As the star of the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show, the broad mandate of the BMW 1500 sedan was to showcase a fresh start for its Munich-based maker. In dire need of both financial impetus and a clearer direction in terms of a disjointed product portfolio that spanned from a 'Bubble' car to the low-slung 507 sportscars, BMW's Neue Klasse (new class) introduced well-considered, practical dimensions with a new design language and fresh thinking in terms of engineering, production and mechanicals.
Acknowledging what then proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of the BMW brand, the new Vision Neue Klasse concept models - including the sedan and recently released, raised-ride-height X derivative showcase a watershed moment for the firm as it aligns itself to embrace an altogether more efficient future. In a full-circle moment, this includes a modern interpretation of the now signature 'Hofmeister Kink' C-Pillar design that debuted on the 1961 show car.
The Neue Klasse project is the realisation of the biggest single investment in BMW's history and will play a pivotal role in its future.
THE PLAN
While it's yet to be confirmed what model name the Vision Neue Klasse sedan will adopt (possibly a revival of the i3 nameplate), the Neue Klasse X will effectively become the next all-electric iX3 in 2025. This product will be sold alongside a soon-to-be-unveiled, all-new CLAR-platform X3 SUV range that will continue to be marketed with a choice of modern internal combustion and hybrid powertrains. Plant Rosslyn in South Africa is already tooling up to remain a key assembly line for this product.
Bu hikaye CAR South Africa dergisinin CAR June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye CAR South Africa dergisinin CAR June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT