Detroit auto show

Audi Sportback concept
With the Sportback concept, Audi offers a glimpse of the 2010 A7 sedan while signaling its intent to take hatchbacks beyond the compact category. The five-door concept is a preview of the A7, a coupe-styled sedan that will go on sale in late 2009 or early 2010.
Vehicle type: 4-door hatchback sport coupe
Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 clean diesel
Who designed it: Wolfgang Egger, head of Audi group design
What's cool: Retractable multimedia interface screen; engine combustion chamber sensors; 5-link front suspension
Will it be built? The guys handing out this year's design awards knew better than to put this in the concept category. Look for a production version to reach showrooms by the end of next year.
Show reaction: An all-around hit and pristine example of Audi's future design direction