Brian Crower Bc8801 Adjustable Cam Gears Honda B16a2 B18c B18a B18b B20b B20z 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.

Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel going in to production

Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel to go in to production Finally, Infiniti are ramping up their efforts to get their cars front and centre in Europe. Last week we learnt Infiniti would be tapping in to Nissan’s Corporate sales network and now we hear that the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel is going in to production as a pilot for the Infiniti performance Line (IPL). IPL will be to Infiniti what AMG is to Mercedes or ‘M’ is to BMW – the halo performance car sat at the top of the range.

Brit Insurance Design Of The Year 2011

Showcasing a year in design, the fourth annual Brit Insurance Design Awards are currently being previewed at the Design Museum in London, UK. The shortlist of over 100 items takes in the best in design from seven categories: Architecture, Transport, Graphics, Interactive, Product, Furniture and Fashion. Naturally it is the Transport category we are most interested in, within which there are some very credible contenders for the overall title.