As a price breaker in the electric segment, the small Citroën e-C3 has already proclaimed a revolution: With a range of 324 kilometers and a base price starting at 24,990 francs, the 4-meter tiny car is challenging the competition. Now the French are going one better: as the 39 centimeter longer Aircross, the small car is becoming a genuine SUV - with up to seven seats. No joke!

The well-equipped and comfortably furnished interior in the Aircross is significantly more airy than in the basic C3, with comfortable seating in the first two rows of seats and plenty of space in all directions. The trunk (440 to 1600 liters) is also impressive. A third row of seats is available as an option - although it is very cramped there, the two additional seats are certainly suitable as emergency seats for the children's friends. As a seven-seater, however, the load volume shrinks to between 40 and 330 liters.

Like the small C3, the C3 Aircross is also offered as an all-electric model with 83 kW/113 hp. With its 44 kWh battery, the French car can cover 300 kilometers according to WLTP, charging with a maximum of 100 kW (DC) or 11 kW (AC). It impresses with its balanced, comfortable handling - and with its price starting at CHF 26,490. Those who do not want to drive purely electrically can also order the Aircross with a hybrid drive (from 25,390 francs) and with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine from 18,990 francs. The new C3 Aircross will be in dealerships from the end of March.

Since 1950 in Switzerland and since 1978 in Germany, the technically correct, official unit of engine power has been the watt (W) or kilowatt (kW). Nevertheless, most car manufacturers still insist on the traditional horsepower (HP). The main reason for this is obvious: a higher figure can be quoted. So 100 hp is better than "only" 73.5 kW. The change of units for the torque values from kilopond-meters (kpm) to Newton-meters (Nm), on the other hand, went very quickly, as the amounts were increased almost tenfold. So 100 Nm is better than 10.2 kpm.

Electric car drivers like to join the ranks of the particularly progressive road users. Although they emphasize the sustainability of the electric drive, in most cases they insist on the 'antediluvian' power unit of horsepower. This is almost uniformly justified with the flimsy argument: "People know horsepower, but they don't know how much a kilowatt is." While it may make sense to stick with horsepower in the case of combustion vehicles for reasons of tradition, horsepower is not at all appropriate for the drive technology of the future.

Conversion not correct

An electric motor delivers kilowatts, not horsepower. A conversion based on the amount is not only disingenuous, but also incorrect from a technical point of view. When specifying the drive power, e-car manufacturers usually limit themselves to the maximum power of the motor. The continuous output, the more important parameter for the operation of the vehicle, remains unknown. In contrast to thermal drives, the peak output of electric drives - in some cases already in the four-digit kW range - is usually only available for a short time. Finally, the performance of the battery limits the power output of the car drive. If the power storage unit becomes too hot at full load, the power electronics automatically reduce the output. This limits the speed of the car in order to conserve the battery. A direct comparison of the engine performance of vehicles with thermal and those with electric drive is therefore not accurate in several respects. In addition, 1000 kW in a car cannot be controlled by a normal human driver. And finally, it is the important task of the electronics to regulate away most of the gigantic rated power with the driving dynamics systems.

It has become long, the new 5 Series Touring. Almost ten centimetres longer at a full 5.06 meters and with a slightly larger wheelbase, the "five" shines with a stately appearance - and is also available as an all-electric model for the first time under the name i5. Visually, the Bavarian really makes a statement with the typical twin headlights and the "kidney grille" that protrudes far forward (which can also be accentuated with contour lighting on request). The estate also shines inside with its generous dimensions. There is plenty of space in the rear and lots of legroom. It's a great way to travel. And with a load volume of 570 to 1700 liters, there is plenty of storage space, which is easier to access thanks to the lower loading sill and wider hatch.

