Honda Ca77 Dream 305 250 Battery Ground Wire #07716 on 2040-parts.com

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.

Honda Vezel crossover arrives at the Tokyo motor show

For the record, Vezel rhymes with "bezel," and it's the name of Honda's long suspected Fit-based crossover. Honda showed off the new Vezel hybrid model at the Tokyo motor show, though the production model set to launch in Japan in December will also be available with a straight-gasoline 1.5-liter direct-injected engine also. Other details are still slim, but the company did claim a "Sport Hybrid i-DCD" powertrain will get a stronger engine and most likely a dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor.

New Alfa Romeo MiTo & Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde price & spec – costs from £20,210 & £28,120

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde (pictured) costs from £28,120 Alfa Romeo doesn’t have a huge amount to play with at the moment with its range in flux and plans to boost sales with new models. But although range-topping cars are not big sellers, they are good to shine a performance glow on the brand, which is why the Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde and MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde (that’s the MiTo and Giulietta Cloverleaf to you an me) arrived at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Now both are about to go on sale in the UK, so we get prices and specs.