Fun Stuff

   

Attention automotive enthusiasts who have ever wanted to get behind the wheel of some of the awesome supercars they see at the Australian International Motor Show.Xbox 360 will be conducting the Australian launch of the newest addition to its successful Forza Motorsport racing franchise, Forza Horizon at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show.All visitors to the Motor Show, opening October 19, will be able to experience the thrills and action of Forza Horizon ahead of its global on-sale date of October 23 and take some of the supercars for a spin, a virtual spin that is.“It really is fantastic timing that Xbox was due to launch its newest automotive game, Forza Horizon around the same time at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show,” said Russ Tyrie, Show Director. “We thought it too good an opportunity to pass up and want to give the automotive and gaming enthusiasts of Australia a fantastic real-life and virtual experience.“For all those gamers who have ever wanted to see the supercars they race virtually in the flesh and for all those automotive fans who’ve wanted to get behind the wheel of some of these supercars – make sure you come to the 2012 Australian International Motor Show.”Forza Horizon is an action racing game set on the epic open roads of Colorado with a thrilling music festival backdrop.  Combining stunning graphics, and cutting-edge music with legendary Forza authenticity and a superb collection of cars to drive, Forza Horizon is an open-world automotive playground that puts a spotlight on speed, style and the freedom of the open road.The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour and will open daily at 10am from October 19 to 28. For further information about the Show and to purchase early bird tickets, visit the 2012 AIMS website.www.motorshow.com.au 

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will have all entertainment bases covered with a host of activities for the whole family across both weekends of the Show.On Saturday 20 and 27 October between 11.00am and 2.00pm, Alex the Lion from Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted will be in attendance to meet and greet young children and their families.Face-painters and clowns will also be roaming the halls to ensure youngsters are amused as the adults are entertained by the exciting range of vehicles on display from local and international manufacturers and special one-off stands.“We want to make the Australian International Motor Show an event the entire family can experience and enjoy, so we try to consider all visitors to the Show and make sure there is something for everyone,” said Russ Tyrie, Event Director.“We are very excited that this year Alex the Lion from the popular Madagascar movie franchise will be a star attraction on our two Family Days and the 2012 Australian International Motor Show is sure to be a fun day out for families.”Early bird pricing is available on tickets bought online until Friday 5 October meaning a family pass purchased before then is available at a great value price of just $42 for two adults and three children aged 5-16. The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour and will open daily at 10am from October 19 to 28. 

Early next month, a Toyota Tundra utility will haul the space shuttle Endeavour part of the way on its final journey to its resting place at the California Science Centre.The Endeavour will travel about 20km over city streets from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Science Centre, with the Tundra to tow shuttle the final 400 metres or so. The big utility is not sold here in Australia where the Hilux reigns supreme, but it's been tested to make sure its up to the job.Weighing in at 136 tonnes the Endeavour will travel down Bill Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles, on the final leg of its journey. It will be towed by a stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2 ton pickup, identical to models currently found in US Toyota dealerships, with no additional modifications made to increase towing capacity or generate more power.The Tundra CrewMax is equipped with Toyota's powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 4.5 tonnes. Toyota has done extensive testing and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling the Endeavour."There is no larger or more recognisable icon of the US space program's success than the shuttle, and to have it towed by the Toyota Tundra is not only an incredible example of the capabilities of the truck, but an honor to be part of history," said Toyota's Ed Laukes. The tow Tundra will go on display with the Endeavour when the exhibit opens on October 30, 2012.