1951 1952 Plymouth Chrome Trim Lot Set Body Moulding on 2040-parts.com

Concept Car of the Week: Honda Kiwami (2003)

As part of Honda's exploration into new, clean-performing technologies, the Kiwami concept was created to test public acceptance of the idea of a large, fuel cell-powered luxury sedan.  Unveiled in 2003, the simple yet striking design seemed like a Japanese twist on the Renault Vel Satis concept, which shared a similar wedge profile, wide stance and minimalist approach.  However, the Kiwami found its own interpretation of modern luxury, expressed through elegantly integrated technology rather than with crystal champagne glasses.  Up front, a full-width LED strip headlamp sat flush with the flat bonnet and the rectangular bumper to create a design of primitive beauty.  Further examples of the same simple Japanese aesthetic are found around the car, including the uncluttered body panels and a full-width tail-lamp graphic that matched the front theme.  The dramatic proportions of the interior were closely related to the package of the hydrogen power plant. Unlike other manufacturers at the time, Honda engineers did not create a 'skateboard' fuel cell chassis below the cabin. Instead, a sideways H-shaped layout for the control unit, ultracapacitor, fuel cell stack, hydrogen storage and other components was used, helping to create a lower center of gravity.

New Mercedes SL (2012) caught on video

New Mercedes SL 2012 - out Near the Nurburgring We go eight months without a single story on the 2012 Mercedes SL and then two turn up at once. First Mercedes quietly drop the V12 engine from the SL (SL600 and SL63), and now we have video of the new SL on its way to, and on its way round, the Nurburgring. All of which may point towards a reveal earlier than we expected.

CAR interviews Lambo bosses Stephan Winkelmann and Maurizio Reggiani (2010)

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 16 April 2010 09:49 CAR sat recently sat down for a one-to-one interview with Automobili Lamborghini president and chief executive Stephan Winkelmann and R&D director Maurizio Reggiani. The two bosses discuss future plans, what having Porsche as a partner means, the prospect of hybrid Lambos and how they’ve coped with a global recession that’s wiped 40% off their sales.CAR: Supercar makers had a torrid time in the recession. Will you ever recover to the record 2008 levels?Stephan Winkelmann: ‘It’s difficult to imagine that this will be any time soon.