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Audi hardwood bicycle

Following on from its collaboration with Head for carbon fiber skis, Audi has teamed up with Renovo Hardwood Bicycles to create yet another performance-oriented product. Audi is launching the Duo range of cycles as ‘an embodiment of its core principles of progressive innovation' that aim to blend craftsmanship and styling with performance and technology. As a result, each Duo is built around a monocoque frame that is made from hardwood, which not only increases ride comfort – thanks to the material's ability to absorb shock and vibration – but also serves to reduce weight.

Alfa Romeo/IED Gloria [w/gallery]

The European Institute of Design (IED) in Turin will unveil its new Gloria concept, developed in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Style Center, at next month's Geneva motor show. These renders of the sports sedan concept, which is 4,200mm long, 1,920mm wide, 1,320mm high sitting on a wheelbase of 2,900mm, show a traditional Alfa grille that feeds into the hood's prominent V-shaped character lines. Two leather hood straps in front of the windshield are a nod to the brand's older models.

Aston Martin CEO to auction his Rapide for Japan aid

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez will put his own Rapide up for auction at the Bonhams yearly sale of Aston Martin and Lagonda cars and automobilia on May 21. All proceeds from the sale of Bez's car will go to aid victims of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. "Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan," Bez said.