the Gripen Atelier on the Koenigsegg campus in Ängelholm, Sweden, the Gemera is initially being built on an area of more than 11,000 square meters, and later further models are to be built there after further expansion on an area of around 30,000 square meters.
Seats four, V8 mid-engine hybrid powertrain and a refined transmission. The Gemera is unique.
Horrendous peak performance
Christian von Koenigsegg, founder and CEO of the brand, describes the model as the world's first four-seater megacar, with horrendous top performance, a gigantic technical masterpiece. Unlike the two-seater Regera, the new Gemera uses the 9-speed LSTT transmission (Light Speed Tourbillion Transmission) rather than the Direct Drive system. Two drive groups are optionally available.
System power up to 2300 hp
The Gemera TFG combines a 3-cylinder biturbo gasoline engine (600 Nm, 600 hp) with the new Dark Matter electric motor (1250 Nm, 800 hp). This results in a system output of 1400 hp and a maximum torque of 1850 Nm. Naturally, this drive power is distributed to all four wheels. In the Gemera HV8 model, Koenigsegg proves that even a hybrid drive with V8 biturbo mid-engine and four seats can be combined. While here the electric motor again delivers 1250 Nm and 800 hp, 1500 Nm and 1500 hp come from the 5-liter biturbo V8. According to the manufacturer, this adds up to 2750 Nm and 2300 hp.
Race car power-to-weight ratio
Christian Koenigsegg: "The Gemera HV8 is not only the most powerful production car on the planet, it is also the most practical and customer-friendly model we have ever built. The power-to-weight ratio is 0.9 kilograms per horsepower. Production of the Gemera is scheduled to start in late 2024, with first deliveries in 2025."
Mountain championship: Eric Berguerand stays on the ball 🎥
AND IT'S GOING ON After victories in La Roche and Massongex, Eric Berguerand also won the fourth round of the Swiss Mountain Championship in Anzère at the weekend, just ahead of Marcel Steiner and Joël Volluz.
Editorial - July 25, 2023
Eric Berguerand remains the measure of all things in the Swiss mountain championship.
In the fourth round from Ayent to Anzère, the home race of the 44-year-old Valais native, Eric Berguerand secured his third win of the season in his Lola FA99, the eighth overall in Anzère. However, the overall leader in the Swiss mountain championship had to stretch himself.
After two of three heats, Marcel Steiner (left gallery) in his LobArt-Honda/Helftec was still just under two tenths of a second ahead of Berguerand. Then last year's champion turned it up a notch and again went under 1:25 min in the third heat. In the addition of the two fastest heats, this was enough to push Steiner out of first place with a mini-lead of just under four tenths of a second.
Personal best time of the day at the limit
Eric Berguerand: "As it turned out, I was driving with a broken shock absorber. The damage was probably still from Massongex and I hadn't noticed it. I had to set a really good time again in the last run to catch Marcel. I managed to do that with my personal best time of the day. But that was at the limit."
Joël Volluz in third place
Behind the two dominators of the mountain season so far, Joël Volluz (center gallery) on Osella FA30 secured third place. The Valais native, who had only competed once before Anzère this season in La Roche, was still in fourth place after the first run behind brand colleague Robin Faustini. With a brilliant second race run in 1:25.6 min, Volluz catapulted himself to third place. He defended this position in the third heat to claim his first podium finish of the season - ahead of Faustini and Thomas Amweg on the Reynard 95D.
JoëlBurgmeister with record time
Close behind, Joël Burgermeister drove a Tatuus Formula 4 to 6th place in a new record time in the 2-liter race cars, making the Thurgau native the fastest 2-liter race car driver in his class in all the mountain races he has driven so far (he did not race Massongex).
Once again, Philip Egli came in second in Burgermeister's category. Although he only recorded two timed runs, the native of Glarus safely crossed the finish line in second place ahead of Marcel Maurer. Fourth place went to local hero Joël Grand in the Wolf GB08 F1 Mistral. Behind him, Roland Bossy in his Dallara F311 took fifth place in the class.
