Celica Power-Up
Responding to a customer's request that extra power be extracted from the engine in his 2001 model Toyota Celica VVTi, ATS (Australian Turbo Sales) in Tullamarine Melbourne, developed an inexpensive combination packing a powerful punch. 'Before' and 'after' testing revealed that the combination of ATS designed 2ΒΌ-inch mandrel bent 'rear half' exhaust, mandrel bent American Injen cold air induction system and a K&N filter mounted neatly away under the guard resulted in a strong 18% power increase from 114 kW to 134 kW at the front wheels.
ATS is offering the kit at a fitted price of $1100.
hiflo@bigpond.com
www.turbonetics.com.au
A More Comfortable Driver's Seat
Ford Tickford Racing (FTR) drivers Glenn Seton and Steven Richards are now more comfortable in the driver's seat thanks to the release of a new range of team emblazoned underwear. Designed and manufactured by Davenport, the new range of briefs and boxer shorts not only benefit Glenn and Steven; fans can also buy the FTR underwear at retail outlets across the country. Ford Tickford Racing will have over 5,000 merchandise items available in Canberra including $1.60 stickers, through to $250 jackets and $685 petrol powered radio controlled cars. The essential beanie range is available for $22 and comes in either navy or royal blue colour schemes. Find a full catalogue at www.fordtickfordracing.com
Quickies
- In the words of Executive Director of Daewoo Automotive Australia, Michel De Vriendt: "It is high time the public was made aware that Daewoo is a major contributor to Australian manufacturing. A significant and direct benefit to the local economy and employment comes with [the engine of] every Tacuma, Nubira or Leganza sold. Daewoo cars imply Australian jobs for Australian workers, a claim no other imported vehicle can boast to such a degree."
- The already lavishly well equipped Alfa Romeo 166 has received a further equipment boost in its new 2002 guise, with the range-topping Alfa gaining a GSM mobile phone integrated into the car dashboard, new suspension settings for a smoother ride and 17-inch alloy wheels boosting handling and roadholding.
- Thousands of school children are set to have their first view of how a car is made following the launch of Ford Australia's new educational program, "Ford Alive". The program will run tours of Ford's Broadmeadows and Geelong manufacturing operations and Ford Discovery Centre for primary and secondary students, giving them an insight into the workings of a leading automotive manufacturer and career opportunities that exist within the industry. Developed by Ford Australia with the help of the State Government's Office of Manufacturing, the program is expected to host 150 tours in its first year of operation, involving 7500 students. Importantly, tours of Ford's operations can be individually tailored to link in with each school's curriculum in such areas as the environment, business, science and technology. Tours begin this month and interested schools can contact the Ford Discovery Centre on phone 03 5227 8700 for further information.
- Holden's all-new VU Ute has been granted Australia's premier award for design excellence. The judges' decision to nominate the Holden Ute as the winner of the 2001 Australian Design Award for Industrial Design was unanimous.
- Ford Motor Company built more than 15 million Model Ts from 1908 to 1927. Now 74 years later, Ford is bringing the Model T back into production again but numbers are strictly limited. Just six of the 1914 Model Ts are being built at Ford's global headquarters in Detroit, and make no mistake about it, these are not reproductions. They are real Model Ts, identical to the originals, from the throttle to the engine crank. The project is part of plans for Ford's global centennial celebrations in 2003 and involved painstaking research on 700 parts comprising the Model T. Ford wanted to use as many original parts as possible and sourced around 450 of these through collectors. Other parts had to be totally rebuilt including major ones such as the engine block, engine head, front and rear axle, chassis and frame. Ford's Model T-100 Program team took 11 months to source all of the parts and to build the first car. Although the team didn't know it at the time, that's exactly how long it took Henry Ford to build the first Model T in 1908. The cars are not for sale but will be housed in museums following the 2003 commemoration.
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