Audi R5, Porsche 550, VW Bluesport 'on hold'

Numerous indications are pointing to the exciting mid-engined VW, Porsche and Audi sports cars being on ice. The group had been collaborating to develop the VW Bluesport, Porsche 550 and Audi R5 - some observers had hailed the new roadsters as the Elise from Germany. Porsche doubts over the 550 But at the weekend Porsche CEO Matthias Muller told German business rag Wirtschaftswoche that he was worried a cheaper Porsche may dilute the brand's image.

Cadillac releases second ELR teaser

Cadillac has released the second teaser image of the 2014 ELR electric vehicle ahead of its world debut next week in Detroit. The heavily-camouflaged ELR, which will be unveiled on 15 January, was photographed driving through the mountains of Southern California during development testing. The car will be a sporty two-door coupe that was previewed by the Converj concept, which made its debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

BMW confirms X4 production

BMW has confirmed plans for an X4 SUV, a spokesman told Autoweek. As the name implies, the ute would slot in between the X3 and the X5 and likely get an M variant. BMW would distinguish the X4 from the other models with a bolder face and perhaps a curvier body--much in the manner in which the X6 stands out from the rest of the SUV line.