Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series 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.

Ford Fiesta sedan for U.S. market gets minor changes

Ford is busy courting the youth population as potential buyers for the new Fiesta--it has brought 100 Fiesta five-doors over from Europe and loaned them to people for extended test drives. Meanwhile, engineers are putting the final touches on the Fiesta for the United States. Some of those changes are happening in the front and back, as seen on this prototype of the 2011 Fiesta sedan.

Renault R-Space concept

Following on from the DeZir and Captur, the R-Space took to the stage at Geneva alongside the Twizy and Zoe to complete a healthy concept car showing from Renault.  An upbeat, funky vision of the MPV segment sees the R-Space omit B-pillars in favor of a frameless suicide door set up. This allows uninterrupted access to the interior, which is the main focal point of the concept. Seemingly split into two sections, the rear has been designed with children in mind and features a bevy of motorized cubes that can alter the seating arrangement for child, adult or even baby seats.