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In a massive coup for the Gold Coast, the biggest annual event in Queensland will be entirely re-branded and transformed into a massive ‘Gold Coast SuperCarnivale’ weekend.

The Queensland Government and V8 Supercars Australia jointly announced that the Gold Coast fixture will be wholly re-invigorated in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the event this October.

The emphasis will be on extremely affordable ticketing and be all-inclusive of entertainment and live concerts. The world class V8 Supercars Australia events team headed up by Gold Coaster, Shane Howard, will take charge of the Gold Coast SuperCarnivale.

An additional focus will be on attracting interstate and international visitors back to the event.

“I would argue that no single event in Australian history has undergone the dramatic changes that are planned for this year’s SuperCarnivale on the Gold Coast,” V8 Supercars Australia Chairman Tony Cochrane said.

“Aside from a massive reduction to the size of the site it is also our absolute goal to transform it into a family style event.”

For the first time in the history of V8 Supercars, the event will become the third endurance race on the calendar alongside the prestigious L&H 500 at Phillip Island and Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. It will be raced over 600kms, 300kms each day, with each V8 Supercar team including an international co-driver

“In total we will have 17 international drivers, one for each V8 Supercar team, from around 14 different countries, driving for our teams, alongside our drivers across a 600km endurance weekend,” Mr Cochrane said.

Mr Cochrane confirmed that former Gold Coast winner Scott Pruett (USA), placegetter Alex Tagliani (Canada), reigning Australian Le Mans 24 Hour winner David Brabham, former Formula 1 and Champ Car stars Mark Blundell (England) and Christian Fittipaldi (Brazil) have already signed as co-drivers.

The complete race format and all 17 co-drivers will be announced at the event launch in April.

“There is no question that this event will have everything for everybody, including a massive international component in our visiting drivers. Their presence alone will spark massive interest around the world and compliments new world-wide television deals we are announcing next Wednesday at our season launch.”

The event, to be promoted by V8 Supercar Events, will be part of the inaugural V8 Grand Slam which could offer up to $2.5 million in prize money for a driver that wins the Gold Coast event, Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and the Sydney Telstra 500 in Sydney in the same year.



Key changes to the precinct include:

- The “footprint” of the circuit reduced from the current 4.49km to 2.96km, freeing up approximately 40% of the site for residents, business and other users

- The total build/dismantle time reduced by five weeks (from 14 weeks to 9)

- The event will run over three days – Friday to Sunday

- A shortened circuit to allow for the separation to the Surfers Paradise precinct

- Utilising the Broadwater Park for nightly entertainment featuring Australian and International artists – all included in the ticket price



Community considerations:

- Minimise disruption to residents

- The focus will be on re-engaging the community to be more inclusive going forward

- The event will have a full time, Gold Coast based General Manager

- A full time Community Liaison person to work in with the community and the Gold Coast City Council

- A Community Committee to oversee the event from all aspects of the local residents, businesses, traffic etc.

- Free up access to Budds Beach



The motorsport component to include:

- For the first time in history V8 Supercars will add a third endurance race to the calendar in addition to iconic races the L&H 500 at Phillip Island and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000

- The event will form the third leg of the soon to be announced Grand Slam offering a record $2.5 million prize pool

- 17 international drivers from around 14 countries will drive for the 17 V8 Supercar teams

- The international drivers will contest their own race on the Friday in their team V8 Supercar

- The main race will be over 600kms in two races – race one on Saturday and race two on Sunday

- Each race will have driver, fuel and tyre pit stops



Click here to download the Gold Coast concept circuit design (PDF - 1.97MB)


The event will have its new name, new logo and be rebranded to reflect the Gold Coast and the family friendly style of event. It will also have a strong community engagement and consultation process.



WHAT THE INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS HAVE TO SAY…..

SCOTT PRUETT – USA

“The Gold Coast and the October event have been synonymous with the world’s great motorsport events for many years and it is fantastic that this concept has been put together for its 20th anniversary celebrations.

“This will provide a real rejuvenation of the event and take it back to the glory days of the late 90s and early 00s. I loved my years on the Gold Coast, especially my victory in 1997 – ironically that year I was actually on my honeymoon with my wife, Judy.

