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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.

Nissan inaugurates new studio in Taiwan

Nissan opened its new Yulon Nissan Design Center (YNDC) in San-Yi, Taiwan yesterday, November 5th. The recent addition joins the global stable of Nissan studios responsible for bringing top talent and the best in creative design thinking to the company's global products. The YNDC studio joins Nissan's Atsugi and Harajuku Design Centers in Japan, the Nissan Design America studios in Farmington Hills, Michigan and San Diego, California and the Nissan Design Europe facility in London, UK.

McLaren to debut MP4-12C Can-Am at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance weekend is less than a week away, and debuts continue to roll in. Wednesday's addition comes from McLaren, which will show off a track-focused concept named the 12C Can-Am Edition. The design study is painted in McLaren orange and satin black.