Honda Trx 500 Rubicon (2001-2004) Left Hand Brake Lever 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.

Drink-drive advert breaks new ground

A NEW TELEVISION ADVERT to warn of the dangers of drink-driving is the first ever to deliberately use a drunken presenter. In the advert, an actor who was recorded the evening before having taken several alcoholic drinks is heard to slur, stumble and giggle as he tries to describe how is body feels in reaction to the alcohol. However, the film shows the same actor the next day when he appears sober but his body is still dealing with the alcohol.

Shelby American celebrates the GT350's anniversary with a modern Mustang

Shelby American is marking the 45th anniversary of the legendary Shelby GT350 Mustang with a new version, designed for Ford's new 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 Mustang. For those willing to plunk down $33,995--plus the cost of a new Mustang--the team at Shelby American in Las Vegas will crank out a modernized GT350. On the outside, that calls for white paint with the blue racing stripes down the center of the hood, roof and deck.