In its sixth generation, the BMW offers exactly what you would expect from a spacious luxury-class estate. And for the first time, in addition to petrol, diesel or hybrid, it is also available in electric form. In the test car, the electric motor delivers the joy of driving with 230 kW (313 hp) to the rear (all-wheel drive is also available as an option). That's enough for a sporty sprint or a leisurely glide along the highway. There is never any temptation to request additional electric boost via the paddle on the right-hand side of the steering wheel. This boost then provides 250 kW (340 hp) and increases the torque from 400 to 430 Nm. For everyday use, 6.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km and a top speed of 193 km/h are more than sufficient.

As we cruise across the countryside in the i5 eDrive40 Touring and enjoy the great ride comfort, precise active steering and good handling even in tighter bends, we are somewhat surprised when we look at the display. We have just fully charged. The 81 kWh lithium-ion battery, which takes around 8.5 hours to charge at 11 kW (AC) at home, should give us almost the full standard range (560 to 578 kilometers according to WLTP). However, the i5, which can also be charged with up to 205 kW (DC) at a fast charger, still only shows a range of just over 400 kilometers in winter temperatures. This makes the estate car more honest than other electric cars. But Munich has also recognized that more is needed in the premium segment. And from March, the electric variants will benefit from technical improvements that will add almost 50 kilometers. These include a new inverter for the power electronics, improvements to the wheel bearings and particularly low rolling resistance tires on flow-optimized alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, we continue our journey in the i5 eDrive40 Touring, and in the next village, one of the countless assistants alerts us with a discreet triple "Bliep" that we are traveling slightly too fast at 53 km/h. At least BMW has designed the mandatory speed warning assistant in such a way that it is particularly easy to deactivate. Instead, we simply slow down, but we have to get used to the many assistants. We much prefer the informative, color head-up display, which also provides very precise navigation instructions, and above all the voice assistance.

All voice commands, whether "deactivate steering wheel heating" or address details for the next destinations, are understood and implemented perfectly. The annoying back and forth with voice assistants that only understand half of what you say is a thing of the past in the new BMW 5 Series. Instead of unnecessary arguments with the car, dignified comfort dominates. We glide along and look at the classy interior with the curved 14.9-inch multimedia display, the now standard and very comfortable sports seats and the optional BMW Interaction Bar, which provides a nice lighting effect, quasi ambient lighting with buttons. Cool!

Of course, so much luxury comes at a price. Although the electric estate is available from 82,300 francs, the nice extras such as adaptive damping, the panoramic roof, the M Sports package or the clever Driving Assistant Professional in the test car cause the price to shoot up by a small car - to 112,540 francs for the test car. And we're not even in the electric station wagon from Bavaria with all-wheel drive, because this i5 M60 XDrive Touring, which is clearly more in demand in the 4×4 country of Switzerland, only starts at 119,900 francs in the basic version. The really nice car things in life are never free.

How high is the Piz Sulai? Let's google the eponymous peak, after which Suzuki has been naming special models in Switzerland for 17 years. Like currently those of the Vitara compact SUV and the S-Cross. Google leads us to the conclusion that although there are mountains in the Grisons Alps such as Piz Bernina, Piz Palü and Piz Buin, there is no Piz Sulai. The solution to the riddle: simply clever marketing by the Japanese brand, which is well established in Switzerland thanks to its all-wheel drive models: Piz Sulai was created in 2008 in the Suzuki offices in Safenwil AG in search of a nice-sounding name. Sulai is Romansh for "sun". The Piz Sulai is therefore the "sun mountain".

Thanks to the Piz Sulai, the sun is shining for customers looking for an attractive offer. The best example at the moment is the Suzuki Vitara Piz Sulai. The Vitara was only updated in the fall. The radiator grille in piano lacquer look is larger and more self-confident, the lights more pointed, the lines bolder. Inside, there are also numerous new functions and many updates, including a new nine-inch infotainment system with navigation system. To ensure that the special edition is safe on the road in winter, aluminum winter wheels with premium brand tires are included with the purchase. To ensure that the driving pleasure is visually appealing, the Piz Sulai comes with sporty decorative elements such as front door sill trims and a special steering wheel emblem - and key fobs and a velour trunk mat are also included.

