Motorsport fans will also get the chance to witness the Mercedes team's 2021 world champion car, the W12, chasing up the hill with driver Esteban Gutiérrez at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place south of London from July 13 to 16.

Mick Schumacher: "It will be spectacular to drive in my father's 2011 car, even if it's only a short run. Just to experience this generation of cars will be mega. Knowing that my father drove this car makes it very special, and it will bring a lot of emotions."

Regularly in the points

The W02 was the second car built by Mercedes Grand Prix after the team's purchase in 2009. With it, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg scored regular points results on their way to fourth place in the Constructors' World Championship. With Michael at the wheel, the car's best result was a fourth place at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The W12 hardly needs an introduction. Driven by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, the car took nine victories and 19 further podium places in an exceptional 2021 season. Fans can get a close-up look at both cars in the F1 pit lane from Friday to Sunday.

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The Vespa brand has always stood for freedom and driving pleasure, and Disney has been dedicated to storytelling since time immemorial. A collaboration is therefore the obvious choice. Now the cult scooter has also become the embodiment of a dream in the fantastic adventures of Luca, the animation masterpiece from Disney and Pixar. The two timeless icons meet in a new project for Disney's 100th anniversary in the form of the new city runabout Disney Mickey Mouse Edition by Vespa.

Dreams in difficult times

Michele Colaninno, Chief Executive of Global Strategy, Product, Marketing and Innovation of Piaggio Group: "Dreams make us look to the future with optimism even in difficult times. An icon like Vespa couldn't help but celebrate an everlasting icon like Mickey Mouse with a tribute on the occasion of Disney's 100th anniversary."

Wheels remind yellow shoes

For this co-production, the Vespa Primavera 125cc is black, red, white and yellow, the colors of Walt Disney's world-famous mouse. The yellow wheels are reminiscent of Mickey Mouse's shoes, while the black mirrors are a nod to the unmistakable round ears. A graphic pattern tracing the silhouette of the character adorns both sides and the front of the Vespa.

Finally, the signature of Mickey Mouse could not be missing. It is emblazoned both on the saddle and on the front of the shield. The Disney Mickey Mouse Edition from Vespa also comes with a matching helmet in the same colors. In Switzerland, the new model is offered from 5495 francs.

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Abarth accompanied the world premiere of the seventh installment of the Mission Impossible series. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" and the Italian sports car brand met in Rome. The sequel to the film saga, staged by director Christopher McQuarrie, will also be presented in London, Abu Dhabi and other locations ahead of its worldwide theatrical release on July 12. The film will be released in Swiss cinemas on July 13.

Transformation to Stromer

In the spotlight during the premiere in the Italian capital were the historic 1960s Fiat 500 Abarth and the new Abarth 500e, the brand's first electrically powered model. A new Abarth commercial is also in Mission Impossible style. Driving through the winding streets of Rome, the historic model transforms into the new Abarth 500e.

Tom Cruise and team in danger

In the movie "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One" Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, and his team undertake their most dangerous mission yet. They are tasked with tracking down a terrifying new weapon before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Hunt's past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious enemy, Hunt must realize that nothing is more important than this mission - not even the lives of those he cares about most.

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The design study was presented at the company's International Design Center in Carlsbad, California. Makes sense, because that's where it was designed and built. So this very orange something is intended as a tribute to the Mercedes-Benz C 111. But unlike back then, no four-rotor Wankel, five-cylinder diesel or supercharged V8 engines are used under the futuristic shell today. The Vision One-Eleven drives electrically, of course.

Gullwing doors reminiscent of the 300 SL

Nevertheless, all sorts of things are done to create as many links as possible to the C 111. There are the gullwing doors, for example, but they are also reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL from 1954. The oval front end with the three diamond-shaped slits at the corners is an obvious link to the C 111, as are the two round taillights on the pixelated rear graphic. The two black-painted air vents on the hood also build a bridge to the '70s.

Complete control over the vehicle

Like the exterior, the interior also borrows from the sports car aesthetic of the 1970s. In addition to orange, a typical color of that era, bright white and glistening silver dominate. While the Vision One-Eleven allows the driver complete control, it is also designed for an autonomous driving experience. Then the seat backs move back, and the light-filled interior becomes a zone of complete relaxation. By means of augmented reality glasses, this driving mode can already be experienced conceptually today.

Aluminum and recycled products

When it comes to materials, Mercedes-Benz attaches great importance to authenticity. For this reason, gently tanned genuine leather is used in the interior in addition to aluminum and recycled products. This sets the Stuttgart-based company apart somewhat from other brands, which use similarly grained chemical material known as vegan leather instead of the noble natural product. Standing pedals, a Formula 1-style steering wheel and a user interface in pixel design complete the futuristic and very unusual look.

