84-87 Corolla Ae86 Blue Rear Lateral Link+trailing Control Arm Suspension Kit on 2040-parts.com

CAR interviews Ron Dennis on the McLaren MP4-12C (2009)

CAR interviewed McLaren Automotive chairman Ron Dennis for the November 2009 issue of CAR Magazine’s feature on the new McLaren MP4-12C supercar. Here are some of the out-takes from our interview – and video of Dennis talking us around McLaren’s new roadgoing supercar. ‘It’s understandable why people ask the question “why now”, but the answer to that question lies in the statistics of F1.

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.

Mini: the 2011 facelift news and pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 28 June 2010 10:40 Mini has facelifted its range of hatchbacks, Clubman estates and Convertible soft-tops for the 2011 model year. There's the subtlest of design upgrades – mainly to the lights, front and rear – plus a family of new diesel engines. The new 2011 Mini goes on sale in August 2010.