Porsche has been setting standards for sports cars with the rear-engine 911 model since 1963. While the six-cylinder boxer engine of the first two-liter 911 produced 120 hp, the GT3 RS and GT3 Touring models now deliver 525 hp - still with the boxer concept and six cylinders, but with twice the displacement. For the 60th anniversary, the Stuttgart company has now prepared a particularly attractive variant: the S/T as the lightest and most purist 911 of the 992 generation. The carbon fiber doors and roof are first recognizable as new components. The discreetly integrated rear spoiler only moves at 120 km/h to leave the exterior unchanged for as long as possible.

Master in the curves

Although the exclusive newcomer, which will only be produced 1963 times, has the engine of the GT3 RS, it needs slightly more time for the parade sprint to 100 km/h because it is not equipped with the PDK dual-clutch transmission but with a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, this is not a disadvantage for the sports car purist, because changing gears by hand is more fun and besides, the car will probably not be driven on the racetrack, but where its strengths provide particularly high adrenaline: on winding country roads. The gears are quick and easy to shift, and you quickly get used to the special lightweight clutch in conjunction with a single-mass flywheel. This weight saving makes the naturally aspirated boxer engine rev even more easily. Finally, the maximum torque of 465 Nm is only reached at 6300 rpm and the maximum output of 525 hp at 8500 rpm.

Weight of 1380 kilograms

The S/T can be driven razor-sharp and precisely through all kinds of curves at high speed. For the sake of weight, the rear-axle steering can be dispensed with, and there is no need for all-wheel drive either. A carbon-ceramic high-performance brake is fitted as standard to slow the car down - if necessary in an impressively violent manner. Because many carbon components are also used on the body, the 911 S/T weighs in at just 1380 kilograms. 20-inch magnesium wheels are fitted as standard at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear.

Starting number and a watch

The car can be ordered now at a price starting at 366,000 Swiss francs. However, it is doubtful whether it will still be possible to get hold of one, as the dealers do not receive an unlimited number of vehicles - and the customers have probably already been determined. To underline the claim of purism and tradition, Porsche offers a Heritage Design package for the S/T at a price of 21,280 francs. This includes the new exterior color Shoreblue Metallic and the Ceramica wheel color, and a set of decorative foils and a start number can be applied to the doors on request. Also on offer for the exclusive clientele is the Chronograph 1 - 911 S/T, which ties in with the car in many design details and can be had for an additional 11,950 Swiss francs.

porsche.ch

The E version of the Opel Astra can be recognized at first glance by the two-tone paint scheme with black roof, the black exterior mirror housings and the high-gloss black 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with anthracite wheel spoke clips. The front end with the brand-typical Vizor face, on the other hand, is the same as on the sporty plug-in hybrid model brother GSe.

Range over 400 kilometers

Following the Corsa-e and the Mokka Electric, the compact sedan with such a long tradition of best-selling cars is now also becoming fully electric. The 54-kWh battery gives the new E-Astra a range of 418 kilometers according to the WLTP standard and can then be charged up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes at the 100-kW fast charging station.

Up to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds

Thanks to the powerful electric motor, which delivers 115 kW (156 hp) and a maximum torque of 270 Nm, the electric Astra is spirited and easy to handle on the road. At 1680 kilograms, it weighs comparatively little, and thanks to the smooth, precise and direct steering, it curves swiftly through all bends.

Three driving modes with three performance levels are available, with even the Eco mode providing sufficient power on the flat - and enabling remarkably low consumption values. From a standstill, the E-Astra reaches the 100 km/h mark in 9.2 seconds, and a top speed of 170 km/h is possible.

Good lateral support and comfort

The AGR-certified ergonomic Sport Active seats offer good lateral support and plenty of comfort. The fully digital Pure Panel Pro cockpit with two 10-inch displays and multimedia infotainment system provides the best networking and entertainment. The rich array of assistance systems ranges from front collision warning with automatic hazard braking and pedestrian detection to lane departure warning and traffic sign assist to drowsiness detection, automatic speed assist as well as parking pilot and 360-degree camera. The luggage compartment capacity of the 4.37-meter-long compact class EV ranges from 352 to 1268 liters - depending on the rear seat position.

