Autometer Phantom Ii Analog Speedometer 0-160 Mph 3 3/8" Dia Electrical 7588 on 2040-parts.com

Chrysler races to upgrade its lineup

In a bid to improve its lineup before a fleet of new Fiat-based vehicles arrives in 2012, Chrysler Group is rushing new features and equipment into 15 reworked vehicles. The equipment, such as a Fiat dual-clutch, six-speed transmission and a new Chrysler V6, will boost fuel economy, improve driving dynamics and spiff up drab interiors, all areas in which Chrysler has fared poorly in consumer surveys. All the vehicles will be on sale by the first quarter of next year.

The Toyota FT-1 concept would make a damn fine new Supra

The Detroit auto show is just getting started, and Toyota has kicked things off with a nice surprise: The racy FT-1 concept. A product of Toyota's Calty Design Research facility, the FT-1 concept shares some of the swoops and vents with the Lexus RC F. But there's a boatload of high-performance styling cues there, too: Take a quick glance and you might spot the front end of a Ferrari Enzo, the profile of the Nissan GT-R, the double-bubble roof of the SRT Viper/any number of Zagato creations and the oversized retractable rear wing of the McLaren P1.

Mazda MX-5 GT: A rather warm MX-5

The track only Mazda MX-5 GT Back at Frankfurt in 2009, Mazda revealed an MX-5 which had been put on a serious diet – the Mazda MX-5 Superlight – but which was sadly just a concept. And now we get a super-light MX5 that isn’t a concept but also can’t be bought for the road because it’s a track car – the Mazda MX-5 GT. MX-5 lovers the world over weep.