Auto Technology News

No less than His Airness, Michael Jordan is the newest proud owner of a supercharged Cadillac XLR-V. That’s not really anything extraordinary, considering that #23 has a lot of big bucks to spare and has a stable of forty vehicles. What’s surprising is that the Cadillac XLR-V is actually Jordan’s first American Car (as what he confided). Reports said that Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor himself had his team personally deliver the new roadster over to Jordan’s house. Taylor sent over an entire semi-truck loaded with three XLR-Vs in different colors – Infra Red, Black Raven and Light Platinum so that the basketball legend can choose his favorite. Jordan chose the red one and plunked down a cool US$100,000 for the car. Cadillac also added a set of custom side sills in aluminum etched with Jordan’s signature. The Cadillac XLR-V is an ultra-luxury, high performance roadster offering a bold and distinctive styling, superb and luxurious performance and personal amenities, top of the line

Design According to BMW, "The new model captures and enhances the original’s look of powerful elegance and presence. The proportions of the former model have been carefully developed and enhanced. The overall look of the vehicle conveys a powerful touch of agility despite even larger dimensions – length up 7.4 inches, width by 2.4." "This special style is ensured by the short body overhangs front and rear, as well as the larger wheels. The small distance between the front axle and instrument panel guides the eyes of the beholder even more directly to the front end of the new X5. The result is a perfect optical balance of the front and rear section." The stretched side section borders at the rear on the powerful D-pillar. The lines of all pillars come together to form an appropriately shortened roofline supporting the overall impression of elegance and athleticism. A classical BMW design feature from the side is the contour line at the same level as the door handles,

MINI CHALLENGE: the popular one-make series. Now in its fourth year internationally, the MINI CHALLENGE has become one of the most successful and popular one-make series in the world. The races, which have been held in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Holland have hit the headlines all over Europe and boast massive followings of fans at the track and on TV. MINI CHALLENGE has also hit the headlines Down Under with a summer series completed in New Zealand and another planned for 2007/08. The MINI CHALLENGE delivers a highly attractive blend of thrilling racing for both drivers and fans alike. International MINI CHALLENGE series have featured both experienced drivers as well as up and coming drivers keen to make their mark in motorsport, having their first taste of racing cars with roofs as an entry into Sedan racing. In some markets, celebrity guest drivers with previous race form or a burning desire to compete have also joined the fray. The big draw for all drivers is the level playing

Jaguar XK8 Convertible 2005 Model * 4.2L 294 HP V8 engine * 6-speed automatic transmission * GPS * Leather seats * Air conditioning * CD player * AM/FM radio

Our British spy took to lurking in the tall grass adjacent to a stop light near Jaguar's Tech Center to nab this first-ever, clean look at interior of the Jaguar XF. Just as in nature, an earlier attempt at a target that was too alert and well-protected ended without success - yielding an entertaining facial expression, but nothing else of the prototype's heavily shrouded dashboard. But persistence, and a well-timed pounce finally paid off, as we caught an XF prototype clean and uncovered - and its driver unaware and defenseless as he waited for the light to turn green. The resulting image shows a tastefully restrained interior, far removed from the crazy modernity of the Jag CXF concept car. The show car's wacky neon glow and chiseled surfacing has given way to the traditional themes of high-end wood and leather. The XF's inside does appear to have steered away from the usual cozy country club look of the XJ, and is now a bit more serious and performance-oriented. The

Features - 3.8L DOHC V6 engine with dual exhaust - 6-Speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® - Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) - Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist - Advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags - Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Active front head restraints - 7-passenger seating with 3rd row - 17” 5-split-spoke alloy wheels - AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system w/ six speakers - Steering wheel mounted audio controls - Trip computer - Air conditioning with separate rear HVAC controls - Outside temperature display - Power heated external bodycolor mirrors with approach lights and side repeater lights - Power windows and door/tailgate locks - Tilt and telescopic steering wheel - Cruise w/ steering wheel mounted controls - Keyless entry system w/ alarm - Rear spoiler - Front solar glass & rear privacy glass - Rear win