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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

The International Scout was introduced in 1961 as the first competitor to the Willy Jeep.Like the Jeep, the Scout had a removable roof, a fold-down windshield, and four-wheel drive.This first-generation Scout, which is both impressively restored and unmodified, provides a rare look at one of the earliest SUVs.Car and DriverVolkswagen is planning to resurrect the Scout nameplate for a lineup of battery-powered SUVs and pickups, and while we have yet to see what they’ll look like, VW would be hard-pressed to capture the purity and charm of the first-generation International Harvester Scout. Unfortunately, the harsh duty cycle of most off-roaders, combined with the original Scout’s extreme propensity to rust, means that an OG Scout is a rare sight today. That’s what makes this 1964 example all the more striking. Up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which like Car and Driver is part of Hearst Autos, it has been restored to a stock appearance—rather than a modern, bro-dozer reinterpretation—and serves as a reminder of how basic 4x4s were at the dawn of the SUV age.Bring a TrailerCheck out the interior: vinyl bench seat, metal dash, metal door panels, fabric check-straps for the doors, and manual everything, although there is glovebox—plus a heater and a defroster. Bring a TrailerThis Scout is powered by a 152-cubic-inch inline-four (actually half of the I-H 304-cubic-inch V-8) fed by a single-barrel carb and paired with a three-speed manual gearbox. The part-time four-wheel-drive system has manual locking front hubs, and this Scout rolls on 15-inch black steelies.Bring a TrailerLater Scouts would grow larger, (somewhat) more mechanically sophisticated, and (a bit) more comfortable. The second-gen Scout 800 arrived in 1965 and the Scout II in 1971. With vintage SUVs of all stripes seeing keen collector interest, Scouts are being restored and typically upfitted mechanically for greater capability or just a more extroverted look. It’s interesting, though, to see the one in its original form, the result of a design brief “to replace the horse.”Related StoriesThe auction ends September 7.Deputy Editor, Reviews and FeaturesJoe Lorio has been obsessed with cars since his Matchbox days, and he got his first subscription to Car and Driver at age 11. Joe started his career at Automobile Magazine under David E. Davis Jr., and his work has also appeared on websites including Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar. More

The Nissan Altima and Nissan Versa could be discontinued after the 2025 model year, per a report by Automotive News.A Nissan spokesperson told Car and Driver the company will continue to “invest in the sedan segment” but wouldn’t confirm plans to stop producing either model. AN’s report also suggested Nissan has plans for a new electric sedan that’ll debut in 2026; the company’s spokesperson declined to comment on future products.The Nissan Altima, which was first introduced for the 1992 model year, is likely heading for the junkyard in the sky. The same fate could await the Nissan Versa, which first went on sale in the summer of 2006. The affordable compact car and familiar family sedan will be discontinued following the 2025 model year, according to Automotive News, which recently published a report about every automaker’s future product plans.Andi Hedrick|Car and DriverCar and Driver reached out to Nissan to confirm the Automotive News report, and a spokesperson responded with this statement: “We are continuing to invest in the sedan segment to offer our customers great-looking cars equipped with convenient, entertaining and safety-enhancing technologies. As we accelerate towards realizing Nissan’s Ambition 2030 vision we have many exciting plans in development, but we don’t have anything to share at this time.”Read the StoryILLUSTRATION BY BEN SUMMERELL-YOUDE/FOX SYNDICATION|Car and DriverWhile the spokesperson also wouldn’t comment on future products, the company’s own statements have fueled speculation that appears to be corroborated by the AN story, which suggested that Nissan has plans to introduce a new electric sedan in 2026. For example, last year, when the automaker confirmed that the Maxima would end production after the 2023 model year, in an official statement to Car and Driver said it’s “prioritizing electric vehicles” and advised us to “stay tuned for future Nissan Maxima news.” Could the EV sedan that’s rumored in the AN report be the next Maxima? It looks like we’ll have to wait and see.Recently Axed NissansThis 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

For Howdy Doody, a nine-year-old Watusi bull, going for a ride with his owner in their 1996 Ford Crown Victoria isn’t a big deal. He just calls shotgun, climbs in, and assumes his position across from Lee Meyer, owner of both car and cattle. They were cruising through the town of Norfolk, Nebraska, on Wednesday when some busybody took issue with a giant bull sticking out the front of a car and called the cops. The police dispatch reads, “Vehicle with a cow inside.” Since that probably doesn’t much narrow it down in Nebraska, the following line clarifies, “Vehicle is a white car appears to have been modified.” Yes, it certainly has.Norfolk Police DepartmentHow does one transport a one-ton bovine in an automobile, you ask? Well, lending new meaning to “bull riding” and really shutting up everyone who told him he should buy a truck, Meyer reinforced the frame and suspension on his 1996 Ford Crown Victoria to support its beefy passenger. He also removed the passenger-side windshield and roof—Watusi bull horns grow laterally and can be eight feet across, which poses a problem given that the 1996 Crown Victoria only offers 60.8 inches of front shoulder room. But with the Crown Vic rendered semi–al fresco in a job so clean it looks like it came that way from the factory, Howdy Doody fit just fine. 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.The Norfolk police didn’t entirely disagree, declining to ticket Meyer—this was, legally speaking, his first rodeo—but telling him to steer clear of town unless he wanted to start some serious beef. The pair were told to giddyup on back to Neligh, where they live, a not inconsiderable 35 miles further down Highway 275. Meyer told the New York Times that he uses a trailer for trips longer than 40 miles, and that Howdy Doody has been riding in the car for seven years and never has any problem with it. Often, Meyer stops to buy Howdy Doody ice cream, a prompting his wife, Rhonda, to say, “He’s the most spoiled steer in northeast Nebraska.” We applaud her for not making assumptions about the other quadrants of Nebraska, where maybe there’s a Belted Galloway just sitting on the couch drinking beer and not lifting a hoof to help out. Meyer and his bovine buddy made it home fine, although, as a video from News Channel Nebraska Northeast shows, not completely without incident. Eschewing Nebraska’s fine highway rest stops, Howdy Doody lived up to his name and rendered the Crown Vic’s rear quarter-panel ready for a serious detailing. But when you drive around with a bull in your car, you’ve gotta be prepared to deal with a little BS.More from EzraSenior EditorEzra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He’s now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive. More