Audi A9

the A9 coupe could be launched as soon as 2014.
Although unconfirmed, Car Magazine says the range-topping model would be based on the A8 and built alongside the R8 at the company's factory in Neckarsulm, Germany. Furthermore, with the redesigned Mercedes S-Class set to spawn a convertible variant, an A9 cabriolet could be in the cards for 2015.

Engine options are highly speculative, considering the model hasn't been green-lighted yet, but Car is reporting choices could include everything from a 211 PS (155 kW / 208 hp) 3.0-liter V6 to a 520 PS (382 kW / 513 hp) 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S9.

Audi A3 TDI - Short Take Road Test - Auto Reviews

Audi Worldwide Models A3 A3 Sportback Audi A3 ... View A1; Online Special; True grandeur shows character and substance. And is determined not to miss great moments

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback New hatchback Lancer

When Mitsubishi redesigned its Lancer for 2008, the compact sedan took a substantial leap forward in style and roadability. While the 2002-07 Lancer endured a reputation as an econobox, the new Lancer drew praise for virtues beyond its dollar value.


For 2009, the GTS edition of the Lancer gained a more potent 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, deflecting any criticism that the basic Lancer lacked power. Rather than the regular engine's 152 horsepower, as installed in DE and ES models, the larger GTS version develops 168 horsepower. Mitsubishi also introduced a Ralliart edition, with design touches and turbocharged performance to echo that of the renowned Evolution series.Styling

In Europe, hatchback body styles and sporty behavior tend to go hand in hand. That used to be true in the U.S. market as well, but hatchbacks have had a hard time keeping up the sales pace in recent years. Nevertheless, Mitsubishi has added a Sportback (hatchback) edition of the Lancer for 2010, in the hope of stimulating even greater interest.


Lancer Sportbacks come in two trim levels: sporty front-drive GTS with the 168-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, or high-performance all-wheel-drive Ralliart with a turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-liter. Adapted from the engine that drives Mitsubishi's Evolution, the Ralliart's four-cylinder generates 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque.


Either a manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) may be installed in the GTS. The Ralliart comes only with a Twin Clutch Sportronic transmission, borrowed from the Evolution MR. Mitsubishi's Evolution, which descends from a series of all-out racing machines, unleashes a 291-horsepower turbocharged engine to its all-wheel-drive system.


With five-speed manual shift and the 2.4-liter engine, a Lancer GTS Sportback earns a fuel-economy estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 20 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. Mitsubishi's CVT boosts the city figure to 21 mpg. In Ralliart trim, the Sportback's estimate drops to 17/25 mpg (city/highway). Gas-mileage proponents may instead turn to a regular Lancer sedan with the milder 152-horsepower engine, which gets EPA figures of 22/31 mpg with manual shift (23/30 with CVT).

Performance and Safety

Frontal crash-testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Lancer a 5-star rating for the driver and 4-star for the front passenger. Side-impact testing has not yet been done.


The Ralliart's transmission has Normal and Sport shifting modes. Drivers can manually shift using the console shifter or magnesium-alloy paddles; or choose fully automatic mode. Numerically-lower upper gear ratios help boost Ralliart fuel economy. Ralliart also has an Active Center Differential, with a selector for Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow.