The opening race of the 2023 DTM season was very mixed from a Swiss perspective. While DTM newcomer Patric Niederhauser spoke of the worst weekend in a long time, Ricardo Feller finished in fourth and seventh place respectively, scoring points twice and thus being the best Audi driver twice as well.

Jack Aitken on the podium right away

Only Emil Frey Racing did even better at Oschersleben. The DTM newcomer finished third in the first race with Briton Jack Aitken on the podium straight away.

Jack Aitken: "The race yesterday went better than today. Third place in our DTM debut is a good result, but after second place in qualifying we wanted to fight for victory. The start was rough, I lost a few positions due to contact with another car. But the tactic with the early pit stop worked well and we were able to fight our way back to third place. The second race was difficult. I had trouble overtaking another car in the duel."

Victories at the DTM season opener at the Börde went to Franck Perera (F) and Christian Engelhart (D).

Julien Apothéloz is in the lead

At the top in Oschersleben (for the second time this year) was Julien Apothéloz in the German Prototype Cup. The young man from Zurich has thus been on the podium in all four races and leads the championship with his Colombian teammate Oscar Tunjo. The Swiss duo of Lucas Mauron and Elia Sperandio, who raced together on a car for the first time at Oschersleben, had to settle for ninth place.

Grégoire Saucy in third place 

Grégoire Saucy left Monaco with mixed feelings. 3rd place in the first race and 10th in the second was not quite the weekend he had imagined, according to the man from the Jura. At least there were a few important points and a podium finish. In the overall standings, Saucy is in third intermediate place.

Source: Auto Sport Switzerland
motorsport.ch

With a Livestream for the anniversary show "75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars" on June 8, Porsche is celebrating a success story marked by pioneering spirit, engineering skill and courage. The 356 model received its general operating license on June 8, 1948. Porsche is celebrating its 75th birthday to the day together with invited pioneers and companions from the past decades.

Music, light and choreography

The festivities feature a spectacular production of music, light and choreography. During the one-hour event, the sports car manufacturer provides a preview of the vision of the sports car of the future. In five acts, Porsche devotes itself to the themes of heritage, zeitgeist, performance, pioneering spirit and dreams - together with contemporary witnesses, brand ambassadors, Porsche dreamers and vehicles from 75 years of brand history.

... here you are at the show

Fans and enthusiasts at screens around the world are invited to be there live when Porsche opens the extensive special exhibition "Driven by Dreams. 75 Years of Porsche Sports Cars" opens in the evening. It will then be open to the public at the Porsche Museum from the following day, June 9.

The Livestream will run from 21:40 (CEST) on the following channels:

Twitch | Porsche Newsroom | Porsche NewsTV | Youtube | LinkedIn |

porsche.ch

Since products are constantly changing, new child seat models are regularly tested by TCS. Of the 20 child seats tested, eleven achieve the highly recommended recommendation from the experts, and eight models achieve a recommendable. These seats exceed the legal requirements, in some cases significantly, because the higher requirements of the consumer protection test were already taken into account during their development.

Only the Besafe iZi Twist M model is rated as not recommendable because the cover fabric is contaminated with naphthalene, which is suspected of being carcinogenic. The exact results of the current test can be seen in the table below.

More than legal requirements

A highly recommended child seat will protect a child even with the accident severity of this test exceeding the legal requirements. It is known from various studies that mistakes are often made when using child seats.

A highly recommended seat should also be intuitive and easy to use, thus reducing the risk of operating errors. In terms of ergonomics, the child sits comfortably and relaxed in a highly recommended child seat, and the seat offers enough space even for tall children.

