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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.

Subaru BRZ Turbo confirmed

Subaru BRZ Turbo - which should be good for 300bhp Subaru in the US has confirmed that they are planning to build a turbo version of the new Boxer engine in the BRZ to create the Subaru BRZ Turbo. Finally, after promises that it was on its way for what seems like ever, we saw the arrival of the production versions of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota FT-86  at Tokyo (which had a small name change and arrive as the GT86). But what was a disappointment was that despite Subaru saying the BRZ would come with ‘less than 300bhp’, it actually came with almost exactly the same power as the GT 86 – a much less enticing 200bhp.

Saab drags in another €41 million – but it’s still not enough

Saab Trollhattan - sold, but leased back It’s a tough call, knowing how often to report on the financial woes still engulfing Saab. Do we rush to run a story every time we get a bit of information in from Saab, or elsewhere, on the latest developments? Or do we do a weekly roundup?