1990 Toyota 4runner Stereo 08601-00801. Yota Yard. on 2040-parts.com

Porsche announces new Weissach design center and wind tunnel

Porsche is to invest around €150m into its Weissach development facility, including a new design center. The plans also include an electronics integration department and a state-of-the art, on-site wind tunnel, which is hoped will allow the company to realize an holistic approach to efficient design, with a strong focus on aerodynamics. When we spoke with head of Porsche design, Michael Mauer, at this year's Paris motor show, he also alluded to the fact that the Volkswagen Group's – and, more specifically, Walter de'Silva's – recent influence on the German manufacturer was shifting its attitudes: "The Volkswagen Group has a very good understanding of how much freedom a brand needs to keep its characteristics and with [Walter] as 'conductor', I feel a lot of support with design issues within the company," explained Mauer.

Renault Symbol

As one of the fastest growing automotive markets in the world, Russia and the Moscow Motor Show is gaining its share of the spotlight, with an increasing number of major auto manufacturers choosing to debut new vehicles at the show, just as Renault is with the all-new Symbol/Thalia. Jointly designed by Renault teams in France, Turkey and Romania, the C-segment three-box sedan was developed in 26 months. With a length of 4260mm and a height of 1430mm, the Symbol/Thalia is a no-frills design with abstained lines and surfaces and a larger DLO to body ratio when compared to other European-styled vehicles.

Alex Mair, retired head of GM technical staff, Pontiac and GMC, dies

Alex Mair, former group executive in charge of General Motors' technical staffs and general manager of the automaker's Pontiac and GMC divisions, died Sunday in Orange City, Fla. He was 91. Mair was named group executive of GM's technical staffs in November 1978 and remained in that position until he retired in 1986.