Ford has unveiled at the Cleveland International Motor show two limited edition Fender guitar models as part of a partnership between the Ford Motor Company and Fender guitars. One of the models is a limited edition run of only 200 examples and features sexy looking Shelby GT decals and a jet black finish. Build number one will also be signed by the man himself, Carroll Shelby and will be donated to the GuitarMania fundraiser.
Covers have been kept on a dollar sign amount, and also there is a cloud of secrecy behind exactly what the second model is. If it’s anything like the first one, I just might have to take up guitar lessons.
Garrett pride themselves as being one of the biggest turbocharger suppliers in the world with a solid reputation built on decades of business.
Building on that reputation, Garrett is now offing the option to exchange a failed or used CHRA (Centre Housing Rotating Assemblies) for credit on a new CHRA at an affordable price.
Check their website at www.TurboByGarrett.com and check if your turbocharger is listed under their program for replacements and remember, the CHRA’s you send back to Garrett will be checked by signs of misuse and abuse!
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This limited run Mustang ticks the two vital boxes to make one hell of a mean and sexy car, it’s black and it’s got two doors. What makes this Mustang so special is that it’s the Jack Roush BlackJack Stage 3 designed by the man himself.
So what separates this particular limited edition run Mustang to the normal, everyday run-of-the-mill Mustang GT? For starters you get what’s called a ROUSHcharger which is essentially a supercharger with a fancy name. Featuring a smaller pulley to overdrive the blower, the 4.6-litre V8 is said to produce around the 430 horsepower mark. On the outside the Mustang features seven-piece bodykit that dons a high-gloss black with matte black central racing stripe. The Stage 3 gets its name from the stage 3 suspension package installed in the ‘Stang that rips out the stock Ford equipment and replaces it stiffer and lower gear.
Don’t ask about the price because there simply hasn’t one been announced, but we think it’s going to be a case of ‘if you have to ask, then you can’t afford’.
The Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup’s TeamVodafone Falcons performed seamlessly for the 160 lap test session yesterday, with the team’s main focus being on tyre balance fine tuning. The testing day saw that all tyres fitted to the car had seen at least 150km of previous driving and with 29 specific tests to complete on the day, the Falcons were put through their paces in order to get them perfect for the drop of the green flag next month.
Other than tyre focus, the team also tried the new control brakes, fuel and BF aerodynamics package with the car as well as minimizing the impact Adelaide’s harsh kerbs have on the cars suspension geometry.
Lowndes have very encouraged by the way the car and crew performed on the day, stating “It was a certainly a great test day and the car ran very strong.”
The BF Falcon is basically identical in engineering respects as last years models, so the Falcon teams have very little to worry about in terms of setting up the car’s for optimum performance.
While this is not strictly Blue Oval related news, it’s not everyday that somebody attempts to pilot a Ferrari F1 car through the streets of Sydney. Interested? Read on…
Oil giant Shell is pouring big bucks into a new television ad campaign that would see an Ferrari F1 car racing through the streets of London, New York and downtown Sydney.
The film crew was reportedly about to give the ‘action’ command when the government stepped in and denied the film crew a permit to continue. The permit, however, could be purchased at a price. The irate producer then packed up set and left in search for a friendlier city. D’oh!
Yella Terra have designed and developed a mega stealth kick in the pants for the 5.4-litre quad cam XR8, GT and GT-P model V8 Falcons. Structured around a 2.3-litre Twin Screw Whipple Charger, the package is said to deliver loads of low down torque while fully complying with ISO 9001 standards and all ADR requirements, so you have the 100% confidence that the entire setup is well engineered to work with all the emission controls.
For those who want to push the performance boundary even further the kit can easily be intercooled to keep those intake temperatures down and those power curves right up.
The BOSS supercharger kit is a compleate turn key setup, offering quick and easy installation and the inclusion of a Flash Tune Box pre-programmed with the base EPA approved tune.
Visit Yella Terra’s newly overhauled website for more information.
Winton Motor Raceway has just successfully purchased Wakefield Park Raceway, a 2.2km racing facility located in Goulburn, NSW.
Created in 1994 by Paul Samuels and John Carter, Wakefield Park is one of very few privately owned racing facilities left in Australia.
