Motor News

Airstream and Studio F.A. Porsche have shown a concept travel trailer co-designed by the two brands. The collaboration is the result of an idea to create a stylish camping trailer that can be towed by a small SUV or an electric vehicle and be parked inside a garage when not in use.Styling combines elements that are quintessential Airstream, but with thoughtful elements including a pop-top roof to increase interior headroom.A transatlantic partnership between Airstream and Porsche has resulted in a modern-looking travel trailer concept that debuted today at SXSW in Austin, Texas. The trailer is designed to be pulled by a small SUV or an electric vehicle, and it’s meant to serve as a vision of what an urban-inspired camper could look like.”Our customer base is about twice as likely to own an EV than the general population,” said Bob Wheeler, Airstream’s CEO. “Towing a travel trailer cuts down on the range. Weight and aerodynamics play a big part in that.”Airstream has already been toying with the idea of electrification; the company unveiled the eStream concept last year. That trailer featured an electrified powertrain of its own which could be used to slowly adjust the trailer’s location when it was unhitched from the tow vehicle or assist an electric-powered tow vehicle while on the move. And Airstream isn’t the only brand considering what over-the-road travel looks like in an EV future. Rival RV manufacturers Winnebago and Bowlus are both working on eco-friendly travelers as well with electrified options.”We understand this future is coming. It’s already here and it’s continuing to grow,” Wheeler said, about the increasing number of EVs on the road. “We know that our owners do not park in campgrounds for summers or seasons; they’re on the road.”While the Porsche-designed concept you see here does not feature such a powertrain, the design team took great care to maximize the trailer’s aerodynamics. Rather than a rounded rear end like other Airstreams, the concept features a truncated, flat design that’s better for aero but also allows for the inclusion of a hatchback setup that can open the interior of the trailer to the outside. The trailer’s completely flush underside is yet another attempt at making it more aerodynamic. The concept uses composite materials such as carbon fiber to help keep the weight down. Aluminum exterior panels are used here—just as they are on contemporary Airstream products—but the brand’s rivets have been omitted in the name of reducing drag.Electric RVs are ComingPurists might say that a rivetless trailer means it’s not a true Airstream, but from the looks of it, enough of the brand’s design cues have been included in the concept to earn its place in the brand’s history books.”Going into this collaboration, we knew that if we tied Porsche’s hands we’d end up with what we already have,” Wheeler said. “What we ended up with is beautiful, functional, and represents the brand.” The length of the concept is similar to a 16-foot Caravel camper trailer, but the concept is more compact and shorter in height, as it’s intended to fit inside a standard garage when not in use. The trailer itself can be lowered on its suspension to fit through a garage door, while an insulated pop-top roof provides headroom inside the trailer when parked at a campsite. Inside, the concept trailer’s cabin is modern, with clean lines and smartly integrated features. The bathroom features a swivel door to save space, and the entire enclosure is covered by pretty bentwood trim. The kitchenette features a two-burner cooktop and an integrated sink; a flip-up countertop extender can be used when cooking or when more counter space is needed. Airstream/Porsche”The curvature and the softness is the most important thing,” said Steffen Ganz, head of design for Porsche Design of America. The dinette, which also folds into a bed, is situated at the rear of the camper’s cabin and overhead storage bins omit traditional cabinet doors in favor of light-weight webbing. Overall, the interior design is what you’d expect from Porsche Design, and features clean lines, rounded edges, and plenty of chrome and carbon-inspired color schemes. Neither company would say if the concept would eventually head to production, but Airstream’s Wheeler acknowledged that the company is considering it for the future. “We really fell in love with this thing during this process, and we’re actively trying to figure out how we can produce it,” said Wheeler. “We’re challenging ourselves to find out how we can build this effectively, to produce something that’s identical to this or very similar for the customer of the future.”If the trailer does make it past the concept stage, we expect it to wear a premium price tag. Airstream’s current lineup already trades at the higher end of the RV marketplace. The brand’s focus on premium materials and hand-built construction has earned it a reputation for longevity and garnered a fan base that has an expectation for quality—a virtue that those customers are clearly willing to pay for. Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment update is designed to mimic smartphones more than before.The updated operating system’s home screen will allows quicker access to functions and a more configurable layout.This summer, iDrive 8.5 will be available on models that currently have iDrive 8; these include all EVs, the X5 SUV through the new plug-in-hybrid XM, and the 7-series.The first iDrive system that debuted in 2001 on the E65-generation BMW 7-series included a control knob meant to mimic a computer’s mouse. The proliferation of smartphones over the past decade-plus has conditioned many people to pinch, poke, or swipe their fingers on a screen to make things happen. BMW is in the business of giving consumers what they want, which is why the iDrive 8.5 infotainment update the company is releasing this summer will be more smartphone-like than ever. For models that currently have iDrive 8, the revised infotainment software will be available via production or an over-the-air (OTA) update. The list of BMWs includes the 7-series, the electric i4 and iX, the mid-size SUVs (X5, X6, and X7), and also the plug-in-hybrid XM.BMW says iDrive 8.5 will have a home screen that’s designed to make smartphone-users feel more, well, at home. Along with clearly arranged functions, the updated infotainment system is said to have a menu structure that’s akin to, say, an iPhone. People using iDrive 8.5 will have the ability to customize and reconfigure the home screen. The updated interface will also have fewer layers, meaning less menu diving, which should translate to fewer distractions. With iDrive 8.5, there’s a vertical section on the driver’s side of the infotainment screen that allows quick access to functions such as media, navigation, vehicle settings, and more. To return to the home screen, people can simple touch the “home” icon at the bottom of the display.BMWThese newly introduced infotainment features coincide with BMW’s stated mission of prioritizing touch and voice controls. This philosophy further evolves with the introduction of iDrive 9, which will debut on the 2024 BMW X1. Unlike version 8.5, which uses a Linux-based operating system, the ninth installment of iDrive will feature Android software. Unfortunately for those of us who prefer physical controls like those in the E65 7-series, the future of BMW’s iDrive looks knobless.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

The U.S. version of the VW ID.Buzz electric van will debut in June, Volkswagen has confirmed.It will have a long-wheelbase configuration and seven seats as standard.It will arrive for the 2025 model year and will go on sale in the U.S. in summer 2024.UPDATE 3/13/23: VW confirmed to C/D that the U.S.-bound ID.Buzz will arrive for the 2025 model year and that it will go on sale on our shores a year after the debut, in June 2024. We have updated this story accordingly.VW’s Microbus revival, the electric ID.Buzz van, is already on sale in Europe, and now we’re finally getting some updates on the U.S. version and when it will arrive on our shores. Volkswagen has confirmed that the long-wheelbase version of the Buzz will make its debut in June before going on sale in America for the 2024 model year. Our spy photographers have also spotted a prototype of the LWB van testing in wintry conditions, giving us our first look at this different configuration.KGP Photography|Car and DriverVolkswagenThe difference between the short-wheelbase European model and the long-wheelbase U.S. model is most obvious if you look at the length of the rear sliding doors. Otherwise, the two look nearly identical on the outside. The U.S. version will come standard with three rows of seats and should offer seating for seven passengers, while the Euro version has two rows of seats. We expect some other interior trim differences, although we’re hoping that the fun interior color options make their way to our market.More on the BuzzVW has also told us that the bigger U.S.-bound Buzz will have a larger battery pack than the 77.0-kWh pack available elsewhere. The base model will have a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive upgrade will be optional and should offer the same 295 horsepower as the AWD option in the ID.4 SUV. KGP Photography|Car and DriverThe Buzz won’t go on sale in the U.S. until a year after the debut, as a VW spokesperson told C/D that it will arrive on our shores in June 2024. Look for more information to come when the 2025 ID.Buzz makes its official debut in June, including pricing, range estimates, and more.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

The U.S. version of the VW ID.Buzz electric van will debut in June, Volkswagen has confirmed.It will have a long-wheelbase configuration and seven seats as standard.We expect it to arrive for the 2024 model year, meaning it could go on sale late this year or early next year.VW’s Microbus revival, the electric ID.Buzz van, is already on sale in Europe, and now we’re finally getting some updates on the U.S. version and when it will arrive on our shores. Volkswagen has confirmed that the long-wheelbase version of the Buzz will make its debut in June before going on sale in America for the 2024 model year. Our spy photographers have also spotted a prototype of the LWB van testing in wintry conditions, giving us our first look at this different configuration.KGP Photography|Car and DriverVolkswagenThe difference between the short-wheelbase European model and the long-wheelbase U.S. model is most obvious if you look at the length of the rear sliding doors. Otherwise, the two look nearly identical on the outside. The U.S. version will come standard with three rows of seats and should offer seating for seven passengers, while the Euro version has two rows of seats. We expect some other interior trim differences, although we’re hoping that the fun interior color options make their way to our market.More on the BuzzVW has also told us that the bigger U.S.