2004 Harley Wide Glide Front Fender 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.

McLaren Qualified launched for Approved Used McLarens

But it’s been a long time since McLaren actually built a road car – the McLaren F1 – and that car wasn’t exactly mainstream, so there was no real dealer network or support for used McLarens. Well, there was, but it doesn’t translate in a to real production models as it involved sending your car back to Woking for service or McLaren finding a buyer for your F1 (for a commission). So McLaren has built up a dealer network and now it’s decided it’s time to launch a ‘McLaren Approved’ programme for used McLarens - McLaren Qualified – which involves McLaren taking used 12Cs and giving them a bumper-to-bumper qualification check, fitting any upgrades the car needs and bolting on a minimum two year unlimited mileage warranty and McLaren Roadside Assistance.

Faulty airbags cause recall of 3.4 million cars

Toyota, Honda and Nissan are recalling more than 3 million vehicles made between November 2000 and March 2004 for faulty airbags from parts supplier Takata, Automotive News reported on Thursday. So far, 1.73 million Toyotas, 1.14 million Hondas, and 480,000 Nissans are involved in the recall. But the report from Automotive News suggests Takata also supplied other manufacturers with the same airbags.