Fastest touring car driver
The fastest touring car driver, Roger Schnellmann (gallery on the right), slipped between Maurer and Grand in the overall classification. The man from Schwyz was around five seconds faster per run in his Mitsubishi Evo 8 than Bruno Sawatzki in his Porsche 991.1 Cup. The 52-year-old from Balzers, who won his category, the Interswiss plus 3500 cm3, clearly ahead of mentor Christoph Zwahlen and Roland Bischofberger, thus remains the overall leader in the touring cars.
The third-fastest driver with a roof over his head was Simon Wüthrich, who like Steiner is one of the drivers using syn-fuel this year. Fourth fastest was Frédéric Neff, who after his reclassification from the Interswiss to the E1 took second place in the class over 3500 cm3 behind Schnellmann, as expected.
Toni Büeler in the points again
Other class winners in Anzère included (with more than one opponent in their respective groups) Toni Büeler (Mitsubishi Evo RSC, Gr. N), Yves Bracelli (Peugeot 106 GTI, A/ISA up to 1600 cm3), Stephan Moser (Toyota Yaris, IS up to 1400 cm3), Christoph Mattmüller (VW Scirocco, IS up to 1600 cm3), overall Mountain Cup leader Stephan Burri (VW Scirocco, IS up to 2000 cm3), Armin Banz (Opel Kadett C, IS up to 2500 cm3), Martin Oliver Bürki (BMW E33, IS to 3500 cm3), Mathias Schläppi (Hyundai i30, TCR), Joël Werthmüller (Peugeot 106, E1 to 1600 cm3), Fabien Houlmann (Peugeot 205, E1 to 2000 cm3), Farine Benoît (Honda CRX, E1 to 2500 cm3), Hermann Bollhalder (Opel Speedster, E1 to 3000 cm3) and Anthony Gurba (Formula Arcobaleno, E2 to 1600 cm3).
Victory in the Renault Classic Cup went (in the absence of Tom Zürcher) to championship leader Michael Schläpfer - ahead of Philipp Krebs and René Schnidrig. Detailed report to follow.
... and so it goes on:
August 18-20, St.Ursanne - Les Rangiers
August 25-27, Oberhallau
09 and 10 September, Gurnigel
September 16 and 17, Châtel-St-Denis - Les Paccots
THREE YEARS AGO This month, Paravan GmbH celebrates 25 years of vehicle conversions, 20 years of drive-by-wire and 15 years of power wheelchairs. The accessible vehicle became a game changer for disability mobility.
Editorial - July 25, 2023
With the Hyundai Staria, Paravan presents a platform for vehicle conversions for the disabled.
It all started in 1998, when Roland Arnold presented the first Paravan from his workshop in Pfronstetten-Aichelau - a Chrysler Voyager with a lowered floor and a ramp on the passenger side. With the Space Drive digital driving and steering system, a person in a wheelchair could drive directly into the car without assistance and settle into the driver's seat or the passenger side.
Cassette lift and transfer console
What works in a wheelchair should also work in a car. Paravan founder Arnold developed a drive-by-wire system that allowed individual input devices to operate the gas, brake and steering of a car. In the years that followed, the technology and product portfolio underwent continuous development. Further products were added, such as the cassette lift or the transfer console. This was followed in 2008 by the power wheelchair, which is permanently connected to the car via a docking station and is approved as a driver's seat.
Broad application potential
The mobility tinkerers soon also realized that Space Drive had a wide range of potential applications outside of handicap solutions: from transportation and logistics to agriculture, mining and autonomous driving. In 2013, Space Drive 2 received road approval with a new safety architecture. The system was developed according to the highest safety standards. In 2019, Arnold ventured into motorsports and brought the world's first race car without a mechanical connection between the steering unit and steering gear onto the race track. Entries in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, in the DTM and in the GT Masters followed.
Challenges of the New Mobility
Future autonomous vehicles must also be barrier-free. This is the only way that automation, for example through assistance systems, can also benefit people with disabilities and further expand the circle of users. This is where Paravan GmbH sees the future focus of development.
NEW TECHNOLOGY British automaker Jaguar Land Rover is looking to artificial intelligence capabilities to protect and strengthen its supply chain. To do so, JLR plans to partner with Everstream Analytics.
Editorial - July 25, 2023
Barbara Bergmeier, Executive Director Industrial Operations JLR, explores ways to create more secure supply chains.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a new collaboration with Everstream Analytics. The industry-leading supply chain mapping and risk analytics expert will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into JLR's supply chain management. The new technology will enable JLR to monitor its supply chain in real time. This is expected to prevent global supply issues in the future and protect vehicle production.
