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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.

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Starts

Production of the Smart ForTwo EV starts in November The 2nd generation Smart uses centrally positioned Lithium Ion batteries which power a rear mounted 30kw motor generating 120nm of the twisty stuff from the off. Which should make the ForTwo Electric respond pretty well in the city environment it’s designed for. But don’t get too excited.

Saleen Sneak Peek

With the magical five-point-oh menacingly back on the quarter panels of 'Stangs, it didn't take long for tuners to saddle up performance steeds for 2011. Saleen Performance has goosed the 2011 Mustang GT with a slew of enhancements to create the S302, including a shorter-throw six-speed manual, optional brake upgrades that measure 14 inches with six-piston calibers and a Racecraft suspension that lowers ride height by 1.5 inches. The exterior gets rockers, a scooped hood and front and rear fascia, which are complemented by a redone interior with piano-black finishings.