Motor News

Volkswagen rolled out its ID.GTI concept in Germany this past weekend.The electric car has not yet been confirmed as coming to the U.S., but VW Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si was decidedly bullish on the idea.One problem to iron out first: it’s unlikely the ID.GTI will get all-wheel drive, and customers in the States may find that a sticking point.When we told you about the Volkswagen ID.GTI concept on Sunday, September 3, fresh from its unveiling at the Munich IAA auto show in Germany, the official line was that there were no confirmed plans to bring it to the U.S. But now Car and Driver has spoken with Pablo Di Si, Volkswagen Group of America CEO, and can report that he is pushing hard to bring the electric hot hatch stateside.Take a Good Look”Everybody wants the car in the U.S.,” Di Si told journalists at the IAA. “It’s a concept car, but we’re working very closely with the team in Germany in terms of the design and the specs . . . I think it could be a great car for the U.S. We just need to make sure that the touch and feel is going to be what the American consumer wants, and you achieve that by working with engineering from the beginning of the project.”There seem few reasons that such a plan couldn’t come to fruition. The production ID.GTI, which is confirmed for Europe, will sit on the MEB Entry platform, a front-wheel-drive version of Volkswagen’s existing MEB EV platform. The ID.4, which sits on the regular rear-/all-wheel-drive MEB architecture, is already being produced at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. U.S. Needs an Entry-Level EV Di Si confirms that Volkswagen is committed to launching a less expensive EV in the U.S. below the ID.4, a role the production GTI would seem perfectly suited for. “We are the people’s brand, so we need an entry-level electric vehicle, no ifs, no buts,” Di Si said. “Whether it is going to be the ID.2 or the GTI—whatever you want to call it—we need to have one. I like the GTI particularly because it brings the heritage of the brand in a smaller package, and a hopefully smaller price.”Mike Duff|Car and DriverWhich can be taken as a ringing endorsement from the boss, especially as Di Si added that his personal opinion is that the basic ID.2, which will sit below the ID.3 in Europe, will be too small and basic for U.S. buyers. One potential sticking point, according to Volkswagen insiders, is the ID.GTI’s front-drive layout, with the key question being whether U.S. buyers would expect their junior performance EV to come with all-wheel drive. That’s something that would be very hard to deliver given the concept’s dinky dimensions and tight packaging. But we’re definitely hoping the issues get ironed out on this one. The U.S. has long been one of the biggest markets for Volkswagen’s GTI variants, and we really don’t want to be denied this one. 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 European CorrespondentOur man on the other side of the pond, Mike Duff lives in Britain but reports from across Europe, sometimes beyond. He has previously held staff roles on UK titles including CAR, Autocar and evo, but his own automotive tastes tend towards the Germanic, owning both a troublesome 987-generation Porsche Cayman S and a Mercedes 190E 2.5-16. More

After 56 years, Toyota appears ready to add a second Century model to its flagship range. This one is for Japan only, but with the Crown now on U.S. shores, perhaps we could dream of a U.S.-market Century?Like everything else these days, this new Century is likely to be a crossover, though not a direct rival to something like a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.Watch the debut at 12:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, September 6.Before ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne as emperor of Japan in 2019, Crown Prince Naruhito settled into a place with nearly as much prestige: the back seat of a Toyota. Specifically, that of a Toyota Century, long the automotive equivalent of Japan’s Imperial household. Handbuilt, luxurious yet incredibly reserved, just three generations of Century limousine have existed since 1967. It is a machine steeped in tradition. Now that tradition seems destined to change as Toyota readies an additional model in the flagship ultimate luxury vehicle category.It was initially hinted at in a projected silhouette at the launch of the Toyota Alphard minivan by Toyota chief branding officer Simon Humphries, and now the arrival of a Century SUV seems a sure thing. The most recent teaser image features the white-gloved hand of a chauffeur about to open the door of a crossover that bears the polished, squared-off styling of the current Century sedan.This content is imported from youTube. 