Australian Car Advice | News Blog

*editor’s note* - the article below is simply a rant - an emotional one at that. We understand the need for Ford Australia to move forward and appreciate the views of our readers pointing out that both Holden & Toyota have followed similar paths in the past.
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Ford has today given the final salute - the two finger salute - to 600 Geelong workers and its inline-6 cylinder engine.

Following today’s announcement of the culling of Ford’s inline-6 cylinder engine, to be replaced by an imported V6 motor, it has also become clear that over 600 jobs are in limbo due to the decision.

Ford’s top-hat Tom Gorman plays down the axing of jobs with reassurance of job re-allocation. Although it sounds like an attractive proposition, it totally defies logic and lacks any form of feasibility. Ford expects Geelong based workers to accept re-allocation to other available jobs at its Melbourne based Broadmeadows plant.

Much like most other sane people, the idea of driving one and a half hours per day (per way), or utilising public transport for in excess of two hours per day (per way) will totally defy reasonable logic.

Morale at the Geelong plant will also take a nose dive, workers will show no enthusiasm for work or desire to get jobs done. And who would expect them to? Knowing full well that in two years time they will have no job to speak of.

Despite accepting over $90-million from the Government in the past three years for further fuel efficiency developments and continued support of the Falcon and Territory, Ford will still relinquish the inline-6 cylinder engine.

The whole situation came to fruition due to an article GoAuto produced last week. Had GoAuto not released the article, it would be anyone’s guess when Ford would have told employees about job losses. My guess is that they would have kept it hush hush for as long as possible. The article caught Ford off-guard and it forced their hand to react.

It really is a sad day for the Australian motoring industry and all I can say is - Shame on you Ford! This will ultimately alter Ford’s image and if the soon to be jobless Ford employees have anything to do with it, it may also mean a boycott of the manufacturer’s product.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Mazda Performance Drive Day at Queensland Raceway here in Brisbane. Although I have always been a fan of the rotary experiment cars from Mazda (the RX series), the current MPS lineup has never really impressed me.

With that in mind, I merged onto the Ipswich highway heading towards Queensland raceway. After a gruelling hour long drive at an average speed of 50km/hr, I arrived at Queensland raceway with a few minutes to spare. I quickly realized I was one of the only people there who didn’t seem to rock up in a Mazda – oh oh.

As I pulled into the car park the boxer rumble from my car turned quite a few heads, even Dick Johnson (who was the only other person there without a Mazda) had a quick look. Oh yes, did I forget to mention? Dick Johnson was going to take me for a hot lap in a RX8 around the track.

In case you didn’t know, given DJs involvement with Ford, and Ford’s partial ownership of Mazda, and Mazda’s attempt at targeting a wider audience, DJ is the perfect man to showcase what Mazda has to offer.

After a 20 minute safety briefing, it was time to jump in the cars and go for it. I have been around QLD raceway many times before so it was a hard choice as to which car to pick first, Mazda had brought the whole brigade, the MX-5, RX8, MPS 3 and MPS 6 as well as the new CX-7. I figured I’ll start with my least favourite car and move up from there, so I jumped in the Mazda3 MPS and away I went…

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1. Mazda MPS 3
2. Mazda MX-5
3. Mazda MPS 6
4. Mazda RX8
5. Dick Johnson hotlap

Car fans from all over the world are more than familiar with YouTube. Millions of car fans post their own auto related videos on YouTube. Infact the Auto section of YouTube is the 3rd largest category in the site! Even we post our own Videos on YouTube!

Of course, with all the auto videos on youtube, you get the good with the bad. Police from all over the world have been trying hard to identify law breakers and hoons that have glorified their illegal driving antics on YouTube.

South Australian police have now joined the chase. SA police are considering asking YouTube to ban all users and videos that show illegal and hoon driving. Although only in the preliminary stages, the move would show a complete lack of understanding from the SA police. Asking YouTube moderators to view every single video and ban those that may or may not be showing illegal driving, is a near impossibility.

SA Police also admitted that a great amount of time is spent watching auto videos on YouTube in order to crack down on evidence to incriminate drivers.

“The traffic intelligence section does keep an eye on YouTube on a reasonably regular basis to see if we can’t pick up something that is identifiable,” Traffic Support Branch manager Superintendent Tony Rankine said

Of course the traffic intelligence section are aware that a flash animated movie hosted on American servers would not stand up so well in Australian courts and so far SA Police have failed to press any charges on HoonTubers.

Perhaps if SA Police spent a less time on youtube, and a little more time coming up with new ideas to engage with “hoons” and provide a safe, cheap and usable track environment for car enthusiasts to use, the “hoon epidemic” might decline? Perhaps?

