The first new manufacture to the V8 Supercar championship will unveil its Car of the Future (COTF) on Tuesday 30 October in Melbourne. The highly-anticipated release of the Altima COTF by Nissan will also be streamed live online via YouTube, giving fans in Australia and across the globe the chance to see the first glimpse of the spectacular race car. The unveiling of the Nissan Altima will be a historic moment for the sport of V8 Supercars, which has been the domain of purely Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores for the past two decades. Nissan Motorsport will campaign four Altimas in the V8 Supercars Championship starting in 2013 and will be powered by the quad-cam, 32-valve, production-based Nissan VK56DE engine that was unveiled in September of this year. Nissan will undertake two exciting and innovative online broadcasts to ensure that fans can be a part of this momentous occasion and share in Nissan Motorsport’s journey to the grid. A live feed of the Altima V8 Supercar unveil will be streamed via the Nissan Australia YouTube channel, YouTube.com/NissanAustralia, beginning at 10:30am AEDST on Tuesday 30 October 2012. Following the morning unveil, Nissan will then host a Google + Hangout On Air with driver and team Racing Director Todd Kelly, as well as the Altima V8 Supercar, from the team’s headquarters in Braeside, Melbourne at 5:00pm AEDST that evening. This online video conference will see Kelly provide an in-depth explanation of the Altima race car and offer fans the chance to ask questions about Nissan’s all-new, ground-breaking V8 Supercar. For a video promoting the unveiling of the Nissan Altima and the two live streamed events visit http://youtu.be/KFTuLELr1qo.  

The all-new Ford Kuga is coming to Oz next year and will be given a choice of two engines. The 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine will be the first SUV to be fitted and sold in Australia with a 1-litre and the TDCi turbo diesel. Apart from fuel efficient engines, the newest compact SUV to join the Ford family will combines remarkable design with smart technologies. Ford’s voice activated in-car SYNC connectivity system and Active Park Assist will also be available. In the Ford Kuga, both the EcoBoost and TDCi engines will be available with six-speed automatic transmissions. Although no manual is available in the Kuga, a more hands on experience can be had with the simple slick of a switch on the shifter. Ford Australia continues to expand its EcoBoost engine option, which is already available in the Focus ST, Mondeo Zetec and Titanium and the Falcon XT, G6 and G6E. Using the latest powertrain technologies such as EcoBoost and twin independent camshaft variable timing (Ti-VCT), Ford has given its newest SUV a range of engines that are capable of high power and high torque while consuming less fuel. The global EcoBoost technology also features turbocharging and direct injection so that the EcoBoost engines can rival the power and performance of a larger engine – but at a fraction of the fuel consumption. These engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and exceptional performance for millions of drivers around the world. Ford holds more than 125 patents on this engine technology. From the initial design, new Ford Kuga was engineered to be as visually appealing up close as it is from a distance with spaces between panels no wider than 0.5mm. The craftsmanship inside emphasises feel and touch through use of a soft instrument panel and soft door upper roll. Particular attention was paid to deleting exposed fasteners on moving parts like the tailgate, sun visors and glovebox. Other than the more aerodynamic design, the Ford Kuga’s Active Grille Shutter system further enhances fuel economy by reducing wind resistance. Active Grille Shutters are also employed on the Focus MkII range. Grille slats stay open when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. When the Ford Kuga arrives next year it will also come in at a competitive price point in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. “The Ford Kuga will present a strong value-for-money equation for customers,” said Ford Australia president and CEO, Bob Graziano. “We want to make the new Ford Kuga accessible to all customers.” Among the customer-focused features being shown for the first time in Australia on the Ford Kuga is “open sesame” – a hands-free automatic tailgate, allowing customers to open or close the rear tailgate by simply sweeping a foot under the rear bumper. Using the same motion technology found in today’s video game systems, a gentle kicking motion under the centre of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the tailgate when the driver has the Ford Kuga key fob. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig out keys. The same process closes the hatch. Ford Kuga will also introduce a “smart” AWD system that pre-emptively reassesses road conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction. The Ford Kuga aligns with the One Ford strategy as a global vehicle, on sale worldwide, including North America, where it is badged the Escape and Europe, where it is called Ford Kuga. The Ford Kuga is one of 10 cars to be built on the same C-segment platform as the LW Focus.

