How much would it cost to drive a family sedan around mainland Australia? Ford Australia believes it can be done for approximately $1,000 in fuel costs.

To test the theory, Ford Australia is teaming up with its stable of racing car drivers to test the fuel advantages of its LPG Falcon.

Ford Australia President Tom Gorman waved off the 'Ford LPG Challenge' from Ford's head office in Campbellfield yesterday.

The 23-day trial to travel around Australia for around $1,000 will take in all mainland states, covering more than 13,000 kilometres in a single fuel LPG Falcon.

"With rising fuel prices, good fuel economy is a critical element for new car buyers and the Falcon range of vehicles represents outstanding value for money," said Mr Gorman.

"Our dedicated LPG – or E-Gas Falcon – offers all the power and comfort of a large family sedan with the fuel costs of a small car.

"To showcase the advantages of dedicated LPG, we have set ourselves a unique challenge of travelling around the country for around $1,000 in the E-Gas Falcon to demonstrate the outstanding work our designers and engineers have undertaken to provide Australian car buyers with a fantastic package.

"The E-Gas range of Falcons – which includes sedans, wagons and utes – showcases the latest in vehicle technology with superb handling, numerous creature comforts, legendary reliability and fantastic value for money," Mr Gorman said.

The Ford LPG Challenge has been backed by LPG Australia.

LPGA Industry Development Manager Phil Westlake praised Ford for setting out to demonstrate the efficiency and availability of LPG Autogas.

"Many people are debating about the need to encourage the development of alternative fuels, but the best and most viable alternative fuel is already easily available.

"There are now more than 3,200 Autogas outlets across Australia, with half of the filling stations located in regional areas.

"The expanding number of Autogas outlets means motorists can travel throughout Australia in an LPG-powered car with great confidence," Mr Westlake said.

Mr Gorman said the E-Gas range supplied the power customers expect from a big Aussie six, while delivering the fuel costs of a small car.

"Ford’s dedicated LPG engine, introduced in 1999, has been extremely successful, helping to win major fleet orders from operators looking to save costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The E-Gas engine boasts all the technological benefits of the Falcon petrol engine, with double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, dual variable camshaft timing and coil-on-plug ignition.

The VCT system in particular has allowed engineers to take advantage of the higher octane rating of LPG and increase the E-Gas engine’s compression ratio to 10.7:1. The higher compression ratio helps to deliver more power and efficiency.

A unique induction system was developed to work with the advanced Electronic Throttle Control while a new balance hose and new ductwork and piping improve under-bonnet layout and reliability.

The dedicated LPG Falcon dispenses with all petrol system components including fuel tank and pipes, reducing complexity while saving weight and cost.

E-Gas technology is available on nine vehicles in the Falcon range, including the Falcon XT and Futura sedans and wagons, the Fairmont, the XL, XLS, RTV and XR6 Utes.

Ford LPG Challenge itinerary:
3rd August: Melbourne – Geelong
4th August: Geelong – Hamilton – Casterton – Penola – Naracoorte – Keith – Adelaide
5th August: Adelaide – Port Wakefield – Port Pirie – Port Augusta – Ceduna
6th August: Ceduna – Nundroo – Eucla – Madura – Cocklebiddy
7th August: Cocklebiddy – Balladonia – Norseman – Kalgoorlie
8th August: Kalgoorlie – Southern Cross – Merredin – Northam – Perth
10th August: Perth – Geraldton – Carnarvon
11th August: Carnarvon – Nanutarra – Karratha – Port Hedland
12th August: Port Hedland – Pardoo – Sandfire Roadhouse – Broome
13th August: Broome – Fitzroy Crossing – Halls Creek – Kununurra
14th August: Kununurra – Timber Creek – Victoria River – Katherine – Darwin
16th August: Darwin – Katherine – Daly Waters – Renner Springs – Tennant Creek
17th August: Tennant Creek – Barkly Homestead – Camooweal – Mt Isa – Cloncurry
18th August: Cloncurry – Julia Creek – Richmond – Charters Towers – Townsville
19th August: Townsville – Mackay – Rockhampton
20th August: Rockhampton – Gladstone – Maryborough – Gympie – Brisbane
22nd August: Brisbane – Warwick – Tenterfield – Armidale – Tamworth
23rd August: Tamworth – Coonabarabran – Dubbo – Orange – Bathurst – Lithgow – Sydney
24th August: Sydney – Goulburn – Canberra
25th August: Canberra – Gundagai – Albury – Melbourne

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