Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series 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.

Mercedes SLS AMG GT Final Edition revealed ahead of debut at Los Angeles & Tokyo

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT Final Edition (pictured) signals the end of the SLS It’s more than four years since the Mercedes SLS Gullwing was revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show as the Mercedes replacement for the Mercedes McLaren SLR. And now the SLS is almost at the end of its shelf life. That means the opportunity for a run-out model to cap the SLS range, so Mercedes is launching the Mercedes SLS AMG GT Final Edition – a limited run of 350 cars as a Gullwing or Roadster – which will debut at both the Los Angeles and Tokyo Motor Shows next month.

Volkswagen wants you to design a video game car in return for an internship

Volkswagen has launched a new design contest in order to find three students to undergo a six-month internship program at its Wolfsburg design center. In order to prove your worth, you have to design a car that looks beyond the current paradigms of The Car. Think more about how personal mobility – and particularly autonomous cars – will look, feel and interact by creating a new scenario: "Video games have created their own unique medium, devoid of normal design barriers," reads the competition website.