The opening race of the Swiss Mountain Championship in Hemberg was the best advertisement for Swiss motorsport. Fantastic weather, a great backdrop with around 8,500 fans, interesting duels and twelve new class records as well as a new track record characterized the anniversary race in Toggenburg. The fact that the preliminary decision for the day's victory was already made after the first of three race heats was a bit of a spoiler, but did nothing to dampen the good mood.

Eric Berguerand with breakdown

In 51.7 seconds Marcel Steiner stormed up the 1.758 kilometer short track with his LobArt Honda in the first run on Sunday morning. The Bernese was thus a brisk 1.21 seconds faster than Eric Berguerand in the previous year. Attempting to beat the time of the three-time Hemberg winner on the first attempt, last year's champion made a mistake.

The right front suspension of the Walliser's Lola FA99 buckled on impact. Instead of studying the onboard video to possibly beat Steiner's fabulous time in the second run, Berguerand had to repair his car. The garage owner from Charrat was not ready to leave until 30 seconds before the pre-start. Berguerand then managed to secure second place overall after all with two solid runs in 53.94 and 52.64 sec.

Success for CO2-neutral fuel

Berguerand was no match for Steiner, who set a 52.83 time in the second run. For Steiner, it was the first Hemberg victory since 2018 - the first (in Switzerland) with Turbo-Power and the first with Syn-Fuel. Steiner had only decided to use the 85 percent CO2-neutral fuel, which is produced synthetically, shortly before the season opener.

Marcel Steiner: "I'm pleased that it worked so well. It's proof that you can be competitive with this fuel without having to make a big effort."

Robin Faustini in third place

Third place overall went to Robin Faustini. The Aargauer was 16 hundredths of a second behind Bergus in the addition of the two fastest race runs. And this although he had actually started quite fast with a time of 52.96 sec in the first heat.

Robin Faustini: "I was on new tires. But I wasn't completely satisfied with the first run. There's something wrong with our chassis somewhere. We'll have to analyze that now so that we can improve at the next race in La Roche."

Thomas Amweg with problems

Thomas Amweg followed in fourth place. The son of mountain king Fredy Amweg missed the top by around two seconds per run at his premiere with the Reynard 95D. The 2019 Gurnigel winner was nevertheless satisfied.

Thomas Amweg: "We had numerous technical problems beforehand and had to install and remove the engine several times. From that point of view, it didn't even go that badly. We still have a lot of room for improvement in terms of aerodynamics. And we also drove without traction control in Hemberg."

Joël Burgermeister ahead of Philip Egli 

Exactly one second behind Amweg, Joël Burgermeister finished fifth overall in the Tatuus F4. The Thurgau native thus secured class victory (also in record time) in the open race cars up to 2000 cm3 - 1.17 seconds ahead of slalom specialist Philip Egli and 2.16 seconds ahead of Marcel Maurer respectively.
Roger Schnellmann, the fastest touring car driver, finished behind Maurer. The man from Wangen had room to run at the back in his home race.

Roger Schnellmann: "We only did a functional test before Hemberg in Anneau du Rhin. In this respect, we are very satisfied with how it went. Looking at the championship, there is always the question of when and if Reto Meisel will return. But at the moment I'm enjoying the triumph and the championship has only just begun."

Sawatzki and Neff in front

Behind Schnellmann, Bruno Sawatzki and Frédéric Neff took 2nd and 3rd place in the touring car category. The duo had already fought exciting duels last year. And on Hemberg, too, the two Porsche drivers from Interswiss with more than 2500 cc gave each other nothing. Before the decisive third heat, two-time Swiss touring car champion Neff was just three hundredths of a second ahead of Sawatzki. The latter was able to turn the tide in his favor in the final heat (with a time just above the new record).

Class victory for Christian Bralla

Behind Sawatzki/Neff, Simon Wüthrich (also running Syn-Fuel) was fastest in E1 up to 3500 cm3 with his Golf-Turbiene. In the E1 up to 2000 cm3, Christian Bralla set the tone. The man from Ticino came under pressure after a spin in the second run, but proved his nerve with a solid third run and secured the class win ahead of Opel-Kadett driver Sébastien Coquoz and Reto Steiner on Ford Escort.

