2008 Jeep Wrangler Brochure 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.

New BMW 3-series to be revealed on Oct. 14

If you're a fan of BMWs, mark your calendar for Friday, Oct. 14. That's when the German automaker will take the wraps off the redesigned 3-series.

SEAT Leon gets an update

SEAT Leon - Gets updated for 2009 [ad#ad-1] The SEAT Leon has been around for a few years now, and SEAT has decided it’s time for a facelift, so a revised Leon gets a debut at Geneva next month before appearing in showrooms in the Summer. SEATs, on the whole, are perceived as a cheaper alternative to a Golf, which is not a bad summation. Slightly cheaper materials, particularly noticeable on the interior plastics, differentiate the Spanish sibling from its German counterpart.