“My drive in a V8 Supercar at Bathurst later that year was a great experience and one I am looking forward to repeating. I don’t need any excuse to come to Australia, so when I received a call to be part of this program I jumped at the chance.

“I think the opportunity to drive a V8 Supercar on one of the world’s greatest street courses will be pretty attractive to plenty of the world’s great drivers.”


CHRISTIAN FITTIPALDI - BRAZIL

“When I heard about this concept and was contacted about being a part of it I was excited. V8 Supercars have built a fantastic reputation around the world and I am a fan of the Series.

“To have the chance of getting behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar on the streets of the Gold Coast will be fantastic. It is no secret that the Gold Coast was one of my favourite events anywhere in the world and I was fortunate to be a part of it through the most recent glory years of US open-wheel racing in the late 90s.

“I believe this concept, combined with the venue and enthusiasm of the promoter and fans, will make it one of the most desirable events in the world for any driver.

“I had one of my worst experiences at the track when I broken my leg at the first chicane in 1997, but even the way I was taken care of after that drama leaves fond memories of Surfers Paradise and Queensland with me.

“I cannot wait.”


MARK BLUNDELL – ENGLAND

“You have some pretty cool days in your life, but to get a phone call asking if I wanted to drive a V8 Supercar at Surfers Paradise has to be up there among the best.

“Surfers Paradise was always our favourite event on the Champ Car circuit and to have the chance to head back to one of the world’s great playgrounds to race a V8 Supercar on one of the world’s best street tracks is going to be fantastic.

“It will be a like a reunion of sorts for some of us, but you can be sure the competition is going to be as fierce as ever. This will be no exhibition event. We will be taking part in an event where driver’s championship hopes will be on the line and we will all be doing our best to keep the points ticking over for them.

“V8 Supercars has grown in stature tremendously in recent years and I think this concept will make the Surfers Paradise event one of the most anticipated in world motorsport this season.

“It will be like Christmas a couple of months early. Let’s hope there is a decent present at the end of it.”


ALEX TAGLIANI – CANADA

“The Gold Coast is one of the most special places in the world for me – it was where I met my Australian wife, Bronte. I have also had some good results over the years, including a third for Team Australia in 2006 in a Champ Car.

“That same year I drove at Bathurst with Marcus Marshall in the V8 Supercar Series. That gave me a taste of V8 Supercar racing which I have been keen to experience again as the V8 Supercars are one of the great categories of world racing.

“After that experience racing with Marcus Marshall, I have made no secret of the fact that I would like to spend a couple of seasons racing V8s in Australia once my open-wheel career is finished. This event will be a good thing for my CV – and I guess for a few other drivers who will be lining up from countries all over the world.”


DAVID BRABHAM – AUSTRALIA

“Unfortunately I have never had the chance to race on the Gold Coast before, but all that is about to change. The event is well known around the world and it has always been of extra interest to me because the Gold Coast is home to most of my family (including dad Sir Jack Brabham who won the 1959-60 and 66 F1 world titles and brother, Geoff, who is also a former Le Mans 24 Hour winner).

“It is one of the world’s toughest street circuits and attacking it in a V8 Supercar will be no easy task, especially for those who will be driving one for the first time. Fortunately I have done a few laps in a V8 over the years and I am looking forward to getting out there.

“I have a full season of ALMS racing for Highcroft Racing ahead of me in the US and other selected events, including the Le Mans 24 Hour, but then we head home for what should be a terrific week.”



Ticketing and on sale dates will be released shortly via the official V8 Supercar website

http://www.v8supercars.com.au/content/hero_news/fe...
Tags: v8 supercars
F 250 Super Duty will be a significant truck in Canada. The trouble is significance is often a double edged sword and one edge tends to be sharper than the other. Ford’s F series of pickups has been the most popular truck in Canada for the past 43 years. That reputation is a lot to risk every time you introduce a new truck. Consumers have other choices if this product is not up to what they expect.



source http://www.auto123.com
Ford chose to have the Canadian Premiere introduction of the F 250 Super Duty at The Western Canadian Agribition Show in Regina Saskatchewan. Agribition is Canada’s largest Agricultural show and fair. This show attracts more than 150,000 people from over 60 countries. It is truly a snapshot of how trucks are used. To see them in action, all you have to do is look out a window into the parking lot where there are three trucks for every car.