Source: Adelaide Now

P-platers state wide in NSW (editors note: QLD drivers are also affected by a new set of laws previously discussed here) will now have to abide by new laws which came into effect as of today. These new laws have been highly debated due to their illogical and strict nature.

1. Licence suspension for any speeding offence for P1 drivers and provisional riders.

There are no longer second chances for P1 (Red) license holders. For their first year of driving, any speeding offense will hold a 4 demerit point penalty and result in the suspension of their driver’s license for a minimum of 3 months. Many say this is a harsh but fair rule, however many P-platers already think they are invincible and this law may create a ‘nothing to lose’ mentality among young driver’s.

2. A ban on all mobile phone use for learner, P1 drivers and provisional riders.

To clarify, this new law prohibits any form of mobile phone use for driver’s, carrying a penalty of 3 points and a fine. Hands-free mobile use does not differ from a conversation with a passenger or singing along with the radio, however for a year, it is understandable to ask of P1 driver’s to pull over to have a conversation.

3. Peer passenger restrictions for P1 drivers.

This is where it begins to become ridiculous, P1 driver’s under the age of 25 may no longer carry more than one passenger under the age of 25 between 11pm and 5am. This completely conflicts with previous campaign’s to arrange for a designated driver or car pool. The only outcome of the enforcement of this law will be more P-plater’s on the road between these most vulnerable hours. Worse still, if caught breaking this new law, the driver will not only be fined but the excess occupants will be required to get out where ever they may happen to be - remember these are people deemed incapable of being a passenger in a vehicle, and now they are expected to find their own way home between the early hours of the morning. Hopefully police will have the common sense not to enforce this law where it would otherwise prove dangerous for the excess occupants.

4. Changes to the display of L and P plates on vehicles.

This is where I get frustrated. P-plate driver’s are now required to display their plates on the outside of the vehicle next to the number plate. What many people don’t understand is how difficult it is to ensure there is always a plate on display. From my own experience even cable-ties fail to prevent these plates from being stolen, and now with these new laws, it is just more of an incentive for the ex-girlfriend to rip of your plates and cross her fingers. The fact that the enforcement of this law can be effected by a guilty third party automatically denies its application in my opinion. It is just too easy for somebody to walk by and help themselves to a plate leaving you with two demerit points and a fine.

5. Increased licence term and supervised driving hours for learner drivers.

The definition of a band-aid solution. The fact is many parents do not want to go through 120 hours of supervised driving, worse still is that when it comes to road rules most parents are just as clueless as their children. Since an adolescent can acquire their license whilst they are still at school, then they should be taught how to drive through school. It seems like the most logical solution.

On a side-note, maximum speed limits for provisional driver’s should be lifted. Forcing a driver to go 90 in a 100 zone is in no way safe for other driver’s on the road or the driver themselves. It only serves to force cars and trucks to overtake which at those speeds is far more dangerous than allowing the provisional driver to travel the posted speed limit.

George Skentzos

Well I’m sure by now we have all seen the pinky-wiggling ad campaign taking a stab at men’s ego’s in what is ironically a message against speeding. Odd perhaps considering the ‘maneuvers’ these guys are performing would place them still well below the speed limit. Realistically it is an ad condemning reckless driving and is aimed literally below the belt in a misguided presumption of why ‘hooning’ occurs.

It seems to me, after viewing the video, a more appropriate ad slogan would have been “keep it on the track”. Considering entire sports have been created based on the events depicted in the ad - sports which are enjoyed by both men and women - more due care should have been made not to associate the reckless activities of these driver’s with a sport which requires a high degree of skill and dedication.

It was a severely misguided campaign manager who presumed that women were the cause of reckless driving. Even more misguided to think the old lady sitting on the bench was not just as likely, if not more, to drive through the pedestrian crossing without giving way. Perhaps a teenage girl on her phone would have made more sense than a young male so totally absorbed with his mid-80s car that he forgets to stop at the crossing - ironic considering it was an attractive woman crossing at the time, by my calculations he should have done a burnout.

Perhaps most dangerous of all is the message they have unknowingly conveyed with the blue VL drifting (term used loosely). The scene ends with a passenger making said pinky gesture. Unfortunately among young adolescent males this does not mean, “Gosh! That was irresponsible!” A more accurate translation would be, “Here, try it again around this corner, but this time give it more throttle”.

I fail to see the factor which deters drivers from this behaviour. Perhaps encouraging the use of open race tracks would help drivers realise there is a much easier and safer way to enjoy their car’s.

Video

George Skentzos

Speed cameras - or cash cameras, as they’re more affectionately known - are meant to save lives, we all know that. Well I’ve found the proof - I really have!

