The companies in the Business Services section are specialists who understand the specialty-equipment market and the needs of its individual business types.

Looking for ways to make your business better, faster and improve its overall efficiency? The Business Services category at the SEMA Show is experiencing significant growth, and more companies are committing to the Show earlier than ever. According to Show Management, the number of exhibitors in the section year-to-date, as of May 26, has increased 37% compared to the 2010 Show. Not only are companies showing early interest in the section, but also exhibitors are committing to larger displays, with the amount of exhibit share footage increasing 177% year-to-date.

There are several services that all automotive businesses need, and this section is one of the most unique within the SEMA Show because it attracts buyers as well as other exhibitors. Regardless of the market niche, companies can discover the resources available for inventory control, shipping, computer systems and business software, web design, as well as display and shop-management equipment, staffing alternatives and help with insurance and finances.

The companies in the Business Services section are specialists who understand the specialty-equipment market and the needs of its individual business types.

“Many exhibitors in this section have a proven history of helping our industry and offer unique programs catered to our audience,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “Everyone at the Show is encouraged to stop by this section to see what’s new and how they might be able to be more efficient and save money.”

To buy a booth or to register as a buyer for 2011 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com. Have questions about how to exhibit or plan for the Show? Contact ConvExx Show Management at salesmgr@convExx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 120.

The vehicle photo gallery on enjoythedrive.com includes more than 2,000 pictures of the vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. The database is searchable by vehicle make, model, year and more.

A selection of vehicles is included in SEMA eNews each week. This week's highlighted vehicles are all of the Ford Mustangs, past and present.

The vehicle photo gallery on enjoythedrive.com includes more than 2,000 pictures of the vehicles on display at the 2010 SEMA Show. The database is searchable by vehicle make, model, year and more.

A selection of vehicles is included in SEMA eNews each week. This week's highlighted vehicles are all of the Ford Mustangs, past and present.

 

NEWS NUGGETS

WORLD CHAMP DIXON HOPES ENGLISHTOWN RECORD WILL HELP SECURE FIRST WIN OF 2011, BROWN HOPES MID-SEASON SUCCESS WILL BRING FIRST WIN AT ‘HOMETOWN’ TRACK: It’s been a long first half of the regular season for defending Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon. After racing to 12 wins in 12 final-round appearances in 2010, en route to his third world championship, the driver of the Al-Anabi Racing dragster has yet to visit Winner’s Circle in 2011, losing two final-round appearances to teammate and current points leader Del Worsham. But for a driver educated in the rich history of NHRA Drag Racing, Dixon has one strong advantage heading into the 42nd annual NHRA SuperNationals at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. He is tied for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Englishtown. Dixon and NHRA Legend Joe Amato are tied for the most wins at the famed track, with six a piece. Dixon will be competing for his first win of the season and a shot to take the points lead from his teammate Worsham with only nine races left before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

“I don’t know why I have the record I do at Englishtown, but I definitely like racing there,” said Dixon. “You’d have to think the cars and setups I’ve run over the years are conducive to running well there. It’s one of the tracks where my Dad raced so I always enjoy racing there, and I always get some good feelings when I go to a track that’s been on our circuit for a long time.”

Dixon’s strongest competitor this weekend may be the hard-charging Matco Tools dragster driven by New Jersey native Antron Brown. Brown has already collected wins at both Las Vegas and Atlanta this season and currently sits fifth in the point standings. After a second-round loss at the recently completed NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Brown hopes to not only get back in the winning groove, but to secure his first Top Fuel victory at his hometown track—Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