The significance of this has not gone unnoticed by Ford. Trucks are the highest profit margin vehicles produced, and to bring a new one to show it off in the middle of a discerning crowd shows confidence in the product. Competitors notice these things and if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Toyota paid Ford a very large compliment by bringing the new Tundra to the show as well.

As a showcase of engineering talents, the new Super Duty trucks bring a much needed refreshment to the lineup. The F 250 will get a six speed automatic that can be fitted with a “Live Drive” power take off that can be operated while at a standstill or on the move. Doing nothing else would have brought Ford level with their competitors.

Ford isn’t content with just catching up to competitors, the new, re-invigorated Ford wants to be out front and to help get there, the engineers debuted a new Power Stroke diesel engine. Unlike all other Power Stroke variants, this engine is not a joint venture with Navistar. It is all Ford and a radical departure from current engine architecture.

Made from Graphite impregnated iron, the block is stronger than regular diesel blocks. Up top, engineers moved the intake to the outside of the engine where the exhaust normally is and the turbo exhaust sit in the centre of the engine and valve train valley. Fuel delivery system changes, improvements to the combustion chamber and turbocharger all improve power as well as fuel economy.




•The 2011 F-Series Super Duty boasts all-new powertrains, led by the Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which delivers significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy while maintaining best-in-class towing and payload capability; new engine also has biodiesel compatibility up to B20
•A new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine also is added to the lineup; it also delivers significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy; new gas engine can run on regular-grade gasoline, E85 or any blend in between
•An all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShiftή six-speed automatic transmission gets the new diesel engine’s low-end torque to the ground faster; the six-speed transmission has full SelectShift™ capability, giving customers the convenience of a manual gearbox
•Available Ford Work Solutions™ plus a new flow-through console with 110-volt inverter, new seats and locking underseat storage add even more productivity in the Super Duty’s role as office on wheels; new 4.2-inch LCD Productivity Screen delivers array of information
•The new 6R140 transmission is available with segment-exclusive Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO) with the new diesel
2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Media Site

DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2009 – Ford Super Duty customers expect and demand capability from the best-selling heavy-duty truck in America. For most Super Duty owners, it’s the core asset of their business. Day after day, year after year, it’s expected to deliver results in the most demanding situations. No nonsense. And never any excuses.

“Our Super Duty customers do some of America’s toughest jobs,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Every day they’re out there working with little fanfare and all they ask is the right tool for the job. The new 2011 Super Duty offers them a truck with best-in-class towing and payload, all-new powertrains and even more capability than ever to help them do their jobs.”

Ford’s F-Series has been the best-selling line of trucks in the U.S. for 32 straight years. The new Super Duty further underscores Ford’s Built Ford Tough legacy.

“The 2011 Super Duty offers the widest array of solutions for the widest array of heavy-duty work truck customers,” said Chris Brewer, chief engineer. “The Super Duty lineup offers a variety of body styles and powertrains, from diesel and gasoline engines, each with a new six-speed transmission, to pickup trucks and chassis cabs, each with the towing and payload capabilities that define Super Duty.”

New diesel and gasoline engines deliver improved torque, horsepower, fuel economy
For 2011, Super Duty features both an all-new diesel and gasoline engine that are mated to a new transmission. The new diesel, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, was designed, engineered and built by a Ford team dedicated solely to delivering this class-leading diesel engine to the next-generation Super Duty to enable continued best-in-class towing and payload.

Benefits of the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine:

