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Carbon-fiber parts and a software fix help create a lighter, faster Fiat

Chrysler Group's Mopar parts brand and Italian supplier Magneti Marelli have teamed up on a design exercise based on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth that shaved weight and added horsepower. The vehicle, called the Venom, has a number of carbon fiber components -- hood and side mirrors, for example -- that makes it about 200 pounds lighter than the 2,512-pound Abarth. The Venom uses software updates and additional exhaust components to boost the Abarth's standard 160-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged engine's output by as much as 25 percent.

Arrinera 2013 Arrinera

New Polish car company Arrinera has announced that work on the prototype of the new model – also called the Arrinera confusingly – is complete and it will now be embarking on moving the design to production. The company has claimed that the inspiration for the car's design came from that of the stealth-fighter, although there are obvious features reminiscent of Lamborghini, such as the doors, a Reventon-esque front end, Gallardo-like rear intakes, and vents ahead of the rear wheels similar to those on the Murcielago. Arrinera asserts that the cabin will be adorned in only the finest handcrafted leather and carbon fiber and highlighted with aluminum trim.

Pontiac G8: A bit of hope?

There could be a slight glimmer of hope for the Pontiac G8 to live on in some rebadged form. “I know there's still discussions on it,” General Motors' product czar Tom Stephens said in Automotive News. “But Chevrolet already has several sedans.