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.

When Breaking Bad met Top Gear: Aaron Paul and The Stig join forces

We’re pretty sure the last thing we’d want to do is let Jesse Pinkman loose on a racing circuit – but since we are in fact capable of separating reality from even a hugely popular TV programme, these pictures of Aaron Paul taking on Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced car aren’t about to make us go cold turkey. Please click the image above to read more about Aaron Paul's visit to the Top Gear test track

Jaguar SUV (C-X17) gets a new paint job & 5 seats: Guangzhou Motor Show

Jaguar SUV (C-X17) gets a new paint job & 5 seats Jaguar are certainly making the most of their SUV Concept – the Jaguar C-X17 – with the latest version arriving at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China this week. At first glance, the C-X17 looks to have moved on from the original concept’s blue paint job – via the silver repaint for Dubai – to a half decent shade of gold to appeal to Chinese buyers. But the China C-X17 actually goes a bit further than that by taking the C-X17′s four-seat configuration and adding an extra shaped seat in the back for a proper five-seat layout. There’s also some added luxury in the form of wood veneer door panels.