“It’s definitely good times when I come here, back to New Jersey,” said Brown, who won this event twice in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category (2005, 2002). “This track has a lot of history for me, and New Jersey is where it all began. And racing at home, in front of family and friends, I want to do well. I’m able to lie back, relax and have fun.” Tickets are still available for the NHRA SuperNationals. To purchase, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, June 2–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of the season at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Thunder Valley and its ninth stop on the circuit. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or go online at bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or go online at summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN: Pro Stock driver Shane Gray on what it took to grab his second career win at the recently completed NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka: “We’ve struggled pretty much since the year started—had car issues, engine issues. We just went back to the shop, regrouped, dissected the motor, dissected people, made probably 100 test runs, came here and the car ran really well.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1986, “BIG DADDY’S” BIG BLOWOVER IN ENGLISHTOWN: On July 12, 1986 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, while trying to back up his 5.343-second run from the previous day to set a national record, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits launched into a spectacular power wheelstand in his Swamp Rat XXX dragster, that would forever be known in NHRA history as the famous Garlits Blowover. The dragster went vertical and flipped around in the air. Once it landed it was pointed back toward the startling line. Garlits was able to stop the car, climb out onto the track and hold up both arms, signaling to the fans that he was okay. Upon doing so the fans went crazy.

Here is how Garlits described it in his own words: “The car went up on the rear wheels, flipped over onto the wing stand, knocked the wing off, skidded down the track on the wing stand, turned around, did a 180, came down on its side going backwards, bounced up, hit on its wheels, and, because of the impact, I floorboarded the engine while bracing myself. The car shot forward back towards the starting line and I shut it off: Spectacular!”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: With his recent win in Super Comp at the JEGS NHRA Pacific SPORTSnationals, four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin became the first driver in NHRA history to win an event in six different categories. (Pro Stock, Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Dragster).

DID YOU KNOW…

 

…that Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham participated in a pre-race burnout in his Al-Anabi dragster at the Coca-Cola 600 Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Worsham did an extended burnout down pit road in his Al-Anabi dragster as part of the pre-race ceremonies for the event. “I looked down pit road, and I saw all of the cup teams watching,” said Worsham. “It was exciting, it was exhilarating and it was crazy.”

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

 

NEWS NUGGETS

WORLD CHAMP DIXON HOPES ENGLISHTOWN RECORD WILL HELP SECURE FIRST WIN OF 2011, BROWN HOPES MID-SEASON SUCCESS WILL BRING FIRST WIN AT ‘HOMETOWN’ TRACK: It’s been a long first half of the regular season for defending Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon. After racing to 12 wins in 12 final-round appearances in 2010, en route to his third world championship, the driver of the Al-Anabi Racing dragster has yet to visit Winner’s Circle in 2011, losing two final-round appearances to teammate and current points leader Del Worsham. But for a driver educated in the rich history of NHRA Drag Racing, Dixon has one strong advantage heading into the 42nd annual NHRA SuperNationals at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. He is tied for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Englishtown. Dixon and NHRA Legend Joe Amato are tied for the most wins at the famed track, with six a piece. Dixon will be competing for his first win of the season and a shot to take the points lead from his teammate Worsham with only nine races left before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

“I don’t know why I have the record I do at Englishtown, but I definitely like racing there,” said Dixon. “You’d have to think the cars and setups I’ve run over the years are conducive to running well there. It’s one of the tracks where my Dad raced so I always enjoy racing there, and I always get some good feelings when I go to a track that’s been on our circuit for a long time.”

Dixon’s strongest competitor this weekend may be the hard-charging Matco Tools dragster driven by New Jersey native Antron Brown. Brown has already collected wins at both Las Vegas and Atlanta this season and currently sits fifth in the point standings. After a second-round loss at the recently completed NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Brown hopes to not only get back in the winning groove, but to secure his first Top Fuel victory at his hometown track—Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