Stephan Burri the number 1

In the identical cubic capacity class of the Interswiss, Scirocco driver Stephan Burri was the undisputed number 1 - ahead of the two Kadett drivers Marco Geering and Jürg Ochsner. Other class winners included local heroes Herrmann Bollhalder in an Opel Speedster (E1 up to 3000 cm3) and 72-year-old Edy Kobelt in a Lotus Exige (SuperSeries Competition), Opel driver Armin Banz (IS up to 2500 cm3), Martin Bürki in a VW Polo (E1 up to 1600 cm3) and Patrick Flammer (TCR). In the Renault Classic Cup, Thomas Zürcher secured victory at Hemberg ahead of Michael Schläpfer and Philipp Krebs.

... and this is how the championship continues

The second round of the Swiss Mountain Championship from La Roche to La Berra is already scheduled for next weekend. According to the schedule, the training runs will start at 7:55 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, and the race runs on Sunday, June 18. The starting list is online. To follow:

• 08 and 09 July, Massongex
• July 22 and 23, Ayent - Anzère
• 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

Source: Auto Sport Schweiz, Photos: © Eichenberger
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Through the provider Clyde, which is part of the Amag Energy & Mobility business unit, the Amag Group has developed the new product Clyde Energy Benefit. Anyone who buys an electric car subscription from Clyde, which includes insurance, service, tires, taxes and registration as well as electricity in the monthly installment at a fixed price, can also benefit if the battery is charged at a private charging station. If subscribers charge privately, they are reimbursed 30 centimes per kilowatt hour by Clyde. This results in new business models as part of cross-sector collaborations, such as with interested energy utilities.

Martin Everts, Managing Director Energy & Mobility AG: "With this offer, the Amag Group reduces the risk with regard to future electricity price developments. In addition, we are also promoting local energy production with photovoltaics by significantly increasing the profitability of our customers' systems with a high return tariff.

Profit with photovoltaic system

A photovoltaic system together with an electric car from Clyde therefore becomes a return on investment more quickly. Clyde also rewards economical driving and non-utilization of the booked mileage to the same extent with a rebate of 30 centimes per kilowatt hour.

Helmut Ruhl, CEO of the Amag Group: "With the new Clyde offer, we have developed a future-oriented product. We offer the incentive to drive economically and charge at home. With decentralized electricity production and consumption, the costs of expanding the electricity grids are also reduced."

Sustainability in focus

The topic of sustainability has a high priority at Amag. With the aim of becoming the leading provider of sustainable individual mobility, the Amag Group's sustainability and climate strategy is being consistently implemented. This includes, among other things, investments in the expansion of electromobility so that Amag as a company can meet its commitment to operate in a climate-neutral manner by 2025.

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This expansion of the engine range is in line with an adjustment process at the American brand towards engines with lower CO₂-emissions. The six-cylinder V-engine delivers 364 Nm of maximum torque and a peak output of 305 hp for the three model variants 1500 Big Horn, 1500 Laramie and 1500 Rebel.

Modern mild hybrid system

The eTorque V6 mild hybrid system, in which a starter-generator replaces the conventional alternator, brings significant advantages in fuel consumption. The starter-generator is powered by a 43-kWh lithium-ion battery, which supplies electricity to the electric motor during the starting process, when pulling away or when supporting gearshifts. The main strengths of the eTorque system are the fast stop-start function and the support of the V6 engine at low engine speeds.

Less fuel consumption

Another advantage of the 3.6 V6 is that it consumes up to 19 percent less fuel than the 5.7-liter V8 engine. In addition to the smaller displacement, variable valve timing and variable valve lift over a wide engine speed range ensure a good power-to-consumption ratio. Also contributing to drive and noise comfort is the mild hybrid system.

Models according to your wishes

The Ram 1500 Rebel is equipped with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires, as well as hill descent control and Selec-Speed traction control.