The partnership will unite the operations of both tracks which have many similarities on the infrastructure of how they are both operated.
Chief Executive Officer for Winton Motor Raceway, Mick Ronke, has stated that he is very pleased with the new venture.
“Wakefield Park is similar to Winton in that they are among Australia’s busiest race circuits and we are more than pleased to have been the successful purchaser.
“We are experiencing a growth period at Winton Motor Raceway mainly thanks to circuit users being able to make a choice between the Australian Autosport Alliance and other recognised alternative sanctioning bodies and we look forward to bringing Wakefield Park similar opportunities for further growth which will be very exciting indeed.”
One of the future upgrades to the Wakefield Park facilities planned will include a full resurfacing of the 2.2km long track.
There is good reason behind the Brett Stephens’ nickname ‘The Boss’ as Brett stunned the crowd at the WSID Summernationals over the weekend by making four Group 1 finals appearances.
Stevens starting off by taking out the Top Doorslammer category in his mega-horsepower Jack Daniels Racing Falcon, achieving a personal best ET of an amazing 6.01 seconds. He also walked away with the Top Alcohol runner up trophy driving his Kitten Car Funny car in his second final for the night.
Team Mate Dion Prowse took out a win aboard his S&S powered Pro Stock Buell in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category, keeping his perfect record intact. Other team rider, Troy McLean, managed a second position riding aboard his Jack Daniels Racing Nitro Harley in Top Bike.
“This is truly an amazing feat for the teams to be represented in four professional Finals at the Summernationals with a result of 2 wins and 2 runner ups. The crew has put in a fantastic effort to make this happen and I would like to congratulate them on a job well done, it would not have been possible without them,” Stephens said.
“It is also great to finally have the Falcon Top Doorslammers running the numbers that we have been trying to get out of them for the last 6 months, the new ideas we have put in place are finally paying off.”
What had Ford fans in a frenzy the last few days has now been resolved. The 2007 V8 Supercar series came very close to starting off without two of the biggest teams in the sport, the Holden Racing Team and the Toll-HSV Dealer Team after the two teams had failed to meet TEGA’s requests.
The two teams both had their racing licenses threatened after an ongoing dispute with TEGA over revealing ownership and team control details, only after last-minute discussions that the team owners and the V8 Supercar’s governing body had avoided any suspension action.
The decision by both teams not comply with TEGA’s demands were thought to be fueled by the involvement of the Walkinshaw motorsport empire in both sheds.
All this comes after Walkinshaw had made the decision to switch drivers between HRT and the Toll-HSV Dealer Team during the two endurance classics, Sandown and Bathurst, a decision that angered both TEGA and most of the competing V8 Supercar teams.
The repercussions of TEGA’s new found information regarding Walkinshaw’s involvement on both operations had led TEGA to now classify both outfits as a single racing team, dramatically cutting on-track testing time.
The Ford Performance Vehicle open day is on this Sunday the 25th of February and Drag Tag will be holding a supporting event at their facility in Campbellfield on Saturday the 24th giving FPV fans the chance to indulge in some racing and burnout action.
If anyone is a fan of the Grunt Files DVD’s then better get you car geared up for this Friday as the Grunt Files film crew will be there armed with cameras filming for their there next DVD in the Grunt Files chapter. Whether you want to race or just shred some rubber, the crew will be filming it all so bring your car and bring your mates for the chance to get yourself on video!
Click HERE to visit their website for more details.
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Anesta Iwata and House of Kolor are bringing two international airbrushing legends to Australia. Craig Fraser and Steve Vandemon will be landing on Australian shores in May for a once off, three day intensive hands on workshop experience.
The three day course will involve hands on sessions with Fraser and Vandemon in metal effects painting, airbrush art, special effects, tribal graphics and artistic pinstriping.
House of Kolour’s Owen Webb will also be these conducting hands on classes in custom paint preparation, kandy colour how-to’s and special effect overlays.
Panels that you have customized on the day are yours to be able to take way for your own display. The workshop starts on the 4th of May and runs until the 6th. To register your interest and get an information pack, view www.anest-iwata.com.au or call 1300 277 729.