The drive is no less impressive: The Vitara has a hybrid drive with either 85 kW/115 hp (1.5 full hybrid) or 95 kW/129 hp (1.4 mild hybrid) and, of course, always all-wheel drive. The standard consumption: a reasonable 5.9 l/100 km in each case. However, if you still want to get your hands on a Vitara Piz Sulai, you should hurry: the special models are limited and only available until the end of April (purchase and registration until 30.04.2025). Until then, the Vitara Piz Sulai with its starting price from CHF 31,990 offers a price advantage of CHF 1820 thanks to the current "Startup Bonus" from Suzuki Switzerland. So it's worth discovering the Piz Sulai. Oh, and by the way: the Suzuki S-Cross is also available as the Piz Sulai until the end of April, also with a price advantage of 1820 francs.

The cliché persists: professions in the automotive industry have a reputation for being dirty and physically demanding. But the reality has long since changed: Modern cars are rolling computers that increasingly rely on electromobility, digital systems and complex high-tech diagnostic technology. As a result, the classic "car mechanic" or "truck mechanic" no longer exists, but rather many differentiated job profiles: Automotive specialists, automotive mechatronics technicians or automotive diagnosticians who use state-of-the-art technology and highly developed tools to apply their knowledge and skills. Quite apart from the fact that technical professions are only one part of the many automotive professions. One example of a non-technical profession is the automotive sales advisor. The new basic training course for retail sales specialists EFZ Automotive Sales trains people specifically for this job.

That a career in the automotive industry is worthwhile, showcase the impressive successes of young Swiss professionals at national and international competitions: at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon (F), two champions of the automotive industry recently shone: commercial vehicle mechatronics technician Sophie Schumacher from Hagneck BE became the first woman to become world champion in her profession - a historic victory. And Nevio Bernet from Ufhusen LU secured the silver medal as an automotive mechatronics technician specializing in passenger cars.

Both look back on their experiences with enthusiasm. "The effort was definitely worth it, it's a unique experience," says Sophie Schumacher. "No matter how far you get, you get to meet other people in your profession who are just as motivated as you are, and you can learn a lot." Nevio Bernet adds: "WorldSkills was a huge experience. I met a lot of people and learned a lot. Now it's over and the work goes on. I would take part again - you can only benefit from it."

These achievements are personal successes, also strengthen the reputation of the automotive professions and the image of the industry; professional championships such as SwissSkills, EuroSkills and WorldSkills prove the potential and how much emotion there is in the industry. By the way: SwissSkills 2025 will take place in Bern from September 17 to 21, 2025. Registration is open until April 18, 2025, and the qualification round will be held on July 5, 2025 at Mobilcity in Bern. Such competitions are not only a challenge, but also an excellent opportunity to prove your skills, make valuable contacts and pave your own career path.

Car trade equals career opportunity. Not only cars, but also trucks offer exciting careers - and no longer just for men. Sophie Schumacher's victory shows that women are increasingly gaining a foothold here too. In order to specifically promote young talent, the Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz (AGVS), which is responsible for training and further education in the industry, is planning an image campaign for commercial vehicle professions together with the importers. "The concept for this project is being implemented with universities and with the support of importers and the AGVS," explains Olivier Maeder, AGVS Managing Director, Education Division.

To attract young people to the industry, the AGVS relies on various initiatives, including its platform autoberufe.ch and its participation in formats such as "Lehrberufe Live!". These live streams regularly give school students authentic insights into the everyday life of apprentices in the automotive industry - and are very popular.

The automotive world is changing rapidly, and with it the demands on skilled workers. The transition to electromobility is opening up new career opportunities, because in addition to traditional mechanics, there is an increasing demand for specialist knowledge in high-voltage technology, software diagnostics and digital assistance systems. Anyone starting an apprenticeship in the automotive industry today will become an important pillar of tomorrow's mobility.

