Tag Archives: Swiss

News

Autocar journal 17 April: on sale now

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This week in Autocar, we element Alfa Romeo’s new BMW M3-beater, drive Skoda’s Swiss military knife, and discover out why the boss of Jeep is bullish in regards to the firm’s future.

News

The subsequent Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will arrive in 2026 as its most potent automobile thus far, nudging 1000bhp and on-board AI that may tweak its dealing with – now we have each element. We additionally check out Alfa’s long-awaited new SUV, the Milano, because it appears to focus on a ‘new technology’ of patrons.

Meanwhile at Mercedes, the EQS has been handled to a brand new face and vary boosted by 11% – we have got the lowdown on the BMW i7 rival.

The best-selling Nissan Qashqai has additionally obtained a gentle facelift to carry it consistent with the electrical Ariya, full with sharper strains and a brand new face impressed by Japanese samurai helmets.

We additionally cowl Porsche’s determination to maintain the Boxster, Cayman and Macan on sale within the UK, and why Aston Martin is about to maintain combustion powertrains for so long as it will possibly.

Reviews

The new Skoda Kodiaq has arrived greater and swisher, providing seven-seat petrols and diesels and, for the primary time, a plug-in hybrid. We discover out if it nonetheless has the enduring enchantment of the outgoing automobile.

BMW’s best-seller, the X3, has been given an overhaul in each division – we head to France to drive a pre-production prototype.

Speaking of prototypes, the Audi RS E-tron GT has been given a spread of updates with the promise of being a extra well-rounded and dynamic GT. Does it fulfil that billing? 

Omoda, the Chinese agency planning an offensive on UK shores, is heading for our markets with a competitively priced rival to the Hyundai Kona, merely known as the 5. We drive the plug-in hybrid and electrical model to see what’s what.

Elsewhere in a packed opinions part, we’re testing three model new Volkswagens, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, and the Citroen C5 Aircrews Hybrid.

Features

New Jeep CEO Antonia Filosa understands what makes the American model totally different. James Attwood hears how he plans to show it into a world success story.

Horiba MIRA, the 80-year-old automotive validation station, is reworking itself right into a one-stop car improvement store. Matt Saunders takes the tour.

Opinion

Matt Prior discusses the federal government’s determination to look into headlight glare and the nifty resolution he has give you. He additionally talks in regards to the SMMT’s name to halve VAT on EVs.

Steve Cropley, in the meantime, riffs on the attractive and daring Wells Vertige, the revival of the Vauxhall Frontera, and the way a nook of the Bicester Heritage circuit has been given a well-recognized title.

Motorsport

This Solar-Powered Truck Set An Altitude Record For EVs

Taking the “aim high” idiom actually, Swiss transport and logistics firm Gebrüder Weiss have simply set a brand new altitude file for EVs. This large rig is known as Terren and it launched into a grand journey to the western ridge of Ojos del Salado in Chile. It’s the best energetic volcano on this planet and the place the place a Porsche 911 with portal axles recently set an altitude record.

Running on artificial gasoline, the sports activities automotive climbed 22,093 toes (6,734 meters) above sea stage. As for the off-road truck, it “only” obtained as much as 21,325 toes (6,500 meters) however it was sufficient to set a file for electrical autos. The earlier file, established in May 2022, belonged to the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX. The electrical SUV reached 19,081 toes (5,816 meters) by climbing the Uturuncu volcano in Quetena Chico, Bolivia.


BMW

BMW Startup Garage introduces innovations quickly

Munich. BMW Group and Swiss start-up AirConsole have collaborated to develop a solution for in-car gaming in a remarkably short time. Since July, BMW drivers and passengers have been able to play computer games on the vehicle’s Curved Display during breaks, using their smartphones as controllers. This feature is being introduced with the launch of the new BMW 5 Series and will be gradually offered for other models*. This successful partnership demonstrates the effectiveness of BMW’s venture client model, which emphasizes rapid integration of start-up technologies throughout the organization.

BMW’s unique collaboration approach

The BMW Startup Garage operates under a venture client model where founders retain their shares in their company and BMW serves as a customer rather than an investor. “The Startup Garage promotes the integration of state-of-the-art startup technologies throughout the entire organisation,” says Toni Plöchl, Startup Manager R&D at BMW. BMW provides support to start-ups with its expertise in exchange for quick access to new ideas.

Anthony Cliquot, CEO of N-Dream, the company behind AirConsole, emphasizes the efficiency of this collaboration: “It was impressive how quickly we were able to work with the BMW research department as a result of the BMW Startup Garage. This was the only way to get the AirConsole solution for in-car gaming from a prototype to a BMW series feature as quickly as possible.”

BMW also benefits from this model. Plöchl explains, “Thanks to the venture client model, the Proof of Concept was completed in record time. This proves the agility and effectiveness of our approach.”

Record number of projects and future plans

Last year, the venture client unit completed 32 pilot projects with leading start-ups. Since the establishment of the Startup Garage, 20 start-ups have become regular suppliers after successful pilot projects.