If bigger is better then this guy is off the charts. We are talking about a 1970 model Mustang with 1100 cubic inch all-alloy DOHC WWII Tank engine. No, we aren’t in April, this thing is the real deal. Featuring a bore x stroke of 5.4 x 6.0, I’m quite positive that this thing would give the EPA the biggest fright of their lives.
This is straight from the creator himself:
"Just thought I'd share some before and after pictures of my Ford GAA tank engine. All aluminum 1100 cubic inch V8 used in WWII Sherman Tanks. These were gas burners rated at 500 HP and 1050 Ft. Lbs. of torque for military service, but are capable of much much more using mostly stock parts. They feature a 60 degree vee, 5.4 bore x 6.0 stroke, 180 degree factory billet cranks, pent roof combustion chambers, shaft driven DOHC's, 4 valves per cylinder, and dual mags. They are pretty high tech. engines, especially considering they were built in the early 40's. I've been working on getting one of mine going for the last couple of years, and should be cranking it within a week or so. It's setting in my 70 Mustang right now which I plan on taking on short cruises when finished, 24 gallons of alcohol wont go very far. It is bolted to a heavily modified Powerglide right now. Wilcap ( Pat McGuire ) built the adapter and flexplate for me."
This bloke gets tops marks for originality that’s for sure. If only we had Americas lenient vehicle scrutinizing system, one of those things would go a treat in a Capri!
Just after I scared you with the idea of the Taurus making a come back now comes this beast. You are looking at the new Euro-spec Ford Mondeo. Featuring Ford’s “kinetic design”, it’s not a bad looker at all and is expected to hit Euro streets around June.
Four different models are to be offered, starting with the base Edge model moving right up to the Titanium X model, which is one model above the well known Ghia nameplate.
Ford are quite confident that this model is a winner, boasting features such as remote entry and start system, 3dB quieter noise levels than previous model, 2.5-litre 5 cylinder Duratec power plant good for 220 horsepower as well as a six-speed manual transmission.
The range-topping 220 horsepower model is an interesting concept, one which I’m wondering if FPV would like to get their hands on.
Ford Performance Vehicles have just completed their most successful year in their history of operation, and to celebrate the triumph FPV are planning to host the biggest Annual Open Day ever seen in their 10 year operation.
The FPV Open Day is set to follow the same trend as previous years, being conveyed as a family friendly atmosphere where over 10,000 Blue Oval fans are expected to converse on the company’s site in Campbellfield, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
FPV will also throw open the doors to its vehicle manufacturing plants as well as offing a full tour of their state-of-the-art racing workshop and massive B-double race transporter.
Entry is only a gold coin donation in which all proceeds will be going to the Guide Dogs in Victoria.
The 10th annual FPV Open Day runs from 9am to 3pm on Sunday, February 25 at FPV’s headquarters at 33 Glenbarry Rd, Campbellfield. For more information, phone FPV Reception on 03 9300 7100.
Speed FX Racing’s driver development team, Ford Rising Stars Racing, has today announced that Grant Denyer will be joining their Fujitsu V8 Supercar outfit for the 2007 season.
Denyer will be driving along side Michael Caruso in which both drivers have recorded top ten finishes in last season’s 2006 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Championships.
Due to television commitments, Grant will be unable to compete in the first round of the season, the Clipsal 500. Taking his place behind the wheel will be the winner of the 2005 Formula Ford Championship, Daniel Elliot. It will be the first time the 21-year old will get behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar, with him describing the event as “a shock, but a great surprise”
The Ford Rising Stars Racing Livery will be unveiled at their official team launch being held at Cronulla Beach on Tuesday the 20th of February.
Yesterday we told you about the mint XA Superbird and XB GT being sold at a Shannons Classic Car Auction, well today we now know what sold and for how much.
Surprisingly, the’73 Falcon Superbird which was expected to fetch between the region of $28k and $26k failed to sell, and the ’72 Falcon GT painted in the awesome Yellow Blaze found a new home for the very reasonable sum of $35,000.
Also on the lot but failing to sell was a beautifully presented K-code LHD Mustang GT Coupe, which was hoping to fetch between the $46k and $54k price range.