•First use of a compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block in a Super Duty-class vehicle in North America; CGI is stronger than cast iron, and Ford successfully has used the material in engine blocks in products around the world. The block structure was optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher torque and more horsepower and enable class-leading fuel economy.
•Unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture, an automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel, reduces overall exhaust system volume, which leads to better throttle response; a reduced exhaust system surface area minimizes heat transfer to the engine compartment and improves NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
•The turbocharger features an industry-first dual-sided compressor wheel that works in a single housing. The unit is uniquely center-mounted on a pedestal low in the back of the valley for improved NVH. The design allows the single unit to deliver the advantages of a twin-turbocharger system in a smaller, more efficient package, combining the benefits of a small turbocharger (faster response) and a large turbocharger (ability to compress and force more air into the engine for more power) in one unit.
•The high-pressure fuel system injects fuel at more than 29,000 psi. The system delivers up to five injection events per cylinder per cycle using eight-hole piezo injectors to spray fuel into the piston bowl. The direct-injection system is calibrated and phased for optimum power, fuel efficiency and NVH.
•Aluminum cylinder heads for reduced weight; the mid-deck construction with dual water jackets provides increased strength and optimal cooling; six-head bolts, instead of four as found on other engines, help improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity even with the higher firing pressures.
•Compatible up to B20 fuel, allowing greener fueling options of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel.
“Developing the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine was an awesome endeavor,” said Adam Gryglak, lead 6.7-liter diesel engineering manager. “After all the engineering and testing, we’re confident this engine will ensure the new Super Duty continues its leadership in capability, reliability and productivity.”

The engine and aftertreatment system for the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel powertrain ably meets the new, more stringent 2010 federal emissions requirements for nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have to be lowered by approximately 80 percent.

New gasoline engine delivers more torque, horsepower than outgoing model
Ford tapped into a bit of its proud racing heritage to create the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to produce horsepower and class-leading fuel economy. The V-8’s large bore (102 mm) allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine breathing, and the short stroke (95 mm) allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower.

Benefits of the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine include:

•SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts: The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder head design results in a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in great low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better breathing.
•Dual-equal variable cam timing: Intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions.
•Two spark plugs per cylinder: Due to the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help the engine maintain a smooth, stable idle.
•Dual knock sensors: A knock sensor on each bank of cylinders of the V-8 engine allows the spark timing of each of the cylinders to be individually optimized real time, throughout the engine speed range. The engine learns the optimum timing via an adaptive algorithm.
•Better engine crankcase “breathing” and efficiency: Significant development work and computer-aided engineering optimized the cylinder block for more efficient airflow in the crankcase as the pistons move up and down in the bores, resulting in improved torque at higher engine speeds. Piston-cooling jets squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. The cooling jets also allow for a higher compression ratio for better engine efficiency and faster engine oil warm-up on cold starts, also improving fuel economy.
New TorqShift transmission harnesses and manages the power; Live Drive PTO available
The all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission was designed to manage the high low-end torque produced by the new diesel engine. The same basic transmission also is mated to the new gasoline engine, giving customers of either engine the ability to efficiently get the increased torque and horsepower to the ground. Engineered for greater efficiency and fuel economy, improvements include refined architecture to provide relatively low clutch speeds, which result in lower drag losses, and optimized fluid levels and drainback to reduce churning of fluid while also providing superior lubrication.

In addition to hardware-based improvements, the new transmission features enhanced Tow Haul with integrated engine exhaust braking and SelectShift Automatic capability, which includes Progressive Range Select and a manual mode, allowing customers to select the gear to suit their needs.

The new TorqShift transmission also enables the first application of Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) in a Super Duty-class vehicle. On 2011 Super Duty diesels with the PTO prep option, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers or dump trucks. The power is available any time the engine is running.

Pioneered on agricultural applications, the Live Drive feature is particularly useful when mobile PTO function is required during start-stop operations, such as salt spreading or snow plowing. “A fully functional Live Drive mobile PTO will allow Super Duty customers to take full advantage of the equipment on their trucks,” said Al Bruck, 6R140 transmission engineering manager.

Best-in-class towing and payload; new towing options
Putting all that power to work is what defines Super Duty. The 2011 Super Duty features increased towing and payload capability, extending its best-in-class rating, and also offering more towing from inside the bed. New is the first-ever factory-installed and warranted fifth wheel and gooseneck substructure directly attached to the frame.

“Our system is factory-installed and with a limited warranty from Ford. The electrical connection is mounted in the side of the bed wall, providing a clean installation,” said Peter Frantzeskakis, vehicle engineering manager.

Particularly noteworthy are productivity enhancements to the F-450 pickup to benefit the heaviest-duty trailer tow customers. Unneeded weight was shed, helping to improve fuel economy and top speed. Even with these changes, the Super Duty F-450 pickup maintains its class-leading gross combined weight rating of 33,000 pounds.

