COMEBACK Until recently, KGM was known as Ssangyong Motor Company. Now the company is presenting the Torres as its first new model. The rugged SUV is scheduled to hit the Swiss market in September.
Editorial - 23 July 2023
KGM is launching the Torres, which was unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show in April and is already available in several markets. Named after a national park in Chile, the car is aimed primarily at adventurous drivers. With a luggage capacity of 703 liters, it is a suitable companion for any excursion.
Upgraded with a few accessories, the Torres makes an impressive appearance.
First gasoline, then also electric
Initially, the Torres will be available with a 163-hp 1.5-liter gasoline engine that can be combined with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. There will also be front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants. With three driving modes - Normal, Sport and Winter - for the automatic version and two modes - Normal and Sport - for the manual model, the Torres should be able to cope with any driving situation. An all-electric version will follow next year.
Special model 1st Edition for launch
The Torres is initially available as 1st Edition. This version is equipped with all-wheel drive as standard and is available in the colors Forest Green and Platinum Grey.
Marc Brunner, Country Manager KGM/SsangYong Switzerland at Astara: "The Torres will be in Swiss showrooms from mid-September, and the first deliveries to customers are also scheduled for that date."
Orders can be placed as of now. The 1st Edition is available for 47,790 francs - with a set of winter wheels and metallic paint. A little later, the Torres will also be available with front-wheel drive from 35,990 francs.
MODEL CARE The newly launched, all-electric Lexus UX 300e boasts a significantly increased range and many detail improvements. The Lexus Safety System Plus has also been expanded.
Editorial - 23 July 2023
The UX 300e, which was launched three years ago as the first all-electric Lexus model, has become even more attractive thanks to extensive improvements. The most important innovation is the 72.8-kWh battery, which increases the range by more than 40 percent to up to 450 WLTP kilometers. The higher aerodynamic efficiency - with cW 0.31 - also helps to maximize the range.
Numerous modifications have made the Lexus UX 300e even more comfortable and safer.
Flaps in the lower area of the radiator grille open and close depending on the battery's state of charge. With a charging power of 50 kW, the battery can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in 80 minutes. The battery feeds the compact electric motor, which drives the front wheels with a maximum output of 150 kW (204 hp) and torque of up to 300 Nm.
Hey Lexus helps as needed
The most noticeable improvement in the interior is the revised multimedia system. It offers more connectivity, easier operation, cloud-based navigation and a larger touchscreen. In addition, new upholstery options are now available. The new voice recognition system enables the use of the Hey Lexus on-board assistant. This makes it easier to make phone calls, operate the audio and climate control systems, and search for information on the Internet.
The Safety System Plus, which permanently monitors the road for potential hazards, has been further improved. The UX 300e is now equipped with an intersection assistant, an emergency steering assistant and a cruise control system with dynamic radar.
Sound system with 13 speakers
Detailed modifications to the body and chassis have also upgraded the driving experience. The long wheelbase of 2.64 meters enables stable handling and at the same time generous interior space. And thanks to the quietness of the interior, passengers can optimally enjoy the clear sound of the Mark Levinson Premium Surround sound system with 915 watts and 13 speakers. Prices on request.
DRIFTING WITH ETHANOL In 2023, Team Drift Force from Seelisberg will no longer be competing in the American Formula Drift, but in the Europa Masters with extremely powerful Toyota GR Supra cars newly developed in Switzerland.
Editorial - 22 July 2023
Founded by Yves Meyer and Joshua Reynolds in 2020, The Drift Force racing team is no longer focusing its efforts on the U.S. this year, but on the similarly competitive European scene.
Yves Meyer: "The level in the European Drift Masters has risen enormously. Since we have built completely new cars, it makes more sense to do all the development work on race tracks in Europe as well. The first races and experiences proved us right."
The Drift Force team from Seelisberg is now cross-country with the Toyota GR Supra.
Change to the GR Supra
The official brand ambassadors of Toyota Gazoo Racing Switzerland have taken a big step forward in terms of material by switching from the Toyota GT86 to the newer Toyota GR Supra model in order to become competitive. While the chassis was created in-house at The Drift Force, Maptec Motorsport Engineering in Romanshorn took over the development of the engine.
There, the conversion was carried out to meet the needs of drift racing, where particularly high power is required. As with the original Supra, the displacement remained at three liters, but the maximum power increased from 340 to more than 1000 hp. Even at 3500 rpm, 1240 Nm are available. Ethanol E85 is used as fuel.
