If anyone thinks automakers have been ducking it out on the performance truck front for a short while, let’s remember the days of the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, GMC Syclone, and Chevy C1500 454 SS.

SAN FRANCISCO --Chevrolet's retro HHR wagon faces a challenge: how to make a splash with trendy buyers who are turning to modern shapes such as the Scion xB. "We are going to position it as very ...