In-car gaming with AirConsole is the first development project that has made its way into production models, allowing customers to experience it directly in their vehicles. Other implemented projects include automated driving on the factory premises to increase logistics efficiency. BMW collaborates with start-ups Seoul Robotics (South Korea) and Embotech (Switzerland) for this project.

Plöchl announces the goal to surpass the current record number of pilot projects with startups by 2023. Start-ups focusing on in-vehicle experiences and other aspects of mobility digitalization, such as in-car gaming, can apply to the venture client program at any time. Furthermore, BMW plans to expand its international activities, particularly in the United States. BMW already has Tech Offices in Mountain View and Greenville, but the cooperation with the BMW Startup Garage is also possible in other Tech Office locations around the world.

* Ex works: BMW 7 Series, BMW iX, BMW i4 from production 07/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M from production date 08/23. Other BMW models from the mid-size class upwards will follow gradually. Further vehicles that can be updated to BMW Operating System 8.5 at a later date via Remote Software Upgrade include: BMW 7 Series from production date 07/22; BMW iX from production date 03/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M from production date 04/23.

News

Top 10 Best Hot Hatchbacks 2023

If you’re in the market for a high-performance car that offers a blend of speed, practicality, and affordability, then a hot hatch is the way to go. These versatile adrenaline-pumping machines take a compact family hatchback and upgrade it with a more powerful engine, enhanced suspension, and brakes. With stylish body kits and sporty design accents, hot hatches seamlessly fit into your daily life while delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

The concept of hot hatches isn’t new, with the Volkswagen Golf GTI popularizing the genre almost half a century ago. Today, many car brands offer their own supercharged family runabouts. However, due to stricter emissions regulations, full-size hot hatches are evolving. While internal combustion engines still dominate, there’s a growing sense that these petrol-powered machines may be the last of their kind. In fact, our list includes an entry that runs on electricity rather than traditional fuel.

Therefore, now is the perfect time to purchase one of these quick and versatile hot hatches before they potentially become legislated out of existence. The question is, which one should you choose? Well, keep reading as we present our top 10 hot hatches for 2023.

1. Toyota GR Yaris

While it may push the boundaries of the “full-sized” definition, the Toyota GR Yaris is a standout performer that deserves the top spot on our list. Despite sharing a silhouette with a supermini, this Japanese gem offers unrivaled performance, exceptional handling, and a pure sporting character. It may not be as spacious or practical as some other hot hatches, but in terms of driving pleasure, it’s hard to beat.

The GR Yaris was initially developed as a rally homologation special. However, a rule change in the World Rally Championship made it redundant. Thankfully, Toyota’s CEO, Akio Toyoda, a true petrolhead, couldn’t bear to see this motorsport-inspired powerhouse go to waste. The brand’s commitment to delivering exciting driver’s cars led to the development of this unique high-performance masterpiece.

Beneath its striking exterior, the GR Yaris features a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 257bhp. Coupled with a four-wheel drive system (and optional torque-vectoring differentials), this car can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds. Its chassis and suspension were developed in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing’s WRC team, ensuring optimal handling on fast B-roads in any weather condition.

Featured

Girard-Perregaux Reveals The New Laureato Absolute Light & Shade

Girard-Perregaux, the luxury Swiss watch brand, is known for continually innovating its collection by incorporating new ideas and materials into its iconic models. The Laureato, first introduced in 1975, has become a staple for Girard-Perregaux and has been part of creative collaborations with brands like Aston Martin. Now, Girard-Perregaux is excited to announce the release of its latest timepiece, the Laureato Absolute Light & Shade.

The standout feature of the Laureato Absolute Light & Shade is its metalized sapphire crystal case, which weighs only 85 grams. The dial has an openworked design that showcases Girard-Perregaux’s meticulous craftsmanship and highlights the in-house GP01800-1143 movement.

The self-winding mechanical movement powers the hours, minutes, and small seconds functions of the Laureato Absolute. It also offers an impressive 54-hour power reserve. The backcase of the watch is transparent sapphire, allowing for a mesmerizing view of the movement in action. The outer part of the backcase features commemorative engravings.

The Laureato Absolute Light & Shade is designed to be worn every day, and Girard-Perregaux has equipped it with a comfortable black fabric effect rubber strap and folding clasp.

The all-new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade is now available through authorized dealers for a price of $99,600.

Featured

Hublot Launches The New Big Bang UNICO Magic Gold, Limited To 200

Hublot’s Big Bang Collection continues to evolve with new designs and materials, making it the luxury Swiss watchmaker’s most popular model. To celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Big Bang, Hublot has released the new Big Bang UNICO Full Magic Gold. This 44mm watch features Hublot’s scratch-resistant Magic Gold construction with a “sandwich” design. The skeletonized dial design highlights the craftsmanship of Hublot’s watchmakers, displaying Arabic numerals and skeleton Big Bang hands.

The Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold is powered by the thinner and more precise in-house HUB1280 self-winding chronograph movement. A sapphire crystal backcase allows a secondary view of the movement in action, with each piece engraved with its specific production number. The Big Bang UNICO comes with a comfortable black structure-line rubber strap. This limited edition watch is only available in 200 pieces and is priced at $38,800.