Nissan has introduced the Rock Creek designation for its more upscale and rugged models. While this trim is currently offered for the Pathfinder, recent photos suggest that the Rogue will also receive this treatment. Spy shots captured the Rogue undergoing testing in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
The front fascia of the vehicle is camouflaged, indicating changes to the nose. Additionally, covers on the lower lights suggest possible modifications to these lamps.
Volkswagen has released a seven-second clip on the X social media platform to hint at the unveiling of a new car next week. While it’s unclear what exactly the car is, it is believed to be a GTI model based on the red line featured in the teaser. The Golf GTI facelift can be ruled out since the regular hatchback is yet to receive its mid-cycle update, which is expected to happen in the first half of 2024. This suggests that the teased GTI could be something different, potentially a GTI variant without a combustion engine.
In recent months, Volkswagen trademarked a new GTI logo featuring a lightning bolt, hinting at the incorporation of electric power in future GTI models. VW’s Board Member for Technical Development, Kai Grünitz, also confirmed the development of a “sporty version” of the ID2.all, an electric vehicle that will maintain the front-wheel-drive layout characteristic of the GTI. This suggests that the new GTI might be badged as a “GTX” instead. However, considering the widespread popularity of the GTI name over the lesser-known GTX, there is uncertainty about which naming convention Volkswagen will ultimately choose.
The upcoming IAA Munich event, starting on September 4, is expected to reveal more details about the teased GTI model. It is highly likely that the teaser is related to a GTI variant, as the presence of the Jetta GLI with a similar red stripe in Europe wouldn’t make sense. More information will be available soon.
Amongst the many vaguely sci-fi-inspired concept cars that appeared throughout the 1980s, the 1986 Oldsmobile Incas stands out due to its commitment to an unconventional design.
The most striking feature of the Incas is its steering wheel, or rather, “steering handle”. Unlike a traditional wheel, it is not circular in shape. Instead, it consists of two parallel metallic grips surrounded by an array of buttons commonly found on a car’s dashboard. This handle not only controls turning signals and windshield wipers, but also serves as the transmission shifter, hazard lights switch, headlight controls, HVAC controls, and more. In fact, there are no buttons or levers anywhere else on the dashboard, making it a unique design choice.
If the steering handle’s retro-futuristic design isn’t enough, the Incas also features innovative doors. While most may associate retro-futuristic car doors with the gullwing doors of the DeLorean, the Incas takes it a step further. It includes gullwing doors for the rear seats, whereas the driver and passenger seats are accessed by the front of the car’s hood folding up.
Although the Oldsmobile Incas never made it into production, it remains an intriguing concept car that showcases futuristic elements, such as its unconventional steering wheel and unique door design. Perhaps one day, we will see similar features implemented in everyday cars.
