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BMW set to debut diesel 7-series in the US

While Mercedes-Benz has let us Americans buy diesel versions of its flagship sedan from time to time, BMW has kept a number of versions of the 7-series from our shores, among which are 7-series sedans with diesel engines. Well, it looks like we'll finally be getting a diesel 7-series after all, with the arrival of the 740Ld later this spring. The 740Ld will be powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine with a single turbocharger with variable vane turbine technology, making 255-hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, and will be coupled exclusively with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Tesla Model S outsells luxury competition

As if Tesla needed any more good news this month, first-quarter sales are in and the electric Model S outsold the Mercedes S-class, Audi A8 and BMW 7-series, according to “CNN Money.” In the first three months of 2013, Tesla sold 4,750 sedans while Mercedes sold 3,077 of the S-class, BMW sold 2,338 of the 7-series and Audi sent 1,462 A8s out of the dealership. The Model S does have its sticker price going for it. The base model can be had for $69,900 -- possibly less with tax incentives -- while the cheapest S-class goes for $93,255, the 7-series for $74,525 and the A8 for $73,095.

Who's Where: Larry Erickson named Chair of Transportation Design at CCS

The College of Creative Studies (CCS) has named Larry Erickson as the Paul and Helen Farago Chair of Transportation. As chair, Erickson will lead the College's Transportation Design department, a role previously occupied by Bryon Fitzpatrick who retired in the summer of 2007. Mark West has led the department for the last academic year as the interim Chair of Transportation Design.