Polaris 7197476 Decal-side Panel Upper Rh 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.

Traffic delays 'to last weeks'

DRIVERS at the beginning of the summer holiday getaway are being warned of weeks of delays on the roads. The first major jams will be on Friday July 25, and the five Saturdays that follow, starting July 26 and ending August 23, are expected to be the most congested days of the summer. From traffic information company Inrix, the warnings included forecasts that hour-long journeys on Friday could take up to 90 minutes.

Vuhl 05 is a Mexican Ariel Atom – costs from £66,000

The Vuhl 05 (pictured), track-focused road car, has been revealed The Vuhl 05 – which has been teased recently – was unveiled this afternoon in London as Mexico’s answer to the Ariel Atom. The Vuhl 05 uses a bonded monocoque with honeycomb panels and aluminium covered on plastic panels to keep weight down to just 695kg. That means that even though the Vuhl 05 has only 285bhp available from its mid-mounted 2.0 litre turbo Ford EcoBoost engine, it can still get to 62mph in 3.7 seconds thanks to a power to weight ratio of 400bhp per tonne.