-bound Buzz will have a larger battery pack than the 77.0-kWh pack available elsewhere. The base model will have a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive upgrade will be optional and should offer the same 295 horsepower as the AWD option in the ID.4 SUV. KGP Photography|Car and DriverLook for more information to come when the 2024 ID.Buzz makes its U.S. debut in June, including pricing, range estimates, and a more concrete on-sale date.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

Lamborghini CEO Stefan Winkelmann confirmed the Huracán’s replacement will arrive by the end of 2024 as a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann confirmed the Urus SUV will switch to a hybrid powertrain in 2024 as well.Lamborghini will also introduce two EVs by the decade’s end; the first will arrive in 2028, with an electric Urus following in 2029. Despite Italy generally opposing the European Union’s plan for carbon neutrality by 2035, one of its most famous carmakers is stepping up its electrification plans. Lamborghini CEO Stefan Winkelmann recently confirmed two upcoming hybrid models and laid a road map for its first two EVs.Lamborghini Hybrids on the WayLast Friday, during a presentation in Sant’Agata, Italy, Winkelmann told reporters the Huracán’s successor will arrive at the end of 2024, and that it would be a plug-in hybrid. This news comes courtesy of our sister publication, Road & Track, who also reported that Winkelmann said the Urus SUV will switch to a hybrid powertrain in 2024.”And then we’ll model the Urus as a hybrid in 2024,” Winkelmann told reporters. “And at the end of ’24 the brand-new Huracán will come to market.”A Lamborghini spokesperson today confirmed to Car and Driver that both of Winkelmann’s statements are true.LamborghiniLambo’s First EVs Are Coming TooWe’ve known that Winkelmann is bullish on EVs since we talked to him in person in 2021. The comments reported by R&T also line up with what he said back then, when Lamborghini announced plans to electrify every vehicle in its portfolio by the end of 2024.What we’ve learned today—both from the R&T report and via direct confirmation from a company spokesperson—is Lamborghini’s official plans for its first two electric models. “In ’28 and ’29 we will have our first two BEVs,” Winkelmann reportedly said. “It will be the first one to be completely a BEV car in 2028. And then in 2029 there will be the new Urus.”Simply put, Lamborghini’s first EV will be an unknown car that arrives in 2028. Its second EV will be an all-electric successor to the current Urus, and it’ll arrive in 2029. More LamborghiniNot Lamborghini’s First Hybrid RodeoWe should note that when Lamborghini reveals the plug-in-hybrid replacement for the Aventador, it won’t be the company’s first hybrid rodeo. We recently learned the successor to the Aventador (referenced with the internal code LB744) will be powered by a hybrid V-12 that generates up to 1001 horsepower. It features three electric motors, with two up front and one integrated to the new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Lamborghini is also diving further into motorsports, with a commitment to LMDH racing in 2024 as it gears up for a hybrid future. Back in 2021, Lamborghini sold a very limited number of the exotic Sián, an 808-hp V-12 hybrid based on the Aventador.Hopefully, the Italian brand has made some strides in hybrid technology since then, as the Sián matched the Aventador’s EPA-rated city and combined mpg, while netting one mpg worse (14 versus 15) in its highway number. Not great, Roberto.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV’s starting prices range from $79,050 for the EQE350 to $90,650 for the EQE500.Unlike with the sedan version, Mercedes offers the rear-drive EQE350+ and the all-wheel-drive EQE350 4Matic at the same price. The ’23 EQE SUV’s three powertrains are offered with three trim levels: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle.CORRECTION 3/8/23: This story has been updated after a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said the company’s original press release incorrectly stated the price of the Pinnacle trim levels on the EQE350 and EQE500 models.Traditionally, automakers charge extra for popular options such as all-wheel drive, but one brand is breaking the mold. When the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV goes on sale this spring, customers will pay the same price for the rear-drive single-motor EQE350+ as the all-wheel-drive dual-motor EQE350 4Matic. Both start at $79,050 in base Premium guise.Price Match, Aisle EQEMercedes continues to price match those two EQE350 powertrain configurations in the two