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

Paris motor show 2012: a video review by CAR

As usual, here's a quick video debrief from the CAR team in Paris. CAR's longest serving journalists, Georg Kacher and Gavin Green, are joined by Tim Pollard for a video review of the 2012 Paris motor show. Hear their thoughts and analysis of the trends of the Mondial de l'Automobile, find out why a small Audi was Georg's car of the show and hear why three-cylinder engines are the next big thing.

Top Gear’s Stig spotted – at Loch Ness

The Stig caught by Google's street view on the shores of Loch Ness Two of the biggest mysteries in the UK are the Loch Ness Monster and Top Gear’s Stig. And Google has brought them both together by capturing the Stig standing on the side of Loch Ness on one of its street view cameras. So what’s the Stig doing on the banks of Loch Ness, you may wonder?

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.