“It’s probable that we will establish a center to supplement the work that we do in California,” confirmed Tesla CEO Elon Musk, “but if we want to attract the top talent we can’t just be modifying cars for Europe, it has to be complete programs.”

The facility could be inaugurated as early as next year. Musk has not detailed the exact role that the center will serve but he has hinted it will be tasked with designing European-spec versions of the cars Tesla sells in the United States. The center’s first project will likely be making modifications to the upcoming Model X crossover to ensure that it appeals to buyers on the Old Continent.

Musk expects the European research and development center to attract the top engineers on the Old Continent and to create hundreds of jobs locally.

While some of Tesla’s future models will likely be partially designed in the United Kingdom, the automaker has all but ruled out building cars in the nation.

Volkswagen has debuted a special edition Golf in honor of the original model, introduced in May 1974, turning 40 years old

Crammed with premium options, Volkswagen chose to debut the car at the AMI (Auto Mobil International) show in Leipzig, Germany. The anniversary model is called, confusingly, the Golf Edition. If it seems familiar, that’s because it’s the production version of the Golf Edition Concept shown at the Beijing Auto Show in April.

The Golf Edition Golf remains faithful to the Chinese show car. Xenon headlights with de rigueur LED daytime running lights and tinted rear windows come standard, as do unique 17-inch “Singapore” wheels. An 18-inch wheel is optional.

To climb inside, one steps over illuminated door sill plates before plopping down on seats are finished in tan Alcantara. Leather lines the steering wheel and shift boot, and the headliner is finished in black for a tasteful contrast.

The car is loaded with safety features as well, including a premium multifunction display rain-sensing wipers and running lights, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitors.

The Volkswagen Golf Edition goes on sale in Europe sometime this month.

Nissan is the latest automaker to announce a dream machine to be unveiled in Gran Turismo 6. However, instead of teasing a headlight or shadowy silhouette of the digital fantasy car, Nissan has put together a visual list of every one of its models that has ever been rendered for the long running franchise.

That’s because there have been more Nissans featured in the Gran Turismo series since the first video game was launched in 1997. From Datsun 510s to Skyline GT-R race cars, over 148 models have had the honor of being digitized in the hugely popular and famously detail-oriented Playstation title.

Even more pedestrian cars like the Nissan Cube and electric Leaf have made the cut, but of course the most prolific models have been the myriad of drift-happy Silvias (sold in the US as the Nissan 240SX), Z-cars and Skyline GT-Rs in both street and race form.

In fact, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi himself worked with Nissan to design the R35 GT-R‘s multifunction display, which is highly customizable and informs the driver of stats like front-rear torque distribution and g-forces generated during acceleration, braking and cornering.

The new car will likely be part of the Vision Gran Turismo series, which automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, BMW and Volkswagen have participated in, but some have speculated that it might be the next GT-R. The car will be revealed June 10.

Based on a stock X6, the M Sport gets a full body kit consisting of a deep front bumper with oversized air dams, body-colored side skirts and a new rear bumper that packs a functional air diffuser and two chromed exhaust tips. Bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels and model-specific kidney grilles wrap up with exterior modifications.

The updates continue inside the X6 with power-adjustable sport seats for the front passengers, a M Sport-specific key, an anthracite-colored headliner, aluminum door sills and a M-designed three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

The M Sport model comes standard with an Adaptive M suspension that adds a self-leveling air suspension on the rear axle and BMW’s Dynamic Damper control system.

The package does not include any performance modifications, meaning buyers will be asked to pick either a 300-horsepower turbocharged straight-six or a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 rated at 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines are linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and most models come standard with all-wheel drive.

Like the standard X6, the 2015 X6 M Sport is scheduled to go on sale across the United States in late 2014. Pricing information will be published closer to its on-sale date.

A new report indicates the next generation of the Mazda MX-5 will spawn at least one additional rear-wheel drive model before the end of the decade.

Developing a larger sports car that shares the bulk of its underpinnings with the MX-5 will help Mazda offset the Herculean cost of developing a small roadster. Details are currently scarce, but industry rumors indicate the car will retain the MX-5′s sporty handling while providing space for up to four passengers.

Mazda will focus on successfully launching the fourth-gen MX-5 before it turns its attention to developing a larger model.

