The Neue Klasse BMW Is Here

Welcome to autoevolution weekly, thank you for being a subscriber! Here’s a quick run-down of what you can read in this issue.

First of all, we preview the 2026 Porsche 911 (992.2) Turbo S in a short 6-minute video.

Then we welcome the 2026 BMW iX3 (the “New Neue”, as it were) and discuss what the new design language and all-new tech mean for future BMWs.

Next, we’ll do a really deep comparison of the current Silverado engine options and point out the best option for each use case.

If you love EVs but hate having to plug in to top up the battery, Porsche has the solution: wireless charging (oming soon with the next-gen Cayenne).

Thinking about getting into racing sim rigs? This is THE guide for you, as we take a look at every component and setup possible. Read it and you’ll make sure to get the best bang for your buck.

Next up, a melange of the most interesting spy photos (2026 Hyundai Tucson anyone?) and realistic renders (the new Audi TT is coming for real).

Finally, a look at the most recent Google Maps mishaps and how some people ended up with a Street View car in their private yard.

PS: if this newsletter was forwarded to you, here’s a handy link if you’d like to subscribe yourself.

Table of Contents

• Editorial: The Neue Klasse Is Here. What Does It M …

• Chevrolet Silverado HD L8T Small Block vs. L5P Dur …

• Next-Gen Porsche Cayenne Will Use Wireless Chargin …

• The Complete Guide to Sim Racing Equipment

• Spy Photos and Renderings (the sharp & boxy editio …

• Google Street View Cars + Your Backyard = Love

• The finish line

Editorial: The Neue Klasse Is Here. What Does It Mean for Future BMWs?

By: Daniel Patrascu

It's been years since BMW announced they were bringing the Neue Klasse back, and its first representative, the all-electric iX3, just broke cover in all its glory. Far from being a sedan or a coupe like it used to be in the 1960s and 1970s, it will usher in an entirely new era over at BMW, in terms of, well, everything.

The first series-produced Neue Klasse model is a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), which is BMW's fancy way of saying SUV. It brings along a new design language, the sixth-generation BMW eDrive, and a completely new electronics and software architecture – some of which will eventually be transplanted to all upcoming Bimmers, regardless of their powertrain.

BMWs have always differentiated themselves from other makes and models through a distinctive design language centered around the world-famous kidney grille, which feels as old as BMW itself and has taken many forms over the years. In recent times, it started growing and growing and kept on growing until it became so large that it got people worried it would never stop.

Aside from the aesthetic nature of the thing, the grille also had the role of providing cooling for the engine, so, at some level, its size was understandable. But the iX3, its future Neue Klasse siblings, and perhaps even upcoming ICE models, don't need a grille this large.

That's why the new BMW SUV debuts a much smaller interpretation of the kidney, slapped on the face of the SUV's two-box design, between headlights that they too wear an all-new design. The grille is clearly a nod to the original Neue Klasse of the 1960s.

BMW says this new face, along with some other of the fresh design lines seen on the iX3," will be replicated across the whole of the brand's model range in due course." Imagine a 7 Series with this face…

The iX3 SUV is the first BMW vehicle to use this particular electronics and software architecture. Among other things, it comprises four computers, each dedicated to handing a different aspect of the SUV and its operation: infotainment, automated driving, driving dynamics, vehicle access, climate control, comfort, and so on.

Some of these superbrains, as BMW likes to call them, will have 20 times greater processing power than existing control units, thus making the SUV not only faster on its feet, but a lot smarter than what came before it, too.

The SUV will interact with its driver trough the Panoramic iDrive that runs the new BMW Operating System X. The iX3 is the first one to use the setup that bundles together four central elements into a single display that goes the full width of the windscreen, from the left A-pillar to the right one.

Despite looking like the cockpit of a spaceship, the cabin of the SUV continues to offer physical controls for things like windscreen wipers, turn signal indicators, exterior mirrors, and volume. Despite this, some of the car's functions can be controlled through voice commands, using the upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Note: please continue reading the full article on our site.

Chevrolet Silverado HD L8T Small Block vs. L5P Duramax: Which Engine Is Best for You?

