Allstar Performance Universal 3/8 In Id 1/8 In Flat Spacer P/n 18740 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.

Car Design of the Year Awards 2007

This year there was a close battle between the BMW Concept CS and the Mazda Taiki, with only 7 percent of votes between them finally. In the end, over 51 percent of readers awarded the BMW a top three ranking. However, this also represents an excellent and consistent result for Citroën, who came second last year with the C-Metisse, and for Mazda, who previously came third with the Ryuga concept.

Nissan recall due to faulty airbag sensors

Nissan is recalling the Altima, Leaf, Pathfinder, Sentra and Infiniti JX35 vehicles from model year 2013 due to a problem with passenger airbag sensors. According to NHTSA, there's a chance the sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) were manufactured out of specification, which could keep the passenger airbags from deploying in a crash. Nissan will notify owners in April, and dealers will inspect affected vehicles, replacing faulty sensors at no charge to the customer.