“Our mission is to make the MX-5 very successful. After that we move towards the next stage but our current mission is purely how can we make the MX-5 successful,” explained Masahiro Moro, Mazda’s global head of sales and marketing, during a conference held at the company’s headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan.

Additional details about the MX-5′s bigger sibling will emerge when the fourth-gen model is presented at next year’s edition of the Chicago Motor Show.

It’s been a tough row to hoe for the Lincoln MKZ. The tip of the arrow in the resurgence of Lincoln as a luxury brand, the model has faced tough questions as to whether it has the ability to sack up and carry the brand until a player to be named later comes along.

While Lincoln keeps pushing the l-word on prospective buyers, we take a hard look at the hybrid version of what we still regard as a very good car.

What is it?

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a midsize sedan that is powered exclusively by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-style four-cylinder. It is combined with an auxiliary electrical power generator motor on board to form a hybrid power system that works in conjunction with regenerative braking to help replenish the batteries located in the trunk. By itself, the gas 2.0-liter engine makes 141 horsepower. Joined with a permanent magnet AC Synchronous motor that generates 88-kilowatts, the entire system nets 188-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 129 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The hybrid powertrain sends the results of its work to the front wheels of the MKZ through a “Powersplit“ electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).

For tradition buyers who find a hybrid system to be a bit much (they really aren’t), Lincoln also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine making 240-horsepower and a 3.7-liter V6 with 300 horsepower. While the hybrid version is available exclusively as a front drive model, the 2.0-liter turbo and 3.7-liter are also available in AWD versions.

Our tester included the Preferred Equipment Group ($5,375), which featured a rear-view video camera, reverse sensing system, an audio system featuring a THX surround sound audio system with navigation, and cross-traffic alert. The MyLincoln Touch infotainment system works in conjunction with the Sync system, and its eight-inch display and voice controls, which were well-sorted, taking commands without a hitch.

It was also ordered with ala carte options including a power moonroof, the technology group package and its active park assist, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

Built at the Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly plant in Mexico, the Lincoln MKZ shares a platform with its corporate cousin, the Ford Fusion.

What’s it up against?

In a parallel universe, Lincoln would have this MKZ slot right up against competitors from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Instead, we would place the Lincoln in the gate next to the Hyundai Genesis Sedan and, in hybrid form, the Lexus ES 300h.

How does it look?

Appearing all the while like a delicate, more refined version of the Fusion, the MKZ is the more stylish and better looking of the two. Starting with its stylized, scowling wing-inspired grille and LED running lights, its imposing presence sets the tone for a flowing design that sweeps into a high-shouldered rear quarter.

A fastback roof helps to keep the four-door coupe appearance intact. It continues rearward and is accented by a full-width lightbar for the brake and running lights. If the MKZ had a downside, it would be in the appearance of the wheels and tires, which seem puny relative to the majestic position Lincoln is placing on the model. To our eyes the proportions are off and beg for larger wheel openings as well.

And on the inside?

The interior of this car is its biggest letdown, with plastic and metal-look panels taking the place of the woods and real metals that would normally be found in luxury cars these days. More contemporary than luxurious, it’s somewhat of a tough place to be.

Our tester was equipped with stylishly-shaped but questionably colored brown leather power seats that offered good bolster and proper ergonomic design for long stints of cross-country jaunts.

The driver’s instrument pod is comprised of a central speedometer with configurable TFT panels on either side. In our tester, the left gauge featured an eco-dial while the right wing featured Ford/Lincoln’s efficiency leaves, which grow in abundance on the branches of a tree to reward responsible driving, and conversely blow away as the driver’s style becomes more aggressive. To the right of the IP are P, R, N, and D buttons, which take the place of a shift lever to free up space on the center console for…plastic.

The MyLincoln Touch infotainment system with Sync featured the knobless design that seems to be permeating the industry in certain segments. It offered a relatively easy user interface for us, despite the fact that not every customer (or critic) has warmed to its design. Innovative noise cancellation sets the cabin up like a giant pair of Bose headphones. The net result was a quiet ride that made for a pretty silent cabin.

The trunk space takes a diminished cargo load, which is to be expected in these battery-totting hybrids. The interesting part is that the space left after batteries looks suspiciously like the shape of a PGA-approved pro touring golf bag.