The Ram 1500 Laramie offers a combination of power, payload and luxury, making it one of the best-selling Ram models in Europe. It is richly equipped with 12-inch touchscreen, remote start, brake assist, rear cross traffic alert and various convenience systems.

Ram 1500 Big Horn features include chrome bumpers, halogen lights and optional LED lighting. Prices on request.

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This year's apprentice project involved 29 junior employees from the vocational training center in Mladá Boleslav, the company's headquarters. They transformed a Škoda Enyaq into a multifunctional camper van that can also serve as a mobile office. Among the many special features of the Roadiaq are the sustainable materials used for the interior. The trainee car impresses with ample space, smart ideas for job and leisure, and its all-wheel drive.

Development and production

Martin Slabihoudek, Head of the Vocational Training Center: "In this project, our junior employees can apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice and further develop their skills. They also delve deep into the entire process of developing and manufacturing a vehicle - from the initial sketches to planning and final assembly. This annual project gives our apprentices the opportunity to contribute creative suggestions and clever ideas."

Solar panels on the roof

Throughout the project, instructors and specialists from the Design, Technical Development, Production and IT departments supervised the trainees. External professionals for camper conversions also contributed experience. The trainees left the length, width and wheelbase of the basic vehicle virtually unchanged. However, with a height of 1966 millimeters, the Roadiaq towers 350 millimeters above the standard version of the Enyaq. Solar modules provide additional energy for the camper's living space, and the Roadiaq can also be connected to shore power at camping or motorhome sites.

Small kitchen in the trunk

The tailgate now serves as access to a small kitchen integrated into the trunk. It can also be used as a base module for a tent that extends the living space beyond the rear of the vehicle. A permanent internet connection allows passengers to work, stream videos or enjoy other online content from anywhere in the world.

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At 4.50 meters long and two meters wide, the Mission X is a comparatively compact hypercar. The wheelbase is 2.73 meters, the same as on the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. For the sake of driving dynamics, the concept car has mixed tires with 20-inch wheels on the front and 21-inch wheels on the rear axle.

Total height of just under 1.20 meters

The two-seater, which is not even 1.20 meters high and has exposed carbon parts, is covered by a lightweight glass dome with an exoskeleton (German: Aussenskelett) made of carbon fiber composite. The Le Mans doors are hinged on the A-pillar and roof and open forward at the top. The door concept has already been used in the classic Porsche 917.

Floating light unit

The basic vertical shape of the main headlights was inspired by historic racing cars such as the Porsche 906 or 908 and was pulled far down towards the road. A high-tech supporting structure frames the LED light modules and presents the exposed narrow elements of the daytime running and turn signal lights. When they are activated, the light opens like the blink of an eye.

A continuous, seemingly floating light unit characterizes the rear of the Mission X with transparent, illuminated Porsche lettering. The taillight is contained in a supporting structure and is segmented into four elements. When charging, the "E" in the brand name pulsates.

Steering wheel open upwards

The interior is asymmetrically designed and strongly focused on the driver. Except for the andaluc brown leather pads, the driver's seat is in Kalahari gray and forms a color unit with the center console and instrument panel. The front passenger seat, on the other hand, is finished in the contrasting color of andaluc brown.

In addition to the CfK seat shells with six-point seat belts integrated into the monocoque, the open-top steering wheel with mode switches and rockers is another parallel to motorsport. Several cameras are on board. Recording starts as soon as the driver presses the record button (REC) on the multi-purpose controller.

Lap times or vital signs

On the passenger side, a bayonet system is recessed into the instrument panel to which a clock module can be attached. Porsche Design has designed a special clock module with analog and digital display especially for the Mission X. It is designed for both circuit use and rallies. It is designed for both circuit use and rallies and can, among other things, display the driver's lap times or vital data.

Modernized brand emblem

A special detail debuting on the Mission X is the modernized Porsche Crest. It features brushed precious metal, a three-dimensional honeycomb structure, a refreshed heraldic animal, and a more subtle gold color.