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While car air conditioning only established itself as a standard in Europe in the 2000s, America had already been cool for a long time. In 1938, first Nash, then Studebaker were equipped with the cooling systems. Finally, this is also a safety factor. At 35 degrees Celsius, people should react with a similar delay as at normal temperature with 0.5 per mille of alcohol in the blood. The AGVS has five important tips ready:

Close window

At the beginning of the journey in a heated car, all windows should be opened and the air conditioner trimmed to maximum power, but after that the automatic air conditioner should be set to Auto mode. However, all windows should remain completely closed.

Select automatic mode

In principle, you should trust the automatic mode for automatic air conditioning systems. The system knows best how the cooling air should be optimally distributed. However, the system should not be set to less than 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Do not blow

For comfort reasons, the air flow should not be directed directly at the body. Ideally, the air vents are adjusted so that the cooling air reaches both the head space and the rear compartment evenly.

Keep consumption low

If cooling is not urgently needed, the refrigeration compressor should also be switched off once in order to keep fuel consumption low. Nevertheless, the air conditioner should also be used in winter because it dehumidifies and thus prevents window fogging.

Mold and bacteria

Without maintenance, air conditioners tend to develop musty odors and bacterial and fungal infestations. Therefore, not only must refrigerant be refilled from time to time, but the evaporator must also be cleaned. For an air conditioning check, the car goes to the garage.

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Thanks to the efforts of the AGVS and the industry partners, but also thanks to the change in technology, the 2022 automotive industry was able to increasingly convince young apprentices, contrary to the general trend. In times of a shortage of skilled workers and young talent, the automotive industry thus still demonstrates great attractiveness. The figures on apprenticeship entries from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office paint a picture of how well individual sectors are meeting the needs of young people.

Significant increase in 2022

While there was a slight decline in basic vocational training across all sectors, the automotive industry, one of the most important training sectors, saw an increase in 2022.

Olivier Maeder, CEO of the AGVS: "While 2880 apprentices started their training or an additional apprenticeship in the automotive industry in 2021, the figure was 2958 last year - an increase of three percent. Only in the commercial vehicle sector was there a slight decline. In the most demanding apprenticeship as an automotive mechatronics technician, there were 53 more contracts."

More women, more digitization

The efforts of the AGVS sections and the companies to actively promote equality continue to bear fruit. Last year, 135 women - significantly more than in the previous year - opted for basic technical training in the automotive industry.

Olivier Maeder: "We increased the number of female automotive mechatronics EFZ-PW apprentices from 40 to 50, the number of female automotive specialists EFZ-PW from 42 to 53, and the number of female automotive assistants almost doubled compared to the previous year, with 17 apprenticeship contracts. However, the potential to increase the proportion of women remains great."

Motivation for young generations

There are still open apprenticeship positions for August 2023. Technological change is making the automotive industry more innovative than ever. Changes brought about by digitalization and electromobility are challenging for companies, and they are increasingly attracting young people whose interests lie more in the technology sector. So the auto industry has its finger on the pulse - and that's winning over Generation Z.

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The special show under the name "Driven by Dreams. 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars" can be seen until January 2024. It features sports car highlights from over seven decades and highlights the brand's ties to Switzerland.

The special show is structured around the themes of history, motorsport, art, technology and innovation, as well as environmental protection and society. In addition to the exhibits from the Porsche Museum, the focus is on people who stand behind the brand. One such person is Ferry Porsche, who firmly believed in his dreams.

Zurich woman bought first convertible

Among others, Jolantha Maria Tschudi is depicted in connection with a Porsche 356/2 Gmünd Cabriolet. In 1948, the Zurich woman became the first person in the world to buy a Porsche production car, the so-called Beutler Cabriolet with chassis number 356/2-002. Other protagonists in the exhibition include Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Jo Siffert, Oliver Blume, and the U.S. artist Richard Phillips, who designed the Porsche Taycan Artcar, which was auctioned off in Switzerland in 2021 for a good cause.
2023 not only celebrates Porsche's 75th anniversary as a brand: it is also a special year for the Porsche 911, which turns 60. To mark the anniversary of the iconic sports car, the special show will feature a number of selected Porsche 911s from different generations.

Heritage Truck until July 2, 2023

The Porsche Heritage Truck (gallery below) also made its way to Switzerland, with a mobile exhibition under the motto "Driven by Dreams" providing insight into the company's values from the past to the present and into the future. The truck's tour started in April at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Via stops in Romania, Croatia and Italy, the truck reached the Swiss Porsche Meeting in Mollis on June 17 and can now be seen at the Museum of Transport until July 2.

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The new Fiat 600 Electric is not yet on the market. But it's already making the world a little more colorful. At least in a commercial that has now been produced in Italy. In it, Olivier François, CEO of the Fiat brand, himself dives into a giant pot of color aboard a Fiat 600 Electric. The previously silver vehicle then shines in bright orange - François stays dry thanks to tightly closing windows.

Journey once around the world

The new Fiat 600 Electric can also be seen for the first time in the Youtube video "Open Doors". The Stellantis subsidiary produced the 45-second short film especially for the "World Meeting on Human Fraternity" organized by the Vatican foundation Fratelli Tutti.

