With the upcoming arrival of the Neue Klasse lineup, the era of massive “kidney grilles” at BMW appears to be coming to an end. While other polarizing design choices, such as large wheel arches or angular loops, seem here to stay, the end of oversized grilles is a victory for many purists. However, for BMW’s design leadership, this phase was not a mistake, and the Chinese market is said to be the main reason.

The Justification from BMW’s Design Director

When asked during the launch of the new iX3 SUV about the potentially “too radical” nature of the grilles, Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of Design for the BMW Group, firmly disagreed. “No, because it depends on which part of the world you are in,” he stated. “In some areas of the world, like China, it’s fine; people still ask for large grilles. So that’s the tricky situation you find yourself in as a global brand.”

Criticism Without Impact on Sales

Van Hooydonk assured that BMW had “taken note of all the negative feedback” surrounding the controversial designs of models like the M3, 7 Series, or XM. However, this controversy was never reflected in sales figures. “Quite the opposite,” he emphasized. According to him, consumer sentiment was even positive, which did not prompt the manufacturer to react or backtrack.

An Explanation That Raises Questions

This explanation, however, leaves one puzzled. On one hand, it seems to attribute the responsibility for this aesthetic choice to the tastes of Chinese customers. Yet, an observation of current trends in the Chinese automotive market shows a strong appetite for clean designs, sleek shapes, and distinctive lighting signatures, quite similar to Western trends.

A Change of Course with the Neue Klasse

Despite the absence of negative consequences on sales, BMW has decided to make a significant shift with its future Neue Klasse lineup. Adrian van Hooydonk explains this turnaround as an aesthetic necessity: “the risk of not changing enough would be much greater than changing too much.” The design of the Neue Klasse, already visible on the upcoming iX3, thus represents a new direction, welcomed as a step in the right direction to bring BMW back toward a more consensual design.

Actor and style icon Steve McQueen is inseparable from the 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Bullitt and the Porsches from Le Mans. But for his daily commutes, errands, or trips to the airport, he often drove this 1952 Hudson Wasp. Displayed at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles since 2006, the car will soon be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s.

An exceptional auction for a unique piece

Named the “1952 Hudson Wasp Twin H-Power Two-Door Brougham,” this automobile will be sold at the Sotheby’s auction in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on October 9. Bidding is also available online or by phone. Listed as Lot 246, its estimated sale price is between $40,000 and $60,000, a range above market value due to its exceptional history.

An iconic 1950s design

The Hudson Wasp shares a similar aesthetic to the Hudson Hornet, made famous by the character “Doc Hudson” in the movie Cars. Its typical 1950s streamliner design is enhanced by its covered rear wheels, while its massive bumpers give it a utilitarian and practical look. The interior, meanwhile, exudes vintage charm with its bench seat that resembles a genuine diner sofa.

A preserved period mechanical setup

Under the hood lies an inline six-cylinder engine with a Power Dome cylinder head and a Twin-H Power carburetor configuration. The transmission is handled by a Hydra-Matic Drive with a column-mounted shifter.

An authentic and history-rich condition

The car, though clean, is far from being in new condition. With 63,537 miles on the odometer (high mileage for a 1950s car), it features various scratches, rust bubbles, and a heavily damaged roof paint. This “lived-in” condition gives it an authentic and unique character, a testament to its regular use by the star.

For any car enthusiast or film history buff, driving this classic car that Steve McQueen used “to go to church on Sundays” would undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.

Mowing the lawn can be much more than just a chore: it’s my personal motorsport. Approaching forty and having recently become a homeowner, I discovered an unexpected passion for mowing, not for the lawn’s appearance, but for the expert piloting of my zero-turn riding mower.

The Thrills of a Driver on Their Tractor

Using a riding mower stimulates the same senses as sports driving. You need to find the perfect balance between speed and control, anticipate the terrain, and develop a symbiosis with your machine. Our several-acre property includes a fenced area for the dogs and a grassy strip before the forest. Navigating along fences requires surgical precision, while the mowing strategy becomes a real puzzle: is it more effective to divide the terrain into sections or to make large, complete laps?

My Cub Cadet ZT1 42E Electric

After starting with an old manual mower, I inherited a nearly new Cub Cadet ZT1 42E electric. This was my first experience with an electric vehicle, and the choice proved perfect for residential maintenance. Sufficient range for our 3.3 acres, fast charging in a few hours, quiet operation, and no emissions: electric is ideal for mowing.

Mastering the Technique of a High-Performance Machine

The unique feature of the zero-turn lies in its independent drive wheels, allowing for on-the-spot turns like a tank. I even developed a controlled-slide technique by playing with the speed levers, adding style and efficiency to my maneuvers. Progress is measurable: I reduced my mowing time from two hours to under 1 hour 30 minutes, always seeking to optimize my path as if on a racetrack.

