2007 Yamaha Wolverine 450 Seat on 2040-parts.com

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.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 confirmed

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 - going racing in 2012 We have been expecting McLaren to confirm that they are going racing with the McLaren MP4-12C. It would be unthinkable for McLaren not to take their new baby to the track but we’d had no confirmation. We had seen the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 out testing last month so we knew an announcement was likely to be imminent, and so it is.

Fiat 500C drops cover (and top) for Geneva show

To keep in step with Mini, Fiat will launch a convertible version of the 500 at the Geneva motor show. The 500C comes a couple months after Mini showed its own new convertible at the Detroit auto show. In place of the fixed roof is a power retractable soft top with rear glass window and built-in rear brake light.