The new model can be ordered now at prices starting at 46,500 Swiss francs. The first deliveries can be expected in September.

opel.ch

In our country, more and more battery-electric cars are being registered every month, thus reducing CO₂-emissions of the vehicle fleet can be reduced. However, there are many countries or regions where fleet replacement will be much slower or where sufficient charging infrastructure will not be available for some time. Furthermore, cars with combustion engines will still be on the road for decades - even in our latitudes. These are all good reasons for the production and use of synthetic fuels. Several speakers at the Powerfuel Week in the Museum of Transport in Lucerne spoke in favor of this.

Improvement through e-Fuels

Matthias Braun from the Fuel Research Center of the oil company Aramco in Paris, for example, emphasized that today oil production is still increasing due to growing demand. This is where e-fuels could bring about a fast-acting improvement by being used to power the world's growing fleet of combustion engines. They would also be ideally suited for blending with conventional fuels. e-Fuels will also be important in racing, as they will power Formula 1 hybrid cars from 2026.

Range up to 400 kilometers

In addition to the Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai II, which have been available in our country for some time, Opel is now taking the stage with a fuel cell hydrogen light commercial vehicle (gallery left). The Vivaro-e Hydrogen - and with it its Stellantis Group brothers Citroën e-Jumpy Hydrogen and Peugeot e-Expert Hydrogen - put 260 Nm and 100 kW on the road with a fuel cell stack and a lithium-ion battery via front wheels.

The hydrogen, which can be refueled in just three minutes, is then sufficient for a driving distance of around 400 kilometers. Heavy commercial vehicles, aircraft and ships are also hardly conceivable with purely battery-electric propulsion, as the battery packs take up a lot of space, add a lot of weight on board and cannot be recharged in a short time.

Gas stations and charging stations

As drive systems change, so does the infrastructure for supplying energy to vehicles. In Switzerland, the number of hydrogen refueling stations is rising slowly but steadily (center gallery). So with 14 existing and eight planned stations, the Swiss network is already substantial today - and the next opening is just around the corner: on June 9, the station in Grauholz on the A1 opens.

powerfuel.ch

As of now, for example, the V3 coilover suspension is available for the VW ID. Buzz with rear-wheel drive, the V3 coilover suspension is available. Made of stainless steel in Germany, the suspension is individually adjustable in the damper tuning in compression and rebound as well as in lowering.

Within the scope of the expertise, the center of gravity of the VW ID. Buzz can be lowered from 25 to 45 millimeters on the front axle and from 15 to 35 millimeters on the drive axle. The catalog price for this coilover suspension is 3260 francs.

Accessories for the aftermarket industry

Due to the increasing registration figures, electric mobility is also becoming more and more interesting for the aftermarket industry and the accessories market. KW has developed various coilover suspensions for electric vehicles such as the BMW i4 eDrive40 Gran Coupé, Cupra Born, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Now also for the VW ID. Buzz.

Peter Banz, Managing Director of KW Automotive Switzerland: "At the Essen Motor Show 2022, KW Germany still showed the prototype. Now the chassis is available with an expert opinion, and it is available from KW dealers as well as from us."

High quality multi-valve damper technology

Compared to typical sports suspensions and coilovers, KW not only uses stainless steel struts and damper housings on the V3, but also relies on high-quality multi-valve damper technology. The separately manually adjustable compression and rebound valves each consist of a high-speed and low-speed valve.

In the event of sudden compression, such as when driving over bumps, the preconfigured high-speed compression damping allows rapid compression and prevents the tire from losing grip, for example, due to an excessively tightly set low-speed compression damping. This means that the ID. Buzz with its high vehicle weight remains easy to control in all everyday driving maneuvers and when swerving.

Basic setup for the VW ID. Buzz ex works

Peter Banz: "In order-related production, we set these valves to our recommended basic setup for the VW ID. Buzz. While the high-speed valves can no longer be individually adjusted after chassis installation, the low-speed valves can still be tuned by hand for more driving dynamics or ride comfort."

kwsuspensions.ch

At its European research and development center in Offenbach, Germany, Honda unveiled new electrified models and also provided an overview of the expansion of its energy management program.