Comprehensive strategy
Using a combination of AI and human intuition, data is analyzed to show emerging events such as natural disasters, strikes, data breaches and export issues on a world map. JLR is then warned of potential impacts on its supply chain. The automaker is introducing Everstream technology as part of a broader strategy. It aims to build a digital supply ecosystem that provides end-to-end transparency and security.
Long-term partnership
Barbara Bergmeier, Executive Director Industrial Operations JLR, explains, "As part of our Re-imagine strategy, we are building a trusted digital-first ecosystem for Industrial Operations consisting of advanced technologies and long-term strategic partnerships that will give us an end-to-end view of global crises."
Now a new value chain is being developed around the next generation of luxury electric vehicles.
Growth in the third quarter
The global pandemic and the semiconductor crisis have caused huge disruptions in the automotive supply chain. Thanks to the work of the teams responsible for supply security, JLR has overcome this phase and has again recorded quarterly growth in production and wholesale volumes since the third quarter of fiscal 2023.
Many owners of electric cars are planning their first vacation trip with an electric vehicle this summer. The most important thing is to be well prepared. Follow the tips from the TCS.
Editorial - July 25, 2023
A valuable aid that electric car travelers cannot do without is the smartphone.
Those who have not owned their electric car for long should get to know it first. This can be done by trying out various apps for planning and activating charging stations in one's own area. Likewise, one should familiarize oneself with different charging networks.
Early planning of charging stops reduces the risk of a stressful situation during the journey. An app can be used to prepare route planning, find suitable and free charging stations, and make payments.
The TCS eCharge app has 256,000 charging points in Switzerland and Europe. Accordingly, accounts must be created and the corresponding charging cards ordered well in advance of the trip.
The loading speed is important
When traveling, the charging speed is decisive. At low or very high temperatures, the charging power is reduced by the battery management system in the car. Before leaving the highway, the TCS recommends filling up the battery again at a fast charger.
Often, only AC charging stations can be found at tourist destinations. There, a full charge may take several hours. A mobile charger such as the Juice Booster is recommended. It can be used to charge at all kinds of outlets because the electronics prevent overloading the grid. However, the charging speed is low.
20/80 rule must be observed
The remaining range should not fall below 20 percent, and driving can continue at 80 percent charge. In electromobility, neither cash nor credit card is needed. Payment works via the app, charging card or QR code.
Compared to 120 km/h, 100 km/h reduces power consumption by around 30 percent. You often travel faster if you drive more quietly and have to charge less often.
FUTURE Sports car manufacturer Porsche wants to remain a popular employer for people with ambitious dreams. The employer branding campaign "Dream Job Porsche" is designed to ensure this.
Editorial - July 24, 2023
The campaign focuses on employees from different areas of the company. They provide insights into the dreams that drive them. The image motifs and video spots are implemented in the style of collages and are aimed at ambitious junior staff and competent professionals.
Focus on employees
Porsche has been making dreams come true for 75 years. "Driven by dreams" applies not only to sports car customers, but also to employees. These are now the focus of a campaign with which Porsche is sharpening its image as an employer.
Andreas Haffner, Member of the Executive Board for Human Resources and Social Affairs at Porsche: "Our employees shape Porsche's success with their own personal dreams and perspectives. For young talent in particular, the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution is a decisive factor in choosing their employer. This is precisely where our new campaign comes in."
Porsche has around 1,000 vacancies in IT and tech areas.
Innovative strength and team spirit
The campaign responds to the question of personal meaningfulness with a clear message: people who follow their dreams are in exactly the right place at Porsche. The basis for this is provided by Porsche's corporate culture, which is characterized by innovative strength and team spirit, among other things. With the campaign, Porsche wants to address all target groups relevant to the company: from trainees to production specialists to experts in the fields of software, IT or tech.
Starter package for the campaign
The new employer campaign was launched in Germany at the beginning of July. The international roll-out is scheduled for 2024. The sports car manufacturer is placing content on various online and offline channels. The campaign's starter package can be found on the porsche.de/traumjob website, which will be enriched with additional target-group-specific content and formats as the campaign progresses. In a video, portrayed people form a colorful mix of different specialist areas, age groups, training backgrounds and management levels.