higher trim levels—Exclusive and Pinnacle. They start at $81,150 and $85,000, respectively. While the single-motor EQE350+ and the dual-motor EQE350 4Matic share an identical 288 horsepower, the added motor brings an additional 147 pound-feet of torque (417 versus 564).Mercedes expects that extra grunt to barely affect acceleration, though, as the AWD version’s zero-to-60-mph time is only estimated to be a tenth quicker at 6.2 seconds. The second electric motor could impact its driving range, but we won’t know until Mercedes releases the EQE SUV’s official estimates.For whatever reason, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan doesn’t have a no-cost AWD option. Opting for the dual-motor setup on that car adds $3000. All-wheel drive also costs more on the EQS sedan and the EQS SUV. Top EQE500 Eclipses $96KThe EQE500 4Matic SUV only comes with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, so its pricing is more straightforward. The Premium trim represents the entry point to its 536-hp powertrain, and it starts at $90,650. Stepping up to the EQE500 adds $2100, for a starting sticker price of $92,750. The Pinnacle is the fanciest trim and approaches the six-figure mark. It starts at $96,600. Mercedes has yet to announce pricing for an upcoming AMG version of the EQE SUV, so stay tuned for that.More on Mercedes’ EQ SUVsThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

Maserati is returning to grand tourer racing with the GT2, a modified version of the MC20 supercar.The same twin-turbocharged V-6 sits behind the race driver, but it’ll likely make more than the road-legal car’s 621 hp.The GT2-spec MC20 features adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars as well as a huge rear wing to go with plenty of carbon fiber.Maserati will enter the GT2 European Series with a track-ready version of its MC20 supercar. The automaker today revealed the first images of the race car, simply dubbed GT2; a full reveal will take place in June at the 24 Hours of Spa. The GT2 class, confusingly, slots between the GT4 and GT3 cars in terms of performance, and other homologated GT2 cars include versions of the Mercedes-AMG GT, KTM X-Bow, and Brabham BT63. MaseratiThe GT2-spec MC20 will share the Nettuno twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with the road-going version. In the production MC20, the engine pumps out 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, but Maserati says the race car takes it “to a higher level.” Maserati also highlights the carbon-fiber central monocoque and lightweight, full-composite bodywork, which has quick-release panels in case they need replacing mid-race.MaseratiThe MC20’s suspension has also been revised for GT2 competition, with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars front and rear. The GT2 receives electric power steering and a six-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox, while the extreme aerodynamic package includes dive planes on the front bumper and a gigantic rear wing. Inside, the carbon-fiber dashboard has an integrated 10-inch display but is otherwise fairly bare bones.More New MaseratisThe arrival of the MC20-based GT2 continues Maserati’s return to motorsports, which started with the brand’s entry into Formula E this year. So far, the Maserati Formula E team has scored three points and suffered four retirements over the first five rounds.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

BMW is updating the M4 and 4-series lineups for 2024 with new infotainment and a few other changes.These coupes and convertibles, plus the four-door Gran Coupe, now have the same curved display screens that their 3-series and M3 sedan stablemates added for 2023.The 2024 M4 and 4-series will start arriving in the U.S. this month.BMW is porting over the same new screens from many of its latest models into the M4 and 4-series range for 2024. The 4-series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe, plus the M4 coupe and convertible, now come standard with the “curved display” setup that’s also found in the 3-series sedan and many other new BMWs.2024 BMW M4 coupeBMWThis consists of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch screen in the middle of the dashboard, both of which are housed under a single curved piece of glass. This also means that the 4-series and M4 now run the latest iDrive 8 software, which has updated graphics and menu structures, plus an upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice-command function.More on BMWBMW hasn’t released many photos of the 2024 models at this point, but we’ve included images of the M4 coupe and the 4-series Gran Coupe cabins with this new layout. The 4-series also has a different gear shifter that’s a small toggle on the center console. There are trim differences, too, including standard black trim on the window surround for the M440i and different aluminum trim called Rhombicle.2024 BMW 4-series Gran CoupeBMWBMW says that the 2024 models will start arriving this month. Pricing isn’t out yet for the 2024 4-series, but the 2024 M4 starts at $77,995 for the coupe, $81,935 for the 503-hp Competition coupe, and $92,935 for the convertible.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More