Cloud rises over diesel plan for Nissan Maxima

Nissan North America may postpone a V6 diesel engine planned for the Maxima sedan in 2010. Since the company revealed its Maxima diesel plan two years ago, gasoline prices have fallen dramatically, auto sales have collapsed and Nissan has begun reviewing product plans as it scrambles to restore profitability. "We haven't reached a decision on the diesel yet, but we have to consider where we want to put our capital investments," says Larry Dominique, North American vice president for product planning.

Corvette evangelist, aerobatic pilot Betty Skelton dies at 85

Betty Skelton, former acrobatic airplane pilot, Chevrolet Corvette test driver and daredevil speed racer, died at the age of 85 on Aug. 31. Skelton established a concrete precedent for women's roles in aviation, aerobatic performance and auto racing.

Lightning GT

The Lightning GT is a fresh take on all-electric mobility; a performance car with unabashed sports car proportions. Made from carbon skin draped over the chassis architecture, the dynamic shape features bulging wheelarches and creased feature lines running from front to rear. By combining these classic, British sports car design cues with state of the art battery power and innovative electric motors, the Lightning follows the path of the Tesla Roadster and has been developed with the goal of generating exhilarating performance.