Suzuki Z400 Rear Shock Linkage Ltz400 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.

Dartz Prombron Black Dragon announced for Chinese market

Who combines post-Soviet capitalism with outlandish Eastern European money-trash ideas quite like Dartz? The simple answer is, no one. Last year, the Latvian automaker rather notoriously asked, “Why isn't somebody building an F-117-inspired, 2,000-hp, armored yacht hauler?” While we've seen no more of the resultant Nagel since then, the company is introducing a China-only version of its Prombron armored SUV.

Cattle Baron's Ball makes its return to Detroit

Comedian Jay Mohr, the guys from West Coast Customs and singer Kid Rock will be just a few of the stars at the ninth-annual Cattle Baron's Ball, being held at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 29. The event that benefits the American Cancer Society moves back to Detroit proper for its annual "cowboy" black-tie event.