As already mentioned, the automotive industry also offers career opportunities outside of basic technical training - for example in the commercial sector. There are also numerous further training opportunities with federal qualifications. Young talents will find a future with prospects here. The growing interest is reflected in the number of graduates: At the end of January 2025, a total of 167 prospective automotive diagnosticians and automotive workshop coordinators received their specialist certificate in Langenthal BE.

Modern technology, exciting challenges and excellent development opportunities make the industry more attractive than ever. Further information on the many job profiles in the industry can be found at www.autoberufe.ch. Numerous impressions and insights into the professional world of the automotive industry can be found on the Instagram and TikTok channel of autoberufe.ch.

Developers have spent years fine-tuning the car, trimming the chassis for fun and safety and perfecting the brakes. And then all it takes is one small mistake - and none of it can show off its qualities: The tires are the car's only contact with the road and are a decisive factor in whether we are good and safe on the road. How much is often underestimated.

There are spectacular tests in which the difference between the worst and best summer tires in an emergency braking maneuver from 80 km/h was an incredible 25 meters. In other words, where the car with the best tire was stationary, the car with the worst tire hurtled into the obstacle at over 50 km/h. A typical disadvantage of poor tires is also the risk of aquaplaning far earlier in wet conditions. The tire price may or may not reflect this: In this extreme case, the dangerous tire was less than 100 francs cheaper per set than the best.

So quality doesn't have to be expensive. In general, established rather than no-name pneumatic brands are recommended when in doubt. And the agony of choosing summer tires is back in these months, because "from O to O" (i.e. from Easter to October), according to the rule of thumb, it's the turn of the summer tires again.

Maybe all-weather tires for the whole year after all? They have become much more balanced in recent years, but all tests agree: the balancing act is too great, no all-season tire can keep up with the special skills of winter and summer tires. So nothing can replace seasonal tires. However, the range of tire brands, sizes and types has long been so enormous that laymen can hardly keep track of it all. Expert advice is needed.

Or are my summer tires still good for the 2025 season? Two factors in particular should be considered here. On the one hand, the tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6 millimeters. However, the properties start to deteriorate considerably earlier. It is therefore advisable to replace the tires as soon as there are three millimeters of tread left (four millimeters for winter tires). On the other hand, the age of the tires is decisive: eight years should be the maximum. This is because the rubber compound hardens over time. This then deteriorates the properties of the tire.

But which new tires to choose? The first thing to decide is which sizes, i.e. tire dimensions, are permitted for the car. Professional advice should be sought from the garage. Although this information can also be found in the vehicle documents, your trusted garage specialist can play it safe with the help of the vehicle data and also knows how to identify any alternatives. And the qualified experts are familiar with the latest tire tests - such as those published annually by the TCS for summer tires at the end of February - and know how to find the right tire for your needs. Examples: Are you looking for comfort or sport? How many kilometers do you drive per year? Should the tire be particularly economical or very durable? All these factors play a part in deciding which tire to choose.

Electromobility also has an influence on the choice of tires. This is especially true because tires are crucial when it comes to fuel efficiency. An aspect that is often overlooked, but which also influences the range of electric cars. This can easily amount to ten percent more or less. What's more, garage owners know which tire brand is pursuing which strategy: Some always build tires for all drive systems, others build special tires for e-vehicles. And last but not least, choosing the right tire for every combustion engine also supports the effort to drive efficiently and ecologically.

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are another reason to trust specialist companies when buying and changing tires. This starts with the fact that there are different systems: Indirect systems have no sensors in the wheel. This is why they do not require a check or replacement of the sensors when changing tires, but conversely cannot display the tire pressure (but can only detect a sudden loss of pressure). However, they also need to be recalibrated after a tire change. Direct systems that measure the tire pressure of each wheel must also be recalibrated and the sensors checked or replaced.

The question remains: where to put the tires? After all, the winter tires or wheels need to be stored when changing to summer tires. Many garages offer customers a so-called wheel hotel. Complete wheels or tires can be stored here until the next change.