Wall contact in training
Due to technical problems at the first meeting in Ireland in May, the team from Nidwalden decided to forgo the second event in Sweden and instead competed in the third round in Finland on the second weekend in July with two further modified Toyota GR Supra cars. Reynolds' car suffered major damage in practice after a heavy wall contact, and rain set in for Meyer in the middle of the qualifying runs. The next day, the engine of Meyer's car suffered connecting rod bearing damage, bringing the test day to an early end.
Yves Meyer: "We pulled out all the stops after the return and changed to components from the same manufacturer that Maptec already used in Joshua's engine. Our work since Ireland is now paying off. I was able to keep up with the pace of the best right from the start."
The next round of the Drift Masters European Championship will take the team to Riga in Lithuania in calendar week 30.
CAR-ART With German artist Cevin Parker, McLaren transforms the Artura into a work of art. To this end, Parker has designed a special livery for the high-performance hybrid super sports car.
Editorial - 22 July 2023
The McLaren supercar was made even more exclusive by artist Cevin Parker.
British sports car manufacturer McLaren Automotive announces a collaboration with Berlin-based German artist Cevin Parker in the form of a special design for the hybrid Artura model, whose name is a combination of art (Art) and the future (Futura). So the car's sleek, aerodynamically sophisticated silhouette is also a perfect canvas for the collaboration between McLaren and Cevin Parker.
Bastian Luehmann, Market Director Central Europe at McLaren: "We are delighted to announce this exclusive collaboration with Cevin Parker. Parker's talent and understanding of art have enabled him to create a remarkable design that perfectly captures the spirit of the Artura."
Passionate car enthusiast
Parker's abstract art also captures the essence of emotions and fleeting moments - a theme that plays a major role in the life of the artist and passionate car enthusiast. The Artura is the embodiment of these emotions, and its design reflects the pursuit of optimal performance and beauty.
Cevin Parker: "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with McLaren and bring together two of my greatest passions: Art and supercars. I'm excited to see how the public will react to this project."
To present the joint masterpiece, McLaren and Cevin Parker took pictures of the unique Artura at several locations in Berlin. The car will also be on display throughout the year at events at McLaren dealerships and at Art Basel Miami, for example.
ELECTRIC FUTURE Rolls-Royce showed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that the luxury class can also go electric. The brand presented its entire model range virtually on its doorstep.
Editorial - 21 July 2023
The Rolls-Royce model palette was not only classy, but also sporty and poppy.
Phantom, Ghost, Cullinan and Spectre demonstrated what the luxury car manufacturer can put on noble wheels. The audience was particularly interested in the first fully electric model, the Spectre coupe. It was also confirmed that all new models will be powered purely electrically by 2030.
Setting standards in the luxury class
The Phantom Extended sets standards in the luxury class segment. At this year's Festival of Speed, the car's Submariner Blue paint scheme shows inspiration from the world of large yachts. The interior was also designed to match this marine environment. Champagne bar, personalized umbrellas and picnic baskets with exquisite porcelain tableware are just examples of the long list of accessories. Almost every wish can be fulfilled by the professionals for the construction of cars of a special kind.
Brake calipers in bright red
In the Cullinan SUV, the designers devote themselves to the world of pop art. In the colors Gunmetal, Phoenix Red and Serenity Green - with brake calipers in bright red, the large Rolls models attract attention.
Launched in 2020, the Ghost presents itself as particularly stylish at Goodwood: with its Artic White exterior paint and dark interior, the latest RR offspring looks particularly classy, but also sporty. A blue Ghost was in action at the short hillclimb on the grounds of Lord March.
BEST OF TOP 10 As winner of the Cupra and Luzern Live Newcomer DJ Contest Felix Fierro could prevail against more than 100 competitors. Now he can play on the Cupra Electric Terrace at the Lucerne Live Festival on July 25.
Editorial - 21 July 2023
Felix Fierro prevails against more than 100 candidates in the competition.
Together with Luzern Live, Cupra Switzerland invited the best newcomer DJ in Switzerland to participate in the Cupra DJ Contest. The response was overwhelming and showed that the Swiss electronic scene has a lot to offer. The jury - consisting of the professional DJs Andrea Oliva, Patrischa and Yannick Müller - has chosen the harmonious mix of Felix Fierro out of the top 10 mixtapes sent in.
Music fits perfectly stylistically
Yannick Müller is convinced of Fierro's DJ qualities: "Felix's track selection was very creative and well thought out. In addition, his music fit stylistically perfectly on the terrace of the KKL."
On July 25, Fierro will be able to demonstrate his DJ skills live at the Cupra Electric Terrace at the KKL as part of the Lucerne Live Festival.
