Magnaflow 16888 Cat Back Performance Exhaust on 2040-parts.com

Audi A4 top of the heap in Germany

The Germans love a premium saloon car, and make some of the finest there are. BMW, Mercedes and Audi all have a fine range of premium cars, but it’s BMW who have taken the bulk of the sales with the 3 Series. But not any more.

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.

Top Gear U.S. Supercar Road Trip Take 2

Top Gear is filming another U.S. road trip for the next series with a Lexus LFA, the new SRT Viper and the new Aston Martin Vanquish. Just over two years ago, Messrs Clarkson, Hammond and May were in the U.S.