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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.

Lambo Superleggera (2010) at Geneva motor show

This beautiful green beast is the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera, unveiled tonight at the Volkswagen Group’s big party ahead of tomorrow’s 2010 Geneva motor show.  This LP570-4 Superleggera will hit 62mph in 3.4 seconds (its predecessor took four tenths longer and the LP560-4 needs 3.7 seconds for the benchmark sprint), dash past 124mph after 10.2 seconds, and reach 202mph flat out. It’s not a harder, faster version of the special edition, rear-drive Balboni Gallardo, but a harder, faster version of the regular LP560-4. Spot on.

VW Tiguan Review – Johnny wins heat 2

The white VW Tiguan tested by heat 2 winner Johnny Heat 2 seems to have been hard-fought, with the competitors using social media to get votes in. Di and Johnny, two of the most competitive of the Volkswagen Tiguan People’s Reviewers, pulled out all the stops last week, using their social networks of friends and followers to get out the vote. In the end, Johnny claimed the Group 2 crown, pulling out a victory in a back-and-forth race.