Vintage Pontiac Dealer Sign By Danasco 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.

Video: Bruce Weiner's micro cars in action

As if you needed another reason to salivate over one of the fine micro cars being offered at RM's Bruce Weiner micro-car museum, RM has just released a series of videos highlighting the capabilities of the Peel P50. What capabilities? How about parking?

Fred Watson Overend 1927-2008

Last night my Dad died. I know this isn’t the appropriate place to write, and I know it’s an abuse of my ability to do so, but I need to tell the world what it has lost. Fred was my Dad.