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Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2007 theme and call for entries

At the 2006 North American International Auto Show, Michelin Challenge Design announced its theme for the 2007 Challenge. Michelin Challenge Design will ask entrants to explore the future of transportation design using safety as the focus and inspiration. "Road Safety for Everyone" is the official theme in what has become one of the industy's fastest-growing design forums.

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.

Elway seeks another fourth-quarter comeback

It was looking to the world like National Football League great John Elway was finished, settling into a middle-aged retirement of lush golf courses and tending to his investments. But how could a guy with a career record of 34 fourth-quarter comebacks ever be finished? Not only is the 50-year-old former Denver Broncos quarterback back with the Broncos, neck deep in a labor dispute, draft-pick planning and franchise rebuilding.