By: Mircea Panait

General Motors and heavy-duty trucks go a long way back. For the time being, the Chevrolet Silverado HD and its GMC-branded twin do the heavy lifting for the Detroit-based automaker. The Silverado HD obviously sells better than its brother, and we also have to highlight that only the Chevrolet division's Silverado is available in medium-duty flavor.

Based on the latest sales report published by the largest automaker of the Detroit Big Three, demand for the Silverado HD is nearly double that of the Sierra HD. This ratio further applies to the 2024 full-year sales report, which is why this piece is dedicated to the Chevy instead of the GMC Sierra HD.

Right now customers are presented with the Silverado 2500 HD and Silverado 3500 HD, two bed choices, three cab options, and two very different powertrains. Regular production code L8T designates the simpler lump, whereas the torquier diesel is advertised under the Duramax nameplate.

Which is the better one for the 'Rado? That depends on what you intend to do with the truck of your liking, and you should also bear in mind that both engines have strong points and weak points. Given that it's not as complex as the dual-overhead-cam Duramax, we'll kick this off with a deep drive into the most interesting member of the Gen V small-block engine family.

The 6.6-liter L8T naturally aspirated small-block V8

First and foremost, small block doesn't necessarily mean that GM's pushrod V8s are small. They sure are more compact than the dual-overhead-cam screamers in the Corvette Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X, yet remember that General Motors took the small-block V8 from its original displacement of 4.3 liters to 7.0 liters.

The Gen V part from earlier stands for the latest generation of the General Motors small-block V8, which is more often referred to as the Chevrolet small-block V8. Said generation builds on the fourth with many small improvements, beginning with direct fuel injection instead of port fuel injection for Gen IV.

What makes the L8T stand out from its peers? When it comes to materials, the heavy-duty truck engine uses a cast-iron block instead of aluminum for every other generation-five small block. It lacks cylinder-deactivation tech to improve reliability, and stop-start isn't featured either because heavy-duty trucks are subject to less stringent fuel economy and emission regulations.

The 6.6-liter L5P Duramax turbo diesel V8

Prospective customers who value towing capacity over payload will have to spend extra for the 6.6-liter turbo diesel V8. As of August 2025, the force-fed mill adds just over ten grand to the final price of the Silverado 2500 HD. Is the Duramax worth said money, though? The short answer is yes, and you can make it a double yes if you're the type to drive a lot of miles per year.

The Duramax V8 engine comes courtesy of DMAX, which shouldn't be confused with Isuzu's mid-size pickup truck. Founded in 1997 as a 60/40 joint venture between General Motors and turbo diesel specialist Isuzu, the DMAX company helped raise GM's diesel pickup market share to a staggering 30% in 2002.

Duramax V8 production started in 2001 with a 6.6-liter engine called LB7. All iterations of the Duramax V8 displace 6,599 cubic centimeters, including the gen-two L5P and the L5P-based L5D for medium-duty trucks. The L5D isn't as punchy as the L5P because medium-duty workhorses are worked harder than their heavy-duty counterparts. How much harder?

Note: for the full version of the article, please continue reading on our site.

Next-Gen Porsche Cayenne Will Use Wireless Charging

By: Daniel Patrascu

Not too long ago, several carmakers were researching ways to more conveniently charge electric cars by using wireless technologies. For one reason or another, they all seem to have dropped such plans, and the larger world has pretty much forgotten all about it. But now comes Porsche to bring the topic back – not only into the spotlight, but also on the market.

The Germans are preparing to present the new generation Cayenne by the end of 2025. The electric version of the SUV is expected to become "the first Porsche model series that can be ordered" with wireless charging hardware, and thus completely change the way this procedure is done at home.

At the IAA in Munich, Porsche will be showing something called the One-Box. That would be a floor plate that can be mounted on the parking space and completely eliminates the need for a wallbox to charge the Cayenne. Not only that, but it will also start selling the tech as soon as next year, from both the Porsche Centers and the online Porsche Shops.

But what are we to expect, exactly, from this inductive charging that rids people of cables and plugs? 

