Audi to launch A1 Sportback in early 2012

Sporty and efficient, youthful and communicative, emotional and individual. A new member of the successful A1 family is scheduled to launch in early 2012 – the five-door Audi A1 Sportback.

The Audi A1 Sportback, which will be rolling into showrooms in early 2012, is the five-door compact Audi for a young, urban public. The close relationship with its three-door sister model is evident in the design, the structure of the lightweight body and the dimensions of the new model, which measures 3.95 meters (12.96 ft) in length.

It is several millimeters taller and thus offers more space in the rear seats. The Audi A1 Sportback comes standard with four seats. A fifth seat is available on request at no extra charge. Buyers can choose between four TFSI gasoline and three TDI diesel engines producing between 63 kW (86 hp) and 136 kW (185 hp). Audi pairs some engines with the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic transmission.

The A1 Sportback also features many high-end solutions in terms of controls and infotainment, including Audi connect. If the high-end media center MMI navigation plus is combined with the Bluetooth online car phone, the car can be connected to the Internet. The A1 Sportback features a light and youthful interior that can be customized with fresh colors and many attractive design details to reflect the customer’s own personal style. The base price for the five-door model is €16,950.

Raikkonen Williams deal intensifies

Formula one fans are waiting for their cool hero to come return. Yes! the Finnish 'iceman' Kimi Raikkonen is in the Formula 1 rador again after a short stint at World Rally Championship. The 32 year old Raikkonen is definitely motivated to return to Formula 1 that gave him 18 wins between 2001 and 2009.

Raikkonen is looking for a driver's seat at Williams where Rubens Barrichello's contract expires this year. Negotiations have under going between Williams team and Raikkonen. Raikkonen's managers, Steve and David Robertson, duly appeared in the Abu Dhabi paddock and they even watched the grand prix from Williams hospitality area.

The news has taken yet another step with Sir Frank Williams, the Williams team founder has confirmed in an interview with Finnish television broadcaster MTV3 that the team is interested in hiring Kimi Raikkonen, if the price is right.

Kimi who won the F1 world Driver Championship in 2007 was paid $51 million annually by Ferrari. Even the formula one teams and management wants him back on the grid. Many current and former drivers and team principals in Formula One are hoping that Raikkonen will return to F1. Seven time Champion Michael Schumacher believes it would be really good for F1 if Kimi does make a return.

Stefano Domenicali, team principal at Ferrari while Kimi Raikkonen was there in 2007-2008 said, "Kimi is a talented driver, one of the fastest and our latest WDC. It would be great if he would come back."

During the Friday press conference at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh also advised Frank Williams to sign Raikkonen.