In it, the electric car travels from Hiroshima in Japan to Buenos Aires In Argentina, to Accra, the capital of the West African country of Ghana, and to Jerusalem in Israel. During the journey, the Fiat 600 Elektro opens its doors to welcome people from different countries and cultures. In the final sequence, the Fiat 600 Electric arrives at St. Peter's Square in Rome to participate in the "World Meeting of Human Fraternity".

154 hp and 260 Nm torque

The exact technical details of the Fiat 600e have not been announced by Fiat, but speculation suggests that it will share its platform with the Jeep Avenger and other similar-sized models within the Stellantis Group. It is expected to be equipped with a single electric motor producing around 154 hp and 260 Nm of torque, powered by a 54-kWh battery pack.

Gasoline engine as an alternative

According to reports, the Fiat 600e could also be available with a gasoline engine as an alternative, with a 1.2-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 100 hp and a manual transmission in select markets. The official launch date for the Fiat 600e has not yet been announced.

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It is still unclear who will be champion in 2023. The only thing that is certain is that there is a 99.9 percent probability that his name will be Bürki. The only question is: Will it be Martin Bürki in a VW Polo (E1 1401 to 1600 cm3) or Martin Oliver Bürki in a BMW E33 (E1 2501 to 3000 cm3)? The two Bernese, who are neither related nor in-laws, are in the lead after five events (as they were in 2022) with the maximum of 100 points. And since they have defeated the same number of opponents in the previous rounds, it's a neck-and-neck race.

Good situation for Stephan Burri

In the battle for the third place on the podium, Interswiss driver Stephan Burri has the most comfortable starting position. The driver of the black and orange VW Scirocco is tied for third place with record winner Philip Egli before Chamblon - just five points behind the Bürkis. However, Burri has defeated more than twice as many opponents as Egli so far. If the man from Berne, who has been relocated to Affeltrangen (TG), had not knocked down two pylons in the first run in Ambri, he would now be the clear favorite in the battle for the championship.

Philip Egli wants another day victory

For said Egli, the main goal in Chamblon is another stage win. The Glarner, who lives in Zurich, has already won 47.

Philip Egli: "We're getting closer and closer to 50. I'm not really thinking about that at all. I'm taking it one race at a time and looking forward to another great duel with Lukas Eugster in Chamblon." He is primarily concerned with another one-day victory. The Glarner, who lives in Zurich, has already claimed 47.

There will not be a three-way fight in Chamblon like the last one in Bure. Marcel Maurer will leave his Formula Renault 2.0 in the garage this weekend and instead drive a Mini Cooper S in the class of Autersa Racing teammate Martin Oliver Bürki. Victor Darbellay could step into the breach. Last year, the Renault 2.0 driver from Martigny was fourth overall in Chamblon.

Lionel Ryter will not be at the start. He, too, would have had a good chance of a podium finish, but has to do without the final: "I have a problem with the rear wing that I couldn't solve in the short time between Hemberg, La Roche and Chamblon."

Tight starting position for Suzuki

Already on Saturday (as part of the LOC) the final of the Suzuki Swiss Racing Cup will be held. Here, too, the starting position is very close. The leader Sandro Fehr and the runner-up Marcel Muzzarelli are separated by only two points. If one of the two wins, he can call himself champion. Otherwise, the slide rule will have to be used. Because here, too, if both have identical results, the number of opponents beaten is the deciding factor.

First starts on Saturday morning

The spectacle around the 66 gates on the 4.3-kilometer circuit on the army grounds starts on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. with the LOC runs. On Sunday (at the same time) the NAT participants will be at the start. The race heats will take place from 13.30.

Source: Auto Sport Switzerland
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Audi will enter the top class of motorsport in 2026. To this end, an update of the dynamic driving simulator for work on the Formula 1 hybrid drive is currently underway at the development site in Neuburg.

Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi: "Just like in production development, simulation plays an important role in our Formula 1 project. The simulator is an important tool for power unit development. This requires a development driver who, in addition to technical understanding, also brings versatile experience in power management under racing conditions."

Experienced racer

As a former test and reserve driver at Red Bull Racing, Neel Jani has spent many hours in the Formula 1 simulator. He gained valuable experience with a hybrid race car as an operational driver in endurance racing. There, in 2016, he won the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC as well as the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Porsche factory team.

Neel Jani: "I'm very happy to accompany Audi on its way to Formula 1. It's an honor and at the same time a great responsibility to be involved in a project of this magnitude so early on."

Single cylinder engine on test

Since the end of 2022, the test operation of a single-cylinder engine has been providing valuable insights for the development of the power unit. The ongoing concept phase will lay the performance foundations for the power unit in 2026, when the new regulations provide for greater electrification. The electric drive will then have almost as much power as the combustion engine.

The highly efficient 1.6-liter turbocharged engines will run on synthetic fuel. The first hybrid drive unit, consisting of an internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery and control electronics, is to run on the test bench this year and form the basis for the future vehicle concept.

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