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.A Legacy of PowerTo understand why an SUV/crossover bearing the Century’s phoenix badge is a big idea, here’s a snapshot of the breed. Initially launched in 1967 as a large V-8 sedan, the first-generation Century received only the most minor updates for some 30 years. If you were the kind of conservative Japanese executive to exile the racing-obsessed Yutaka Katayama to the fledgling U.S. market to sink or swim, then you might well have been ferried around in a Century. Well, no actually, you’d obviously have been in a Nissan product, but the point stands. The Century wasn’t flashy, but it projected power nonetheless.The Century in 2018.ToyotaThe second-generation Century resembled its ancestor closely but dropped the bubble-economy Toyota engineering mic by being Japan’s only production V-12 car, ever. Introduced in 1997, early models of these are now U.S. importable, and they are wonderful to drive. Imagine the imperious wafting of a Rolls-Royce, with engineering from the people behind the Mk IV Supra Turbo, and assembled by trained takumi who hand-chamfer the body panels by feel alone.Still Handcrafted, Now HybridThe current generation of Century is now a 5.0-liter V-8 hybrid with a powertrain shared with the Lexus LS600h. As such, it feels a little less special, but there’s still a handcrafted quality to the car, one that limits production to just 50 vehicles per month, and Japan-only availability. Needless to say, the waiting list stretches to years.Sinking into the rich wool upholstery of a Century—it breathes better than leather in the humid Tokyo summer, and doesn’t squeak either—is a different kind of luxury. No flashy Maybach or Bentley, the Century embraces a subtlety not seen much in the luxury market these days. Akio Toyoda did have a GR version made, with less-reserved sporty tweaks, but that was more the exception that proves the rule.View from the BackWhat We Know So FarDetails on this new Century SUV have not leaked out ahead of the September 6 reveal (because of the time zone, it’s just after midnight in the U.S.), but camouflaged prototypes have already been spotted by Japanese magazine Car-Moby. The rumor among Japanese publications is that this new Century will ride on the same platform as the Toyota Grand Highlander, a variant of which also underpins that Alphard minivan.That means a transverse-mounted engine with front-wheel-drive architecture, a hard sell in the luxury segment. Given the Century’s use as a chaffeured livery car, hybridization is likely, and it’s possible that Toyota will be able to disguise any commoner roots with lashings of handbuilt quality.Coming Here? Wishful Thinking? What’s perhaps more interesting is the possibility of a Century on this side of the Pacific. Toyota bringing the Crown sedan to North America was an interesting move, and the crossover market is a safer bet. Lexus does have the Grand Highlander–based TX on the way, but perhaps there’s some room at the top for a flagship Toyota crossover without the L badge on the front.Whatever the case, the expansion of the Century range after nearly 60 years of staying the course is, like Emperor Naruhito himself, an indication that some traditions are going to be shaken up. And if those tremors remain Japan-market only, don’t forget to check those overseas auctions for any second-generation V-12 Centurys coming up for sale—there’s one on Bring a Trailer right now, although the auction ends September 6. They are just the thing to make you feel like an emperor, even when you’re just on the way to get takeout sushi. Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron’s interior debuts with screens galore and an available head-up display that augments reality.Predictably, the inside of Audi’s upcoming EV SUV also heavily features sustainable materials.The Q6 e-tron boasts 19 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats; that space expands to 54 cubes with the second row stowed.Audi has revealed the inside of the 2025 Q6 e-tron, the brand’s first EV that will be built on its new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. Essentially, it’s the model that sets the tone for Audi’s future, and that future looks to feature a dashboard dedicated to displays, among other tech-centric content.First Look InsideAnyone who had hoped screen-packed interiors were merely a fad should probably put that dream to bed. The Q6 e-tron is the latest example of where new-car cabins are heading, with not one, not two, but three screens facing its occupants. The OLED gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen measure 11.9- and 14.5-inches, respectively, and both reside under a single curved bezel that’s underlined by ambient lighting. Another 10.9-inch touchscreen