Old Ford Wrenches on 2040-parts.com

Kia Pro_Cee’d GT & Cee’d GT to get 201bhp

Kia has revealed that their warmed over hatch will come as both a 3-door Kia Pro_Cee’d GT and 5-door Kia Cee’d GT, both with a 201bhp turbo. Last week we revealed that the Kia Pro_Cee’d GT is on its way in 2013 with a version of the 1.6 litre turbo found in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, and upset Kia ion the process. We upset Kia because we got the news a day ahead of their intended release and stole a bit of their thunder, but Kia are back with more news on the Cee’d to add to last week’s news, and this time they beat us to the latest news on their more sporty offerings.

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.

End of Maybach may jump-start Mercedes S-class convertible

A couple of nondenial denials from Mercedes-Benz execs at the New York auto show this week sure made it sound like there's a convertible coming, based on the redesigned S-class due out next year. If the brand follows its usual practice, the convertible would come out a year or two after the sedan. Significantly, Mercedes-Benz showed the Ocean Drive convertible concept five years ago with a Mercedes-Benz badge, rather than Maybach.