Should there one day be a production version of the Mission X, Porsche envisions it to be the fastest road-legal vehicle on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and to have a power-to-weight ratio of around one kilogram per horsepower. In addition, the electric runabout should charge about twice as fast as a Taycan Turbo S.

Source: Auto-Medienportal.net
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Background: The Volvo EX30 is the company's response to the growing demand for smaller, fully electric vehicles. The small SUV combines the compact dimensions that make it easy to cope with everyday life, especially in cities, with the comfort and technologies of a Volvo model.

The comprehensive safety equipment typical of the brand is optimally adapted to the urban environment: A special exit warning system takes aim at so-called dooring accidents so that passers-by and two-wheeled cyclists do not collide with suddenly opening vehicle doors.

Up to 344 kilometer range

The entry-level version of the 4.23-meter-long electric SUV with just under 320 liters of trunk space offers a 200 kW (272 hp) engine and a range of up to 344 kilometers. If a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with 69 kWh is selected instead of the standard 51 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, the operating range increases to up to 480 kilometers.

The top model with two electric motors and all-wheel drive develops 315 kW (428 hp) and accelerates the EX 30 from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. Volvo has already announced a cross-country version for next year (gallery left).

Starting price of 36 800 francs

With an entry-level price of 36,800 Swiss francs, which is interesting for this class, the EX30, which can be ordered immediately in Switzerland, starts at a similar price level to comparable vehicles with combustion engines. However, the electric car offers lower total cost of ownership (TCO): As an initial analysis shows, the small premium SUV not only has a lower TCO than any other all-electric Volvo, but also than many competitors in its segment.

Purchase, lease or also by subscription

With its practical size and various equipment and drive options, the Volvo EX30 appeals to a wide range of customers with different preferences, needs and lifestyles. The small SUV can be purchased, leased and will be available on Volvo's flexible Hyra subscription.

In addition to the UK, which this year will be the first market to switch to a fully integrated omnichannel model, the Volvo EX30 will also be available online in Switzerland.

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The A424_ ß marks the quintessence of automotive engineering and racing at Alpine, both aesthetically and technically. Among other things, the endurance prototype anticipates the future light signature of Alpine's production cars.

Laurent Rossi, CEO of Alpine: "The Alpine A424 beta will challenge the best competitors starting next year. The car is racy and distinctive with its iconic design."

Turbocharged 3.4 liter V6 engine

The A424 beta is an LMDh car. These cars have unit components: a hybrid system from Bosch that drives only the rear axle and recuperates at up to 200 kW. The battery comes from Williams Advanced Engineering, the transmission from Xtrac. For the chassis, the racing teams can choose between four suppliers. Alpine's development partner is Oreca. The turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine was developed in collaboration with racing specialist Mecachrome.

This is what the numbers in the name mean 

The A424 beta picks up on the classic naming of Alpine endurance vehicles: an A followed by three digits - starting with a 4. The 24 recalls the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the year 2024, when the vehicle will enter racing for the first time. Beta (ß) refers to the beta test used in the software world, the intermediate phase shortly before market launch.

In terms of design, the teams developed a body like that of a road-going super sports car. The surfaces were smoothed to achieve a harmonious overall appearance. This is particularly true of the rear end, which is decidedly streamlined. The flanks are inspired by the Alpenglow concept car presented in 2022.

alpinecars.com

Sébastien Buemi is aiming for his fifth victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans next weekend, June 10 and 11. If he succeeds, the driver from western Switzerland would draw level with motorsport greats such as Derek Bell, Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro. It won't be easy for the driver of the Toyota with the #8. Although the Cologne-based Japanese are still considered the favorite in 2023, Toyota is no longer alone in the field.

16 prototypes are at the start

In the top Hypercar class, 16 prototypes battle it out for victory. They include manufacturers such as Ferrari, Peugeot (with Nico Müller, #94), Porsche and Cadillac. The qualifying showed how close it can get. There, the two Ferraris are in front. Buemi in the Toyota is on grid position 4 next to the sister car with the #7. Nico Müller in the Peugeot 9X8 starts from 11th on the grid.