is dedicated to the front-seat passenger, and it has a way of blocking the driver’s view of its contents, per safety regulations.AudiWith the Q6 e-tron, Audi introduces new Android-based infotainment software, which brings what the company calls a “self-learning voice assistant.” Much like with Mercedes’s MBUX system, Q6 users can summon the artificial intelligence by saying, “Hey, Audi.” The full extent of the voice assistant’s skillset is unknown, but Audi claims it can do everything from learn a driver’s preferences and make suggestions. How long will it take the AI to learn that we like the climate set to 69 degrees, the ventilated seats activated, and the heated steering wheel on? We’re interested to find out.Taking Audi’s in-car technology further is an optional head-up display with augmented reality. When the SUV’s speed, navigation directions, or traffic signs are reflected onto the windshield, their images are tilted forward to create the impression they’re floating in front of the vehicle. Audi claims this helps reduce distractions, particularly in low-visibility situations. However, that’ll be for individual drivers to decide.Ambient lighting is another polarizing interior feature that’s proliferating among new cars (personally, this author loves the theatrics). The Q6 e-tron, of course, offers customizable colors, but it also has interactive lighting elements such as a welcome action and the ability to notify people when the vehicle is locked and unlocked. Other neat tricks include mimicking the turn signals and visualizing the EV’s charging levels. Neat, right?Q6 Vs. Q5 Cargo Space The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron’s exterior dimensions are said to be similar to the gas-powered Q5 SUV. We drove a prototype in the mystical land known as the Faroe Islands where that size comparison felt appropriate. While Audi hasn’t yet released the Q6’s full interior measurements, it did reveal the EV’s cargo space. There’s 19 cubic feet behind the second row; fold those seats flat and that area grows to 54 cubes. Compared with the Q5, the latter figure is identical to the max cargo capacity, while the former is 7 cubic feet smaller. At least the e-tron’s front truck contributes a separate 2 cubes. It’s possible the difference is also made up with more overall passenger space in the Q6.AudiGiving the Q6 e-tron’s interior a closer look will reveal its squared-off steering wheel, which is flat on the top and bottom and hosts a bunch of touch-sensitive controls. While we appreciate the physical volume knob, we’re less thrilled about the lack of real buttons and switches elsewhere. For example, the door panels have a plasticky panel of capacitive controls for the locks, lights, mirrors, and memory seat settings. Thanks, but no thanks.Some people will be able to look past those details and others will be disappointed. Final judgements can be made once the Audi Q6 e-tron and the higher-performance SQ6 variant hit the streets sometime next year.Tracking the Q6 e-tronThis 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 journalism 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 VW ID.GTI concept comes ahead of a fully electric, front-wheel-drive GTI that will be going on sale in Europe, likely not before 2027—but is as yet unconfirmed for the U.S. Retro details on the ID.GTI include the ability to replicate the original Golf GTI soundtrack. The “I” in GTI now stands for Intelligence rather than Injection, says VW.We have already seen GTX branding used on the sportier versions of the ID.4 and ID.5 EVs, but now Volkswagen is set to take the next step with the creation of a fully electric car that will wear the GTI name. The ID.GTI unveiled at the IAA auto show in Munich is a concept car, but a production version is set to follow in Europe—and we’re told this is also under consideration for sale in the United States.Entry-Level EV for EuropeThe ID.GTI is effectively a hopped-up version of the regular ID.2 that Volkswagen previewed with the ID.2all concept earlier this year. This is set to be VW’s entry-level EV in Europe, positioned below the ID.3 (which isn’t sold in the States). The ID.GTI shares the same base bodywork as the vanilla ID.2 and sits on the company’s new MEB Entry platform, a smaller and simpler version of its existing MEB architecture, one which uses front- rather than rear-wheel drive. VW says its simulated sound system can replicate historic GTIs including the original 1976 Mk 1 and the 1986 Mk 2 16-valve version. Volkswagen hasn’t released any power figures for the ID.GTI, but we can safely assume it will have at least as much as the 223 horsepower that has been promised for the top-spec ID.2. Like the current gasoline-fired GTI, the ID.GTI will get