Vw Front Grill Emblem on 2040-parts.com

Infiniti opening in Brazil in 2014

Nissan’s answer to Lexus, Infiniti, is on a bit of quest to sell its premium cars in every market that can afford them and will open in Brazil in 2014. Infiniti started out as Nissan’s answer to the success of Lexus in North America by launching a range of ‘Premium’ Nissans in the U.S. in 1989, since when it has expanded to Canada, the Middle East, Taiwan, Korea, Russia, China and, in 2008, the UK and Europe.

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.

‘Fire up the Quattro!’ – Gene Hunt’s Audi for sale

IT WAS the only thing that could rival tough-talking DCI Gene Hunt for on-screen presence – and now the famous red Audi Quattro is up for sale. The hit TV show Ashes to Ashes saw Philip Glennister reprise his role as Hunt opposite Keeley Hawes as Alex Drake, but for many it was the iconic 1981 Audi that stole the show. This particular example was bought by a prop supply company for the second and third series of Ashes to Ashes, and featured in all sixteen episodes before meeting a spectacular end by being riddled with bullet holes.