Trans Am Firebird Rear Seat Belt Receiver 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.

Audi R8 facelift (2012) first official pictures

Audi has updated its R8 flagship to keep up with the relentless pace of the supercar class. There are several minor visual tweaks to keep the now-six-year-old R8 looking fresh, and a substantial revision under the nip-and-tucked skin to improve performance. The new 2012 Audi R8 is available in coupe and open-top Spyder bodystyles from late 2012.

Bahrain F1 win for Button & Brawn GP

Button wins for Brawn GP in Bahrain - the third win of the F1 season for Button/Brawn GP [ad#ad-1] It looked after practice and qualifying that Brawn’s measure had been acquired; at least by Toyota and  Red Bull. After all, the best Brawn could manage was fourth on the grid with Button, and a front row lock-out by Toyota, and Vettel’s third on the grid, seemed to strike a note of reality for this years F1 season. Those who condemned Brawn’s early success this year called it luck.