an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to help it find traction and help alter its behavior in switchable dynamic modes. It also has a simulated sound system, which the company says can replicate historic GTIs, including the original 1976 Mk 1 and the 1986 Mk 2 16-valve version.We will have to wait for other mechanical details, although we predict that the production ID.GTI will use the larger of the two ID.2 battery packs, which stores 56.0 kWh rather than the entry-level 38.0 kWh. Volkswagen has previously said that the larger pack will support DC fast-charging at speeds of up to 125 kW and that it will have a range of up to 280 miles under Europe’s optimistic WLTP testing protocol. One interesting question is whether the ID.GTI will have a speed limiter; Volkswagen restricts the ID.3 to 99 mph in Europe and has said it will do the same with the regular ID.2. As a performance variant, will the GTI be allowed to go faster? Closer in Size to Polo Than GolfThe ID.GTI will be smaller than the existing GTI; at 161.6 inches in length and sitting on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, it is closer in size to the European Polo rather than the current-generation Golf. But Volkswagen promises that short overhangs and the lack of a combustion motor up front mean it will offer comparable passenger space to the gasoline-fired GTI. We can’t show you a finished interior yet. The IAA concept is an external styling model, but VW has released renderings of the cabin showing a squared-off steering wheel and a red color scheme, plus “Stop” and “Fast Forward” logos on the brake and accelerator pedals (the ID.2all was shown with “Pause” and “Play”). The renderings also show a minimalist plaid pattern on the seat trim, another GTI cue. Another neat detail is the ability to transform the display of the 10.9-inch digital instrument display to a rendered version of the Mk 2 Golf GTI’s instrument pack. A larger 12.9-inch display sits in the center of the dashboard, and as with the face-lifted versions of the larger ID models, Volkswagen is bringing back separate temperature and volume controls rather than integrating them into the bottom of the touchscreen. The concept also has a head-up display for both the driver and front-seat passenger, which is shown projecting performance data high onto the full height of the screen and allowing the passenger to see “lap times that have been completed.” That is a distraction that is hard to imagine making it to a road-legal version. Volkswagen design boss Andreas Mindt admits that he was already thinking of the design of the ID.GTI when he began work on the ID.2all, and the muscular front and rear bumpers make that obvious. So do plenty of details that reference earlier GTI variants, such as the black rear wing integrated into the top of the tailgate and the eight-spoke 20-inch wheels. It certainly looks more purposeful than the ID.2all concept did. It is still a way off being on sale. The production version of the regular ID.2 is set to go on sale in Europe in 2026, with the GTI following the following year. Both will be built in Spain alongside models from Škoda and Seat that are built on the same MEB Entry platform. We hope to be able to tell you that it will come to the U.S. at some point afterward.Deep Dive into VW’s MEB ArchitectureThis 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 European CorrespondentOur man on the other side of the pond, Mike Duff lives in Britain but reports from across Europe, sometimes beyond. He has previously held staff roles on UK titles including CAR, Autocar and evo, but his own automotive tastes tend towards the Germanic, owning both a troublesome 987-generation Porsche Cayman S and a Mercedes 190E 2.5-16. More

The Mercedes-Benz E-class All-Terrain station wagon follows the lead of its sedan sibling into a new generation for the 2024 model year. The new All-Terrain arrives with tons of new tech and debuts with the E450 sedan’s hybrid inline-six powertrain. Passenger legroom has grown for the new generation, with the All-Terrain growing 1.1 inches wider and 0.9 inch longer for the new generation. Despite many North American customers spurning the very idea of a station wagon, Mercedes-Benz is bringing the E-class All-Terrain back for a new generation. The E450 All-Terrain returns for 2024 following the footsteps of the E-class sedan with a technologically sophisticated design and a hybrid powertrain.Tech-Centric InteriorJust as with the 2024 E-class sedan, the wagon’s new-generation model will be extremely focused on technology. Also like the sedan, the wagon will come standard with two displays, though the high-tech interior can also be optioned with the passenger Superscreen that extends in front of the passenger. The setup