Flash.(Briefs)

`Concept' A8 coupe

Audi's Geneva show concept, the Nuvolari, is close to what we'll see in an A8-based 2+2 luxury coupe going into production in 2006. Unlike the Volkswagen Touareg-based Pikes Peak sport/utility vehicle concept seen at Detroit (AW, Jan. 20), Nuvolari puts Audi firmly back in the sporting car field.

Based on Audi's range-topping sedan, Nuvolari uses the same aluminum space frame and body technology to keep weight under 3500 pounds. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged version of the Lamborghini Gallardo's 5.0-liter V10 engine, enhanced to produce 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm.

Just don't call it Crosshatch

Chrysler chose Geneva to reveal a five-door hatchback version of its Crossfire sports coupe due this summer. Called Airflite, the concept is based on a shortened version of the company's next-generation, rear-drive large-car LX platform, to be shown in April at the New York Auto Show. The same platform underpins the 2005 Dodge Magnum sportwagon.

GM buys Aussie TWR Group

General Motors' Australian arm Holden is acquiring the Aussie end of the struggling Tom Walkinshaw Racing Group, according to trade paper Automotive News. TWR faces an uncertain future after losing nearly $32 million on the failed Arrows F1 racing team (AW, Feb. 24). TWR helped develop the Holden Monaro-based Pontiac GTO for the U.S. market and runs Holden Special Vehicles, builder of high-performance variants.