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Bentley SUV – the Bentley Falcon – close to production decision

The Bentley SUV – expected to be called the Bentley Falcon – is close to being officially signed-off for production. Within a month of that report we heard that Bentley had decided to give their new SUV the Bentley Falcon‘ moniker – a clear sign VW had decided to produce the Bentley SUV – and now we learn that the EXP 9 F Concept is ready to be signed-off as a production model - albeit with substantial changes to is design. Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley CEO, has told Automotive News that Bentley is now close to making official the decision to build the Falcon and that it will get a V8 under the bonnet, and possibly the option of a W12 too.

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.

Volkswagen Polo wins European Car of the Year award

Volkswagen's new Polo--slated to enter the U.S. market within three years--narrowly beat the Toyota iQ to win the 2010 European Car of the Year award. The Polo scored 347 points against 337 for the iQ city car.