In Kilometers Kph Indiglo Reverse Glow Gauges Gauge For 1995-1997 Nissan Maxima 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.

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

Mercedes SLC (or Mercedes GT): It’s Official Spy photo time – again

Mercedes turn spy photographers for the baby SLS – the Mercedes SLC/GT It’s almost 4 years since we first revealed there were plans afoot at Mercedes-Benz to build a small, nimbler SLS to take on the Porsche 911 – a car subsequently dubbed the Mercedes SLC – but not until 2014. Well, 2014 is less than half a year away, Mercedes confirmed the SLC was in the mix and now we get a set of ‘spy’ photos of the SLC (or Mercedes GT, perhaps) – straight from Mercedes. It’s not the first time Mercedes has tried to put spy photographers out of business, as both the SLS had ‘official’ spy photos and video, as did the new Mercedes SLK.