WSID have recently announced that the NRMA Motoring + Services have extended its involvement with the world-class championship drag racing venue by presenting the fourth Summernationals.
The NRMA Motoring + Services are already proving to be a vital sponsor at WSID, supporting the hugely successful Wicked Wednesday off-street drag meetings.
“It’s great to see NRMA Motoring + Services further its association with WSID through presenting the 2007 Summernationals. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for assisting us in this way,” said WSID CEO Jim Read.
The current entry list for the weekend includes nine Top Fuelers, which is one of the largest Top Fuel fields seen in Australia for many years.
“You know you’re in for a treat when you see large fields in Top Fuel. All over the world in the sport of drag racing, these cars have gained the title of ‘Kings of the Sport’. Having said that, I’m sure the field is going to live up to that title,” explained Jim Read.
This Wednesday is the last day for ticket purchases through the office. Tickets can still be purchased on the day via the front gate.
Shannons have always got a drool inducing line-up of collectable Aussie muscle cars at their classic car auctions, with today being no exception. Those wanting to pick up a fine example of classic Ford muscle better hurry on over because two pristine offerings are just about to go under the hammer.
First up we have the Lime Glaze 1973 Ford XA Superbird Coupe. Powered by a 302-cid V8, only 700 or so of these Superbirds were ever created, making it very sort after amongst the Ford collectors. This particular model features the Automatic transmission with current NSW registration. This awesome machine is expected to fetch between $28,000 and $36,000.
Next under the hammer is genuine Yellow Blaze 1973 XB GT. Having just 137,000 miles under its belt, this immaculate example features the rare 4V big port heads on the American made engine (one of 211 XB GTs equipped). Expected fetching price for this piece of Aussie muscle is between the $34,000 and $40,000 bracket.
07/02/07 Ford launch new commercial vehicle to replace Courier |
The Courier has been in Australian service for quite some time now, and it has proven to be quite a reliable and robust vehicle which has won the hearts of tradesman around the country. Now comes time to bid the trusty Courier nameplate farewell and welcome with open arms Ford’s new light commercial vehicle, designed specifically to fill the resigned Couriers shoes.
Meet the Ranger. Ford President, Tom Gorman describes the Ranger as a “no compromise, powerful vehicle offering the style, comfort and refinement of a passenger car.
"The new Ranger is more powerful compared with Courier, offers improved functionality, significantly increased three-tonne towing ability (when using a 3.0-litre manual transmission model fitted with a genuine Ford towpack and load leveling kit), and maintains a one-tonne plus payload across the range.
“Ford engineers have built on the company’s vast experience in trucks to deliver the ultimate one-tonne vehicle with the performance and power to get the job done.”
Ford has released some impressive figures relating to performance gains over previous models, stating that the new Duratorq 2.5-litre produces 22% more torque over the Courier 2.5-litre at 200 fewer RPM while fuel economy has actually improved by over 14%. The 3.0-litre version is equally impressive, pumping out as stump destroying 380Nm of torque at just 1800rpm.
The Ranger will go onto the market wearing a base model $20,999 price tag, with a few option boxed ticks in the higher spec XLT model, expect that price to blow out to just off $50k.
The six-speed autobox in the Falcon range is a trick bit of gear, silencing journalist’s criticism of past four and five speed units by offing a greater level of refinement and sophistication. With many vehicle manufactures now offing a seven-speed gearbox in their line up, and Lexus raising that bar even higher with the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission, it begs the question. How many gears is enough?
BMW are chasing down Lexus and have just announced plans for a ZF manufactured eight-speed automatic transmission, which if other auto manufactures follow the same garden path, could filter back down under and find their way into out humble Commodores and Falcons. It has been unclear on Ford ’s intensions on whether or not they will research the implementation of CVT style automatic transmissions or whether to stick to traditional geared units. Automotive blogs around the world have criticized Lexus’s and BMW’s movement into the eight-speed automatic market, responding by saying more to be done about using CVT gearboxes or further refine current six-speed boxes.
A BF Falcon with ‘infinite speed’ CVT automatic gearbox would make for a very interesting drive and also be a first for an Australian vehicle. Ford, are you listening?
