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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.

Volkswagen joins Global Rallycross with Foust and Speed

The biggest splash at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show might have been made by Volkswagen on Thursday. The giant German automaker, along with Andretti Autosport, unveiled its 560-hp, all-wheel-drive Global Rallycross Beetle. GRC champion Tanner Foust will pilot the first car while ex-Formula One driver Scott Speed will helm the second.

Anders Warming to replace Gert Hildebrand as Design Director at Mini

Mini is set to get a new Design Director at the start of the new year. Gert Volker Hildebrand will pass the reigns to current Head of Exterior Design at BMW Cars, Anders Warming, the German automaker announced today. Gert Hildebrand has overseen the entire development and evolution of the Mini range since the introduction of the 'new' Mini, designed by Frank Stephenson in 2000.