Subaru Oem 62134sc002 Exterior-rear-corner Cover 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to showcase Toyo Tires at SEMA

If you thought that tire manufacturer will just have tires at their stands at SEMA... you probably haven't been to SEMA. The manufacturers' new tires tend to be coupled with spectacular show cars created in partnerships with tuners and coachbuilders, and this year there will be no shortage of show cars sporting the latest tires.

Hyundai previews small SUV with Geneva show concept

For an idea of what Hyundai's next small SUV will look like, pay attention to the concept that debuts at the Geneva motor show next month. We previously knew it as the HED-6, according to the recently released sketch. But Hyundai announced that it is now calling the vehicle the ix-onic (pronounced "ik-sonnik").