Dune Buggy Go Cart 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.

Paris motor show 2010: a reader review

Over the next 48 hours globe-trotting CAR reader Mark Hamilton (car4mh) will be blogging live from the 2010 Paris motor show, filing his thoughts on all the new cars unveiled in the French capital. All his live updates will be posted on this page, so keep coming back for more of his blog. Top tip: the latest updates are posted at the top, so start from the bottom and read up.

Audi S6, S7 and S8 (2011) first official pictures

To offset its two tiny Urban concept cars and prove it’s still a sporty, performance-inspired brand, Audi will unveil not one but three hot S models at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show in September. The Audi S6, S7 and S8 are all powered by the company’s new 4.0-litre V8, with the most powerful iteration offering up 512bhp. Are the Audi S6, S7 and S8 all available with 512bhp?