This has several advantages. First of all, any damage to the tire is guaranteed not to go unnoticed by the experts; they will also point out any tread depth that is soon too low or tire age that is too high. And: The tires are guaranteed to be stored properly, because they should be kept in a clean, well-ventilated place with a constant temperature and not be exposed to the weather or an oil stain in the garage. And last but not least, it is simply relaxing not to have to drive or balance the bulky heavyweights around.

*This content was created by the Autosprint editorial team in collaboration with carXpert created. Cars of all makes are welcome in the carXpert garages and body shops.

The Amag Group has signed a long-term contract with the start-up Synhelion, which emerged from the ETH in 2016, for the purchase of solar petrol. This is a climate-friendly substitute for petrol. The synthetic fuel is produced from sunlight, CO2 and water. From 2027, Amag intends to purchase 50,000 liters of solar petrol from Synhelion every year. The company is thus pursuing the goal of reducing the CO2 emissions of its existing fleet. This is because solar petrol can be used with conventional engines.

The solar gasoline is produced at the "Rise" production plant in Spain, Synhelion's first commercial solar fuel plant, which will be built from this year - production of solar fuel is scheduled to start in 2027. Despite the combustion process, Synhelion's fuel is climate-friendly, as only as much CO₂ as was previously separated from the air for production.

Amag stands for openness to technologyalthough it is fundamentally committed to the electrification of mobility and is actively promoting the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The existing vehicle fleet poses a major challenge when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions, and synthetic fuels such as Synhelion's solar gasoline could make a decisive contribution.

Helmut Ruhl, CEO of the Amag Group, explains: " Our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions in all areas of our company. The partnership with Synhelion enables us to implement sustainable solutions for the existing Swiss vehicle fleet - and thus also for classic cars "

The cleantech company Synhelion opened the industrial demonstration plant "Dawn" in Jülich (Germany) in June 2024, which produces various fuels from solar energy. From 2027, "Rise" in Spain will supply around 1000 tons of renewable kerosene, diesel and petrol per year. Philipp Furler, co-CEO and co-founder of Synhelion, says: " The collaboration with the Amag Group shows that our technology can make a significant contribution to defossilization not only in aviation and shipping, but also in the automotive sector."

In addition to investing in solar fuels the Amag Group is also driving forward electromobility. Last year, it was able to confirm its leading position in this area with 12,348 all-electric vehicles sold. It was also successful in other areas: With consolidated sales of CHF 4.9 billion in 2024, it was able to achieve a market share of 30.4 percent with its Audi, Cupra, Seat, Skoda, VW and VW Commercial Vehicles brands in a declining overall market.

To facilitate the charging of electric vehicles Amag has been offering a new charging solution since the beginning of 2025: Vehicles can be charged at over 13,000 charging stations in Switzerland and 600,000 stations throughout Europe - for example with the Amag app or charging card - for 28 centimes per kilowatt hour. According to Amag, this tariff is in many cases cheaper than charging at home and is particularly aimed at companies and people who have to travel longer distances.

The company, which belongs to the Amag Group Company Clyde is promoting electromobility with a special offer: Since the beginning of 2024, interested parties have been able to test an electric car for three months on a subscription basis. Helmut Ruhl says: "With Clyde's longest test drive in Switzerland, we are offering a risk-free introduction to electromobility. If you don't like it, we will refund 50 percent of the subscription fee, even if you subsequently buy or lease a combustion car."

Meanwhile, Europcar, also part of the Amag Group, is continuing to expand its electric fleet. New models such as the Audi A6 and Q6 E-Tron, VW ID.7 and ID.Buzz, Cupra Tavascan and Skoda Elroq complete the range.

Speaking of electricity: Helion Energy AG, a subsidiary of the Amag Group, was able to install photovoltaic systems with a total output of around 80 gigawatt hours last year; according to Amag, this is almost three times as much as the electric cars it sold last year. With its "solar tariff/PPA" offer, Helion also enables private households to sell surplus solar power - the company received the Aeesuisse Award for this concept.