integrates a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with available 3-D graphics, a 14.4-inch touchscreen, and the optional 12.3-inch passenger display. Properly set up, the new E-class All-Terrain will allow the passenger to stream videos and games even with the car in motion. The central display has several third-party apps, including TikTok and Angry Birds, and the driver can use video conferencing tools like Zoom while the car is parked.The rest of the cabin is finished with rich-looking leather and metal switchgear, with ambient lighting wrapping the dashboard. An option package allows the ambient lighting to pulse with the beat of whatever music is playing on the Burmester surround-sound system. Rear passengers also benefit for the new generation because the 2024 All-Terrain is 1.1 inches wider, and 0.9 inch longer than the previous generation. Hybrid Inline-Six-Cylinder PowerSince the All-Terrain is only offered in the E450 trim, the hybrid four-cylinder option from the E350 sedan is out. That leaves the E450’s turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, which in the sedan at least remains a wonderful tool for the E-class’s mission. Aided by the extra 23 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque from the electric motor, the six-cylinder provides smooth acceleration and stays impressively quiet at speed. Total output climbs to 375 horses (a 13-hp increase from before) and 369 pound-feet of torque.Air Suspension as StandardThe optional air suspension from the sedan comes standard on the wagon. This provides more ground clearance and continuously adjustable damping for the compression and rebound stages of the shock absorbers. With the car set to comfort mode, the vehicle is automatically lowered by 0.6 inch at speeds above 75 mph to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency.More E-Class NewsMercedes has not revealed pricing information for the new All-Terrain, but we expect the new model will start around $78,000 when it begins arriving at U.S. dealerships in 2024. 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 Concept CLA-Class EV is an electric-first clean-sheet design that’s about the same length as the current CLA sedan. Its rear-mounted motor, two-speed transmission, and 800-volt architecture should deliver better efficiency than current EVs, enabling some 400 miles of range. Many trickle-down features from the Vision EQXX concept are present, including the cabin-spanning MBUX Superscreen.Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the Concept CLA-Class electric vehicle in Munich today. The existing product nomenclature and remarks characterizing it as “close to production” suggest that elements seen here will appear in the upcoming full redesign of the CLA. Production of the new electric luxury car will commence in late 2024, according to representatives, which suggests the final product will be the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA in the U.S. market. Three other spinoffs will follow: a wagon variant we likely won’t get, and a pair of SUVs that may become the GLA and GLB replacements.Full Details and SpecsThe concept is an “electric first” clean-sheet design utilizing the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) that was conceived to support entry-level EVs, and it does appear exactly as you might expect a next-generation CLA-class to look, albeit with numerous concept-car flourishes. Its approximate 185-inch length (no specific dimensions were given, but the designer admitted to that much) is about the same as the current CLA, which measures 184.6 inches. The concept features a broad stance and six-spoke 21-inch wheels, shod with 255/35R-21 front and 285/30R-21 rear tires. Design highlights include a beautifully sculpted shark nose with a prominent undercut, and smooth flanks with a flowing Coke-bottle shape. Its hood is also quite long for an EV, and that’s because they plan to offer ICE engines, too.Power DetailsThe EV will be offered in single-motor rear-drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive variants, but Mercedes was not ready to tell us if the ICE cars will be front-drivers like the current CLA or use rear drive like the EV concept. In the Concept CLA Class that was shown, power comes from a single rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that makes 235-hp, using MB.EDU (Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit) technology from the Vision EQXX concept that requires “close to zero percent” rare-earth materials. Eschewing the usual direct-drive setup, its output flows through a two-speed transmission that enables better efficiency over a wider range of speeds. The motor and battery also employ 800-volt architecture in another major nod toward