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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.

CAR top 10: the 10 best cars with three seats

By Chris Chilton Motor Industry 05 June 2014 17:15 Did anybody ever achieve greatness merely by re-arranging the chairs? Maybe not, but this lot gave it a good go. World’s most famous three-seater’s central driving position was claimed to offer perfect weight distribution, but Gordon Murray’s main-frame brain must have calculated that he could save hours giving demo rides to all his friends and neighbours if he installed an extra chair.

Seven-seater for Cadillac?

Cadillac won’t comment, but it’s all over the Web that General Motors’ luxury division will get a version of the seven-seat sport-utility known internally as Lambda--externally known as the Chevrolet Traverse, the Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia. No word on the Cadillac’s engine, but the other variants are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 varying in horsepower from 281 hp to 288 hp. Lambdas sell well, with more than 70,000 sold so far this year.