2011 Ford Territory: Redesigned Australian Crossover Teased

Ford Motor Corp.'s Australian division has released a teaser illustration of its new-look 2011 Territory, some six months ahead of the crossover's market launch. The current Territory is based on the underpinnings of the local market Falcon sedan and was first introduced in Australia in 2004 having received some subtle updates throughout its production life.

It is believed that the 2011 Territory will continue to make use of current model's platform adding fresh styling inside and out, plus a number of technology highlights, including the introduction of turbo-diesel power.

"The Ford Territory set a new benchmark when it was first released and it is set to achieve this again – and more," said Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia. "This is an exceptional SUV. It wears an exciting new look and will boast an extensive list of technical highlights. The Ford Australia team is taking the Territory to an all-new level of performance, refinement and quality, and customers will definitely experience these advancements when they drive it."

Although Ford did not get into any details on the powertrain options in the press release, the company had previously announced that the updated Territory would benefit from the introduction of the Ford and Peugeot-Citroen PSA co-developed 2.7-liter V6 turbo diesel engine.

There's also a strong possibility that Ford may add its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to the range, as the new powerplant has already been confirmed for the Australian market Falcon.

The company also noted that in the next 18-months, approximately 85 percent of the entire Ford Australia new-model catalog will either be replaced or updated. New models planned for Australia include the latest iteration of the Focus and the Aussie-designed Ranger pickup truck, which was recently revealed at the Sydney Motor Show.

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Unbelievable, but True: Man Booked for Same Offence in Two Different Continents by the Same Policeman!

What are the odds of receiving a ticket for the same offense, by the same officer, in two different continents? Well, as policeman Andy Flitton recently discovered, it's not as impossible as it sounds. Back in 2009, shortly before migrating to New Zealand, Constable Flitton ticketed an unnamed man for speeding in England. At the time, Mr Flitton was an officer for the Metropolitan Police in London for about 26 years.

Fast forward to 2010, and Mr. Flitton is working for the Rangiora police department in New Zealand. In late September, the 47-year-old officer stopped a speeding driver near Leithfield. Upon asking for details, the driver showed his South African and British licences and told the police officer that he had recently emigrated from England where he had lived for 12 years.

Mr. Flitton went back to his car to write up the ticket. When he returned he saw the man smiling.

"He asked if I had worked in London. I said, yes," Flitton said. "He asked if I used to operate the laser gun on the A5 in North London. I said, yes. And he said, 'I thought it was you. You gave me my last speeding ticket there two years ago'."

Mr. Flitton told reporters that at first he didn't recognize the man. " The minute he said it though, I remembered the whole thing. We both just had a laugh."

"We must have some sort of connection," Mr Flitton added. "He only ever broke the law twice and both times I was the one to give him a ticket. It cost him £60 over there and $120 over here so it wasn't cheap. It just shows what a small world it really is."

Via: NZ Herald , Photo: Wikipedia

Hat tip goes to Nick. M!

VIDEO: Race Driver Fast Laps NZ Circuit in New Volvo S60 Blindfolded!

And you thought your latest weekend track race was adrenaline-filled... Enter the realm of Jonny Reid, one of New Zealand's top racing drivers. The 27-year-old Kiwi put a brand new 2011 Volvo S60 to the test around Hampton Downs raceway in Auckland. Nothing spectacular there you say? How about if we told you that he did it blindfolded? Yes, that's right; the young racing driver couldn't see a thing.

According to the promo event's organizers, it took Reid more than one try but in the end, he managed to return a lap time of 1:28 with a top speed of 193km/h (119 mph). "He was guided only by the feel of the car, his knowledge of the track, and co-driver Earl Bamber's voice," said Volvo. Pretty neat, though we're not sure who was the bravest of the two; the driver or the co-driver... Scroll down to watch the clips.

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