WHERE YOU MEET This only happens in Zurich. The live show "Indianapolis in Oerlikon" with historic motorcycles and cars, which has been popular with fans for years, will start on July 27, 2023, as usual on the open race track.
Editorial - July 24, 2023
Around 60 two-, three- and four-wheeled vintage racing vehicles will rattle over the almost 45-degree slope. Some of the vehicles will reach speeds of over 100 km/h on the 333.33-meter-long concrete oval. Once again, the event organized by Georg Kaufmann and his team will also feature precious rarities, the oldest dating back to the 1920s.
Since 2018, "Indianapolis in Oerlikon" has been one of Switzerland's cultural events worthy of protection. Photos: Jürg Streun
First tests already in 1946
Naming this event after the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, which is considered one of the most popular destinations in the world for all motorsports fans because of its motor speedway, was a clever marketing idea by IGOR (Interests Community Open Track, which has been operating this facility since 2002).
But it was not the IGOR men who had the idea of attracting the public to Oerlikon with vintage racing cars on the legendary concrete track. Georg Kaufmann, who organizes "Indianapolis in Oerlikon" in cooperation with IGOR, his brother Jo Kaufmann (whose heart beats above all for the two- and three-wheeled vintage cars) and competent help from the licensed race director Kari Marti, was amazed when he saw a brown poster "Rennbahn Oerlikon Autorennen" (Oerlikon Racecourse Car Race) on a London picture market some time ago and immediately bought it at auction...
About 40 motorcycles and 60 cars
How times have changed: "Indianapolis in Oerlikon" is no longer a racing event, as it was in the months after World War 2. Today, striking safety precautions are necessary. However, the event has not lost any of its appeal. On the one hand, "Indianapolis in Oerlikon" is an open-air museum with historic bolides and sports cars and up to three dozen two- and three-wheeled motorcycles, some with sidecars.
Indianapolis 2023 Details
The Open Racecourse Oerlikon opens its gates and ticket offices at 2 pm. From 3 p.m., the participating vehicles can be viewed inside. The first of the three scheduled demonstrations on the track starts at 6 pm. At 6:30 p.m., the bike races will start. Other highlights of the evening will be the two stand-up races, where racers will reach up to 85 km/h on heavy motorcycles in the shadow of the pacemakers. What awaits the visitors you can see in the video of 2022. event closing time is 10 pm. Postponement date in case of bad weather: Thursday, July 27.
The admission price per person is 20 francs. There is now a number of numbered seats for 40 francs. Advance ticket sales now at the box office at the open racecourse. Payment with Twint is possible.
CLEVER FUTURE Next November, Škoda will present the fourth generation of the large Superb sedan. Like its predecessors, the new edition combines a striking design concept with a wealth of equipment.
Editorial - July 24, 2023
With more space and more safety features than ever before, the new Superb generation writes the next chapter in the long history of Škoda's flagship model. The first edition of the new era found around 137,000 buyers between 2001 and 2008. Starting with the second generation, built between 2008 and 2015, Škoda also offered an estate version, and with the third generation, produced since 2015, the total number of units passed the million mark. To date, Škoda has delivered more than 1,560,000 Superb models of all generations worldwide.
The new Superb, which will be available from November, has increased in interior size and equipment.
Gasoline, diesel and a hybrid
The fourth generation of the Superb, which is rolling off the production line at the Bratislava plant in Slovakia, now offers even more space and is safer than ever. This is ensured by ten airbags, numerous assistance systems and up to 28 Simply Clever solutions.
Three gasoline units, two diesel engines and a new plug-in hybrid with an extended electric range of 100 kilometers cover requirements from 150 to 265 hp. For the first time, Škoda is also offering the Superb with a mild hybrid variant. All engines are combined ex works with the DSG automatic direct-shift gearbox.
Sedan and station wagon on offer
An important change in the interior of the Superb, which is again built as a sedan and station wagon, concerns the lever for changing gears. It is now located on the steering column, creating more space on the center console. The Simply Clever details include, for example, the electrically operated roller blind that serves as a luggage compartment cover in the Superb Combi, the center armrest with integrated tablet holder between the rear seats, and the double pocket at the back of the front seats.
