03-06 Toyota Corolla Matrix 88240-02050 on 2040-parts.com

RIP Anatole ‘Tony’ Lapine 1930–2012

Anatole ‘Tony’ Lapine, head of Style Porsche from 1969 to 1988, passed away at the age of 81 on 29 April at his home in Baden-Baden, Germany. Lapine is best known for overseeing the then new generation of cars during his time at Porsche. These included Wolfgang Möbius' iconic 1978 928 and the Harm Lagaay-designed 924/944.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer concept (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

Vauxhall has put away the hologram projector and sent us proper photos of the Zafira Tourer concept, prior to its debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show Vauxhall has sought to create a comfortable, relaxing lounge ambience with the interior of the new Zafira, shown here in concept car form.  Vauxhall's trademark Flex7 seating now allows the middle row of seats to fold flat into the floor. The Zafira Tourer also boasts a 'lounge seat' middle row. Similar to the Vauxhall Meriva and other MPVs on the market, this allows the centre chair to drop down, liberating extra space for two middle-row passengers.  The interior is richly trimmed in caramel-coloured leather, with contrasting dark brown trim on the doors, and deep-pile carpets. This is not your usual toddler-resistant troop-carrier fare.

Who's Where: High-profile re-organization at General Motors

General Motors' design division has been re-organized in a spate of high-profile restructuring that comes into effect on 1 August. In Europe, David Lyon replaces Mark Adams as Vice President of Design for Opel/Vauxhall in Rüsselsheim while Adams moves Stateside to become Executive Director, Global Cadillac and Buick Design. Ken Parkinson, currently Director North American Exterior Design/Global Architecture Strategy and Chevrolet Brand Champion will become Executive Director, Global Chevrolet and GMC Design.