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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.

Juke-R hits the track: Video

Now, for the moment of truth. The all-wheel-drive Nissan Juke with a transplanted GT-R engine and chassis is ready for shakedown. The tests happen at a few locations, first at a short course to make the sure the Juke-R is safe.

Three-cylinder Ford Focus is pushed to show off performance potential

Ford has plans to bring a three-cylinder EcoBoost engine to its U.S. lineup in a bit more than a year from now, likely in the Fiesta. But for a car-buying population that thrives on horsepower and 0-to-60-mph times, it might be hard to get excited by a 1.0-liter three-banger.