Music transports emotions
Nicolas Hobi, Head of Marketing Cupra Switzerland: "With Felix Fierro we were able to crown an extremely talented and highly motivated newcomer as the winner of our DJ Contest. For Cupra, music, especially in the electronic field, is an important building block in the development of its own brand identity. Music transports emotions, which are an important part of Cupra's DNA."
FUTURE For the current model year, Genesis offers further interesting technical improvements, including the world premiere of opening and starting the car by facial recognition and fingerprint.
Stefan Donat - 20 July 2023
The Face Connect biometric system makes keyless driving a reality, as it requires neither a physical key nor any electronic legitimation. Access is as simple as it reads: Touch the door handle (left gallery), look at the B-pillar, place your finger on the scanner and off you go.
At the same time, the personal settings for multimedia, seats and exterior mirrors are called up. Conversely, a handle and a glance are enough to lock the car again. The key is only needed for the first access. Once the face and fingerprint have been stored in the profile, the key can stay at home.
Genesis launches the biometric access system just like a smartphone.
Scan like a smartphone
Setting it up is just as easy as the biometric scan on the smartphone. After selecting the menu on the screen in the car, the fingerprint is scanned by tapping the sensor several times. For the face scan, you have to get out of the car and look into the infrared camera in the door frame. If the ring lights up green, the scan process is complete (center gallery). This is a 3D scan that cannot be falsified by a photo. The encrypted biometric data also remains in the vehicle and is not passed on to a cloud.
Intelligent planning of the route
In addition, Genesis offers further improvements for the current model year of its Stromer. These include intelligent route planning (gallery on the right), which suggests and calculates charging stops on a programmed route - including charging point availability, price and opening hours. The plug & charge function, i.e. communication and billing between charging station and vehicle without an app or charging card, is also available immediately for the GV60 and from the end of the year for the electrified GV70 and G80 models.
Mountain Championship: Who will be the half-time champion? 🎥
EVERY SECOND COUNTS The fourth race also marks the halfway point in the 2023 Swiss Mountain Championship. 217 male and female competitors have registered for the 46th edition from Ayent to Anzère.
Editorial - 20 July 2023
As in Hemberg or La Roche, the crème de la crème will be there. First and foremost the Big Five, who are racing for the day's victory: Eric Berguerand on his Lola FA99, Marcel Steiner on LobArt-Honda/Helftec, Robin Faustini on Osella FA30, Thomas Amweg on Reynard 95D and Joël Volluz (also on Osella FA30).
The absolute course record from Ayent to Anzère is held by Eric Berguerand.
Home advantage for the champion?
The statistics are clearly in favor of local hero Berguerand (pictured above). The Valais native has won the last three events (2018, 2019 and 2022). In optimal conditions, he was just as confident as in the rainy edition before Corona 2019. However, the seven-time Swiss mountain champion does not believe in a home advantage.
Eric Berguerand: "Anzère is on my doorstep, but in the end it's a race like any other. The important thing is that I can once again ski three clean runs after the incidents at Hemberg and most recently in Massongex. I'm happy to do without the extra work I've put in during the races so far.".
Chances of the two pursuers
Marcel Steiner (Gallery Left), who last triumphed in Anzère in 2017, will try to pull out all the stops to prevent Berguerand from another victory.
Marcel Steiner: "I am satisfied with the way the season has gone so far. And Anzère should also suit me better than Massongex. But whether that's enough to beat Eric - I don't know."
In Hemberg, Steiner managed to crack the bulwark of Berguerand. Another victory would be important with a view to the championship, which is led by the Valais.
For Robin Faustini, it's once again a matter of upsetting the two veterans: "What the car does technically in the meantime is good. The important thing is that we have a good run right from the start. If we don't manage that, we'll be lagging behind the whole weekend."
Threat for the favorites
Thomas Amweg (two races so far) and Joël Volluz (one race) will have a hard time to threaten the top 3 after their experiences so far. Amweg is still at the beginning of his development with the freshly built Reynard 95D, Volluz has shown consistency in La Roche with three runs within one second, but he still lacked almost three seconds for third place in the addition of the two fastest runs.
18 fight for the class victory
Behind these five drivers, the fastest 2-liter race car is also likely to line up in Anzère. In Hemberg and in La Roche, it was the turn of Joël Burgermeister in his Tatuus F4, and in Massongex (in the absence of the Thurgau native), slalom king Philip Egli was Best of the Rest. One thing is already certain: the battle for the class win among the lower-displacement race cars definitely presents a good picture in terms of quantity. 18 drivers are entered - including Marcel Maurer, Joël Grand, Roland Bossy, Lionel Ryter and Victor Darbellay. In the touring car category, too, Anzère is home to all the big names. First and foremost Bruno Sawatzki. The leader in the overall standings has won all three of his 319 races so far.