Addition of Trailer Sway Control leads safety enhancements
Ford’s lauded Trailer Sway Control (TSC) system joins the Super Duty lineup, giving those customers segment-first capability. TSC is integrated with AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control™, which now is standard on all single rear wheel (SRW) configurations.

The AdvanceTrac control module uses additional software to monitor the truck’s motion when a trailer is attached. Trailer Sway Control can determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reducing engine torque – to help reduce the trailer sway.

For further peace of mind, the available integrated trailer brake controller, factory-installed and covered by a Ford limited warranty, offers smoother and safer operation due to its ability to interface with multiple vehicle systems.

Normal braking is proportional to driver brake pressure for smooth brake stops at all speeds. If the vehicle’s Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is engaged, the special trailer brake kicks in to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lock up. In Super Duty trucks with Trailer Brake Control towing trailers with electric brakes, the Ford system can, during a sway event, also apply brakes to the trailer to help stabilize it.

Other enhanced towing, off-road control features and safety improvements include:

•Hill Start Assist, which applies brakes to prevent rollback
•Hill Descent Control™, which uses the accelerator and brake to set, and then hold, the speed
•Electronic Locking Differential, which provides maximum traction by forcing the rear wheels to turn at the same speed
•Standard tire pressure monitoring system on all SRW (single rear wheel) models
•Optional side air bags and air curtains
•A new available 4.2-inch LCD screen includes information on specific features such as Trailer Brake Control and Tow Haul
Improved ride, handling and steering for a more comfortable experience
In addition to increased towing and payload capability and improved fuel mileage enabled by the new powertrains, customers of the next Super Duty also will benefit from improved ride, handling and steering. For 2011, the engineering team optimized the frame and suspension of the current Super Duty, particularly the leaf springs and spring rate, as well as adjusting the internal valving in all the shock absorbers to enable greater towing and payload capability with further ride refinement.

The steering gear also is new. The 4x2 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty feature modified steering system geometry to take better advantage of the twin I-beam suspension, which combines the performance of an independent suspension with the durability of a beam axle suspension. Improved response, precision and better on-center steering and control come from making the steering gear symmetric left to right.

The result is greater customer comfort, confidence and control in all situations.

“A big part of the comfort in Super Duty trucks comes through controllability,” said Dan Gompper, vehicle dynamics supervisor. “No matter if the truck is loaded or unloaded, full trailer or empty trailer, customers can be fully confident.”

Bold exterior, new flow-through console highlights interior
The new hood of the 2011 Super Duty, with its prominent inverted power dome, complements the new diesel and gasoline engines lurking beneath. “Super Duty” is stamped on the upper grille, with a larger Ford oval proudly gracing the front.

Inside, customers will benefit from a new reconfigurable flow-through console that improves the functionality of the truck. Storage space is increased about 60 percent, and at least 70 different configurations are possible. A 12-volt powerpoint is available at the rear of the console and another is located inside the main bin, which is lockable. A 110-volt power inverter is standard with all console configurations.

Improved productivity through Ford Work Solutions
For many customers, the Super Duty cab also serves as a mobile office. Industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions is part of available technology to help customers stay connected with their business from the job site and track tools.

A new available 4.2-inch LCD Productivity Screen allows customers to take full advantage of the 2011 Super Duty’s capabilities; an off-road message center has been added as well. The five-way button on the steering wheel allows customers to navigate through various menu options – several relating to fuel economy and towing convenience – never before available on a Super Duty truck.

Continuing the legacy of quality
With all-new powertrains enabling greater towing and payload capability, safety enhancements such as Trailer Sway Control added and greater functionality with available Ford Work Solutions, the new 2011 Ford Super Duty is poised to continue its legacy as America’s premier work truck.

The accolades the current Super Duty has received, based on 2009 model year GQRS (Global Quality Research System) data, include:

•Best-in-Class TGW (Things Gone Wrong) for All Pickup Truck Segments
•Best-in-Class Customer Satisfaction among Heavy Duty Pickups
“With all-new powertrains and increased capability, the 2011 Super Duty improves on its proud heritage as the ultimate work truck,” said Brewer.
Source Ford.com