Forbes Magazine recently released its annual list of the world’s most expensive cars for 2006 and we must say these are the stuff that makes a car aficionado’s pulse race. Dreams come true – that’s how the magazine describes these truly stunning, exotic cars, but only for the super- rich, that is. For most of us, we have to content ourselves with ogling at these rare, beautiful, fast and VERY expensive. None of the cars listed cost lower than US$440,000. The 16-cylinder, 1,001 hp Bugatti Veyron (pictured below), which topped the list, is priced at a million euros or US $1,192,057.

In any case, there’s no denying that we love these cars and the pioneering technology behind them. They are simply gorgeous, with daring, avant-garde designs that might never grace mainstream cars. Some of the makes on Forbes’ list are virtual unknowns for most of us. Only two are from household names: the new Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren and Porsche Carrera GT. It is interesting to note that only one American car made it to the list – the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo. The rest are a mélange of exotic names that match their truly exotic and stunning designs and performance.

Here’s the rundown of the 10 Most Expensive Cars for 2006.

• Bugatti Veyron 16.4
• Pagani Zonda Roadster F C12S 7.3
• SSC Ultimate Aero
• LeBlanc Mirabeau
• Saleen S7 Twin Turbo
• Koenigsegg CCR
• Venturi Fetish
• Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
• Maybach 62
• Porsche Carrera GT

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 technology and rear wheel drive performance. The roadster is powered by an all-new 4.4 liter version of the Northstar engine producing 443 HP at 6,400 rpm and 414 lb-ft. of torque at 3.900 rpm. The XLR-V comes with the new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, one of the most technologically advanced in the industry delivering smooth and precise performance.

The Cadillac XLR-V boasts of other luxurious features such as Zingana wood and ebony leather trims, soft leather seats with French stitching and suede fabric inserts, interior aluminum accents and others. Exterior-wise, the XLR-V features an attractive V-series mesh grill and additional badging, eighteen-inch wheels, four polished stainless steel exhaust tips and an aggressively sculpted hood. The XLR-V is Cadillac’s most expensive model to date.

Mercedes Benz is all set to introduce the first full-size luxury SUV ever from a German automaker, the GL Class. This is the third SUV in a row from Mercedes Benz after the M-Class and the R-Class debuted within the last 18 months. The Mercedes Benz GL Class is a handsomely designed, seven-seater SUV. It debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year to largely enthusiastic response. The GL Class looks like a stretched M Class with a longer wheelbase and definitely more spacious interiors. Apparently, Mercedes designed the GL Class to stop people from leaving the brand when they outgrow the ML Class.

The Mercedes GL Class definitely comes in a very appealing package, with sweeping curved surfaces and glass. A raked hood with two power domes running its length and muscular flared wheel arches provide a sporty look and aggressive stance. Under the hood, the Mercedes Benz GL Class is powered by a 4.6 liter V-8 engine. The diesel engine has a fuel efficiency of 26 mpg. It is also equipped with Mercedes’ BlueTec emission control system.

Inside, the Mercedes Benz GL Class offers luxurious interiors with burl walnut wood trim and leather upholstery. It also features two sunroofs: the front power sunroof and a rear fixed glass panel over the third row of seats. Standard equipment includes front, side and air curtain air bags, antilock brakes, electronic stability program, traction control, downhill speed regulation and hill-hold feature.

The Mercedes Benz GL Class is poised to compete with the top selling Cadillac Escalade, which currently has a 36% market share of the luxury SUV market, and the new BMW X5. The GL Class’ base price is yet to be announced but it will be in the upper US$50,000 mark.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has named its top car picks for 2006 in thirteen categories. AAA is the leading member organization in the country that offers motorists with solutions to their automotive needs. The Top Car Picks list for 2006 will help buyers make an informed decision when buying a new car. John Nielsen, director of AAA Auto Buying and Auto Repair Network says that “From fuel-saving hybrids to sporty, high performance vehicles, those looking to purchase a new vehicle in 2006 will be pleasantly surprised to see they have many makes and models from which to choose from .” Notable selections include the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 as the Cool Car of the year. Honda scored two with the Honda Ridgeline topping the Pickup category and the Honda Accord taking the $15,000 - $20,000 car category. The Ford Escape Hybrid SUV was also chosen in the SUV under $30,000 category. The Jaguar XJ8L is the most expensive car on the list. AAA’s Top Car Picks of 2006 are:

Under - $15,000: Mazda 3 - 25/35 mpg (city/highway)

$15,000 - $20,000: Honda Accord Sedan - 26/34 mpg (city/highway)

$20,000 - $25,000: Dodge Charger - 19/27 mpg (city/highway)

$25,000 - $30,000: Toyota Avalon - 22/31 mpg (city/highway)

$30,000 - $35,000: BMW 3 Series - 20/30 mpg (city/highway)

$35,000 - $40,000: Volvo S80 - 21/30 mpg (city/highway)

$40,000 - $50,000: Infiniti M35/M45 - 17/25 mpg (city/highway)

$50,000 +: Jaguar XJ8L - 18/27 mpg (city/highway)

SUV under $30,000: Ford Escape Hybrid - 36/29 mpg (city/highway)

SUV over $30,000: Mercedes-Benz M-Class - 16/20 mpg (city/highway)

Minivan: Honda Odyssey - 18/28 mpg (city/highway)

Pick Up Truck: Honda Ridgeline - 16/21 mpg (city/highway)

Cool Car: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - 16/26 mpg (city/highway)

The full implementation of hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles has always been faced with issues concerning the efficient production and storage of hydrogen fuels. Honda, however, seems to be closing in with an answer as it renews its research partnership with Plug Power Inc., an established leader in the deployment of clean, reliable, on-site energy products. Today, Plug Power Inc. announced that it signed two new agreements with Honda R&D Company, Ltd. of Japan—agreements that will further expand the two companies’ collaborative research efforts about fuel cells.

The first of the two agreements covers the continued development of the Home Energy Station, a system developed jointly by the two companies that is already entering its fourth phase. The said system is designed to provide electricity and heat to houses while providing hydrogen fuel for fuel cell vehicles. In its current form, the system is 30 percent smaller and produces 25 percent more power than its predecessor.

The second agreement covers the fundamental research and development that Plug Power is conducting under the funding of Honda. In particular, this agreement concerns the advancement of technology for future Home Energy Stations as well as for more generalized applications.

With the two agreements already signed and disclosed to the public, let’s just hope that the two companies are tracking the right direction in solving the drawbacks of a fuel cell vehicle. Let us also hope that the eventual result of the two companies’ continuous research and development be seen on our homes and vehicles, soon.

Crossover vehicles seem to be all the rage these days. A number of these type of vehicles that blur the lines between car and SUV and promise to offer the best of both worlds have been introduced in recent years while some are yet to be released. Volkswagen, long known for its excellent German engineered vehicles, is out to get a big slice of this growing segment. Volkswagen’s venture into the Crossover realm, generically named as Concept A, was unveiled at the recently concluded Geneva Auto Show. The Volkswagen Concept A is a cross between a coupe and a compact SUV. This is the embodiment of Volkswagen’s vision for a future crossover vehicle.

At first glance, the Concept A does look cool with its fresh look highlighted by a new brushed aluminum 3D crest radiator grille and prominent, high-efficiency LED headlights that give the concept a confident stance. The crossover’s sleek configuration, despite its SUV-like proportions, is emphasized by the striking intense blue finish, called Glacier Metallic. Meanwhile, the 20-inch wheels with 295/40 tires and the short overhangs give the Concept A an impression of strength and aggressiveness.

The Concept A’s body is compact and sculpted with a long hood and short rear, molded side skirts, seamless sillboards, wheel arches and fenders. One of the most distinctive characteristic of the Concept A is the absence of the B pillar and the opposing opening wing doors. This allows for generous entry and easy access. The vehicle’s rear features a practical hatchback tailgate and a pickup style fold-down rear section under the LED light clusters. This hatch can be opened independently and can remain open to transport long items.

