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Why the 2014 Mazda 6 diesel matters

It's official: The new 2014 Mazda 6 sedan is getting a diesel engine for the U.S. market. Finally coming clean on one of the worst-kept secrets of the year, Mazda officially announced the Skyactiv-D version of the Mazda 6 at the Los Angeles Auto Show yesterday.

BMW 5 Series GT (w/ Video)

BMW officially took the wraps off the production version 5 Series Gran Turismo today. The new model, previewed in concept form at the Geneva motor show in March, is set to bridge the gap between the automaker's X5 SUV and the 5 Series Touring wagon. As we expected, BMW has remained true to form: the 5 Series GT is identical to the design of its concept precursor, including a lower body section and taillamps that call to mind the latest BMW 7 Series, a front end reminiscent of the CS concept, and an upper cabin design familiar to anyone who's seen an X6.  The interior has seen the most change, if only in color and trim.

Michelin design contest inspires young minds

The College for Creative Studies in Detroit held its 24th Michelin Design challenge, in which Michelin sponsors a design and development project for one of CCS' transportation design classes. The competition works like this: CCS and Michelin get together to develop a theme, then CCS picks which transportation design class will work on the project. The idea, Michelin says, is to celebrate and promote the kind of vehicle design that highlights original thinking and innovation.