“It’s definitely good times when I come here, back to New Jersey,” said Brown, who won this event twice in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category (2005, 2002). “This track has a lot of history for me, and New Jersey is where it all began. And racing at home, in front of family and friends, I want to do well. I’m able to lie back, relax and have fun.” Tickets are still available for the NHRA SuperNationals. To purchase, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, June 2–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of the season at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Thunder Valley and its ninth stop on the circuit. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or go online at bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or go online at summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN: Pro Stock driver Shane Gray on what it took to grab his second career win at the recently completed NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka: “We’ve struggled pretty much since the year started—had car issues, engine issues. We just went back to the shop, regrouped, dissected the motor, dissected people, made probably 100 test runs, came here and the car ran really well.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1986, “BIG DADDY’S” BIG BLOWOVER IN ENGLISHTOWN: On July 12, 1986 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, while trying to back up his 5.343-second run from the previous day to set a national record, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits launched into a spectacular power wheelstand in his Swamp Rat XXX dragster, that would forever be known in NHRA history as the famous Garlits Blowover. The dragster went vertical and flipped around in the air. Once it landed it was pointed back toward the startling line. Garlits was able to stop the car, climb out onto the track and hold up both arms, signaling to the fans that he was okay. Upon doing so the fans went crazy.

Here is how Garlits described it in his own words: “The car went up on the rear wheels, flipped over onto the wing stand, knocked the wing off, skidded down the track on the wing stand, turned around, did a 180, came down on its side going backwards, bounced up, hit on its wheels, and, because of the impact, I floorboarded the engine while bracing myself. The car shot forward back towards the starting line and I shut it off: Spectacular!”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: With his recent win in Super Comp at the JEGS NHRA Pacific SPORTSnationals, four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin became the first driver in NHRA history to win an event in six different categories. (Pro Stock, Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Dragster).

DID YOU KNOW…

 

…that Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham participated in a pre-race burnout in his Al-Anabi dragster at the Coca-Cola 600 Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Worsham did an extended burnout down pit road in his Al-Anabi dragster as part of the pre-race ceremonies for the event. “I looked down pit road, and I saw all of the cup teams watching,” said Worsham. “It was exciting, it was exhilarating and it was crazy.”

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

 

NEWS NUGGETS

WORLD CHAMP DIXON HOPES ENGLISHTOWN RECORD WILL HELP SECURE FIRST WIN OF 2011, BROWN HOPES MID-SEASON SUCCESS WILL BRING FIRST WIN AT ‘HOMETOWN’ TRACK: It’s been a long first half of the regular season for defending Top Fuel world champion Larry Dixon. After racing to 12 wins in 12 final-round appearances in 2010, en route to his third world championship, the driver of the Al-Anabi Racing dragster has yet to visit Winner’s Circle in 2011, losing two final-round appearances to teammate and current points leader Del Worsham. But for a driver educated in the rich history of NHRA Drag Racing, Dixon has one strong advantage heading into the 42nd annual NHRA SuperNationals at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. He is tied for the most wins in the Top Fuel category at Englishtown. Dixon and NHRA Legend Joe Amato are tied for the most wins at the famed track, with six a piece. Dixon will be competing for his first win of the season and a shot to take the points lead from his teammate Worsham with only nine races left before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

“I don’t know why I have the record I do at Englishtown, but I definitely like racing there,” said Dixon. “You’d have to think the cars and setups I’ve run over the years are conducive to running well there. It’s one of the tracks where my Dad raced so I always enjoy racing there, and I always get some good feelings when I go to a track that’s been on our circuit for a long time.”

Dixon’s strongest competitor this weekend may be the hard-charging Matco Tools dragster driven by New Jersey native Antron Brown. Brown has already collected wins at both Las Vegas and Atlanta this season and currently sits fifth in the point standings. After a second-round loss at the recently completed NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Brown hopes to not only get back in the winning groove, but to secure his first Top Fuel victory at his hometown track—Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.

“It’s definitely good times when I come here, back to New Jersey,” said Brown, who won this event twice in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category (2005, 2002). “This track has a lot of history for me, and New Jersey is where it all began. And racing at home, in front of family and friends, I want to do well. I’m able to lie back, relax and have fun.” Tickets are still available for the NHRA SuperNationals. To purchase, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, June 2–5: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes its eighth stop of the season at historic Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Bob Tasca (Funny Car); Mike Edwards (Pro Stock); and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 800/43-RACES or go online at Racewaypark.com. For media credentials, please contact Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal at avestal@nhra.com.

