National 4615v Seal, Auto Trans-torque Converter on 2040-parts.com

Highly exclusive Alfa Romeo Disco Volante revealed

EXCLUSIVE Italian coachbuilder Touring has unveiled its Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, which is a modern interpretation of one of the company’s most famous designs. The new Disco Volante marks the 60th anniversary of the original, but the new car comes with a 4.7-litre V8 engine with 450bhp borrowed from the Alfa Romeo 8C supercar. This means the new Disco Volante can see off 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 181mph.

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.

Bob Lutz returns as General Motors adviser

The raspy voice of Bob Lutz will again be heard at General Motors. The company announced on Friday morning that its former product czar is returning as an adviser. Lutz had been advising GM executives on an informal basis, the company said.