1994 Honda Del Sol 5 Spd B16a3 Transmission Bolt Kit on 2040-parts.com

New techniques cut cost of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, once so costly that it was the preferred material only for fighter planes and supercars, is catching the attention of weight-conscious automakers. Carbon fiber's cost is falling dramatically, thanks to production advances that let suppliers speed the material's finicky, and costly, curing process. One technological breakthrough that makes carbon-fiber auto parts more affordable may come from a process used to make carbon-fiber golf clubs.

Ford Mondeo ECOnetic averages 101mpg from Helsinki to Oslo

Ford Mondeo ECOnetic Economy Record A Ford Mondeo ECOnetic has averaged 101.25mpg on a 1576 mile drive from Helsinki to Oslo, a new European record. The official fuel economy figures car makers quote are, to a great extent, the stuff of fiction; designed to deliver the best possible results in official testing but with little relevance to the real world. But the fact the official figures can be achieved does mean, driving style permitting, that extraordinary feats of economy can be demonstrated by modern, fuel efficient cars.

2014 Dodge Durango starts at $30,790

The seven-passenger 2014 Dodge Durango will start at $30,790 when it arrives on dealership lots next month. That’s the same price as last year, but buyers will get a little bit more. Standard features now include an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Uconnect Bluetooth, a 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen, 7-inch customizable gauge cluster and signature Dodge brand LED racetrack taillights.