Katsuhisa Okuda, president and director of Honda Motor Europe (center gallery): "Europe is very important for us. We have many loyal customers here who drive our cars and motorcycles and use our power products."

ZR-V for younger customers

Honda is presenting three new SUV models. The ZR-V (gallery on the left) is located between the HR-V and CR-V in size, is equipped with the Civic's e:HEV full hybrid system and is intended to appeal to a younger clientele in particular with its sporty exterior. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, it offers plenty of space and comfort inside - also thanks to soft-touch surface materials. A 9-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard serves as the control center.

CR-V with plug-in hybrid drive  

The new version of the flagship CR-V (gallery on the right) is longer, wider and taller and is offered not only with the e:HEV full hybrid drive, but also as the first Honda model in Europe with the e:PHEV plug-in hybrid drive. This allows the CR-V to travel up to 81 kilometers in pure electric mode. New sensing functions make the car even safer, both actively and passively. The new omnidirectional safety and driver assistance system Honda Sensing 360, for example, eliminates blind spots around the vehicle.

e:Ny1 second Stromer of the brand

The all-new Honda e:Ny1 the brand's second electric car in Europe, features clean body lines, short overhangs and large wheels. It is based on Honda's new e:N Architecture F, a front-engine platform with a highly rigid body structure and finely tuned underbody aerodynamics. With a maximum output of 150 kW and torque of 310 Nm, good driving performance can be expected. The 68.8 kWh battery enables ranges of up to 412 kilometers.

Hydrogen systems under test

In addition to the new models, Honda is also investing in the new models with a view to achieving the target of CO₂-In order to achieve neutrality by 2050, we are also expanding our energy management program. This includes the development of clean energy services, further projects to research hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, and new charging and storage solutions.

The first application is e:Progress, a cost-effective and sustainable home charging solution that is already available in the UK and will be available to drivers of the new e:Ny1 and CR-V with plug-in hybrid drive. All new vehicles shown will be available in Switzerland from October. However, the price has not yet been set.

honda.ch

The topics of sustainability and CO₂-neutrality represent a considerable challenge for the automotive industry. At the International Engine Symposium in Vienna, new developments in the fields of powertrain technology were presented in more than 80 papers to an audience of over 1,000 participants from all over the world.

Climate neutrality for old vehicles

Professor Bernhard Geringer, head of the Institute of Propulsion Systems and Automotive Engineering at the Vienna University of Technology and organizer of the symposium (center gallery): "All technological solutions for climate-neutral mobility must be considered. Not only new vehicles should be included in the climate consideration. The world's fleet of around 1.4 billion vehicles with internal combustion engines also needs a path to rapid climate neutrality. Here, e-fuels are an ideal solution because they can be used immediately."

Use of electricity-based drives

Thorsten Herdan of HIF Global also sees great potential for synthetic fuels, such as those already being produced at the Haru Oni demonstration plant in Chile, led by Porsche and Siemens. Mass production and widespread availability of e-fuels is expected from 2026.

HIF Global plans to deploy approximately $50 billion in capital to develop, build and operate facilities around the world that will produce approximately 150,000 barrels of synthetic fuels per day to defossilize more than five million vehicles (gallery at left).

In a techno-economic study, the companies Concawe and Aramco analyzed a number of e-fuels paths. Representatives of these companies also spoke in Vienna in favor of the early use of the electricity-based fuels, which are expected to play an important role in the defossilization of the transport sector.

Climate footprint like a green electricity vehicle

Bernhard Geringer: "It is wrong to assume that electric vehicles alone are the answer when it comes to sustainable transformation. There are other solutions. A fuel cell drive or an internal combustion engine powered by e-fuels made from green hydrogen has a similar climate footprint as a green power vehicle."

vienna-engine-symposium.at

Even before it hits the streets of Switzerland in the near future, the Jeep Avenger has already won several awards. It is not only the European Car of the Year 2023, but also the best family SUV at the Women's World Car of the Year Awards 2023. The first test drives of the compact Euro-Jeep have already shown what it is made of.