Have a look at the photos below. It’s two times now - in the same week - that this stretch of road near Geelong, Victoria has taken me over 25 minutes to travel through. Normally, at the 70km/h speed limit, it shouldn’t take any longer than 45 seconds. The reason for the delays? Workers operating on the speed/red light camera located at this major intersection - during peak hour.

Don’t worry, you’re not seeing things. These morons (that’s the nicest and least offensive word I could think of to describe them) have blocked off the right hand turning lane, along with one of the two lanes on the opposite side of this major road.

Again, you’re not seeing things. That loaded truck is stuck in the middle of the intersection trying to turn right during a red light due to the blockage of the right hand turning lane - during peak hour.

Out of all the speed cameras in the world, this has to be one of the only ones saving lives. Why? Because traffic doesn’t actually have the chance to move above 20km/h, so the possibility of a death is nil - unless of course the worker falls off his/her ladder.

It’s nice to see that the Bracks Government has its priorities right. Forget fixing some of the appalling roads throughout Victoria and concentrate solely on fixing a speed camera which is bound to earn millions of dollars over its lifetime. Makes sense.

Paul Maric

For once, we come to the aid of the NSW Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal, who is under fire for giving one motor enthusiast a chance at a joyride in a 500km/h drag car.

Many in the media have drawn some very irresponsible links & conclusions that drag racing will lead to deaths, pointing out the tragedy which recently occurred in the US after Australian drag racer Troy Warren Critchley skidded out of control during a burnout.

One labor supported paid $4500 for the ride in the drag car and “drinks” with Mr Roozendaal. Unfortunately though, there are always misinformed citizens who can criticize nearly everything which is above 60km/hr. Pedestrian Council president Harold Scuby has labeled the Minister’s actions as “appalling“.

Drag racing has now officially been labeled as hoon behaviour, what is next? Fast cars cause erectile dysfunction? Although we agree on some points with the Pedestrian council (e.g. large 4WDs banned from CBDs), on this occasion, we have, for once, sided with the NSW road minister.

We were glad to hear that Mr Roozendaal’s is apparently a drag racing fan, which although he has shown very little of, might mean he has a place in his heart for car enthusiasts. NSW Opposition Road Safety spokesman Andrew Fraser also jumped on the bandwagon and criticized Mr Roozendaal, calling him irresponsible.

The comments come as a kick in the face for NSW car enthusiasts struggling to convince politicians and the community that driver training and better roads as oppose to harsher penalties and lower speed limits are the keys to reducing the road toll.

As a result of Melbourne’s Burnley Tunnel accident in March of this year, the speed limit of the Westgate Freeway leading to the tunnel has, as of last Monday, been reduced to 80kmh. This limit now applies in total to a six kilometre stretch of this major city freeway, and within a week has already contributed substantially to the delay in our already excessive peak travel times.

Surely a bit more time in the car is a small price to pay for a safer trip to work. But I believe the real issue of this stretch of road, and the facts of this accident, have been completely ignored.

The known facts of the accident are simple. The driver of the truck who triggered the accident was using a hand held mobile phone, whilst changing lanes, at the time of the collision.

As for the tunnel itself, unlike in Europe and Great Britain, trucks may use, and change between, any lane of the tunnel. This being the case, will changing the speed limit really have an impact on the underlying issue here? No.

Perhaps a common sense approach to large vehicles sharing tunnels and major bridges, where their mass and slower speed is of considerable hindrance to traffic flow, would have been a far better approach. If, like overseas, trucks and other slow vehicles were restricted to the far left lane traffic flow would be somewhat eased, eliminating the need for lower speed limits.

The design of the road leading in to and out of the tunnel needs to also be considered a factor. It is highly susceptible to sun glare, it does not drain well, even during light rain, and is of poor and outdated design. Not to mention the on-going maintenance problems which plague the tunnel and bridge.

We now have a six kilometre stretch of road which interchanges with one other major freeway, has eighteen on and off ramps, a tunnel, and a two major bridges (Westgate & Bolte). The planning of this road should have been re-evaluated at the time of the Citylink additions in the early 90’s.

Each year the percentage of vehicles using existing infrastructure grows, yet the infrastructure itself does not grow or mature to meet demand. Major cities are choking with the need to have greater emphasis placed on improving their aging roadways.

This was a horrible accident and uniformed speed limits on roads are a good strat, but the bigger picture here needs to be taken very seriously. Even if the speed limit were halved this accident would not have been prevented. Improved roads, smarter policing, and better driver training are of far more benefit to all road users than targeting speed alone. A knee-jerk reaction such as the cutting of speed limits is a band-aid approach, and will only work for so long.

Matt Brogan

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a few days driving, shopping and enjoying life in Italy amongst privileged supercar owners? What most of us dream of, a few lucky individuals manage in their lifetime.

