Car news, 21 November ’24: First prototype BMW Neue Klasse SUV rolls off production line, Volkswagen to bring in new ‘10 Desert Edition’ Amarok ute variant, and more
Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday 21 November 2024. Notably in car news today: BMW has built some of the very first Neue Klasse SUVs, and Volkswagen announces a new variant for its Amarok ute lineup called the 10 Desert Edition.
BMW’s first Neue Klasse model, the iX3, prepares for launch
BMW’s vision for the future, called Neue Klasse, is preparing for launch, with the German automaker posting an official image of its new iX3 SUV.
The German luxury automaker is already producing test vehicles, with series production versions of the next-gen iX3 SUV to start in late 2025.
One of the first Neue Klasse SUVs to roll off the production line
The new model will be built in Debrecen, Hungary, and will be the first of at least six new models, including a 3 Series–sized sedan, which was previewed in the very first Vision Neue Klasse concept back in September 2023.
At the time of the concept’s unveiling, many thought Neue Klasse was an electric-only affair, but recent spy shots have shown that, at least in the case of the sedan prototype, it has a set of exhaust pipes.
BMW has also confirmed it will build two different M3 performance models; one pure-electric and the other with turbo straight-six power, as part of Neue Klasse.
Volkswagen Australia has announced it will introduce a new variant of Amarok called the 10 Deserts Edition.
Set to be available from the second quarter of 2025, the Amarok 10 Deserts Edition has been inspired by the recent Volkswagen Guinness World Record.
The new Volkswagen Amarok 10 Deserts Edition
The new variant is based upon a Amarok Life TDI500 and will feature a suspension lift kit, black tonneau cover, 17-inch black alloy wheels, and genuine Volkswagen underbody protection.
Although it hasn’t been priced just yet, Volkswagen has clearly stated that the Amarok 10 Deserts Edition will be strategically positioned between “$60,000 ‘sticker packs’ such as the Ford Ranger Black Edition, and rival off-road special-edition variants that cost above $70,000”.
The brand has also said that pricing is set to sit between a Life TDI500 and the higher-grade Style TDI500.
Porsche isn’t planning to build a combustion Macan
Porsche is unlikely to offer a combustion version of its new-generation Macan and will instead soldier on with a much more expensive electric version.
Pricing for the new Macan electric starts at $134,400 plus on-road costs, or over $30,000 more than before.
Porsche isn’t planning to build a combustion Macan for its new generation
Porsche’s vice president of the Macan product line, Joerg Kerner, told Australian media that “at every point we are much better than the combustion car”.
“I think it will be a best seller because I think it’s the best car and the sportiest car in this segment”.
The Macan will be sold in Australia in either 4 or Turbo guises with massive 100kWh battery packs. Maximum range is 654km (WLTP).
Jaguar teases its future electric car, the Design Vision Concept
We’ve seen the Jaguar rebrand and logo, and now we have a glimpse of the reinvigorated electric brand’s first concept model: the Design Vision Concept.
Set to debut on 2 December in Miami USA, the concept doesn’t have a rear window, just like the Polestar 4.
The teaser everyone is talking about!
From the rear angle, the model also features wide rear haunches and a grille-like design.
This concept could in fact be the four-door GT car we have already seen spy photos of, with the front-end styling likely to be similar.
Expect more details at the full reveal on December 2.
Lotus axes 2028 all-electric vision, will focus instead on hybrids
Lotus Cars isn’t going to let go of combustion power after all, backtracking on its all-electric target of 2028.
Instead, the brand will focus on ‘super-hybrid’ technology paired to a turbocharged combustion engine for a claimed range of over 1000km.
The new Lotus Eletre
Exact powertrain information is not yet confirmed, however Autocar reports that the brand could update the current Eletre and Emeya models.
Lotus could use hybrid technologies already announced by another of Geely’s brands – Zeekr.
Popularity for hybrids have skyrocketed, particularly in China in recent months, as pure-electric model demand softens.
Subaru BRZ tS reviewed
Chasing Cars digital production specialist Tom Place’s review of the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS was published, including his thoughts on Subaru’s more affordable sports car. .
Tom praised the BRZ for its sharper driving experience, enhanced on-track ability, decent fuel efficiency and strong value for money.
However, Tom thought there were some points to improve upon, including the lack of a track warranty, a less forgiving ride, no power or torque upgrades and the lack of a full-size spare tyre.
All in all, Tom concluded his review on the Subaru BRZ tS by saying that “the new BRZ tS grade is simply the best version of the BRZ the company has produced so far, not just because it notches up the performance to a meaningful degree but also because it does so for a modest price increase”.