Ford Australia will be taking a hands on approach to this week’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The 4600 sq m “Smart Drive” experience is aimed at engaging show goers with first-hand exposure to Ford’s line-up. It will also provide them with the opportunity to check out the features of Ford’s key show vehicles. “The Ford stand is dynamic and the ‘Smart Drive’ experience is a key part of our strategy to showcase our Smart technologies and stimulate participation in a really exciting drive experience at the show,” Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano said. “Our show stands are known for their customer involvement, creativity and energy and this year we wanted to take it to the next level,” he said. “The Darling Harbour precinct is a perfect location for our ‘Smart Drive’ experience. It’s only 10 metres from the main Darling Harbour entrance and will be a must-see experience for all visitors to the show.” “Smart Drive” links directly with Ford Australia’s indoors showroom exhibit, which showcases the future direction of Ford’s vehicles and technology. As part of “Smart Drive”, Ford Australia has an undercover static display of 14 vehicles from its range – including Fiesta, Focus, Focus ST, Mondeo EcoBoost, Falcon G6E and XR6 ute – right through to the Ranger pickup. FPV’s GT RSPEC and Pursuit Ute will also be on display along with the Ford Performance Racing’s 2013 Car of the Future. Show goers will also be able to participate in a 10-minute “smart drive” of the new Focus Titanium, all-new Ford Kuga and Ranger Wildtrak around a specially constructed course that will highlight key technologies and capabilities of the vehicles. Some of those technologies in the new Focus Titanium include Active City Stop, Active Park Assist and SYNC connectivity. Ford personnel will also demonstrate the new “open sesame” automatic tailgate in the Ford Kuga and there will be a “dyno” display showcasing the EcoBoost engine in the Falcon. To demonstrate the Ranger’s off-road prowess, showgoers will be able to experience the tough truck’s Hill Descent / Ascent Control as it climbs over a specially created track. The ‘Smart Drive’ display has been created using large shipping containers painted in Ford Blue Oval livery, which have been strategically placed to provide a partial off-road course for the Ranger, as well as dedicated areas to demonstrate the Focus Titanium’s Active Park Assist technology. Up to seven vehicles will circulate around the specially built track during the 10 days of the show. Five other vehicles – including Ford Performance Racing’s V8 Supercar, will be stacked on the shipping containers to create a standout presence at the show. The Ford stand at the last Sydney motor show won the converted Australian Event of the Year award in 2010, with independent research by the show organisers placing the Ford experience as the stand that had the most impact. “The combination of Ford’s showroom of the future and the massive hands-on ‘Smart Drive’ experience demonstrate how Ford is Going Further to deliver a really memorable experience for all show visitors,” Graziano said.

A front running performance at the Talladega Super Speedway ended with a nil result for Australian Marcos Ambrose, with the DEWALT Ford Fusion driver the unfortunate victim of a last lap multi-car accident. After leading during the middle portion of the race, Ambrose spent much of the day positioned within the top-ten. However, a typically wild finished saw much of the field come to grief through turns three and four on the final lap, with Ambrose emerging uninjured from the melee after looking set for a top-five result. “We were there at the end,” Ambrose said. “We had a strong day. We decided we were going to run aggressive all day and try to stay up at the front, and we did that. “We had ourselves in position to get a top-five and just got tagged there at the end. “I thought I missed the wreck, but looking back at these kind of races at least I didn’t cause it. “It is what it is… We’ll just go on to the next one and forget about this.” Starting from 20th position, Ambrose held station until skilfully missing a lap 17 accident which included Carl Edwards and Cole Witt. From the restart, Ambrose moved into 11th position by lap 43 of 188, before making a four tyre pit stop on lap 59. Following the service, Ambrose found himself in fourth position, before drifting back to 10th place at the race’s halfway mark. With the fastest car on the track, Ambrose edged back into sixth position on lap 92, before a caution for the crashed car of Kurt Busch slowed the field on lap 99. Subsequent to a round of pit stops, Ambrose led the field back to the green flag. After leading a pair of laps, Ambrose circulated strongly in the top-ten. A debris caution saw the field hit pit lane, with the DEWALT Ford returning for a top-up of fuel before the green flag waved again. Within 20 laps of the finish, Ambrose ran as high as third position, but when Jamie McMurray spun with five laps to go, the call was made to add fuel for a final time. With a green-white-chequered flag finish set up, Ambrose started the last lap near the front of the four-wide pack. Unfortunately the dreaded “big one” accident came in turns three and four, with Tony Stewart tumbling down the track. NASCAR classified Ambrose in 27th position, but the Australian retains 17th in the point standings. Matt Kenseth was credited with the race victory, with only three of the 43 cars able to drive cleanly over the finish line. Talladega 500 Results 1. Matt Kenseth (Ford) 2. Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet) 3. Kyle Busch (Toyota) 4. David Ragan (Ford) 5. Greg Biffle (Ford) 6. Regan Smith (Chevrolet) 7. Brad Keselowski (Dodge) 8. Travis Kvapil (Toyota) 9. Ryan Newman (Chevrolet) 10. Jeff Burton (Chevrolet) 27. Marcos Ambrose (Ford) NASCAR Sprint Cup Standings (after 30 of 36 races) 1. Brad Keselowski (Dodge)- 2179 points 2. Jimmie Johnson (Chevrolet)- 2165 3. Denny Hamlin (Toyota)- 2159 4. Kasey Kahne (Chevrolet)- 2142 5. Clint Bowyer (Toyota)- 2142 6. Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet)- 2137 7. Tony Stewart (Chevrolet)- 2136 8. Martin Truex Jr (Toyota)- 2132 9. Greg Biffle (Ford)- 2131 10. Kevin Harvick (Chevrelot)- 2127 17. Marcos Ambrose (Ford)- 818  

