Continental E225-4 Crankshaft Standard on 2040-parts.com

Fuel Duty frozen and car tax discs scrapped

Fuel Duty frozen and car tax discs scrapped Fuel duty makes up a painful chunk of the price of petrol and diesel, and it was due to be increased again next September. But Chancellor George Osborne has announced that the tax hike will be scrapped – as has been the case every year sicne the Con-Dems came to power – saving motorists an additional 2p on a litre of fuel. It may not be a price cut, but at least it’s not going up.

Mercedes-Benz to attempt longest-ever powerslide

Mercedes-Benz aims to top the current world record for the longest-ever powerslide this weekend at the Brooklands circuit in Surrey in the United Kingdom. Mercedes driver Mauro Calo will spend about four minutes sliding either an E63 or a C63 AMG sedan in a 55-mph, third-gear drift. The goal is to rack up 10,000 feet (nearly two miles) sideways, obliterating the existing record of 8,000 feet.

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.