New EU regulation applies from September

From September of this year, a sales ban on child seats with UN Reg. 44 approval will gradually come into force in the EU. From this date, corresponding products may no longer be manufactured and imported. Sales of stock products will still be possible until September 2024. Existing seats may continue to be used without restriction. The new UN Reg. 129 is stricter in testing than UN Reg. 44. The seats are also no longer categorized by age and weight, but by body size.

tcs.ch

Toyota has given the popular Yaris small car a technical and visual update. A comprehensive package of performance, safety and design optimizations is intended to ensure that the model remains well ahead in the B segment.

In addition to the improved fifth-generation hybrid powertrain and the expanded range of safety and driver assistance systems, the customizable instrument panel display, intuitive multimedia system and, for the first time, a digital key for vehicle access stand out in the new Yaris.

More powerful drive variant with 130 hp

Thanks to the integration of a more powerful electric motor-generator and with the help of a new control unit, the total output of the hybrid drive for the Hybrid 130 version was increased from 85 to 97 kW (from 116 to 130 hp), and the maximum torque also rose from 141 to 185 Nm.

These adjustments result in better driving performance: The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h now takes 9.2 seconds, and the time between 80 and 120 km/h is just 7.5 seconds. The hybrid 130 drive is standard equipment on the Premiere Edition and GR Sport models.

Improved security features

With the new Yaris, Toyota is also introducing additional and improved safety features. Toyota T-Mate is the name for a range of systems that ensure the vehicle is safer and easier to drive. These include the current generation Safety Sense driver assistance systems.

A multimedia system and data communication module also provide the flexibility and convenience of wireless software updates. The use of a new camera and radar system enables an expansion of the detection range. As a result, the accident avoidance system can now detect more objects. Also new are the driving assistant, which helps detect accident hazards when driving at low speeds.

toyota.ch

Škoda Switzerland was honored by the manufacturer with two prizes at the Importer of the Year awards: the Importer of the Year 2022 award and the win in the Sales Europe category.

Markus Kohler, Brand Director Škoda Switzerland: "An incredibly great honor and an even greater confirmation of the work done in the past year. My thanks go to my team and our dealer network, which delivers top performance every day."

Basis is mutual trust

Olivier Wittmann, Managing Director Amag Import AG: "I congratulate the entire Škoda team for this outstanding achievement. The past year was very challenging, but thanks to the mutual trust between Import and Retail, Škoda Switzerland has shown that nothing is impossible."

The Importer of the Year award is presented by a management team from Škoda Auto. In addition to sales and service figures, the criteria include brand awareness, customer satisfaction and loyalty, and brand image. This is only the third time that a market has received both awards in the same year. In addition to Switzerland for 2022, this was also achieved by Norway in 2007 and the Netherlands in 2011.

skoda.ch

Mercedes aims to become fully electric by the end of this decade as part of its Electric only strategy. New mobility solutions are also intended to help improve the quality of life in cities. In cooperation with the Swiss specialist Micro Mobility Systems AG, an e-scooter in a class of its own is being launched.

With the 500-watt electric motor, the matte black e-scooter can quickly accelerate to 20 km/h. Instead of a thumb throttle, which many e-scooters have, it has a twist grip that can be operated more precisely and makes for more driving fun. The battery has a range of up to 40 kilometers, making it ideal for the last stretch of inner-city traffic to your front door, for example.

Focus on safety

In addition to performance and lifestyle, the focus is also on safety. Thanks to a wide footprint with anti-slip coating, both feet find a firm and secure footing. The brand-typical AMG rhomboids visually enhance the footbed.

Sturdy rubber wheels with a diameter of 20 centimeters as well as individually adjustable suspension at the rear and front allow the driver to dash effortlessly over uneven terrain. Thanks to the handlebar with telescopic function, the e-scooter can be adjusted to any body size.

Engine brake on the twist grip

An integrated bell allows users to make themselves heard in city traffic, and a centrally positioned display provides information on speed, charging status and riding mode. The AMG scooter is braked either by an electric motor brake on the twist grip, with a drum brake at the rear or via the foot brake on the mudguard. Moving the twist grip forward activates the kinetic recuperation system for braking and simultaneously recharges the battery.

