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.