The One-Box comes with a charging power of up to 11 kW, which, for all intents and purposes, is not exactly fast-charging. But it should provide more than enough juice to the Cayenne as it sits idle at night or during working hours. Porsche claims an energy transfer from the power grid to the battery through this method of up to 90 percent.

The Porsche wireless charging system comprises two main components. The first is the floor plate, which measures 46 inches (117 cm) long, 31 inches (78 cm) wide, and 2.3 inches high. It can be placed on the floor of a garage or in open-space parking lots and needs to be connected to the main power grid.

The floor plate weighs 110 pounds (50 kg) and it is equipped with an LTE and WLAN module to allow its software to be remotely updated. It has the ability to detect the vehicle's relative position above it and it is fully equipped to survive rain and snow when installed outside.

Note: For more info about Porsche’s wireless charger please continue reading on our site.

The Complete Guide to Sim Racing Equipment

By: Mircea Mazuru

Getting into sim racing can be an overwhelming experience, but it's not that complicated once you understand the bigger picture. I’ll break down the topic of sim racing gear to help you make the best purchase decision to start sim racing.

You don't need a bank-breaking, fully-equipped setup to start practicing this sport. Some years ago, I decided I wanted to get into sim racing, but I didn't really know where to begin. I scoured the internet for the best gear options, and I actually ended up falling in love with the entire industry.

One could argue that a sim racing setup can consist of just a steering wheel, a base to which the wheel is attached, and pedals - and I agree - that's sim racing in its simplest form. The wheelbase (or base) is by far the most important part of your setup. It's what moves the wheel and lets you best feel the car in-game. The most important term here is force feedback, also widely known as FFB.

Wheelbases and FFB

FFB is the technology inside the base that recreates the physical forces you'd feel in a real car, such as the car's weight, tire grip, road surface, and more. It offers a dynamic, tactile connection to your vehicle, one you don't get in the cheap, toy-like wheels.

Force feedback systems (or bases) are divided into three main types: gear-driven, belt-driven, and direct-drive. Gear-driven bases use a system of gears to transfer motor forces to the wheel. They're the cheapest but also the least realistic and precise.

Belt-driven bases work by having a motor drive the wheel through belts, which smoothens out the feedback. They provide a decent balance of cost and realism, but can wear over time and aren't that powerful.

Direct-drive bases have the steering wheel mounted directly onto a motor - this is the option you want to go for, especially since they have become a lot more affordable in recent years. They offer maximum realism and proper strength.

Wheels

Steering wheels, just like in real cars, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They typically have rims (the part you hold), paddle shifters behind the wheel, and buttons for various functions such as lights or camera.

Wheels can be round or have different shapes to mimic the different types of racing, such as GT-style (with a flat bottom) or Formula-style (with a smaller diameter and cut-off sides). Most entry-level options have round wheels.

If you go deeper into sim racing, you might end up having different wheels to suit the types of racing you'll be doing. Premium brands, such as Moza, will have dedicated ecosystems that allow you to quickly disconnect a wheel from the base and add another. You can even attach a wheel from a real car if you have the right connecting piece.

Pedals

Pedals are the last essential component that completes a basic sim racing setup, your primary link to speed and control. If you master them (specifically, braking), you can significantly improve your lap times. There are three types of pedals: potentiometer pedals, load-cell pedals, and hydraulic pedals.

Potentiometer pedals are found on all entry-level bundles. They work by measuring pedal position, just like a joystick axis. Although they're affordable and straightforward to set up, they lack realism and precision, as braking feels sort of on or off.

Load-cell pedals measure the actual pressure you apply to them instead of their position. They offer better control overall, especially under heavy braking. However, they're more expensive than potentiometer pedals and require stiffer mounting options, just like wheels with heavier FFB wheels. You can't just place them on the floor like you can with potentiometer pedals.

Hydraulic pedals represent the higher end - they simulate real car hydraulics with fluid systems. It's the closest feel you can get to an actual race car pedal box. They're expensive, heavy, and require maintenance.