efficiency. The concept also features a next-generation heat pump that not only conveys powertrain heat to the cabin, it also extracts heat from the outside air like a household heat-pump, even in winter.Impressive-Seeming RangeThe few performance specs that were revealed underscore the payoff: an estimated range of 750 km and consumption pegged at an ultra-low 12 kWh per 100 kilometers on Europe’s WLTP test cycle. In more familiar EPA terms, our translation suggests 400 miles of range and efficiency approaching 150 MPGe. What’s more, the 800-volt architecture allows DC fast-charging at 250 kW, which could allow some 200 miles of range (in U.S. reckoning) to be added in 15 minutes. Mercedes did not share the battery size, but the same calculations used to make the above estimates suggest that 90.0 kWh of usable capacity is likely. The tracks with the car’s proportions, which features a wide stance, a longer wheelbase, and shorter overhangs than the current CLA but is still a compact machine compared to, say, a Lucid Air.As it turns out, two different lithium-ion battery chemistries will be offered. The pricier option, which no doubt produces the long range of the concept, features anodes with silicon-oxide content that improve energy density. The entry-level version will use lithium-iron phosphate, a less costly option that will likely result in a battery with a lower kWh rating and less range. Still, with some 400 miles at the top end, it’s likely to be a compelling number.That SuperscreenAn EQXX-inspired MBUX Superscreen dominates the interior because it is the de facto dashboard that spans the entire cabin. The instruments and infotainment sub-screens occupy their usual places, but the panel continues uninterrupted to the passenger side, where your companion can theoretically (specific US features aren’t yet clear) watch movies, control the audio system, export navigation routes to the driver, and more. It’s powered by MB.OS chip-to-cloud architecture that knits all of the electronic features of the car together, creating what Mercedes says will be a unique user interface and user experience. We’re dubious, because the concept had few physical controls and the system only operated in a demo mode that made it impossible to evaluate. But there’s no avoiding the MB.OS chip itself, because it is housed on the floor beneath the Superscreen in a luminous water-cooled housing that looks like a Flux Capacitor from Back to the Future. Yeah, that probably won’t happen.Dan Edmunds|Car and DriverDan Edmunds|Car and DriverOther interior features of the concept are also unlikely to see the light of day, such as the starry-night roof that’s engraved with hundreds of three-pointed stars. That roof also lacks any kind of obvious tint, and there’s no structural crossmember aft of the windshield header. The one-piece four-place bucket seats are also unlikely, and there’s more silver-hued leather on the floor (and firewall!) than we’ve seen in our entire lives. But it’s easy to see past all that and imagine a more production-ready configuration, with a tinted glass roof bolstered by an additional crossmember, along with conventional-looking seats and trim. More physical switchgear would be appreciated, too.That may be why we especially like the large protruding rotary climate dials near either end of the Superscreen, which you grasp and rotate to adjust the temperature, with the readout embedded in their centers. But the air doesn’t emerge from them; it passes out through slots embedded in a secondary dash behind the floating screen. Those vents are slotted to mimic the lamella structures on the undersides of mushrooms, and that design theme permeates the interior. Lamella-inspired ribbing makes up the speaker grilles, the cupholder lining, the horn button detailing, and the anti-skid basement floor below the floating console.Level 3 Automation Ready?There is one other unique design feature that has a strong chance of making it to production, and that is the subtle transverse blister atop the roof just above the windshield. This rounded hump houses sensors that Mercedes says will enable Level 3 automated driving at some point during the car’s production life. That capability won’t be introduced at launch, but the presence of the sensors and the OTA updatability of the MB.OS-powered control software make it likely that the next CLA will be, as one representative put it, “Level 3-ready.” More details pertaining to the actual CLA production car will arrive in the coming months, but if you subtract the most fanciful design details, you’re still left with a stunning-looking CLA concept with impressive mechanicals that enable stellar consumption, range, and charging capabilities. What do you lose with the entry-level battery? How much power will the AWD version make? What about the gas engine versions? More to the point: what will it cost? That information is months away, but the CLA class does occupy the lower rungs of Mercedes-Benz’s price ladder. Mercedes is moving their EV offerings into much-appreciated territory.