Height difference is 319 meters
The Route from Ayent to Anzère measures 3.5 kilometers (video). The difference in altitude is 319 meters. The average gradient is 9.12 percent. The absolute course record is held by Berguerand in 1:24.240 min (= 149.572 km/h). It dates from the previous year. The record winner of the Ayent-Anzère hill climb is Fredy Amweg with 13 victories - ahead of Jean-Daniel Murisier (9), the godfather of Joël Volluz. Of the current participants, Berguerand is the most successful driver with seven victories - followed by Steiner (4), Bossy (3) and Volluz (1).
Honoring the winners Sunday evening
Racing in Anzère will start on Saturday and Sunday (July 22 and 23) at 7:15 a.m. each day. The award ceremony will take place on Sunday from 19.30. Each class will have three runs (if possible). The two fastest times will be added together. Adults pay 10 francs on Saturday and 15 francs on Sunday. Children are charged 5 francs. Children under six are free.
TENDENCE INCREASING The listings on AutoScout24 continued their growth trajectory in the first half of 2023, recording a significant increase in the volume of listings compared to 2022, with almost 500,000 vehicles.
Editorial - 20 July 2023
Maurice Acker: "In the first half of 2023, SUVs have grown the most in percentage terms."
AutoScout24 saw a particularly strong increase in the number of electric cars on offer. More than 50 percent more electric cars were advertised on the online platform. The average prices of the vehicles remained at a high level and even rose, depending on the vehicle category. In contrast, vehicles with alternative drive systems recorded a slight price reduction in the first half of the year. Electric cars were advertised for the longest time on AutoScout24, averaging 70 days, while minivans had the shortest standing time at 47 days.
Difficulties overcome
Maurice Acker, Director Business Customers: "The supply problems in the Swiss car market seem to have been largely overcome. Car seekers are pleased to have more choice on our marketplace, with 11.6 percent more vehicles advertised in the first half of the year than in the previous six months. Many individuals and companies who had ordered a new car are finally able to take delivery of it, which means the previous vehicle ends up on the used car market. From January to June 2023, about 73 900 new cars were advertised. In total, there were around 423 600 used cars on our portal."
27,000 electric cars on trend
The number of advertisements for electric cars increased the most in percentage terms. From January to June, over 9,000 more electric cars were advertised than in the previous six months, an increase of 51.9 percent. For plug-in hybrids and full hybrids, the increase was 28.4 percent each. Although most vehicles on AutoScout24 are still gasoline or diesel vehicles, their share is decreasing. Alternative drive systems such as natural gas and hydrogen continue to enjoy a niche existence on AutoScout24.
LIFESTYLE OUTDOOR Hyundai presents a completely new fifth generation of the Santa Fe midsize SUV. The most striking features of the new edition are the massive, linear exterior design and the spacious interior.
Editorial - 19 July 2023
The front of the Santa Fe gives the impression of grandeur with its high hood.
For the first complete model change of the Santa Fe since 2018, Hyundai chose an unconventional approach. With its large tailgate and terraced luggage compartment, the expansively dimensioned vehicle offers particularly versatile and convenient application options.
Sangyup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center: "The new Santa Fe combines the qualities of an SUV with a perfect balance of urban use and outdoor experience. It's suitable for everything from family road trips to camping adventures."
Distinctively drawn body design
The Santa Fe's angular shape and striking silhouette result from its long wheelbase and wide rear end. The front gives the impression of grandeur with the high hood, H-shaped headlights and sharp contours of the fenders. The headlights harmonize with the H motif in the lower section of the front end. In the side view, the sharply contoured wheel arches, short front overhang and 21-inch wheels stand out.
Panorama display and 12.3-inch digital display
The interior offers plenty of space for all kinds of adventures. The fully folding second and third row seats allow for a comfortable amount of space. The interior design emphasizes horizontal and vertical lines with an H motif on the dashboard and air vents to enhance the feeling of openness. A curved panoramic display connects the 12.3-inch digital display to the infotainment system to improve clarity.
Hyundai will provide information on the powertrain technology and pricing of the new model later.
Honoring the winners Sunday evening
Difficulties overcome
27,000 electric cars on trend
Distinctively drawn body design
Hyundai will provide information on the powertrain technology and pricing of the new model later.