The Advantages and Challenges of Electric Mowing

While I probably wouldn’t have bought an electric mower myself, I’m not complaining about the pleasure it brings. The only notable drawbacks: some difficulty in very tall grass (which forces me to mow more regularly) and the need to store it indoors in winter, which takes up considerable space in my garage.

Conclusion: An Accessible Mechanical Hobby

Mowing has become much more than a household task: it’s a technical, rewarding, and measurable hobby. Between the route strategy, mastering the machine, and the personal challenge of constant improvement, I’ve turned an obligation into one of my favorite mechanical activities.

A violent accident involved drivers Doug Kalitta and Tony Stewart following a race reaching speeds of 540 km/h (335 mph) during the eliminations of the NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania. Although both drivers were able to exit their vehicles on their own, Tony Stewart admitted having no memory of the impact.

A Violent Impact After the Finish Line

The race itself had proceeded without incident. Doug Kalitta won it with a time of 3.787 seconds and a top speed of 540.3 km/h (335.73 mph), ahead of Tony Stewart’s time of 3.809 seconds and 525.7 km/h (326.71 mph). The drama occurred during braking, when the parachutes deployed. Kalitta’s car veered violently to the left, hitting Stewart’s car.

Tony Stewart Dazed but Conscious

Stewart’s vehicle was thrown sideways before straightening out and hitting the tire wall. Immediately interviewed by Fox Sports 1, the 54-year-old driver, visibly dazed, stated: “Honestly, I have no fucking idea. I really don’t remember anything. The first thing I remember is them waking me up.”

However, Stewart wanted to reassure everyone about his condition: “I have a hell of a headache and I banged my left hand. But I’ve been in sprint car crashes much worse than this, I’m pretty sure. It’s okay. We’re good. I promise it’s okay.” He also praised the sturdiness of his race car, built by PBRC.

The Worst Accident of Kalitta’s Career

For his part, Doug Kalitta, a 27-year veteran of Top Fuel competition, mentioned in an interview that this collision was “probably the worst [he has] ever experienced” in this type of car, attesting to the exceptional violence of the impact.

This spectacular incident serves as a reminder of the extreme dangers faced by NHRA dragster drivers, despite the immense progress made in terms of safety.

Luxury EV Meets Tech Overload. I admit, I approached testing the 2025 Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron Quattro expecting to be frustrated. As a traditional car enthusiast, the idea of an ultra-connected, screen-saturated electric sedan put me off. I anticipated charging issues, overwhelming technology, and a sanitized driving experience. In the end, I came away impressed.

The Basics

The A6 Sportback E-Tron is one of the first models on Audi’s new PPE electric platform, shared with Porsche. Positioned as a high-end electric sedan, it starts at $65,900 and can easily exceed $75,000 for well-equipped versions. Audi adopts a “car first, electric second” philosophy, favoring familiar and sophisticated lines over flashy futuristic design.

Exterior Design and Silhouette

The A6 Sportback’s silhouette is that of a professional and practical sedan. The Sportback shape is the star, with a long roofline that slopes down to a hatchback concealing a massive trunk, the most practical in its class. I was able to fit my 1.73m surfboard inside. The slim front headlights, with customizable digital light signatures, add a technological touch.

Interior: A Nest of Screens

Inside, screens dominate. The main infotainment screen is sharply angled toward the driver, a separate screen is dedicated to the passenger, and the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster completes the setup. For some, this is cutting-edge; for me, it was almost overwhelming. Even the climate controls are integrated into the touch surfaces. Yet, the finish is typical Audi: luxurious, with high-quality materials, wood inserts, customizable ambient lighting, and a spacious rear cabin. The “zebra glass” electrochromic panoramic roof is more of a gadget than a practical feature, but undeniably cool.

Driving and Performance

On the road, the A6 E-Tron is exactly what you’d expect from a luxury EV: quiet, composed, and comfortable. The dual-motor setup provides instant and effortless thrust with 456 horsepower and 631 lb-ft of torque. The adaptive suspension glides over bumps. Audi’s adaptive cruise control proved intuitive. The heated and ventilated seats contribute to a fatigue-free drive. My favorite tech features were the voice assistant and the 360-degree camera, very useful in daily use.

Weight and Drawbacks

The weight is substantial: 5,192 pounds for the Quattro version. The adaptive suspension and torque mask this mass well, but it is noticeable. The regenerative braking, although offering several modes including one-pedal driving, lacks smoothness in its transitions. The turning radius is wide, and visibility is compromised by thick C-pillars and a small rear window. The head-up display projecting an augmented reality arrow onto the road proved more distracting than useful.