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.Technical EditorDan Edmunds was born into the world of automobiles, but not how you might think. His father was a retired racing driver who opened Autoresearch, a race-car-building shop, where Dan cut his teeth as a metal fabricator. Engineering school followed, then SCCA Showroom Stock racing, and that combination landed him suspension development jobs at two different automakers. His writing career began when he was picked up by Edmunds.com (no relation) to build a testing department. More

The vintage-look Atari 2600 Plus is a throwback to the golden age of video gaming.The console comes bundled with 10 games, but it is backward compatible with hundreds of Atari system titles.Our best pick: Travel back in time to a simpler age of racing games with a vintage copy of Pole Position.With the film Gran Turismo in theaters, and blockbuster racing sims hugely popular at present, digital racing has never been hotter. There are online racing leagues and in-person tournaments for very real cash prizes. Even the pros use racing sims to hone their skills. But sometimes you want to leave all that complexity behind, and go back to the wood-paneled basement of your youth, when your worries were as limited as the pixels on your screen. Thanks to Atari, you kind of can. Preorder NowDeep Silver Atari 2600+Preorder NowDeep Silver Atari 2600+Just released and shipping in November, the Atari 2600 Plus aims to take console gaming back to basics. It comes preloaded with 10 classic games, but that’s not the good part—the 2600+ is backward compatible with nearly all 2600 and 7800 Atari cartridge games. Quick! Scurry up to your attic and dig through those old cardboard boxes to find your old games. It’s time for some Pole Position.The BackstoryPole Position is the great-grandfather of the Gran Turismo series of games. In arcade cabinet form, it raked in a total of $9.5 million in quarters every week of 1983, from gamers racing a tiny digital F1 car around a simple model of Fuji raceway. The Atari cartridge version sold in the hundreds of thousands, and if you don’t happen to have one squirreled away, you can likely find one on eBay.Pole Position was developed by Namco, an early Japanese distributor for California-based Atari. The game was launched just two years after Namco’s iconic video game hit, 1980’s Pac-Man, and it’s considered one of (if not the) most influential racing game ever made. It wasn’t the first, but Pole Position was the one that set the foundations for all subsequent racing video games. Its impact continues to echo down the years. For a brief period, you could even play Pole Position on the screen of your Tesla. That Easter Egg was rolled out in a software update in August of 2018. Unfortunately, the rights to the classic game were not properly secured. If a video game company goes out of business, some old games can become what’s called “abandonware,” in which case they’re fair game. Namco is still around as a software company, though heavily restructured, and thus Pole Position was not up for grabs.Atari ManiaBut you can still get your mitts on it. The 2600+ costs a reasonable $129.99 and comes with a free-of-charge dose of nostalgia. The retro-look switchgear and wood trim is pure early 1980s, but the console can hook up to nearly any modern TV, with widescreen modes and HDMI and USB-C connection ports.Related StoriesNext, Find the GameIf you snap one up, then you’re really going to want to look for—in that dusty cardboard box or on eBay—Pole Position II. A nearly identical sequel to the original released just one year later, Pole Position II is essentially the same basic game as its predecessor, but it offers three additional circuits to race on. As an Atari 7800 cartridge, it has been third-party tested and confirmed to work on the 2600+. The original Pole Position has also been confirmed to work, but you might as well have a few more tracks to drive.Atari ManiaPreorders for the 2600+ are open now, and the consoles will start shipping in November. If you need to take a break from the overwhelming complexity of modern racing games, or just want to relive part of your childhood, then you better snap one up fast. You’re going to want to take pole position on this one.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.Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