FORD NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS PRESENTED BY TRI-CITIES AREA FORD DEALERS, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, June 17–19: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Thunder Valley and its ninth stop on the circuit. Defending event winners include Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel); John Force (Funny Car); and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock). For tickets, call 423/989-6900 or go online at bristoldragway.com. For media credentials, please contact Media Relations Manager Zak Elcock at zelcock@nhra.com.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, June 23–26: The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series heads to Norwalk, Ohio, and its 10th stop on the circuit. Defending event winners include Larry Dixon (Top Fuel); Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). For tickets, call 419/668-5555 or go online at summitmotorsportspark.tix.com. For media credentials, please contact Senior Communications Manager Scott Smith at ssmith@nhra.com.

HE SAID, SHE SAID

WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN: Pro Stock driver Shane Gray on what it took to grab his second career win at the recently completed NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka: “We’ve struggled pretty much since the year started—had car issues, engine issues. We just went back to the shop, regrouped, dissected the motor, dissected people, made probably 100 test runs, came here and the car ran really well.”

60 YEARS IN NHRA HISTORY

1986, “BIG DADDY’S” BIG BLOWOVER IN ENGLISHTOWN: On July 12, 1986 at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, while trying to back up his 5.343-second run from the previous day to set a national record, “Big Daddy” Don Garlits launched into a spectacular power wheelstand in his Swamp Rat XXX dragster, that would forever be known in NHRA history as the famous Garlits Blowover. The dragster went vertical and flipped around in the air. Once it landed it was pointed back toward the startling line. Garlits was able to stop the car, climb out onto the track and hold up both arms, signaling to the fans that he was okay. Upon doing so the fans went crazy.

Here is how Garlits described it in his own words: “The car went up on the rear wheels, flipped over onto the wing stand, knocked the wing off, skidded down the track on the wing stand, turned around, did a 180, came down on its side going backwards, bounced up, hit on its wheels, and, because of the impact, I floorboarded the engine while bracing myself. The car shot forward back towards the starting line and I shut it off: Spectacular!”

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

6: With his recent win in Super Comp at the JEGS NHRA Pacific SPORTSnationals, four-time Pro Stock world champion Jeg Coughlin became the first driver in NHRA history to win an event in six different categories. (Pro Stock, Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Top Dragster).

DID YOU KNOW…

 

…that Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham participated in a pre-race burnout in his Al-Anabi dragster at the Coca-Cola 600 Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Worsham did an extended burnout down pit road in his Al-Anabi dragster as part of the pre-race ceremonies for the event. “I looked down pit road, and I saw all of the cup teams watching,” said Worsham. “It was exciting, it was exhilarating and it was crazy.”

For more information, contact NHRA Media Relations at 626/914-4761 or visit the NHRA Media Center online.

Steve McBride

Steve McBride Named Director of Ohio Technical College Racing Program
Ohio Technical College named Steve McBride director of the High Performance & Racing Program, where he will oversee students who are learning skills to become a high-performance race team technician or performance shop owner. Previously an instructor for Ohio Technical College who has 25 years of industry knowledge and experience, McBride stated, "Our High Performance & Racing course focuses on a variety of racing series—including NHRA, IHRA, SCCA and ASA—to prepare students and make them versatile and valuable to future employers. OTC stresses hands-on training and real-world experience."

CARQUEST Names East Penn Manufacturing 2010 Supplier of the Year
At its 2011 Supplier Summit, CARQUEST Auto Parts named East Penn Manufacturing as its 2010 Supplier of the Year. The annual award was recently renamed the Larry McCurdy Award, in memory of Larry McCurdy, an industry leader and former board member of General Parts International Inc. McCurdy passed away in 2010. According to CARQUEST, the award recognizes a supplier’s contribution to its success through quality products and outstanding marketing support.

Yokohama Partners With United Future
The Yokohama Tire Corp. hired United Future to assist with an overall corporate strategy to enhance customer engagement and manage its brand digitally. With the goal of making communicating with Yokohama's customers stronger, United Future will incorporate Yokohama strategies with implementation tactics and business analytics.

