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

Japan's concept cars - the craziest of the noughties

By Alex Michaelides Motor Shows 19 August 2009 10:00 Here we are, celebrating the best cars that Japan has produced, but what about the ones it hasn’t? At many motor shows – and particularly ones in its back yard – the Japanese industry serves up some wild concept cars which boggle the brain and tickle the ribs. It’s hardly surprising that few of them hit the mainstream.

Citroën designer teases production Cactus on French TV

Citroën has given us a first glimpse of its production C4 Cactus model on a French television show. Viewers of TF1's ‘Auto Moto' program saw its presenter briefly lift the cover from the car's side, which showed that the unique ‘Airbumps' - made from a spongy material that protects against everyday wear and tear - have been retained, while a B-pillar and standard door handles have been added. An interior digital render was also presented, showing a cabin that's largely unchanged from the concept, which was unveiled at this year's Frankfurt motor show.

Volvo creates Inflatable Child Seat

Volvo is a brand famously associated with safety, so let’s hope its latest effort doesn’t turn out to be a load of hot air: the Swedish brand has come up with a concept for an inflatable children’s car seat. Called the Volvo Inflatable Child Seat Concept, this does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a child seat that instead of being made of rigid material can be deflated and folded away for easy carriage when not required. On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo Inflatable Child Seat Concept Find out how much a used Volvo costs on Auto Trader Noting that “children’s car seats are historically bulky, hard to move and tedious to mount,” Volvo says its new rear-facing inflatable alternative weighs just 5kg – half the weight of an equivalent conventional model.