Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

New July 2009 issue of CAR Magazine

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 20 May 2009 12:15 CAR Magazine's new July 2009 issue of CAR Magazine is now on sale. This magazine has a Nurburgring slant to it, as we end the pub argument once and for all: which is faster around the 'Ring, the Porsche 911 or Nissan GT-R? Plus we drive all the month's key debutants and bag a handful of exclusive stories you won't read anywhere else.

Rolls-Royce snags new designer

From one famous British luxury-car maker to another--that's the bespoke transition ahead for Giles Taylor. He's taking over as head of exterior design for Rolls-Royce in April, after an extensive career at Jaguar, where he was chief designer. The 43-year-old also worked as an exterior designer for PSA Peugeot Citroen.

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.