Characteristic design features

With a length of 4.08 meters, the new Avenger is very compact, is powered purely by electricity and is limited to front-wheel drive. Externally, it stands out clearly from the numerous competitors in the compact SUV class.

The 7-slot radiator grille, the sweeping fenders, the trapezoidal wheel arches and the body parts finished all around in black plastic are characteristic design features of the brand. The X-style taillights, reminiscent of a gas can, are another typical brand feature.

Range of up to 550 kilometers

The new 115 kW synchronous engine (156 hp) in the Avenger, which is already familiar from the Stellantis Group, drives the front wheels with a maximum torque of 260 Nm. The newcomer thus drives spiritedly in Sport mode, somewhat more cautiously in Normal mode, when only 80 kW are available, and emphatically efficiency-oriented in Eco mode with a maximum of 60 kW. The maneuverability is striking; the small turning circle diameter of 10.5 meters makes it possible. The Selec Terrain program and the hill descent assistant are standard.

In addition, large slope angles and ground clearance of 21 centimeters contribute to the off-road capability. The Selec Terrain is practical with the basic settings Normal, Eco and Sport, and driving modes Snow, Mud and Sand are unusual for a front-wheel drive vehicle. The 54-kWh battery enables ranges of up to 400 kilometers - in the WLTP city driving cycle even up to 550 kilometers.

Three equipments for Switzerland

Like the exterior, the interior looks fresh and unconventional. However, hard plastic parts are used in many places; after all, the expensive electrical technology has to be balanced out somewhere in the production costs. The 10-inch touchscreen offers the option of showing data from the terminal device on the Uconnect display via Android Auto and Carplay. There is also embedded navigation from Tom-Tom with improved voice recognition and over-the-air updates.

The range of safety and driver assistance systems includes blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as automatic parking and the 180-degree rearview camera with drone view. Manufactured at the plant in Tychy, Poland, the new Jeep Avenger is available in Switzerland in Longitude, Altitude and Summit trim levels at prices starting at 37,990 Swiss francs.

jeep.ch

In addition to full hybrid and purely electrically driven models, Mazda fortunately continues to rely on combustion engines with 48-volt mild hybridization. After all, the aim is to supply markets worldwide where electrification is progressing more slowly than in Europe. In addition, a powerful diesel engine like the new 3.3-liter inline six is basically a perfect engine for SUV models like the CX-60.

Thanks to 200 hp in the rear-wheel drive version or 254 hp in the 4×4 variant and torques of 450 and 550 Nm, the fuel-efficient and clean diesel ensures good driving performance and, incidentally, frees the driver from any range anxiety.

Perfected diesel drive

With the new DCPCI (Distribution Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition) injection and combustion process and mild hybridization, the new turbo diesel engine achieves a thermal efficiency of more than 40 percent and correspondingly low fuel consumption figures - Mazda quotes 5.0 to 5.3 l/100 km. Oxidation catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter and SCR system ensure good exhaust gas values at the same time.

On the road, both drive variants can impress with good performance, although the rear-wheel drive model weighs around 1960 kilograms and the 4×4 even around 2010 kilograms. The low-vibration inline six-cylinder harmonizes perfectly with the 8-speed automatic transmission, and when accelerating from a standstill, the electric motor at the transmission input helps out with an additional 153 Nm. Mazda Switzerland expects a 4×4 share of around 95 percent.

2500 kilos can be hooked

The 4.75-meter CX-60 offers generous space for five people. The capacity of the luggage compartment is 570 liters and can be increased to a maximum of 1726 liters by folding down the rear seat back sections. Also valuable: up to 2500 kilograms can be hooked up.

