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Chrysler Shakes Up Design Leadership

A recent shuffle of Chrysler Group's design team could be just what the company needs to effect a quick turnaround after bankruptcy, industry analysts say. The automaker has promoted three men from within to head design for its Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands. These freshly created positions - part of a broader restructuring effort - will report to Ralph Gilles, senior vice president of product design.

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.

VW to go totally turbo

A Volkswagen AG executive announced Tuesday that the company is planning to turbocharge the entire VW fleet by the 2016 or 2017. VW's executive vice president, Mark Trahan, spoke with The Detroit News, saying they will replace the company's remaining three naturally aspirated engines, a five-cylinder 2.5-liter and two six-cylinders with turbo mills. The trend seems to be gaining popularity, seeing as Ford Motor Co.