Acdelco D663 Alt Regulator on 2040-parts.com

Preview: Porsche Panamera

After what has already been the most drawn-out model introduction ever (the initial Porsche sketches of the new model having been revealed in 2005), Porsche has finally released the first official rendering of its forthcoming Panamera sedan, set to be launched in 2009. Though the plan view doesn't show much of the new Porsche's design, the company says the features will 'include a wide and low body offering dynamic proportions and muscular design'. But while the grand tourer will have a 'compact overall look', the interior space is claimed to offer a brand-new experience of roominess, with two single seats and generous headroom at the rear allowing adults to sit in comfort.

Renault Captur concept

With Renault's current design strategy being based around life and human emotion, the second installment of the program is the Captur concept. Following on from the DeZir, which played to the feeling of ‘falling in love', the Captur is intended to represent the feeling of exploration. As a result, the Captur is a coupe/off-roader fusion that has clear links with the DeZir concept from which the Captur borrows its DRG; the new face of Renault.

This day in Autoweek history: Driving across France in a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Today we relive a drive across France in the Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth with Cynthia Claes. This potent four-door sedan offered rear-wheel drive, a Borg-Warner five-speed manual transmission and a claimed top speed of 150 mph from its turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam four-cylinder engine. Introduced in 1986, the original Sierra saw 5,542 units constructed; 5,000 were needed for homologation in Class A rally competition, its original purpose.