Paramount Marauder – yep, the one from Top Gear

The Marauder lays waste a wall We knew the Hamster was off to South Africa to play with a vehicle that made the Hummer look like a Tonka Toy. And we knew – because they ‘hinted’ at it when we spoke to them last week – that the whole Top Gear segment had more than a little to do with the Paramount Group in South Africa, purveyors of innovative armoured vehicles. So, as suspected, we were treated to Richard conquering the Urban Jungle of Johannesburg in the Paramount Marauder, an aptly-named, go anywhere, seemingly indestructible piece of military hardware made street-legal.

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.

Hamilton targets winning streak

LEWIS HAMILTON knows he needs another run of four successive victories if he is to overhaul team-mate Nico Rosberg in the race for this year's Formula One world title. It is a feat Hamilton managed earlier this campaign after Mercedes rival Rosberg won the season-opening grand prix in Australia where the Briton retired. Hamilton then triumphed in Malaysia, Bahrain, China and Spain, clawing back the 25-point deficit, with Rosberg forced to settle for the runner-up spot on each occasion.