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GM’s truck operation, if you were to separate it from the rest of the company, would be one of the most profitable automotive ventures in the world. So, perhaps you can understand why so much one-upmanship goes on between the truck brands. Working to keep Chevrolet and GMC on the cutting edge is Jeff Luke, the Executive Chief Engineer of GM Full-Size Trucks. He’ll be our special guest this week and we’ll be asking what technologies GM is looking at — CNG? LPG? Turbocharging? Light-duty diesel? As usual, we’ll also get into the biggest news of the week: Nissan sets an ambitious goal for achieving autonomy, Carlos Tavares gets the boot from Renault, and VW protests a lack of diesel incentives. Joining host John McElroy in studio is Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design & Production.

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Sean McElroy on the Autoline Daily staff is a ASE certified mechanic. Like all mechanics he has some pet peeves about the way cars are designed. And that’s why we’re launching a new segment called the Autoline Garage, to provide real-world feedback to all you design engineers. Right now Sean is sweating his butt off back in the garage just trying to change some light bulbs in headlamps.

Since the delivery of the first Detroit Electric SP:01 sports car is being delayed by at least a month, we decided to give you a look at what helps make this car tick. Here is Sean McElroy with that report.

You know, designers are the rock stars of this business. But just like a lead singer who’s gone platinum, the guys behind the easel can get carried away. In this week’s edition of Design Handbook, we turn to a section called “Know When to Lift the Pen.” Here’s the man who knew too much, Jim Hall.

The Chevy Cruze Diesel is one of the most anticipated releases in the U.S. this year because if it sells well, we could see more automakers introduce diesels. But there’s more to the car than just the engine, here’s Sean McElroy with all the details.

One phrase we have been hearing a lot from automakers lately is “fun to drive.” And Lexus is no exception. But the company feels its 3rd generation IS has been reworked to really give it that feeling.

John McElroy got a chance to drive the new MDX and says it’s the best Acura that he’s driven in 20 years. That’s because it’s incredibly comfortable, with a soft ride that is almost the antithesis of most European cars, but one that will probably appeal to more American consumers.

This week in the Design Handbook, Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics explores the value in owning a design element by highlighting three brands.

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Cadillac has certainly established its modern identity. With its well-known Art and Science design language, Caddy’s cars have been all about sharp edges and bold choices. But no brand can resist evolution without becoming stale; so what’s next? Bob Boniface is the Director of Cadillac Exterior Design and he’ll be rolling into the studio with the company’s latest offering, the 2014 Cadillac CTS. You can bet we’ll be discussing the just-revealed Elmiraj concept along with a bevy of other design topics. Joining host Peter De Lorenzo in studio is Joe DeMatio from Automobile and Jim Hall, host of Autoline Design Handbook.

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Kia continues to be one of the fastest growing brands in America. The little brother to South Korean giant Hyundai has increased market share each year, thanks to a smart strategy of popular commercials, effective marketing partnerships, and of course, a stable of good looking small cars. But that stable may have to expand a bit as Kia goes big with its next new entry.