Inside, the Concept A boasts of a light and spacious cabin emphasized by the lack of B pillars. Four bucket seats provide excellent comfort and are arranged in space saving manner. Interior amenities are covered in a variety of materials with very cool names: Black Reflection, Frozen Ice, Frozen Surface and Antarctica, which is a half transparent and extremely breathable fabric used to upholster the concept’s seats.

Furthermore, The Volkswagen Concept A draws its power from a 1.4 liter, 150 horsepower, direct injection TSI engine that utilizes both turbo and super charger technologies. The concept’s engine also features a 6-speed DSG transmission and 4Motion system, which are currently available in the Passat and Golf R32.

Wolfgang Bernhard, head of the VW brand announced that the Concept A is slated to be introduced in 2008 and will be marketed as the small brother of the Touareg SUV. It will compete against the likes of the successful Toyota Rav4 and BMW X3. The final name of the concept has not been finalized yet though it definitely will not be called “Marrakesh” or “Bedouin” in keeping with the African inspired naming of the Touareg. One thing is for sure though, once the Concept A is released as a production model, it is definitely a cool and exciting addition to Volkswagen’s excellent vehicle lineup.

Last Thursday (Tokyo time), Toyota Motors Corporation launched their highest priced hybrid vehicle yet—the Lexus GS 450h. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $54,900, the new Lexus hybrid also stands as the most expensive hybrid vehicle in the market today. Now, that high price deserves more than just simple explanations. But Toyota need not explain anything, because all the reasons that their customers may be looking for can already be found on the car.

The new Lexus GS 450h features the first ever mass-produced hybrid system specifically designed for a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle also discredits the common perception that hybrid vehicles can never be sporty or zippy. Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the vehicle outputs 399 horsepower—a power production capability that is often exclusive to the realm of the 4.5-liter V8 machines. Despite this impressive power production, the vehicle still registers an equally impressive fuel mileage of 34 mpg (based on company’s claim), a figure that is normally registered only by vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter petrol engines.

Aside from its impressive power production and fuel mileage, the Lexus GS 450h also boasts of a quieter engine that emits less harmful exhaust. Compared to the average new car, the vehicle emits 80 percent less smog-forming emissions. Noise and vibration levels for the new vehicle also equals about half of what conventional gasoline-powered engines produce. And to further raise the value of the vehicle, Toyota also equipped the Lexus GS 450h with standard features that were ordinarily offered as options for the previous Lexus GS 430.

After its domestic launch last Thursday, the Lexus GS 450h is expected to roll-out in the U.S. next month and in Europe in the succeeding months. According to reports, Toyota plans to sell about 5,700 units of the vehicle this year—1,800 units in Japan, 2,000 units in North America, 2,000 more units in Europe, and 200 units for other markets.

The eagerly anticipated Mazda CX-7 was unveiled at the Chicago and LA Auto Shows earlier this year to largely positive reviews and reactions. Now, expect pulses to race as the Mazda CX-7 is set to go on sale this spring. Offering a potent combination of style, excitement and sophistication, the Mazda CX-7 packs a mean punch in its sleek and sculpted skin.

The crossover CX-7 is described as an SUV with the soul of a sports car. To us, it doesn’t really look like one of those big, brawny SUVs. The Mazda CX-7’s sports car styling casts a more nimble and dynamic image with its aerodynamically optimized figure, prominent front fenders, A-pillars wheel arches and a curved roof. The CX-7 windshield has a 66-degreee rake angle making it far sleeker than most SUVs and more akin to sports cars.

To match the CX-7’s sleek, sporty looks is a powerful and dynamic performance produced by a turbocharged and intercooled, direct injection 2.3 liter, four cylinder engine with an output of 244 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm. The crossover SUV also has a good fuel mileage of 23 mpg in combined driving. Also, the Mazda CX-7 engine delivers 258 lb-ft. of torque (349 Nm).