Scott Woodward

Scott Woodward Named Boge America General Manager
Scott Woodward was named general manager of Boge America. Woodward has spent more than a decade in the compressed air industry working for leading manufacturers, according to a Boge release. In his new role, Woodward is responsible for developing Boge business throughout America, which includes strengthening and expanding the distribution network to ensure a local sales and service presence nationwide.

University of the Aftermarket Accepting Applications for Leadership 2.0 Class
Aftermarket industry professionals are encouraged by the University of the Aftermarket to submit applications for its 2011–2012 Leadership 2.0 class. Seats are limited and each of the past four classes has sold out early. Session I is set for September 11–16, 2011, on Northwood University’s Midland, Michigan, campus. Participants will reconvene April 15–20, 2012, on the Northwood campus in West Palm Beach, Florida. Designed for any mid-level professional working in any segment of the aftermarket, the curriculum includes a blend of industry research and market analysis, discussion and debate on aftermarket challenges and competitive strategies, individual communication skills training, negotiations and conflict management, insight into supply chain solutions, and other industry topics. Graduates of the program earn 7.0 continuing education units that can be applied toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. In addition, the team project activity satisfies the “Research Paper” requirement of the AAP designation. To learn more and to reserve a spot in the incoming class, please contact the University of the Aftermarket at 800/551-2882 or UofA@northwood.edu. Information regarding all University of the Aftermarket programs are available online at www.universityoftheaftermarket.com.

Speedway Motors Honored for Marketing Efforts
Speedway Motors was named the 2011 Corporate Marketer of the Year by the Lincoln, Nebraska, chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). The company also received top honors for social marketing during the Lincoln AMA’s recent awards ceremony. The company was honored for its full spectrum of marketing efforts, including its website, print and direct-mail and online advertising for the street-rod and racing markets. Speedway Motors accepted the Lincoln AMA’s Prism Award for social marketing for its Facebook page, which was started in 2009, and has attracted more than 37,000 fans in just two years, putting it in the top 4% of all Facebook pages, according to the company. For more information, visit SpeedwayMotors.com, or check out the company’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/SpeedwayMotors.

Time Running Out to Enter Raffle for 2011 Shelby GT350
Collectors and enthusiasts have limited time remaining to enter the 2011 "Win-A-Shelby" raffle to take home a prototype number three 2011 Shelby GT350, owned by Carroll Shelby. For a ticket price of $25, or $100 for five tickets, participants can place their name in the drawing. The winner will be announced in June 2011 at the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Orange County Auction at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, California. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which was established by automotive icon Carroll Shelby to provide financial support for children battling life-threatening illnesses and to promote continuing education. For more information, visit www.winashelby.org.

The next-generation Ford Escape has been spied many times in the last several months, but the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. supplied some up-close pics of the Ford Sync-equipped interior.

The features that jump out are the push-button start, driver/passenger heated seat controls, a button behind the steering wheel for voice-activated commands and a "+/-" button on the shifter to change gears.

Comparing this prototype to the Vertrek, the concept car's general shape looks to have made the jump to production largely unchanged. However, Priddy says the overall size of this new Escape does not differ much from the current model.

Peering through the camo is a grille and front fascia that looks quite similar to the Ford Edge. The upper grille opening looks to be very slim, with one small crossbar. At the rear are glimpses of some very angular-looking taillights. However, Priddy says not to be fooled by the squared-off roofline because it appears that Ford has attached some elaborate camouflage in an effort to hide the true, sloping lines of the rear hatch.

This new CUV will launch very late in 2011, or Q1 of 2012, according to Priddy, and that could make this a ’12 or ’13 model-year vehicle, but nothing is official so far. Priddy's team would be shocked if Ford didn't retain the "Escape" badge. The new Escape will ride on Ford's global C1 chassis, and it will share that platform with other vehicles, including the Focus, C-max, Transit Connect and the forthcoming C-segment MPV from Lincoln.

