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Skoda CITIGO launches with Stonehenge replica in London

The Skoda CitiGo – the Skoda version of the VW up! – launches this week in the UK with a replica Stonehenge made of scrap cars. It’s hard to come up with an original way of launching a new product, but Skoda have made a decent bash of it for the UK launch of the Skoda CitiGo – the Skoda version of the VW up!

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.

Porsche 911 Safari SUV Crossover heading for Beijing Motor Show

Porsche 911 Safari SUV Crossover heading for Beijing Motor Show Porsche anoraks bemoaned the arrival of the Porsche Cayenne SUV as a sacrilege, but its overwhelming success has allowed Porsche to garner huge profits and plough a chunk of those in to keeping the iconic 911 relevant, appealing and cutting-edge. It’s also allowed Porsche to take the Audi Q5 and turn it in to what appears to be a hugely capable and appealing baby Cayenne in the guise of the new Porsche Macan, but it seems Porsche is planning another SUV step with a model that really does seem a  step too far – a Porsche 911 SUV. Auto Bild’s Motor Revue is reporting that a Porsche 911 Safarai is heading for the Beijing Motor Show in April 2014 sporting bigger wheels and tyres and a raised suspension to deliver a 911 Crossover.