The CX-7 will come in either front-wheel drive or Mazda’s Active Torque All-Wheel Drive, where a computer controlled coupling is integrated into the rear differential to provide up to 50% of the engine torque that the rear wheels might require. Other features include Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and the standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

Inside, the Mazda’s sports car inspired interiors include such features as a three-dial instrument cluster, high mounted shifter, form fitting bucket seats and sporty dashboard panel featuring a double-roof design. The two-tone look is classy and sophisticated, with leather used to provide a high quality look and feel. Total cargo capacity is 58.6 cubic ft with a39 inch long rear compartment offering more stowage space.

The Mazda CX-7 will be available in three trim or equipment levels. Standard features include manual air conditioning, power windows, ABS, DSC, Traction Control System (TCS), cruise control, six airbags and others. The touring edition offers leather trim on seats, steering wheel and gear shift knob as well as power seats, heated front seats and retractable cargo cover. The Grand Touring offers leather trim with a black sport seat stripe, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, front fog lamps, body-color door mirrors, chrome door handles and automatic interior climate control.

The Mazda CX-7 will be available by spring of 2006 as a 2007 model with a base price of $24,310. The Touring and Grand Touring editions will retail at $25,500 and $28,000 respectively.

As automotive technology continues to progress, automakers are introducing innovations designed to make vehicles safer and better equipped to protect its passengers. Nissan Motors Co. Ltd, in its continuing effort to further improve vehicle and traffic safety has unveiled a new technology, called the Distance Control System. This is the latest innovation developed within Nissan’s Safety Shield concept which aims to create a safe motorized society where there are zero traffic accidents.

The Distance Control Assist System is an electronic system that helps a driver control the distance between him and the vehicle in front. With radar installed in the front bumper of the car, the following distance and the relative speed of both cars are determined. If the driver releases or is not pressing the gas pedal, brakes are automatically applied.

If the system detects that braking is needed, such as when the preceding vehicle decelerates or stops, an indicator will appear on the instrument panel and a buzzer will sound. The gas pedal then moves upwards to help the driver switch to the brakes. The system will also automatically apply the brakes if the driver releases the gas pedal.

This innovation is another big step in making vehicles safer for both its passengers and the other commuters on the road. Nissan’s Safety Shield concept is admirable. It aims to design and engineer much safer vehicles and aims to halve the number of fatal and serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by the 2015 compared to 1995.

Just a few months ago, Georgia has been lingering at the misfortune that has befallen them when two production plants in the state, one from Ford and another from General Motors, shut down. This week, however, traces of that misfortune can hardly be seen on many Georgia residents, especially those residing in or near Troup County. Instead, only excitement can be seen on their faces—an excitement brought about by the news that Kia Motors Corporation, the second largest South Korean auto manufacturer, will soon be setting up a plant in the area.

Last Tuesday (March 14, 2006), Kia Motors Corporation announced plans to construct a $1.2 billion automotive assembly and manufacturing plant in West Point, Troup County, Georgia. The plant, which will begin its operation in 2009, will be the first Kia manufacturing plant in the U.S.

For the South Korean auto manufacturing company, the plan of setting up a plant in the U.S. was fueled by their sales success in the North American automotive market. For the month of February, the company reports, Kia Motors America has posted a record sales of 20,719 vehicles, which is 3.2 percent ahead of its record setting sales pace in 2005. “Kia Motors has entered an aggressive growth phase in the U.S.,’ said Kia President and CEO Euisun Chung at a ceremony in Seoul, and setting up a plant that will bring them closer to their customer base is clearly the next logical step for the company.

As for the residents of Troup County, Georgia, nothing can be more important than the jobs that the new plant will bring to their area. When it starts with its operation in 2009, the Kia assembly and manufacturing plant would need at least 2,500 workers. Five to six auto suppliers are also expected to set up near the plant, adding some 2,000 more jobs.