The all-new Ford Ka microcar, which Ford Motor Co. sells in Europe and is considering bringing to America, will appear in the new James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace."
In the movie, which opens in the United States on Nov. 7, the Ka is featured in a unique metallic gold paint with a funky combination of exterior graphics and interior trim.
The special "Quantum of Solace" Ka was created by Ford of Europe’s design team, in collaboration with the movie’s Oscar award-winning production designer, Dennis Gassner. The Ka’s cameo continues Ford of Europe’s relationship with the James Bond films, following the debut appearance of the latest Ford Mondeo, in the 2006 blockbuster, "Casino Royale.
About the KA
The original Ka, which was based on the Ford Puma coupé chassis platform, was launched 12 years ago and proved an unexpected success with Ford selling more than 1.4 million of the small city car.
The new model is based on the Fiat Panda/Cinquecento chassis platform and built in Poland.
Although fuel-efficient cars like this are now very popular in the U.S. and reports abound that the new Ka might be coming to America, Ford spokesman Jay Ward told Green Car Advisor the automaker has no intension to selling the microcar here.
xBhp is ready with the next step to promote motorcycling as a lifestyle in India. I start with this brief message which will finally lead to a monumental journey that shall for long remain a bright spot in the annals of modern motorcycling in India.
Superbiking is picking up in this country like never before. Yamaha has been the first one with the R1 and the MT-01 and the other biggies from the global motorcycling circuit are to follow suit. xBhp has ever been the trendsetting epicenter of the motorcycle scene in India and this ride shall be the harbinger of performance biking with all its glamour, precision, state-of-the-art technology embedded within the age old charm of traveling cross-country.
This ride shall take the message of enjoyable and safe motorcycling on performance motorcycles to each and every corner of the country. Four riders, with a passion for riding, a promise to do it safe and well and with the capacity to put across the message of safety not just through their riding but also through their attitude, words and demeanour. More than 16,000kms in 3 months.
The Bikes
2 Yamaha R1’s and 2 R-15’s.
Both the R-1’s and one R-15 shall be on road while the second R-15 shall follow in the support vehicle.
The Riders
4 Men willing to put in 3-months of constant, uninterrupted and dedicated effort involved in living and breathing performance motorcycling while riding across this rich and diverse nation. Tentative date for the start of the ride is 30th October 2008.
The two riders for the R-1’s have been finalized. Applications are invited from willing xBhp members for riding the R-15’s. One of these two riders shall be on the road at any given point of time while the second shall accompany in the support vehicle (most probably a well-equipped Tempo Traveller). They both shall take turns in riding the R-15.
A Brief of the Required Rider Profile
- Above 20 years of age.
- Has a valid motorcycle driving license
- Some substantial touring experience, the more diverse the better
- Ability to face the media and requisite skills for public speaking
- Needless to say, computer and net savvy
- An interest and knowledge of photography shall be an added advantage
- Physically fit and mentally tenacious. The ability to go the distance no matter what shall be invaluable.
- Thoroughly motivated to learn new things and spread the essence of safe riding.
Send in your profile and a brief note (about half a page) describing yourself, both as an individual and a rider, to sunny@xbhp.com asap.
More details/route plan/agenda etcetera will be published on xBhp.com soon. Meanwhile please put forward your queries in this thread and I will answer what I can.