For the complete guide to sim racing components and building your own rig, please continue reading on our site.

Spy Photos and Renderings (the sharp & boxy edition)

By: Mircea Panait

BMW has fully revealed the all-new iX3, the very first series-production vehicle underpinned by the BEV-centric Neue Klasse platform is twinned with two upcoming models that are likely to be called i3 Sedan and i3 Touring, respectively.

For the first time ever, the i3 has been caught by the spy photographers with production headlights. Unsurprisingly, the lighting signature closely resembles that of the zero-emission sport utility vehicle. The rear lights of the full-electric sedan have a bit of iX3 about them as well, and we also look forward to a techy cabin with Panoramic iDrive.

While on the subject of BMW and Neue Klasse goodies, the carparazzi have also spotted the mid-cycle refresh of the iX1 small electric sport utility vehicle. Once again, the front-end styling integrates Neue Klasse elements, including tall and slim kidneys. The iX1's facelift should carry over to the electrified X1, which is certain to continue offering a selection of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The Hyundai Motor Company hasn't been sitting idly either. Its best-selling model, namely the compact-sized Tucson, will undergo a huge makeover that may result in the canning of diesel options for electrified gassers. Beyond these powertrain changes, the 2027 Tucson is also boxier than its predecessor.

Much boxier, that is, and its exterior styling elements are clearly inspired by those of the Santa Fe and Palisade. Currently available information further suggests Level 2.5 autonomy for the Tucson, as well as Hyundai Pleos OS. The new system promises a smartphone-like interface, a smart voice assistant dubbed Gleo, and more AI-driven features.

Over in the world of automotive renderings, pixel wizard Joao Kleber Amaral has reinterpreted the IAA Mobility 2025-bound Audi Concept C into a veritable production-intent electric sports car. His vision of a TT successor builds on the Audi brand's iconic design with a more practical rear deck and side windows.

Rather than a front-biased sports coupe and roadster with MQB underpinnings from the Volkswagen Golf, the yet-unnamed production model previewed by the Concept C is a rear-biased affair with Porsche goodies. In other words, the newcomer is closely related to Porsche's forthcoming electric 718 series.

Another digital work that we really liked in this past week is the superb-looking Honda S2000 revival from Theophilus Chin. Gifted with the front and rear ends of the very disappointing Prelude hybrid sports coupe, the S2K rendering raises a very good question.

Was Honda right to spend money on a front-drive letdown that no enthusiast has asked for to the detriment of rear-drive sports car? Enthusiasts believe that Honda botched it big time with the Prelude, and yours truly couldn't agree more. On a more rational note, sporty cars aren't in a good place right now. Even Mazda struggles to move the MX-5 Miata, which once was the closest rival of the high-revving S2000.

Google Street View Cars + Your Backyard = Love

By: Bogdan Popa

Google Maps is slowly but surely becoming a double-edged sword, especially when misused in the most obvious way. Truck drivers must not use Google Maps because it doesn't include navigation for large vehicles (such as lorries), and yet, they still do.

Residents of a small region in Ireland have had enough with Google Maps, as the app keeps directing truck drivers on narrow roads where they get stuck. They shouldn't blame Google Maps, but the drivers themselves and their local authorities for the lack of proper signage.

If you're still searching for a reason to blame Google Maps, look no further than Finland, where Street View cars were spotted entering private yards and children's playgrounds. Google says it was a mistake, and if your private property has been photographed by a Street View car, you must request the removal of the data.

Someone else says Google Maps nearly cost him and one of his relatives their lives. The application allegedly directed them into a flooded culvert, and because the driver believed the water wasn't deep, he followed the route. They believe Google Maps is still to blame for the water eventually sweeping away the car.

There's good news for Google Maps users running the app on Android. The Live Updates integration is getting a facelift for the navigation app, so you'll soon get more information during an active route, including real-time traffic data. Everything will be available without unlocking your phone.

Otherwise, the Kia Boys are still stealing Kias and Hyundais parked outside, and Android Auto users continue to struggle with the app, even when paying over $1,000 for a premium phone.

Congratulations for reaching the finish line!

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