But does it go?

The MKZ’s hybrid two-liter Atkinson cycle engine features design techniques that are a result of a technology swap between Ford and Toyota. Under heavy acceleration the MKZ sounded like a “Hot-Rod Lincoln” wanna-be, which causes it to be noisy while at full roar. It’s the one point where the noise cancellation system is the least effective and residual sound does make its way into the cabin. Zero-to-60 mph came in at the mid eight-second range (8.5-seconds). Otherwise we were quickly able to overlook that issue due to the car’s great mileage. We found the CVT performed flawlessly, if a little blandly, but it’s there in the name of fuel economy.

Our MKZ Hybrid was quiet on the highway, and well modulated with great steering. While not exactly the most energetic off the line, it still manages to see 35 mpg during steady state driving at 80 mph. Drop down to 70 mph, and we easily achieved 45 mpg. Steering from the lane-keep assist system tended to annoy us, deciding whether we really wanted to move over a lane to the left or right. We understand that’s the purpose of this option but we found it rather intrusive, trying to fight with us, even where there were no road stripes on the ground. It was only when we disabled it, that we really felt in control.

We did not have the 20-inch high-performance summer tires that arrived on the pre-production prototype model we drove last year. But despite the lack of that meaty rubber, the handling was still plenty stout in its front wheel-drivetrain configuration. Anymore and we think most would consider it too firm a ride.

Leftlane’s bottom line:

After a week in the MKZ Hybrid, we found the sedan delivers great mileage, especially when you consider its size. If luxury is the main factor driving your purchase decision, look around at all the players. And at the end of the day, buy with your wallet, and at your technological comfort level.

2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid base price, $36,190. As tested, $46,800.

Preferred Equipment Group, $5,375; White Platinum Tri-Coat paint, $695; Power Moonroof, $1,200; Technology package, $2,250; Rear inflatable seat belts, $195; Destination fee, $895.

Photos by Mark Elias.

Recent rumors suggesting that Mazda could be preparing an entry in the rapidly-expanding subcompact crossover segment have gained credence following comments from Seita Kanai, who next month will become the automaker’s chairman.

Asked by Australia’s Motoring about the possibility of a CUV version of the next Mazda2, Kanai stopped short of providing an official confirmation, but did reply that such a model is “well within the scope of [Mazda's product range]…it’s fully feasible.”

A utility vehicle positioned below the CX-5, which would likely be badged as the CX-3, would give Mazda a player in a segment that’s poised for significant growth both in the U.S. and worldwide. In the states, it would compete against the likes of the Honda HR-V and Chevrolet Trax.

Over the course of the interview, Kanai also revealed that Mazda has no plans to introduce a “Mazda1″ minicar that is smaller than the Mazda2.

“If you ask me ‘can Mazda be successful by entering that [micro-car] segment?’ the answer is no, because we cannot make money. In terms of models Mazda will develop we’re not considering models below Mazda2.”

The report describes how a multitude of failures and missteps led to the botched recall for the defective part. Valukas appeared to conclude that incompetence and complacency were at the root of the problem, rather than a conscious decision to prioritize costs over safety

The findings led the company to fire 15 employees, a group which reportedly includes several high-ranking internal attorneys and managers, however it cleared CEO Mary Barra and other top executives.

“The GM public relations campaign is pitching this report as an independent review. In truth, it seems like the best report money can buy,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “It absolves upper management, denies deliberate wrongdoing, and dismisses corporate culpability.”

Blumenthal acknowledged that the firings represented more action than GM has taken in the past, however he criticized the company for continuing to dodge questions surrounding the component revision without issuing a new part number. The senator is also waiting for a straight explanation of the discrepancy between GM’s own death count, which sits at 13, and outside analysis suggesting the total could be more than five times higher.

“GM can show real good faith by revealing all its sealed settlements, disclosing all documents, and making available all the officials, past and present, who have relevant knowledge,” Blumenthal added. “The new GM must acknowledge moral and legal responsibility to the victims and their families.”

GM has not yet announced the size of its victim fund, or specific details regarding how it will be administered by Kenneth Feinberg.

The company is currently being investigated by federal authorities for potential criminal wrongdoing. Critics are waiting until the official inquiries have been completed before determining if Valukas’ report provides the whole story.