Lexus Shift Knob on 2040-parts.com

Mazda outlines weight-loss program

Mazda Motor Corp. will reduce its vehicle weights by at least 220 pounds beginning in 2011, with a combination of lighter-weight materials, smaller vehicle footprints and new engineering processes, a top executive says. The typical Mazda vehicle has gained 80 pounds with each successive redesign, “mostly in larger tires and wheels, and safety equipment,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of product development and quality for Mazda North American Operations.

Dual-clutch transmission put on hold at Chrysler

Chrysler Group has delayed introduction of a fuel-saving automatic transmission so it can make the shift patterns more palatable to U.S. drivers--the latest sign that a key tool in automakers' plans to meet tougher fuel-economy rules needs some fine-tuning. Two weeks ago, Ford Motor Co., which uses a similar dual-clutch transmission in its Fiesta and Focus, took a hit in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey because many drivers complained about balky shifting.

Barrett-Jackson sells Cobra Jet prototype for $200,000

A 2014 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Prototype sold for $200,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas sale. Proceeds from the charity sale will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. That price is more than $100,000 over sticker for the Cobra Jet, which usually retails for $97,990.