Asanti Asanti-fs-cap Lg0607-25 Chrome Center Cap 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.

Volvo S80 gets a nip & tuck for 2009

The Volvo S80 is now three years old, and Volvo has decided to spruce it up a bit for the current year. Volvo has played around with the nose and body on the S80, to give a lower, wider perspective. The new nose incorporates details similar to the XC60, declaring Volvo’s intention of a family theme.

Transmissions gone wild!

If you've been car shopping recently, or just paying attention to Autoweek car reviews, you've noticed that the six-speed automatic -- de rigueur as recently as a year ago -- suddenly has ratio envy. The new hotness? Eight- and nine-speed automatic transmissions.