With these developments, Amag is positioning itself as a pioneer in the creation of innovative and sustainable mobility solutions - from synthetic fuels to electromobility and renewable energies. In doing so, it is making an important contribution to the mobility of tomorrow.

The Subaru Forester celebrated its premiere in 1997. Since then, the model has been a safe bet in the Japanese car manufacturer's portfolio. More than five million units sold worldwide speak for themselves. This success story is likely to continue, as the Japanese have placed a stronger focus on chic in the redesign of the new Forester 4×4 and given it a new, modern design. The fiber-fur image has been done away with.

A 2.0i e-Boxer engine provides the drive. It delivers 100 kW/136 hp. Additional thrust is provided by an electric motor. This contributes 12.3 kW/16.7 hp to the overall power output. The power is sent to all four wheels via an automatic gearbox. The mild hybrid system improves acceleration right from the start, although it is sluggish. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 12.7 seconds, and the car stops at 188 km/h. Fuel consumption is declared by the factory at 8.1 l/100 km. Test drives around Berlin have shown that less is easily possible. If the route does not include any off-road sections, 7 liters is a realistic figure.

The new Subaru Forester is easy to drive on and off-road and very precise thanks to the new steering. Driving comfort and user-friendliness have been improved by the integration of front seats with head restraints, which reduce back and neck pain as well as nausea on long journeys. All-round visibility has also been upgraded with larger windows. In the version with the glass roof, you feel like you're in the open air. However, not as far as the noise level is concerned, as the Japanese have made improvements here, with additional insulating material noticeably reducing the background noise.

The Subaru Forester shows no weaknesses on the off-road course. Its off-road capability is supported by the X mode and all-wheel drive. This function facilitates driving in difficult conditions such as snow, scree or mud. The hill descent control is another feature of X mode, which makes it easier to keep on track on slippery or loose surfaces.

When it comes to safety, the Japanese have made massive upgrades. Their pride and joy is the "EyeSight" driver assistance system. It has five new functions, including an automatic, controlled stop of the car if the person behind the wheel is no longer able to react for any reason - called "Emergency Driving Stop". Three cameras installed behind the rear-view mirror feed a total of 15 functions, including the elimination of blind spots.

The new Subaru Forester is available in four trim levels: Advantage, Swiss Plus, Sport and Luxury, with 18- and 19-inch wheels. Prices start at 40,950 Swiss francs. There is a choice of 11 body colors, two of which are new: River Rock Pearl and Cashmere Gold Opal.

"The Fiat Panda is part of Italian pop culture. In the past 45 years since its market launch, several million people have had fun with it. The great heritage of the Panda was the perfect opportunity for us to have fun with our past," says Fiat Head of Design François Leboine, explaining the starting point for the design of the new Grande Panda.

Even though the new model is more than half a meter longer than the iconic original from the 1980s at 3,999 meters, the requirements today are not so different from back then: good use of space, an affordable price and, of course, an appealing appearance.

And this is guaranteed, not only thanks to eye-catching colors, but also thanks to various loving references to Fiat's heritage. The seat covers with square embroidery already existed in the original Panda, the historic headquarters in Lingotto served as inspiration for the oval dashboard and the rectangular front and the old "five stripes" logo can be found in the C-pillar. A special detail is the small model of an original Panda in the interior.

The fact that the new Grande Panda is significantly larger than the original is no coincidence. Fiat wants to recapture the high-volume B segment, which it has been unable to cover since the end of the Punto in 2013. And wants to impress above all with high utility value. The angular design of the Grande Panda offers the best starting point for this: in addition to a comfortable seating position in the front, passengers on the rear bench also enjoy plenty of headroom.

