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SEMA: Ford heads outdoors again
Ford to host massive interactive display at SEMA, just weeks after its test-drive success at AIMSFord will stage a huge 10,300 square-metre interactive exhibit at the SEMA aftermarket automotive show in Las Vegas, less than two weeks after the outstanding success of its similar – but much smaller – Smart Drive program at the Sydney Motor Show.
More than 6000 show-goers test drove a Focus, Kuga or Ranger at last week’s Australian International Motor Show (more than double the number Ford expected) at a specially built 4600 square-metre test track outside the Darling Harbour Convention Centre – almost 10 times the size of its three-car, 484 square-metre indoor display.
Ford Australia said the Focus’ Active Park Assist self-parking system proved the most popular among punters, with thousands of others also sampling Ford’s Active City Stop automated emergency braking system and the Kuga’s foot-operated automatic tailgate.
The Ranger Wildtrak’s hill descent control system was also put to the test by hundreds of potential customers, up to seven of whom took to the outdoor track marked out by shipping containers at any one time.
“This year’s Smart Drive has surpassed all our expectations and we are incredibly happy with the result for both show-goers and Ford fans,” said Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano.
While Ford Australia was so pleased with its inaugural Smart Drive event in Sydney that it is now planning a follow-up at the Melbourne motor show next August, it pales into insignificance beside the 10,300 square-metre ‘Ford out Front’ display the Blue Oval will host at SEMA, where more than 70 one-off Fords will also be on display.
Surrounded by more than 400 tyres to keep proceedings under control, ‘Ford out Front” will see Octane Academy drivers Ken Block, Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr wow crowds over four days by drifting a range of Ford models from the Fiesta to the F-150 SVT Raptor, with Ford Racing High Performance Driving School rides also offered daily.
It will be the third time Ford has staged its ride-and-drive demonstration course at SEMA, where the number two US car-maker will also stage a unique ‘Dream Garage’ display on its 2370 square-metre indoor exhibit.
Designed to showcase the creative possibilities offered by Ford through a new website – www.MyFordGarage.com – the 70 square-metre Dream Garage aims to help enthusiasts make dream garages for their Ford vehicles a reality.
Through the new website, enthusiasts can browse customised garage goods branded with Ford names including Ford Racing, Vintage Ford, Built Ford Tough, Mustang, Mustang Boss 302 or F-150 SVT Raptor. Hundreds of related branded garage items are also available, including bar stools, tables, flooring, neon signs and wall graphics (see picture).
In partnership with Iconic Brand Collection, Ford of America offers full design and installation services for MyFordGarage.com customers in most major North American markets, with authorised installers available for free in-house consultation, making the creation of the ultimate man cave easier than ever.
Ford will also stage an ‘EcoBoost Gallery’ to highlight its latest range of small-displacement direct-injection turbocharged petrol engines. Hosted by Ford engineers, it will be headlined by the one-off Formula Ford single-seat racer that recently set one of the fastest laps ever at Germany’s famous Nordschleife road circuit.
Also at Ford’s SEMA stand will be Hot Rod Heaven, dedicated to some of the wildest and most famous Ford hot rods including a 1931 Roadster pick-up, a classic 1940 Ford Coupe and three from legendary So-Cal Speed Shop.
Ford will also stage a special Carroll Shelby Tribute in the North Hall at SEMA, including a 10-car display comprising a Shelby GT500 Super Snake, a classic Shelby GT350 and the 1000hp Shelby 1000.
As if all that’s not enough, a procession of celebrities will also grace Ford’s SEMA stand to sign autographs, including Ford’s Octane Academy drivers, the John Force NHRA team, Parnelli Jones, the So-Cal Speed Shop team and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.
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Written byMarton Pettendy
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