Audi Sportback unveiled at Detroit auto show 2009

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 12 January 2009 04:14 Audi dropped some strong hints about two forthcoming models with its new Sportback concept car. The show car hogged the limelight at the Detroit auto show 2009 – and the Audi group chairman Rupert Stadler confirmed to CAR Online that it previewed a Sportback verison of the A5 coupe. While Avant signifies, for Audi, the estate breed, Sportback indicates a more practical hatchback/fastback model.

'Porsche by Design: Relentlessly Pursuing Perfect’ short film released [w/Video]

‘Porsche by Design: Relentlessly Pursuing Perfect' is the latest in a series of historical videos released by the North Carolina Museum of Art ahead of its upcoming exhibition, ‘Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed'. The latest episode walks viewers through the carmaker's history and evolution and features former Porsche director of design Harma Lagaaij – credited with the design of the 924 and also BMW's Z1 – along with a number of automotive critics and historians along with Speaking of the part he played in the evolution of Porsche, he says "I was never afraid of changing this icon. On the contrary, I was convinced with my design team to never stand still, never be complacent about it being good enough, it being popular and famous and there's no need to change it.

Williams & Renault back together in F1

Williams Renault F1 - Sir Frank Williams and Renaultsport's Bernard Rey For those of us who enjoy F1 (on the whole – although races like Canada rather than Valencia, it as to be said) but are very slightly past the first flush of youth, it’s rather sad to see Williams languishing in the ranks of also-rans on this year’s grid. With one of the greatest race-brains in Sir Frank Williams, and still one of the best F1 drivers in Rubens Barrichello, it would be great to see Williams at least running with the second tier of cars. But this season so far they have amassed just 4 points.