At 361 liters, the trunk is large enough not only for the shopping, but also for a weekend trip. With the rear seats folded down, the storage space increases to a respectable 1315 liters for a small car. And a second glove compartment in the upper part of the dashboard and a practical stowage compartment in front of the front passenger provide more than enough storage space for small items.

The Fiat Grande Panda is based on the same "CMP Smart Car" platform as the C3 from Citroën, but looks surprisingly grown-up compared to the French car. Yes, the Grande Panda is also started using a conventional ignition key - just like in the past - but even the basic "RED" version comes with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system as standard, as well as wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

The Grande Panda will initially be launched as an electric car. With 83 kW/113 hp, it is lively in city traffic, while the smooth application of torque ensures a pleasant driving style. On the highway, the speed limit is 135 km/h, but in an urban environment, the vehicle scores with good all-round visibility, a raised seating position and compact dimensions. The drive is powered by a 44 kWh battery, which should provide a range of 320 km according to the WLTP.

Fiat offers a clever solution for charging: The AC charging cable for up to 7 kW charging power is integrated in the front and can be pulled out like a telephone cable - practical and space-saving. At the fast charger, the Grande Panda can achieve a maximum of 100 kW, so that the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in 27 minutes.

But Fiat also knows that it cannot (yet) do without combustion engines in its range. "Customers want electrified drives even more than electric ones," summarizes Fiat CEO Olivier François aptly. A variant with a 1.2-liter hybrid drive will soon follow, continuing the tradition of the affordable small car that the Panda once was. The Swiss prices are not yet known, but they are likely to start at around 16,000 francs. The electric model is available from 24,900 francs.

And: there will also be all-wheel drive again. It would be an innovation for the smart car platform. Olivier François explains that they do not yet know exactly how this will be implemented. But the 4×4 is owed to the legacy of the Panda.

The first Porsche 911 GT3, presented at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, was based on the 996 series and offered 360 hp with a displacement of 3.6 liters. Eight evolutionary stages later, the new model in the 992.2 series now comes with a 4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine and 510 hp. Once again, the car is available with a fixed rear wing or with an automatically extending and retracting rear spoiler as the Touring version.

The typical GT3 customer still demands the naturally aspirated high-revving boxer engine, rear-wheel drive and comprehensive lightweight construction measures. Porsche has equipped the new engine with two particulate filters and four catalytic converters in order to comply with stricter global emissions legislation. Engine performance has been maintained thanks to several optimization measures. The 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and the manual 6-speed gearbox now have a shorter final drive ratio. With PDK, the 911 GT3 accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 311 km/h, while the manual version takes 3.9 seconds and reaches 313 km/h.

Lightweight
The new edition can be recognized by the fresh contours of the front diffuser and the front lip as well as the modified fins on the underbody. The air intake area at the front has been enlarged, and the diffuser, air intakes and boot lid at the rear have been redesigned. "In the lightest configuration with forged magnesium wheels and various carbon fiber parts, the minimum weight remains at 1420 kilograms, as with the predecessor," emphasizes Jörg Jünger, Project Manager 911 GT vehicles. With the Weissach and Clubsport package, the car can be adapted even better to circuit racing. Many lightweight components and a visible carbon strip across the front lid, roof and rear wing as well as leather and Race-Tex upholstery and carbon door pull handles in the interior further distinguish the active sports car.

Confident on any terrain
The driving dynamics and six-cylinder sound of the new GT3 are captivating. The precise steering and the spontaneous response of the high-revving naturally aspirated engine ensure enormous driving pleasure both on public roads and on track days on the circuit. As standard, the GT3 rolls on tires with improved wet grip, 255/35 ZR 20 at the front and 315/30 ZR 21 at the rear. Track tires with road approval are also available. Thanks to the new geometry of the double wishbone wheel suspension adopted from the GT3-RS model 992.1, pitching when braking from high speeds is significantly reduced, further improving stability.

The GT3 and GT3 Touring model variants each cost 233,700 francs in the base version. The Weissach package adds a further 27,610 francs, and the lightweight package costs 41,310 francs.