Our friend, Adam Kaplan from Supercar Investments who is sponsoring the Ride in a Pagani zonda competition recently returned from the 3rd Pagani Gathering in Italy. We’ll let him do the talking:

I just returned from the fabulous 3rd Pagani Gathering in Italy. What a fantastic trip, 13 Zondas, a Ferrari 599 and a Mercedes SLR. We started in Milan at the fabulous Hotel Villa San Carlo Borromeo in Senago where we renewed acquaintances from last year and met some new faces too.

Pagani has just delivered Chassis #79 which is the red Zonda F Coupe. That’s 8 years producing cars and only 80 cars produced, pretty exclusive stuff. The current wait for a build slot is approaching 2 years and is growing as the brand increases its global awareness. So if any of you have been “holding off,” now might be a good time to take the dive and reserve your slot.

It was interesting to note that the owner of the SLR is most unhappy about the fact that he can’t get a new Zonda for 2 years. I was lucky enough to be a passenger in his car for the run from Bellagio to Lecco, following a Police escort down the twisty narrow roads and through a couple of acoustically perfect tunnels as well.

Whilst the SLR is, to me, one of the prettiest cars I’ve ever seen, it doesn’t rate compared to the Zonda in terms of ride and handling and certainly can’t compete with the F1 like wail that you get from the Zonda’s exhaust…but it’s certainly got some squirt!

Read more…

Don’t know about you, but I’m convinced that Australia operates on a different set of road rules to the rest of the civilised world, when it comes to right and left lane, road rules.

I thought the law stated: no driving in the right lane unless overtaking. Is that it? If not, please correct me.

It’s a rule which very few Australians seem to have heard of. No matter where you drive here, the right hand lane will almost always be your slowest route and the left, the quickest.

It’s incredibly frustrating when you are traveling on a superb piece six-lane dual carriageway, only to find both the right and centre lanes, populated by various slow drivers or worse still, trucks.

And don’t bother flashing your high beam at these guys - as they will protect their right lane ownership with the the same vigour as they would if protecting their house from an intruder.

Right hand lane hogs are an epidemic in Australia. There is no doubt that the constant lane changing by frustrated motorists is dangerous and has been, and will continue to be responsible for many unnessary road deaths in this country.

In contrast, driving throughout much of Europe is an intoxicating experience. Yes, the high speeds you can legally drive at, seem far safer than our miserable 110km/h speed limit. Apart from some of the finest highways in the world, European drivers know the difference between right and left lanes.

In the UK, France and Germany at least, you only need to appear in a rear vision mirror and the driver will quickly move over a lane, to allow you to pass. Over there, it’s just plain driver courtesy.

Perhaps the Highway Patrol bosses across Australia, should think about issuing tickets to right lane hogs, rather than going after folks who have momentarily forgotten that they have passed through five different speed zones, all in 10kms, and end up being hammered for doing 110km/h in a 100km/h zone.

Should they heed this advice, then driving in Australia might be a far more enjoyable experience and a hell of a lot safer without Playstation-like lane changing manoeuvres.

Anthony

I’ve had this boxed up inside me for some time now and it can’t remain any longer, I have to share with everyone my Fog Light Fury.

Most middle of the range cars now come with fog lights, along with a bucket load of DIY maestros who fit their own fog lights, caring little about their alignment and positioning.

During total daylight, without even an ounce of darkness, you are likely to find no less that one in five people driving with their fog lights on - that’s according to my personal day-to-day tally. Unbeknown to the driver, their fog lights are pissing me - and quite a few other road users - right off. Is there any logic whatsoever in using your fog lights during the day, or even during the night when there is absolutely NO fog around? Absolutely not.

Drivers that have mis-aligned fog lights manage to get at me the most, surely if they knew how bloody annoying and dangerous their showboating attempt was, they would realise that there is absolutely no logic in the use of their fog lights. Earlier model Subaru WRXs, along with VT-VZ Commodores must be the worst offenders, every single one of them - with fog lights on - seems to have their fog lights aligned directly at oncoming traffic.

And then there are rear fog lights…Hyundai Excels anyone? Rear fog lights are the bane of all evil and should not - under any circumstances - be operated during conditions where there is no fog! Surely drivers of these offending vehicles wonder what the little red fog light symbol on their dashboard means?! Unbeknown to them, they are irritating the absolute crap out of everyone else. They are subtle enough not to stand out at first, but the second you notice them, your eyes don’t drift away until they’re gone.

My rant does serve a purpose. It is in fact illegal to operate fog lights and rear fog lights during conditions where there is no fog. Unfortunately, Police are always too busy doing other things, opposed to booking serial offenders who think their fog lights somehow impress other drivers.

So next time your finger goes for that fog light switch - STOP. Because you are annoying the crap out of every other motorist on the road.

- Paul Maric