June 2006 Auto News Briefs

BECAUSE SNOOP SOMETIMES LIKES TO RIDE IN BACK
Chrysler has introduced a long-wheelbase 300 sedan for retail customers and livery service. The six-inch stretch yields a similar gain in rear-seat legroom. On sale this fall, the car will be offered as a V-6-powered 300 Touring Long Wheelbase and as a 300C version with a 5.7-liter V-8.

DRIVERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF PIERCINGS
ESPN has announced that it will add two days of rallying to the slate of events at this year's X Games, scheduled for August 3-6. A six-stage traditional rally will be held on the first day, and a special stadium event will take place on the second.

THE EASY PATH TO M SUPREMACY
As if the BMW Z4 M Coupe weren't fast enough, BMW Motorsport has developed a racing kit for the hot two-door. The 3.2-liter six gets juiced to 400 hp, and other upgrades include a sequential manual gearbox as well as race-spec brakes and suspension. Cost for the transformation: about $300,000.

IT WAS THE K-CAR THAT REALLY CEMENTED IT
At their second annual Autorox auto awards show, the rad lads at Spike TV presented their Icon Award to former Chrysler chairman and CEO Lee Iacocca. The father of the Ford Mustang and Mustang II, the Chrysler minivan, and the K-car, Iacocca follows last year's honoree, Carroll Shelby.