Range and Charging

This is where the A6 E-Tron surprised me the most. Audi claims up to 377 miles of range (approximately 607 km) for the Quattro version. After a few days, my range anxiety had disappeared. A 180-mile (290 km) trip without recharging, even with the air conditioning on, was completed stress-free. Charging is effortless thanks to the 800-volt architecture supporting up to 270 kW. Recharging from 10% to 80% in just over 20 minutes matched my real-world experience. Plug-and-charge at Electrify America is as simple as filling up with gas.

Final Verdict

The Audi A6 Sportback E-Tron delivers on its promise: it’s a luxurious, comfortable, and long-range electric sedan. It offers the high-tech interior and futuristic flourishes expected by its clientele. At the same time, this technology can be overwhelming. The electronic door locks, endless menus… Audi has sometimes buried usability under novelty. But these grievances don’t overshadow the fact that this is an extremely accomplished and refined EV, pushing Audi luxury into the electric era.

The Tesla Cybertruck has just become $10,000 more expensive. This is the highlight of this morning’s automotive news summary, The Downshift (TDS), which compiles the latest information into one sentence with a link for more details.

Automaker News

Tesla Removes Its Entry-Level Model

A few months after its launch at $69,999, Tesla has removed the rear-wheel drive, single-motor version of the Cybertruck. This decision automatically raises the base price to $79,999 for the dual-motor, all-wheel drive model.

Statements from Top Executives

Audi: The Group CEO stated that “the electric car is simply a better technology” and that he does not know “of any better technology than the electric car to reduce CO2 emissions in transport in the coming years.” He called competitors’ fights against future European regulations “counterproductive.”

Tesla: A board member praised Elon Musk as “a generational leader,” essential for guiding the company in the coming decade.

General Motors: CEO Mary Barra reaffirmed that electric vehicles remain the automaker’s “North Star,” displaying a “no-regrets” mindset regarding the future roadmap.

Recalls and Rumors

Toyota is recalling approximately 591,000 vehicles (including Venza, Crown, RAV4, Camry, Tacoma, and some Lexus models) due to an issue with the 12.3-inch touchscreen that may remain black on startup.

Mercedes-Benz: Chief Technology Officer Markus Schaefer denied rumors that the German automaker would use BMW engines in its future models, stating that “there is no truth to it.”

Upcoming Releases

Stellantis: CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed the launch of a mid-size Ram pickup in 2027, describing it as “beautiful” and “simply incredible,” with “very good” technical specifications.

BMW: Despite removing most physical buttons in its new cars, BMW confirmed it will retain a physical volume button. The automaker’s data shows that a vast majority of customers use it.

The Dodge Charger has officially abandoned the V8. Although the new generation uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder, it fails to capture the boldness of this retro concept: the 1982 Dodge Turbo Charger Concept, which is about to be auctioned at Mecum.

An Aerodynamic Icon of the 80s

This aerodynamic fastback with butterfly doors was the official safety car of the PPG Indy Car World Series in 1981 and 1982. Coming from the famous Klairmont Collection in Chicago, this gem is one of the most interesting lots in the sale.

Performance Mechanics

Under its unique hood, this concept car houses a turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. To fulfill its role on the track, its suspension was completely reworked with widened running gear, high-performance shock absorbers and anti-roll bars, all braked by a set of larger calipers.

An Aircraft Cockpit Interior

Getting into this car is an experience in itself. The butterfly doors open to reveal bucket seats and a futuristic dashboard filled with aviation-style instruments. A few toggle switches, including one controlling the Aerodynic light bar on the roof, complete this timeless picture. The presence of air conditioning controls suggests some comfort, although their current operation remains uncertain.

A Well-Preserved Collector’s Gem

Preserved as a museum piece for years, this Dodge Concept has not been forgotten. Vehicles from the Klairmont Collection are known to have been exceptionally well-maintained. Although it has mainly served as an exhibition object, its condition appears remarkable. A new owner might one day give it a second youth on historic circuits. Its auction is scheduled for Saturday, September 12.

For several months, this photo of two people washing their Mazda MX-5 Miata has been circulating intensely within the enthusiast community. The scene seems innocuous at first glance: a simple convertible car wash on a public street. But the historical context, visible in the background, transforms this image into a powerful symbol of resilience.

A Poignant Historical Context

Taken on September 24, 2001, just two weeks after the 9/11 attacks, this photo actually shows the remnants of the South Tower of the World Trade Center in the background. The two individuals are not simply cleaning the accumulated urban dust off their roadster, but the residue from the attacks that destroyed buildings and claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

Authenticity Confirmed by the Photographer

Jane Tyska, a photojournalist still active with the Bay Area News Group, immediately confirmed the image’s authenticity amid speculation labeling it a fake. Ironically, the photographer herself owns a classic red NA Miata, reflecting her affinity for the subject.

