Auto News 5

General Motors is painfully aware that if you have any knowledge of its passenger-car diesel history, it involves the name "Oldsmobile." Today's diesel reality is quite different, however, as GM competes with the highly regarded Duramax turbo-diesels in its heavy-duty pickup trucks, and its Opel, Vauxhall, and Chevrolet diesels manage to keep up with the competition in Western Europe.

Nissan is working to expand its performance-oriented Nismo sub-brand; however, that doesn't mean the flagship 370Z Nismo model will rest on its laurels. The entire 370Z line saw a mild facelift for 2013 and, now, the top-spec Nismo model is getting further updates for 2014.

When automakers release a new car, it's rarely long before enthusiasts and the media beg for a faster version. That proved true with the Nissan Juke: though the quirky styling grew on us, we kept wishing that our Four Seasons 2011 Nissan Juke weren't so slow. Nissan has finally answered that call with the Juke Nismo, a range-topping variant that bows at the Chicago auto show.

You'd be forgiven for thinking Nissan's little NV200 is only available as a taxi -- but that's hardly the case. As showcased at last year's Chicago auto show, the small van will be sold here in a cargo-friendly form, and Nissan's finally ready to give the full details on its smallest NV model.

2014 may not have brought big changes for the Nissan GT-R, but it has definitely marked the proliferation of special-edition models. Joining the GT-R Premium and Black Edition in dealerships this May is the GT-R Track Edition.

Remember the Kia GT concept from the 2011 Frankfurt show? Along with wowing crowds and reinforcing our respect for Peter Schreyer's design team, it also tested the idea of Kia venturing into the realm of large, upscale sedans -- foreign territory for the automaker, at least here in North America.