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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.

VW designer de'Silva pens a Leica camera

Leica, the German camera maker, introduced the Walter de'Silva-designed Leica M9 Titanium edition camera recently at Photokina, the biannual photo gathering in Germany. De'Silva, head of design for Volkswagen and responsible for designing the Audi A5 and Volkswagen Scirocco, took Leica's original M9 camera and created the M9 Titanium. De'Silva employed his Audi design team to assist in the project.

Donate to help earthquake victims in Japan

With Japan stricken by natural disasters, AutoWeek encourages its readers to donate to the Red Cross. Tens of thousands of people are feared missing or dead, and the country is grappling with the aftermath of earthquakes, a tsunami and a potential nuclear catastrophe. To donate, please click here: www.redcross.org