The Exclusive Account from Photographer Erik Pendzich

A second photographer, Erik Pendzich, captured the same scene from an almost identical angle. A New York resident and direct witness to the events of 9/11, he was documenting the city’s slow reconstruction at the time. He recalls a strange and desolate atmosphere in the normally bustling streets of the Financial District, still covered in dust and debris.

Returning to Normalcy

“It was the first time in two weeks that I saw people doing something ‘normal’,” he shares. The contrast between the ordinariness of their action and the horror of the surrounding setting was striking and deserved to be immortalized.

The Exact Location and Its Irony

The scene took place at the intersection of Washington and Carlisle Streets. An ironic location for a car wash scene (“wash” and “car”). The parking lot where the Miata was parked on the day of the attacks has since been demolished, replaced by the memorial, although some buildings in the area remain recognizable.

One Story Among Many

The vehicle, like many others in that garage, was covered in gray debris after the towers collapsed. Pendzich sadly recalls that many vehicles were never claimed by their owners.

With the upcoming arrival of the Neue Klasse lineup, the era of massive “kidney grilles” at BMW appears to be coming to an end. While other polarizing design choices, such as large wheel arches or angular loops, seem here to stay, the Bavarian brand is making a notable aesthetic shift. To justify this phase of oversized grilles, BMW’s design leadership points to the preferences of one particular market: China.

BMW’s Design Director Defends His Controversial Choices

When asked during the launch of the new iX3 SUV about the “too radical” nature of recent grilles, Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of Design for the BMW Group, firmly defended his strategy. According to remarks reported by CarExpert Australia, he stated: “No, because it depends on which part of the world you are in. In some areas, like China, it’s fine; people still ask for large grilles. That’s the tricky situation you find yourself in as a global brand.”

Criticism Without Impact on Sales

The chief designer assured that BMW had “taken note of all the negative feedback” surrounding the controversial grilles on models like the M3, 7 Series, or XM. However, he claims this criticism never translated into sales figures. “We never saw it in the sales numbers. In fact, quite the opposite. So, in a way, we didn’t feel we needed to react,” he explained, suggesting that consumer sentiment was, on the contrary, positive.

A Puzzling Explanation

This justification, however, is met with skepticism. The idea that Chinese taste alone is responsible for these design choices seems simplistic. An observation of popular models in the Chinese market reveals a diverse aesthetic trend, where sleek forms and distinctive lighting signatures are also highly valued, similar to Western markets.

The Neue Klasse: A New Aesthetic Beginning for BMW

Whatever the reasons, BMW has decided to turn the page. Adrian van Hooydonk explains that the brand must now take a “bigger step” aesthetically, believing that “the risk of not changing enough would be far greater than changing too much.” The future Neue Klasse, which will inspire the next i3 among others, embodies this new beginning. Its design, although not perfect, represents for many a step in the right direction, marking the end of the oversized grille era.

Apple CarPlay in iOS 26 is simply the best version to date. Every year, your iPhone receives a major update that you probably delay as much as possible. But this time, the iOS 26 update, released this Monday by Apple, proves particularly useful for CarPlay. Great news for those who refuse to use their vehicle’s built-in systems.

A Modernized Interface and Live Activities

The first thing you’ll notice is the new Liquid Glass user interface design, which brings a breath of fresh air to the driving experience. But the real revolution lies in the integration of Live Activities on the CarPlay screen. Now, you can follow sports scores, flight routes, or other information in real-time directly on your dashboard, without having to check your phone.

Customizable Widgets

A new page now allows you to pin widgets to your CarPlay screen. Although the implementation is still limited (weather, calendar), this feature promises to become extremely powerful once developers adopt it. The customization of your driving experience is just beginning.

Smart Display Zoom and Less Intrusive Calls

The new Smart Display Zoom function automatically adjusts text size to better fit your car’s screen. For those who prefer larger text, manual settings remain available. Another notable improvement: phone calls no longer take over the entire screen but appear as a banner overlay on your current application.

Video via AirPlay (While Parked)

The most anticipated feature: video sharing on the car screen via AirPlay when the vehicle is parked. Although its deployment still depends on third-party app support, this innovation opens the door to new entertainment possibilities during breaks.

An Evolution Towards Perfection

iOS 26 brings subtle but significant improvements to CarPlay. The system, already excellent, moves a bit closer to perfection for drivers who prioritize the Apple ecosystem. It remains to be seen how developers will embrace these new capabilities to unlock their full potential.