Driving even in the dark

The front and rear lighting and the side reflectors also make trips in the dark possible at any time. For convenient transport, the scooter is foldable via a folding mechanism with the foot, also the handles can be folded. Thus, it can find space even in a small trunk and can be conveniently taken on all public transport. Its weight is 14.7 kilograms. Prices on request,

mercedes-benz.ch

A wide double kidney as well as the slightly lowered hood in the center, an elongated side section and a pronounced notchback with horizontal light strips characterize the design of the body.

The regular variant looks particularly elegant, while the popular sports package stands out with black accents and sharply drawn design elements. The cw value for the i5 e-Drive 40 is an outstanding 0.23.

Steering wheels show the differences

The distinctions between the variants are also clear in the spacious interior. This is most obvious in the steering wheel: The futuristic two-spoke steering wheel from the iX is standard, while a more conventional three-spoke wheel is fitted in the Sport package. Unfortunately, BMW omits map pockets on the backrests of the front seats in all variants, and the rear cupholders cannot be concealed.

Powerful Highway Assistant

The elaborate assistance systems are already prepared for a more autonomous future, although at the moment they still stop at level 2. There is a very powerful Highway Assistant that allows the driver to permanently take his hands off the steering wheel as long as he is looking at the road, lane changes can be automated. And when the BMW suggests changing lanes, it is enough to look in the respective direction to initiate the maneuver.

Augmented reality function

There is also a head-up display and an augmented reality function in the instrumentation that overlays camera-based real-time images with arrows. The dashboards are presented on a slightly curved, glazed surface - as is now the case with almost all of the brand's models. The electronics are up to date with the brand and slightly ahead of the 7 Series.

Wheel sizes range up to 21 inches

For the chassis, BMW relies on a double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle, with the i5 variants featuring additional reinforcements, rear torsion bars and an active roll stabilization system. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 21 inches, and an optional rear-wheel steering system makes the vehicle more agile at low speeds and more stable at high speeds. Depending on the version, an ultra-fast vehicle dynamics management system controls dampers and roll stabilization.

The ideal car for long distances

For frequent drivers, the diesels with their unbeatable ranges are still the obvious choice: The 520d produces 197 hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Later, the 540d will be available with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine: an ideal car for long distances. The gasoline-powered 520i, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produces 190 hp.

Two plug-in hybrids, which are given additional electric boost, complete the range: the 530e with a four-cylinder engine and a system output of 299 hp (and the 550e with a six-cylinder engine and 489 hp. And finally, there are the electric versions i5 eDrive 40 with up to 250 kW (340 hp) and the i5 M60 with two engines and up to 442 kW (601 hp), with the maximum outputs in each case being achieved in Sport mode.

Max range mode brings range

The i5 e-Drive 40 is said to manage a range of up to 582 kilometers in the optimistic WLTP cycle, while 516 kilometers are specified for i5 M60 under very favorable circumstances. A new max range mode is supposed to stretch the range in an emergency to get to the saving charging station.

An M5 has not yet been announced, but it is safe to assume that such a model will crown the 5-series from 2024, possibly with a six-cylinder engine as was once the case with the E28 and E38. Depending on the model variant, the new 5 Series has rear- or all-wheel drive, and power transmission - except for the i5 - is via an eight-speed automatic torque converter from ZF. Weights range from 1725 kilograms for the 520i to more than 2.3 tons for the electric i5 M60.

Prices start at 67,700 francs for the 520i model.

Source: auto-medienportal.net
bmw.ch

Rote Sau was the nickname of a racing car that AMG had built on the basis of a Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3. With its M-100 eight-cylinder engine from the Mercedes 600, the W 109 series sedan was one of the fastest four-door cars of the late sixties anyway. An inconspicuous muscle car that looked practically as innocent as a 250 SE about half as powerful.

