Dorman H101926 Brake Hose, Front-brake Hose 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 Mercedes C-Class Estate revealed – arrives in the UK September 2014

The new Mercedes C-Class Estate (pictured) revealed The new Mercedes C-Class arrived at the Detroit Auto SHow in January and looks to be properly appealing – a mini S-Class and strong competition for the BMW 3-Series. Now we get the 2015 Mercedes C-Class Estate, which takes the new C-Class in to the load-lugging sector with a capacious take on the fine attributes of the C-Class saloon. A C-Class saloon from the B-pillars forward, the new C-Class Estate grows to 4702mm and gets a 2840mm wheelbase, enough for an extra 45mm of legroom in the back and with 490 litre of room for stuff in the boot with the seats up and 1510 litres with them folded away, and there are more options in between with new seats that split 40/20/40 and can be moved electrically.

Car Design News Contest 2008 - Deadline for entries in just over a week!

The Car Design News Contest 2008 deadline for entries is on Wednesday March 26th - just over a week's time! Entries in both the Professional Designer category and the Student Designer category will have to be submitted by this date - no late entries will be accepted - as the assessment process takes place directly afterwards. Each entry needs to be uploaded onto the Entry Submissions page of the Car Design News Contest site as "snap shot" views of a digital design model.