David Brown Series M Radicon Gear Box, M04211.banv1 on 2040-parts.com

Audi plans expansion of hybrids, electrics

Audi plans a rapid expansion of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles over the next few years as a key component in Volkswagen Group's strategy to dominate the alternative-powertrain market by decade's end. Michael Dick, Audi's board member for technical development, told Automotive News that the next-generation A6 sedan will have the potential to be a full hybrid by the end of 2012. The A6 would join the recently introduced hybrid A8 sedan at the Geneva auto show and the soon-to-be-launched Q5 hybrid crossover.

Oh, puh-leeze: Lighten up, people

Rarely do I come to the defense of a competitive member of the fourth estate, but the people at Car and Driver are getting the hooey knocked out of them by everyone from "professional media representatives" to the NASCAR faithful. What was CD's egregious sin? Its editors concocted an April Fool's joke with them good ol' boys Chrysler and General Motors as its punchline.

Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix Yas Marina – The Track +video

Yas Marina F1 Circuit Abu Dhabi All the real meat has now gone from the Formula 1 season after Jenson Button won the world championship in Brazil last Sunday. But there is one more treat left for F1 fans – and drivers – in this year’s season, and that’s the inaugural race at the new Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi. The Yas Marina track on Yas Island is a towering monument to the creativity – and financial muscle – of the UAE.