1985 Land Cruiser Fj60 Fuse Cover Plate 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.

Jaguar XFR-S: Official

The barn-storming Jaguar XFR-S – Jaguar’s most powerful saloon car ever – has bowed in at LA. Full details and lots more photos of the new XFR-S. Following on from the XKR-S – and arriving in the same French Blue – the Jaguar XFR-S gets a 40 horse jump over the XFR – and an extra 41lb/ft of torque too – to offer a potentially BMW M5 competing 550HP and 502lb/ft of torque, enough to hit 62mph in 4.6 seconds and on to 186mph (not quite up with the M5, but getting there).

Audi A1: the marketing blitz falls flat – & rolls over

The Audi A1 flips over The Audi A1 should be a breeze for Audi. They’re perceived as makers of premium cars and the A1 looks to offer everything buyers expect in an Audi, but in a smaller package. And things got off to a decent start.