99 00 01 Ford Explorer Automatic Transmission 733355 on 2040-parts.com

Jaguar XJR returns – 542bhp XJ to debut at New York Auto Show

A new generation Jaguar XJR is being launched at the New York Auto Show later this month, signalling the return of the range-topping XJ with 542bhp. We’ve been heralding the arrival of an all new Jaguar XJR for four years and now, finally  Jaguar is about to deliver with a new XJR sporting Jaguar’s 542bhp version of the supercharged V8 under the bonnet. Jaguar are being a bit precious with the full details of the new XJR, but they’re calling the new XJR the ‘Dynamic Flagship‘ of the Jaguar range – which is promising when you consider how fluid and able the XJ already is.

Karmann files for insolvency

Karmann, the century-old German coachbuilder synonymous with cabrios and the famous 1950s Karmann Ghia, has filed for insolvency. The company made the move Wednesday in Germany in response to a dramatic decline in revenue, an inability to pay for its massive layoff plan and the worldwide economic crisis. The North American operations, which make convertible tops for Detroit car companies and Volkswagen, are not affected, a spokesman said.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer gets Ford with 1-millionth Sync system

It's taken a little more than two years for Ford to build 1 million vehicles with the Sync entertainment and communications system, and the automaker marked the milestone by having Ford CEO Alan Mulally deliver a Ford Fusion hybrid with the 1-millionth system to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Ford also let Mulally, a former Boeing executive, make a return visit to Seattle, home to the Microsoft headquarters. Microsoft supplies the software that is the heart of the Sync system.