Pricing seems to be the new target for manufactures as they battle to be the best in the industry. Ford Australia has reduced the manufacturer’s list price (MLP) of the Focus range and added a manual transmission to the Ambiente sedan. The Focus Ambiente is now offered in both sedan and hatch body styles with manual transmission as standard and is currently available at the drive-away price of $19,990. Drive-away pricing is now also available on Sport manual at $27,490 and continues on Trend manual at $22,890. “With the increase of standard equipment in Focus MKII including the in-car connectivity technology of Ford SYNC, Focus was already great value,” General Marketing Manager, Ford Australia, David Katic said. “Now with a new reduced price and drive-away prices on select models, Focus is outstanding value and clearly a smart choice. “Since we introduced the Focus MKII, Ambiente sedan came with automatic transmission as standard. Now, with the option of a manual transmission and a revised MLP, Focus sedan is available to customers at a more competitive entry point. “Current drive-away pricing puts Ambiente sedan manual at $19,990 which is truly outstanding value,” Katic said. Ford SYNC provides hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity and is standard on Ambiente and across the entire Focus range. Some of the key SYNC features are USB and Bluetooth connectivity including Bluetooth music streaming, access contacts stored in a connected phone via simple voice commands, access music from a connected USB or iPod device via simple voice commands or steering wheel controls and view music and call information as well as phone battery and signal level on SYNC’s in-dash display. SYNC has enjoyed a huge uptake globally with more than four million Ford Motor Company vehicles running the system. The Focus Ambiente sedan and hatch offer excellent equipment levels and continue with the following standard features:

• Ford SYNC with USB and Bluetooth connectivity and 3.5” in-dash multifunction display
• Multifunction trip computer with Ford EcoMode
• Driver and passenger front and side thorax airbags as well as side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-ford Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Brake Assist, Torque Vectoring Control and Hill Launch Assist.
• 16”x6” steel wheels with 205/60 tyres
• Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine with 92kW and 159Nm returning 6.2 l/100km (manual transmission).

The Focus is a key element of the Ford product portfolio in Australia. New MLP prices took effect October 1, 2012.
2012 Ford LW MKII Focus revised pricing

Hatch	Engine	Transmission	Current MLP‡	New MLP‡	Change
Ambiente	1.6L Ti-VCT	5-spd manual	$21,990	$20,290	-$1,700
		6-spd PowerShift auto	$24,290	$22,590	-$1,700
Trend	2.0L GDi Ti-VCT	5-spd manual	$24,490	$22,290	-$2,200
		6-spd PowerShift auto	$26,790	$24,590	-$2,200
	2.0L TDCi	6-spd PowerShift auto	$30,500	$28,090	-$2,410
Sport	2.0L GDi Ti-VCT	5-spd manual	$27,890	$25,890	-$2,000
		6-spd PowerShift auto	$30,190	$28,190	-$2,000
	2.0L TDCi	6-spd PowerShift auto	$33,690	$31,690	-$2,000
Titanium	2.0L GDi Ti-VCT	6-spd PowerShift auto	$33,840	$32,990	-$850
	2.0L TDCi		$37,340	$36,490	-$850
Sedan	Engine	Transmission	Current MLP‡	New MLP‡	Change
Ambiente	1.6L Ti-VCT	5-spd manual	N/A	$20,290
		6-spd PowerShift auto	$24,290	$22,590	-$1,700
Trend	2.0L GDi Ti-VCT	6-spd PowerShift auto	$26,790	$24,590	-$2,200
	2.0L TDCi		$30,500	$28,090	-$2,410
Titanium	2.0L GDi Ti-VCT	6-spd PowerShift auto	$33,840	$32,990	-$850