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Toyota Hybrid-R Concept – a Yaris with 400bhp – teased for Frankfurt

The Toyota Hybrid-R Concept (pictured) is a 400bhp Yaris Hybrid heading for Frankfurt We’ve always believed that the best use for hybrid powertrains is to get extra performance without the penalty of increased fuel consumption. Toyota, on the other hand, have primarily used their impressive – if complicated and expensive – hybrid powertrains to yield improved economy and emissions from more prosaic cars like the Prius, Yaris and Auris. But now it looks like Toyota are ready to show us what hybrid technology can offer in the way of performance too, with a tease for what Toyota are calling the Hybrid-R Concept, which appears to be a Yaris with more than 400bhp on tap.

Who's Where: Chrysler's new Design VPs

Following the recent acquisition of a majority stake in the Chrysler Group by Cerburus comes the announcement that there will be a reshuffling at Chrysler's North American design offices.  Joseph Dehner and Brandon Faurote will be taking over Vice President positions at the product design offices in Auburn Hills, replacing Thomas Tremont and David McKinnon. Joseph Dehner will be replacing David McKinnon as Vice President for Small, Premium and Family Vehicle Design on June 1, 2007, moving up from his position as Director of Truck Exterior and Interior Design.

Audi RS6 Avant is the Audi R18 e-tron quattro for the road (video)

Audi compare the Audi R18 e-tron quattro (pictured) to the RS6 Avant We’re not entirely sure how Audi has come to the conclusion that the RS6 Avant is comparable to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, but they have. In a new video to promote the RS6 Avant – perhaps the pick of the crop of current uber-estates – Audi has the e-tron quattro out on the road in a series of familiar everyday pursuits. So we get the e-tron quattro waiting patiently to collect hubby from the airport, as the c ar to drive to the hills to ride a mountain bike, outside a hotel with luggage on the pavement, collecting the kids from school, parked on the river bank for a fishing trip and as a dog transporter.