During the first test drives, it was positively noticed that the important safety and comfort features can also be operated directly via switches and buttons. With the Prime Line, Exclusive Line, Homura and Takumi equipment lines, the interior can be adapted to different preferences - from sporty to luxurious. Prices for the new diesel models start at 54,900 Swiss francs.

mazda.ch

When the two sliding side doors are open, the great practical utility of the Kangoo E-Tech Electric becomes apparent, as this makes it much easier to get people in and out and to stow bulky transport items. The sliding doors provide an opening width of 61.5 centimeters, and the rear seat segments, which are divided in a ratio of 1:2, can be moved longitudinally by 14 centimeters. The Kangoo also underlines its suitability as a multi-purpose transporter with a load volume of up to 1730 liters, a 500-kilogram payload, modular roof rails and a towing capacity of 1500 kilograms.

Equilibre or techno as you wish

The exterior distinguishing features of the E-Kangoo are the independent radiator grille and the 16-inch wheels for the Equilibre equipment version and the 17-inch alloy wheels for the Techno. From the base Kangoo comes the horizontally oriented dashboard with a full-width decorative trim in carbon gray in the Equilibre and dark brushed wood in the Techno. The Easy Link online multimedia system, which is standard in the higher trim levels, paves the way to a fully networked vehicle; software updates are carried out over the air.

In the Techno, the front seats and windshield can be heated as standard, and even the steering wheel can be supplied with optional heating elements. The most important driver assistance systems are on board as standard; for example, the lane departure warning system, the drowsiness warning system and the emergency brake assistant with pedestrian, cyclist and intersection detection. The adaptive cruise control with stop & go function and the highway and traffic jam assist systems are optional.

The range is 285 kilometers

The front wheels of the Kangoo Electric are driven by a 90 kW synchronous motor. With maximum torque of 245 Nm, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds. The top speed remains limited to 135 km/h. The engine draws power from a 45-kWh battery, allowing a range of up to 285 WLTP kilometers. The range can be extended by using the eco mode and the maximum recuperation level, in which practical 1-pedal driving is then also possible.

The first deliveries of the electric Kangoo can be expected in the next few weeks. Prices start at 39,500 francs for the Equilibre model with 11-kW charger. The model that is also suitable for fast charging costs 41,000 francs as the Equilibre and 44,500 francs as the Techno. In addition, several comfort and safety packages are on offer for both equipment versions.

renault.ch

The most striking feature of the Giulia and Stelvio model update is the new headlight design. Analogous to the latest Alfa Romeo model Tonale, the lights are now structured in 3+3 elements - three modules for driving lights, daytime running lights and turn signals. This configuration is also said to pay homage to two models of the early 1990s, the SZ Zagato coupe and the Proteo concept car. Thanks to an all-LED matrix setup, the new headlights provide more light while requiring less energy.

The typical Alfa trilobo with radiator grille and side-mounted cooling air intakes has also been redesigned for the new model year. The taillights are also new, with LED technology and shiny smoked glass on the Stelvio, but transparent on the Giulia.

Preparation for automated driving

The instrument cluster is now a 12.3-inch TFT monitor. The fully digital display shows the most important info and the parameters that are important for automated driving. The instrument display can be configured in the three layouts Evolved, Relax and Heritage.

The infotainment systems have also been optimized, and software updates are possible online. Also new for the Giulia and Stelvio is NFT technology, which was introduced with the Tonale model. The term NFT refers to a tamper-proof digital certificate. With the owner's consent, the NFT records important vehicle data that can be used, for example, as proof that the vehicle has been properly maintained.

Known drives deliver up to 510 hp

Giulia and Stelvio are still available with the three engine variants 2.2 diesel, 2.0 and 2.9-V6 gasoline, which provide outputs of 210, 280 and 510 hp and ensure tremendous temperament with maximum torques of 470, 400 and 600 Nm. With the exception of the rear-wheel drive Giulia Quadrifoglio, all models are combined with Q4 all-wheel drive.

The four-cylinder models are offered in four trims: Super, TI, Veloce and Competitione. The V6 versions are always combined with Quadrifoglio levels. Prices start at 62,900 francs (Giulia) and 71,900 francs (Stelvio), and the top Quadrifoglio Competizione models are priced at 136,400 francs (Giulia) and 145,200 francs (Stelvio).

alfaromeo.ch