Four Swiss in the LMP2 class

The 91st edition of the 24-hour thriller at the Sarthe promises excitement not only in the top class. In the second division among the LMP2s, 24 cars are on the grid. Among them are four Swiss drivers: Louis Delétraz (at WRT), Fabio Scherer (Inter Europol), Neel Jani (Duqueine Team) and Alexandre Coigny (in the Swiss Cool Racing team). And one Liechtensteiner: Matthias Kaiser (Vector).

Based on the results of the past few years, Delétraz has the best chance of a promising result. In 2021, the Geneva native already had victory in sight when he stopped on the last lap. In 2022, he finished second in LMP2. Matthias Beche will no longer be driving under Swiss license in 2023.

Rahel Frey with Porsche 911 RSR  

Following the departure of the LMGTE Pro class, the expensive GTE cars are now only represented by amateurs at Le Mans. And this is the last time, because from 2024 they will be replaced by the globally popular GT3 cars. The field of 21 cars includes Thomas Flohr (Ferrari 488) and Rahel Frey (Porsche 911 RSR), a Swiss man and a Swiss woman with good chances of a top-3 result. From the team's point of view, the two Ferraris from Kessel Racing will have their fingers crossed in the GTE.

As usual, the race starts at 3 p.m. local time. RTL Nitro will broadcast the entire race live. Eurosport will also report from Le Mans. However, the coverage will be split between the various Eurosport channels, as the French Open finals are scheduled at the same time.

Source: Auto Sport Switzerland
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The new models offer even greater ride comfort and more dynamic performance than previous CVO variants. They are powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 V-twin engine with two liters of displacement. This features liquid-cooled cylinder heads with a new cooling system, variable valve timing, a new intake tract and a high-performance exhaust system.

Benchmarks for performance

Jochen Zeitz, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson, said, "With the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, we aim to improve every single aspect that defines the experience of a Grand American Touring bike. The two models set the standard for Harley-Davidson performance and style."

The new models stand out with their fresh design based on the familiar shapes of Harley-Davidson's previous Grand American Touring bikes. They feature fairings with integrated vents and signature LED light sources. Design elements also include a slimmer front fender, a new 6-gallon (22.7-liter) fuel tank and contrast-milled cast alloy wheels and wire spokes.

Three driving modes are available

For the first time in the model family, the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide offer selectable riding modes - Road, Sport and Rain - that electronically control a specific combination of power delivery and engine braking torque, as well as the intensity of cornering anti-lock braking system (C-ABS) and cornering traction control system (C-TCS) interventions. Aerodynamic and thermal comfort is enhanced by new fairings with streamlined windshields and adjustable air ducts.

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Alpine's A110 R Le Mans is also the embodiment of racing: a 300-horsepower engine, a weight of 1082 kilograms, acceleration of 3.9 seconds for 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 285 km/h. Plus with patented Hunaudières tuning for even more stability on the track.

The white and blue paint scheme of the special edition, which will only be built 100 times, pays homage to the colors of Le Mans, a fine blue double line and carbon elements. The A110 R Le Mans picks up on the unmistakable codes of endurance racing, such as the bucket seats or the shark wing on the carbon rear window cover.

Hypercar coming next year

With the limited series, Alpine pays tribute to the world's most prestigious endurance race on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Alpine strengthened its presence in endurance racing with Signatech in LMP2 as well as LMP1. From 2024, the brand will compete in the new LMDh Hypercar class.

The special model is based on the A110 R and featuresCarbon components on the roof, wheels and interior with monocoque bucket seats from Sabelt Track. It also has a carbon fin reminiscent of the style of endurance racing cars.

Special chassis adjustment

The limited-edition A110 R Le Mans features a Road & Track wedge, an Alpine-patented innovation that further lowers and stiffens the car to improve stability on the track. This technical development, combined with a special suspension setting, improves performance on the long Mulsanne straight and in the fast corners of the 24-hour race.

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