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Let’s face it; the Taurus was certainly not Australia’s favorite car. Front-wheel driven, rounded front that looked the same as the back, lack-luster performance and bland interior. When the Taurus was killed from Ford’s line up, nobody seemed to care that it was gone let alone asked questions as to why it had disappeared.
The Taurus is set to make a come back in the US, and whether or not it will hit our shores, if left to be seen. This all comes as the bright sparks at Ford HQ suggested that the failing Ford Five Hundred model be given a facelift and then re-named the Taurus. Ford is hoping by using the famous Taurus nameplate, they can turn the Five Hundred sales around to reflect what a decent car it is. How many people reading this would by a FWD Australian Taurus? That’s what I thought.
EBay is one of those sites that contain that much junk, it’s hard and time consuming to sift through all the rubbish to get to the juicy stuff. It was while I was sifting through the aforementioned junk I just so happened to find something with so much juice it puts the local Boost Juice bar to absolute shame. All this juice comes courtesy of a 1971 XY GT, 530 Miles, Restored in 2003, genuine all matching numbers.
Judging from the eBay photos, this car is absolutely immaculate. Surgically clean undercarriage, engine bay and interior. So far there is only the single bid on this rare beast with the reserve not yet met. Don’t fret, you still have two days to convince the bank, and the missus for that matter, that you really really need $200,000+ simply because you said so.
Well, ok, so it’s not 100% original, but the entire running gear was replaced with full GT spec gear such as 351 V8, 4 speed gearbox and 9” diff. Truly one for the enthusiast, the elder style Falcon coupe would have to be one of the sleekest shapes in Australian Motoring history, up there with the likes of the Monaro classic bodylines.
For a price of only $21,900 + 5% buyer’s premium it could be yours, and who wouldn’t like to own an old ‘75 John Gossy Special.
The Mitsubishi 380 had promised a lot when it was introduced into the Australian car market, and for some, those promises were fulfilled. However, others were left wanting more. These people are the same ones who then went out and purchaced XR Falcon or a SS Commodore, they need that extra oomph when the right foot hit the floorboards.
So why then are you reading about Mitsubishi’s performance deficiency on a Ford forum? It’s quit simple, if the green light get’s given from Adelaide’s Mitsubishi plant then there might be a few 380’s that could give the old Falcon’s a run for the money. You can blame this new found power, 230kW to be exact, on the addition of a Sprintex supercharger ramming air in the 3.8-litre Mitsubishi V6. Of course this performance orientated variation, known as the TMR 380, will also feature some further mechanical upgrades to carve the Ralliart inspired 380 into a formidable weapon.
It’s not an official project yet, but due to the constant refinement of the off-the-shelf parts the TMR 380 will use, it can expected to be ready by the third of fourth quarter of this year.
US Ford CEO Alan Mulally is planning to spend a couple of days selling cars at a dealership sometime during the year. Mulally made the announcement behind closed doors at the annual NADA conference, shocking attendees on his plans to play the car yard salesman.
Mulally was asked what he thought about the idea, and responded with “It was cool.”
It will be interesting to see how this pans out, whether or not it plays into Fords hands by inciting some public interest in the publicity stunt or just turn into another washed out media frenzy. Time will tell.
The closing date for all entries for Round 1 of the Toyo Drift Australia and Super Drift series has been extended to until this Friday the 9th of February. All payments must be received by this date otherwise you could miss out on Round 1 which will be taking place on February the 24th to the 25th at Barbagallo Raceway.
Regulations and Entry Forms are available from the Regulations page of the Drift Australia website or by contacting the Drift Australia office on 02 97508857
Last year we showed you the television ad for the new Mustang that showed some pretty full on driving through the streets of America, something that due to our advertising laws, we can’t do. For some reason the Australian advertising standards forbids any advertisement depicting a performance car being driven as such, a few of our own car manufactures have seen television ads removed because of breaching these laws.
Lucky ads like these are permitted in the United States, because thanks to YouTube, we still get a taste.
He was an ad Ford used during the Super Bowl XXXVIII for the Ford GT, titled ‘The One’. It’s got everything a good car ad needs, starting burnout, drifting shots, awesome engine noise, and of course, it’s all about a Ford.