The Escape will make the shift from a V6 to a 2.5L four-cylinder for the base model and an Ecoboost four-cylinder for the upmarket model, and Priddy says that the type of Ecoboost motor under the hood remains a bit of mystery. She says that several sources indicate it will be the 2.0L, but her team has also heard that the 1.6L is getting strong consideration based on fuel economy. Priddy also says that there will also be a hybrid model available shortly after launch, with Ford's next-gen hybrid powertrain providing the motivation. 

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

The next-generation Ford Escape has been spied many times in the last several months, but the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. supplied some up-close pics of the Ford Sync-equipped interior.

The features that jump out are the push-button start, driver/passenger heated seat controls, a button behind the steering wheel for voice-activated commands and a "+/-" button on the shifter to change gears.

Comparing this prototype to the Vertrek, the concept car's general shape looks to have made the jump to production largely unchanged. However, Priddy says the overall size of this new Escape does not differ much from the current model.

Peering through the camo is a grille and front fascia that looks quite similar to the Ford Edge. The upper grille opening looks to be very slim, with one small crossbar. At the rear are glimpses of some very angular-looking taillights. However, Priddy says not to be fooled by the squared-off roofline because it appears that Ford has attached some elaborate camouflage in an effort to hide the true, sloping lines of the rear hatch.

This new CUV will launch very late in 2011, or Q1 of 2012, according to Priddy, and that could make this a ’12 or ’13 model-year vehicle, but nothing is official so far. Priddy's team would be shocked if Ford didn't retain the "Escape" badge. The new Escape will ride on Ford's global C1 chassis, and it will share that platform with other vehicles, including the Focus, C-max, Transit Connect and the forthcoming C-segment MPV from Lincoln.

The Escape will make the shift from a V6 to a 2.5L four-cylinder for the base model and an Ecoboost four-cylinder for the upmarket model, and Priddy says that the type of Ecoboost motor under the hood remains a bit of mystery. She says that several sources indicate it will be the 2.0L, but her team has also heard that the 1.6L is getting strong consideration based on fuel economy. Priddy also says that there will also be a hybrid model available shortly after launch, with Ford's next-gen hybrid powertrain providing the motivation. 

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company

The next-generation Ford Escape has been spied many times in the last several months, but the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. supplied some up-close pics of the Ford Sync-equipped interior.

The features that jump out are the push-button start, driver/passenger heated seat controls, a button behind the steering wheel for voice-activated commands and a "+/-" button on the shifter to change gears.

Comparing this prototype to the Vertrek, the concept car's general shape looks to have made the jump to production largely unchanged. However, Priddy says the overall size of this new Escape does not differ much from the current model.

Peering through the camo is a grille and front fascia that looks quite similar to the Ford Edge. The upper grille opening looks to be very slim, with one small crossbar. At the rear are glimpses of some very angular-looking taillights. However, Priddy says not to be fooled by the squared-off roofline because it appears that Ford has attached some elaborate camouflage in an effort to hide the true, sloping lines of the rear hatch.

This new CUV will launch very late in 2011, or Q1 of 2012, according to Priddy, and that could make this a ’12 or ’13 model-year vehicle, but nothing is official so far. Priddy's team would be shocked if Ford didn't retain the "Escape" badge. The new Escape will ride on Ford's global C1 chassis, and it will share that platform with other vehicles, including the Focus, C-max, Transit Connect and the forthcoming C-segment MPV from Lincoln.

The Escape will make the shift from a V6 to a 2.5L four-cylinder for the base model and an Ecoboost four-cylinder for the upmarket model, and Priddy says that the type of Ecoboost motor under the hood remains a bit of mystery. She says that several sources indicate it will be the 2.0L, but her team has also heard that the 1.6L is getting strong consideration based on fuel economy. Priddy also says that there will also be a hybrid model available shortly after launch, with Ford's next-gen hybrid powertrain providing the motivation. 

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company