75 Puch Motorcycle Handle Cross, Enduro. Off Road. on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen hits back, weighs making a bid for Porsche

Volkswagen is considering an audacious reverse-takeover bid for its majority shareholder, Porsche, in a twist in the drawn-out struggle for control between the two German carmakers. The Volkswagen Group's supervisory board is said to be weighing the possibility of purchasing Porsche AG, in a move that would relieve its holding company, Porsche SE, of massive debt that industry analysts suggest the company may not be able to fund should the world's financial crisis drag on well into 2010--a scenario put forward this week by the International Monetary Fund. The secret plan emerged as shareholders were set to convene at Volkswagen's annual meeting on Thursday, and it comes after Porsche revealed that it is carrying some 9 billion euros ($11.73 billion) in debt, most of it owing to interest on loans taken out to purchase its 50.8 percent stake in VW.

Audi RS6 Avant makes £120,000 for Elton John Charity

Elton John & David Furnish pictured with the Audi RS6 Avant auctioned for EJAF. Audi has a history of donating cars for auction at Elton John’s annual White Tie & Tiara Ball, and this year it was an RS6 Avant. But it wasn’t just any old Audi RS6 Avant, it was an RS6 with an interior signed by Audi-driving Hollywood start Gwyneth Paltrow.

IAT Crosswind II concept (w/ Gallery)

The Crosswind II concept was one of three very competently resolved full-size models displayed on IAT's large stand at the Beijing motor show. A development of the Cross-Coupé model seen two years ago in Beijing. It's a simple concept: the top half is coupé, the lower half has a tough offroader aesthetic,  and it's powered by a 150kW electric motor.