For those who are after a lightweight and compact blow-off valve that doesn’t lack in flow performance characteristics, then look no further than the new Turbosmart ‘Race Port’ blow-off valve. Manufactured from aerospace-grade billet aluminum, this BOV features a Silicone Nomex diaphragm with a Viton piston seal to offer superior durability as well as top-notch performance. The Turbosmart Race Port BOV is the highest flowing 50mm blow-off valve on the market today thanks to its oversized bore and higher valve lift, allowing up to 100% more air than its closest competitor.
Coming standard with an aluminum weld flange, customers have the option of upgrading to stainless steel welded flanges as well as choice on the internal springs to suit either turbo or supercharged setups. RRP is $499.00 including GST
For more information contact Turbosmart on 1300 33 55 06 or www.turbosmart.com.au
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Even though the man we all know as ‘Brocky’ has left the land of the living, his efforts and accolades are still helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves thanks to the ongoing support of the Peter Brock foundation. Even though Brock did 90% of his time behind the wheel in a Holden, he still worked with Ford and even created the Brock Falcon. Brand allegiance aside, it’s hard to ignore what Brock did for Australian motorsport and how much of his life he dedicated to helping others
Mark the 15th of April down on the calendar as Brocky’s Big Day Out, a massive show and shine taking place at the Hurstbridge Pony Club in Hurstbridge. There will be a vast array of machinery on display with some pristine examples of the monsters that rolled out of the HDT plant. Admission is $15 for a family pass, $10 for adults, $5 for concession holders ands kids under 15 get in free.
For all car enquiries, contact Peter Denman on 0413 015 990, for all other enquiries phone 03 9718 2469.
Ipswitch could be getting a multi-million dollar motorsport precinct thanks to a $650 million investment by a un-named West Australian company.
Mayor Paul Pisasale briefly gave mention that he has held talks with proponents of the scheme, stating that they were targeting an area adjoining Ipswitch boundaries for the proposal. Queensland Raceway’s General Manager has described the event as “one of the biggest announcements in motorsport racing”.
Keep watching this space!
There is simply nothing better than going for a spin in your pride and joy, enjoying the wind rush through the window as you peer through the front windscreen watching the world go by. Cruises are a great way to get to know other Ford enthusiasts in your area, so why not organise a cruise in our online forum?
JACKO_EF2 is getting into the spirit, organising a drive-in night that can be found HERE. Don’t forget to regularly check our cruise section as you never know when there could be one organised for your area.
Last years Bathurst 1000 will go down in history as one of the most emotional races in Australian Supercar history, for the first time since the reign of Brock the Mountain had lost its king. Then tragedy struck in the race itself when the two cars driven by David Clark and Mark Porter came together at high speed, totaling both vehicles. Mark Porter was killed in the accident while David Clark is still recovering from the serious injuries he had sustained.
Optima Sport has been unable to find new sponsorship with team owner Dave MacDougall labeling it as a disappointing decision to sell the assets despite a strong season last year.
Picture courtesy of Dirk Klynsmith.
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The Supercheap Auto Powercruise #9 at the Darwin Hidden Valley Raceway has been officially given the go ahead with dates locked in for the 7th and 8th of April, 2007. Also excellent news for all you NT revheads out there, Gup has also secured the Darwin facility for the Powercruise event for the next 6 years!
This year’s event will see camping at the track, awesome after dark entertainment as well as the World Record attempt for the longest powerskid.
NSW residents don’t feel left out because Powercruise #8 is just around the corner featuring the mad guys at Crossroads racing giving their mega horsepower machines hell!
01/02/07 Brisbane International Motor show kicks off Tomorrow |
Motor shows are great, it’s a chance where the family can get together a get a taste from just about every offering you can imagine, from a Lamborghini Gallardo to a Kia Rio. Those people who live in Brisbane will have the chance to sample some of automotives finest from tomorrow to the 11th of February at the Brisbane International Motor Show. This years show looks to be a beauty with highlights such as the Gallardo Spyder, Hummer H3, Corvette Z06, Murcielago LP640 and a Jaguar XKR.
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