Audi's All-Wheel Drive Piano

Unlike General Motors, things are pretty good for Audi. The German marque had a not-bad 2008 while most other automakers went to the cleaners. Save for the baleen whale grilles, Audis remain among the most attractive cars on the road from the entry level A3 to the luxocruiser A8, and its interiors continue to set the industry standard.

I know all this because I have owned several and have appreciated Audi's commitment to research and development, especially in all-wheel drive technology. But even I was a bit surprised when the automaker commissioned an Audi Design piano.

The reason? The traditionally designed piano used at its jazz concerts clashes with the Bauhaus present in the rest of the room.