BMW has unveiled its Vision Neue Klasse concept car at the IAA Mobility auto show in its hometown of Munich, Germany.The retro-future concept car previews an upcoming electric sports sedan that we expect to see morph into a 3-series as early as the 2026 model year. Its styling pays homage to the iconic BMW Neue Klasse, which itself marked a key transformative period for the company when it launched in 1962.The original Neue Klasse saved BMW’s bacon back in the 1960s, and it also evolved into the famed 2002, which was so good that it led Car and Driver’sDavid E. Davis Jr. to proclaim it “One of modern civilization’s all-time best ways to get somewhere sitting down.” Today, the brand is far stronger then it was back then, but this vision for its electrified future marks the start of a similarly transformative period for the company—hence the revival of the Neue Klasse name.play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playThe concept car shown here—perhaps we should call it the Neue Neue Klasse?—is electric and showcases future tech in a retro-modern wrapper. Not only do we expect that the Vision Neue Klasse concept previews a future 3-series sedan, the next generation of which is expected to debut in 2025 as a 2026 model, but we also see it as a new design language for the entire BMW brand. Retro-Futuristic ExteriorThe forward-slanted nose and exaggerated kidney-shaped faux grilles are the most dramatic parts of the Neue Klasse concept’s front end, and its homage to the 2002 is unmistakable. But it’s no simple rehashing of that 1960s classic, as the concept car features a digital grille with lights that gently pulse as though the car is breathing. Narrow roof pillars and large windows make the small car’s greenhouse look much larger, and its simple profile is almost devoid of character lines. The result is a flat look, with a single crease low on the doors that serves to draw a connection to the front and rear wheels. A Look Back at the Original Neue KlasseSpeaking of windows, a thin strip of e-Ink display—like what you’d see on an eReader tablet—stretches across the bottom of the two side windows. It lights up as you approach the car and serves as a touch-sensitive door handle. The car’s taillamps feature 3-D-printed elements arranged in a cascading design that create a sense of depth while bright red LEDs illuminate them from behind. A set of 21-inch wheels was carefully designed for maximum aerodynamics without looking like they are, and a pair of rear-facing cameras on thin stalks stand in for traditional exterior mirrors—a feature we expect won’t make the jump to production. Klasse CabinStepping inside the Neue Klasse concept reveals a futuristic, digital-centric design. A large black panel that runs the width of the dashboard along the base of the windshield illuminates with BMW’s next-generation iDrive interface. Called Panoramic Vision, the black panel actually serves as a projection screen for the infotainment system, and it looks quite slick. A trapezoidal center display is still within reach of the driver’s right hand, but key information can be moved up to the panoramic screen for easier viewing while on the go. As if this wasn’t enough displays, the Neue Klasse concept also offers a head-up display. Although this system seems like it would be specific to the concept car, BMW says buyers can expect to see this feature in the production version.A quartet of midcentury-modern bucket seats gives the interior a vintage touch, and BMW has chosen yellow corduroy upholstery, which gives the otherwise white interior some warmth. A floating center console divides the cabin, and the multi-function steering wheel features not only a flat bottom but also a flat top and sides, creating a sort of square look. Next-Gen EV Platform The Neue Klasse serves as the debut of BMW’s next-generation EV platform, which is said to be an 800-volt system and uses a new battery design with 20 percent higher energy density. Combined with improvements in aerodynamics, higher-efficiency electric motors, and better thermal management, BMW says, the range can be increased by up to 30 percent compared with the company’s current EV drivetrain. While it will be primarily produced in Hungary, BMW is said to be exploring split production volumes with its plant in the United States to better take advantage of federal EV incentives here. Furthermore, a new battery factory is planned in South Carolina. The company also says its production facilities won’t use any fossil fuels but will focus on using a greater amount of recycled materials in the process. Whether or not the revived Neue Klasse will soon turn out to be the new best way to get somewhere sitting down remains to be seen, but we are looking forward to finding out.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.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