14/09/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY SEPT 14, 2025

Class above the rest Neue Klasse iX3, a new era for BMW

BMW has officially revived the Neue Klasse nameplate with the debut of the iX3 at the Munich Motor Show, marking one of the brand’s most significant steps forward in decades. The Neue Klasse label first rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with models such as the 1500 sedan and the iconic 2002, which cemented BMW’s identity as a maker of dynamic, driver-focused cars. Now, the Bavarian automaker is using that same heritage to introduce its next generation of fully electric vehicles. The iX3 is the first production model to be built on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse EV platform. Unlike the company’s current approach – where petrol and electric variants share the same architecture as seen in the 4, 5, and 7 Series – the iX3 is a ground-up EV. It will sit alongside the existing com bustion-powered X3 but serve as the flagship of BMW’s electrification strat egy. BMW is positioning the iX3 as a game-changer. The range-topping iX3 50 xDrive will offer up to 644km of driv ing range, powered by dual electric motors delivering 463hp and 641Nm of torque. A key innovation is BMW’s adoption of an 800-volt electrical system for the A glimpse into the future AUDI has unveiled the Concept C, a study that signals a bold step forward in the brand’s design language while drawing on elements of its storied past. The two-seat sports car embodies what Audi calls “athletic minimalism”, a philosophy that relies on clean, precise surfaces intersected by a single defin ing line to create tension, form and pur pose. At the front, the Concept C intro duces a new vertical frame that serves as the structural core of the vehicle. This upright element, inspired by the Auto Union Type C of 1936 and the third-generation Audi A6 of 2004, pro vides a sense of presence and identity while integrating the Audi rings and advanced lighting technology. For the first time on an Audi road ster, an electrically retractable hardtop is employed, using two roof sections that allow the car to maintain its sculpted monolithic profile with the option of open-top driving. The rear is marked by clean surfac ing and horizontal slats that accentuate its sporty stance. Lighting design plays a central role in the Concept C’s identity. Both the headlights and tail-lamps adopt a new signature, consisting of four horizontally aligned elements, ensuring the car remains instantly recognisable in both day and night conditions. The cabin is dominated by strong architectural lines and geo metric forms that create space for occupants while subtly positioning the driver at the centre of focus. Materials are chosen for both their tactile and visual qualities. Anodised aluminium switchgear delivers mechanical precision with Audi’s characteristic “click,” while the

from both the Neue Klasse and Neue Klasse X concept cars, as well as the original sedans of the 1960s. S essional package will also receive illu minated kidney grilles. Inside, the iX3 departs from conven tion with a minimalist, futuristic cabin. Instead of a traditional instrument clus ter, a slim display positioned at the base of the windscreen projects essential driv ing information. A new hexagonal touchscreen man ages infotainment via BMW’s latest Operating System X, while the familiar iDrive controller has been phased out entirely. Beneath the surface, the iX3 is BMW’s first software-defined vehicle (SDV), joining a growing movement pioneered by Tesla and Rivian. The system consoli dates multiple control functions into four powerful computing units, which BMW refers to as “superbrains.” On the performance front, the iX3 sprints from 0–100kph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 209kph. Production will take place at BMW’s new facility in Debrecen, Hungary, with deliveries scheduled to begin in June 2026. The US assembly will also follow in early 2026, ensuring global availability of what BMW views as a cornerstone model for its electric future. While these items may not drasti cally alter the Prelude’s driving experi ence, they add to the appeal for fans who want to enhance the look and feel of their coupe. Mugen Motorsports has long been a name closely associated with Honda. The company was founded by Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda’s founder Soichiro, and although it oper ates independently, it maintains a close working relationship with the car maker. Today, Mugen continues to compete in Japan’s Super GT and Super Formula series while also producing aftermarket parts for Honda’s road cars, ensuring its reputation remains strong among enthusiasts worldwide. The return of the Prelude marks Honda’s effort to deliver a stylish, affordable grand tourer, effectively a coupe version of the Civic Hybrid.

Neue Klasse , enabling rapid charging speeds. The iX3 supports up to 400kW DC fast charging, allowing approximately 370km of range to be added in just 10 minutes – making it one of the quickest charging EVs in its seg ment. While not match ing the extreme c ha r g i ng

speeds of some Chinese competitors, this capability sets a new benchmark for BMW in global markets. Dimensionally, the iX3 sits on a slightly longer wheelbase compared with the current petrol-powered X3, though its overall proportions are more compact in other areas. The design draws inspiration

Mugen developing tuning package for new Prelude THE Honda Prelude may have only just made its return, but Mugen is wast ing no time in preparing upgrades for the hybrid coupe. want to personalise their cars further, Mugen will also provide a wide range of cosmetic and functional touches. These include unique oil-filler and radiator caps, sill plates, lug nuts, floor mats, decals and even a fabric cover for the brake-fluid reservoir.

steering wheel becomes a centrepiece of haptic craftsmanship with metallic Audi rings embedded in its core. The Titanium colour scheme employs tone-on-tone harmony with natural materials and indirect ambient lighting to enhance warmth, refinement and solidity. Technology within the Concept C is designed to remain intuitive rather than overwhelming. A 10.4-inch foldable centre display provides contextual information in a straightforward man ner, complemented by haptic controls on the steering wheel and centre con sole. This balance of subtlety and preci sion ensures that interaction feels both natural and sophisticated. The Concept C is more than a design study; it sets the tone for Audi’s next generation of vehicles. By uniting clar ity, technical rigour, intelligent usability and emotional presence, the model represents the start of a new design philosophy that will shape upcom ing production cars and guide the evolution of the brand.

The renowned Honda tuning house has confirmed that a full body kit and performance package are already in the pipeline, with parts expected to be available in 2026. The package will include a carbon fibre splitter, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler, complemented by a new sports exhaust. These will join a number of accesso ries already offered by Mugen for the Prelude, ranging from carbon-fibre door mirror caps to a set of 19-inch forged BBS wheels. Other highlights include a high-per formance oil filter element and spe cially developed performance damp ers, created in collaboration with Yamaha, designed to minimise chassis flex with units mounted at the front and rear. For enthusiasts w h o

It uses the same two-motor hybrid system producing around 200hp, but intro duces an exclusive S+ Shift mode. This mode manipulates the electric motors to repli cate the sensation of an internal combustion engine with a traditional gearbox, even revving the petrol engine to enhance the effect.

With this in mind, Mugen’s forthcom ing sports exhaust could play an impor tant role in amplifying the new Prelude’s sporty character.