1957 Chevy Nomad Liftgate on 2040-parts.com

2014 World Car of the Year: the finalists

Among all the unveilings and glitz at last week’s Geneva Motor Show, the shortlisted shortlist (yes, really) for the World Car of the Year awards was announced. Sure, manufacturers are constantly gloating about adding to their trophy cabinets, but these are the awards that matter. They’re judged by journalists from around the world, including MSN Cars contributor Peter Burgess.

Mercedes B55 (2011) - a ballistic V8 B-class

Mercedes' tuning arm AMG has not yet ventured into sensible B-class territory, but a bunch of Merc trainees in Germany has come up with this: the B55. It's a V8-powered B-class, complete with AMG-spec 383bhp 5.5-litre V8 mounted up front and driving an old W210 E-class rear axle. Sounds like a promising skunkworks special, derived from an old B200 CDI hack that was kicking about the training centre.

Kia teases Chicago-bound Cross GT concept

Kia has revealed a sneek peek of its Cross GT Concept ahead of its unveiling at the Chicago auto show. The carmaker has said that the Cross GT Concept "hints at the future of Kia's design language in the form of a premium Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) that is larger than the new 2014 Sorento." Although the render provides only a limited view, the front end features slim, swept back lamps that flank Kia's signature grille. A jutting chin and coupe-esque roofline add the requisite crossover mashup elements.