V8 engine with 6.8 liter displacement

Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, who had started tuning Mercedes in Großaspach near Stuttgart, built a race car based on a 300 SEL 6.3 for the 24-hour race in Spa in 1971. They increased the displacement of the V8 engine to 6.8 liters and the output to around 400 hp. A five-speed manual transmission and racing clutch replaced the automatic, and wide tires on five-spoke alloy wheels transferred the engine's brutal power to the road.

Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz drove the tuned S-Class predecessor to second place overall and first place in class. AMG became famous in one fell swoop and the Red Sow, as it would later be called, a legend.

Replica in the look of the original

However, not one for the museum: After regulations limited the displacement to five liters, Matra used the race car for tests. After that, the car was presumably scrapped. However, the Red Sow is available for sale as a replica. Restorers such as Arthur Bechtel or Burkhard Bischof rebuild the racing car - in the look of the time. Such replicas cost around 320,000 to 350,000 euros when they come on the market, as they will in Lucerne on June 3, 2023. The auction starts at 5 p.m.

The live on-site auction of around 50 selected classic vehicles (see gallery) is one of the highlights of Swiss Classic World that should not be missed. The auction will via livestream via Invaluable be traceable.

Source: auto motor sport
oldimergalerie.ch
swissclassicworld.ch

The new Fiat brand design picks up on characteristic features of the historic Lingotto plant in Turin. Central aspects of the huge building with the famous test track on the roof are the lightness, the optimization of space and the stylistic elements of the façade. In a video, Fiat CEO Olivier François and Ginevra Elkann, president of the Pinacoteca Agnelli, talk about the century-long history of the Lingotto complex - from its foundation to its new significance for the Fiat brand (center gallery).

Important industrial center of the region

A century has passed since the production facility was inaugurated on May 22, 1923, turning the eponymous district of the northern Italian metropolis of Turin into an important industrial center in the country. Today, the building with its approximately 500-meter-wide façade has fresh life and fulfills new tasks, but remains an important engine for ideas and inspiration.

Important landmark of the city

Olivier François: "At Fiat, we are convinced that our former Lingotto plant and the rooftop test track are such significant landmarks in the city that they deserve to be core elements in Fiat's future design. The oval shape of La Pista 500, the modern interpretation of the former test track on the Lingotto roof, is the inspiration for design features in the vehicle interior."

An icon of Italian industry

Referring to the famous architect, urban planner and designer Le Corbusier, Ginevra Elkann adds: "He once described the work as one of the most impressive spectacles that industry has ever offered. Lingotto is an icon of Italian industry. My grandfather then decided to transform the plant into the multifunctional center we see today. Stores, offices, hotels and culture in the Pinacoteca Agnelli art gallery, which is currently enjoying a new lease of life thanks to an ambitious program of events."

fiat.ch

The second edition of the Last Call series for Europe, the Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, is a reminiscence of the original Challenger launched in 1970. With this model, fans once again get the opportunity to buy a real muscle car from American production. The limited series ends the legendary Chager Challenger series with Hemi-V8.

Successor to the Challenger Shakedown  

The Dodge Challenger Black Ghost follows the Challenger Shakedown in Europe, which was introduced back in March of this year. It represents a reimagining of the historic Challenger SRT, with features such as the black-and-chrome exterior and a roof surface reminiscent of the original vinyl roof. Other design features include 20-inch wheels and black Brembo brake calipers. Covered in Alcantara are the steering wheel, seats and door panels of the special model, which is limited to 300 units.

Soon to be followed by a model with hybrid drive

The complete Last Call edition includes the seven models Dodge Challenger Shakedown, Charger Super Bee, Challenger and Charger Scat Pack Swinger, Charger King Daytona, Challenger Black Ghost and Challenger SRT Demon 170. Finally, the upcoming Hornet model with hybrid drive also begins the age of electrification for the brand founded by brothers John and Horace Dodge.

The Swiss prices and equipment on request.

dodge.com