Nissan Juke-R will trample into limited production with 545 hp: Motoramic Dash

Welcome to the Motoramic Dash, a quick read of the top stories around the automotive world this morning

The Nissan Juke-R started life last year as a publicity stunt for Nissan's European division, a bonkers way to show that the innards of a Nissan GT-R tuned to 545 hp could be chopped and grafted into the unattractive body of a Nissan Juke. After a brief worldwide publicity tour, Nissan Europe has announced it will build a few copies for those who need more insanity in their garages.

According to Autocar, Nissan has three orders already for the Juke, including two from Dubai, and will build the car based on orders received in the next few weeks. Cost wasn't revealed, although given that the process starts with the most expensive parts of a $97,000 GT-R -- such as its twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel-drive system -- the Juke-R's sticker surely falls into Lamborghini territory. Nissan has staged one race where the Juke-R beat three supercars; expect that contest to be repeated in the Middle East for the next several years.

Other stories this morning:

GM earns $1 billion, down 68% from year ago: General Motors' good news for first-quarter earnings is that North America and Asia remain profitable. It's less-bad news is that while a $256 million loss in Europe ain't peanuts, Wall Street expected even worse. (Detroit News)

GM CEO: "Let's be pragmatic...the bailout worked:" Dan Akerson is getting a lot more practiced at handling political questions. He'll have more opportunities in the coming months. (The Takeaway)

Mileage rules may cut gasoline tax income by $57 billion: The Congressional Budget Office says the federal gas tax of 18 cents a gallon would need to rise 5 cents to cover the shrinkage in fuel use from more efficient vehicles. Chance of it happening: Zero. (Bloomberg)

Jim Nabors to tape "Back Home Again In Indiana" for Indy 500: The 81-year-old Nabors won't be able to make the Indianapolis 500 due to heart surgery, but will record a rendition to be played before the race. Get well soon, Gomer. (USA Today)