Latest news with #YouYangs
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Robot Driver Puts Ranger Super Duty Through Ford's Harshest Test
Robot Driver Puts Ranger Super Duty Through Ford's Harshest Test originally appeared on Autoblog. Ford does not believe in being gentle with its trucks. To prove the Ranger Super Duty can take punishment, the brand sends it straight to the harshest road it could find. Since it didn't meet their standards, Ford built their own. At Ford Australia's You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria, there is a stretch of man-made hell called Silver Creek, and it is where the Ranger earned its stripes. The Tough Test Track Silver Creek is not your everyday 4x4 trail. Instead of a creek bed filled with smooth stones, Silver Creek has 300 randomly scattered bumps, each a different size and shape, purposefully designed to push the chassis' limits. Ford says "a single run on Silver Creek generates over 2000 suspension movements," and it especially targets "the durability of engine and body mounts, joints, and connectors". Everything from top to bottom gets pushed to its limit, and Ford claims the test is equivalent to 10 years' abuse from driving in harsh conditions. Robot Takes The Wheel Judging by the above video of the SIlver Creek test, it would not just take a toll on Ranger, but anyone behind the wheel too – yes, it's that rough. As a result, Ford programmed an autonomous robot to pilot the Superduty up and down the track. This mechanical daredevil ran the Ranger Super Duty over Silver Creek 24 hours a day, in rain, hail, and shine. racking up more than 2,000 suspension movements in a single pass. The aim was to push every mount, joint, and connector to their limits without mercy. Built To Carry The Heavy Stuff As if things were not difficult enough, the Ranger Super Duty faced Silver Creek while loaded to its maximum gross vehicle mass of 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs). The forces pounding through the truck in that state are brutal, far exceeding what most owners will ever put it through. And that is exactly the point. If it can survive Silver Creek fully loaded, it can survive just about anything an owner might throw at it. Although many don't want to admit it, this test proves the Built Ford Tough slogan isn't just a fruitless statement. Robot Driver Puts Ranger Super Duty Through Ford's Harshest Test first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Robot Driver Puts Ranger Super Duty Through Ford's Harshest Test
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Dodge skipped a Hemi V8 reveal for the Charger at Roadkill Nights, but CEO Matt McAlear has hinted strongly that the engine's return is still on the way. With usable cargo space, comfortable seating, and an ideal location for our furry friends, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an ideal transport for kids, dogs, and just about anything else. Ford does not believe in being gentle with its trucks. To prove the Ranger Super Duty can take punishment, the brand sends it straight to the harshest road it could find. Since it didn't meet their standards, Ford built their own. At Ford Australia's You Yangs Proving Ground in Victoria, there is a stretch of man-made hell called Silver Creek, and it is where the Ranger earned its stripes. The Tough Test Track Source: Ford Silver Creek is not your everyday 4×4 trail. Instead of a creek bed filled with smooth stones, Silver Creek has 300 randomly scattered bumps, each a different size and shape, purposefully designed to push the chassis' limits. Ford says 'a single run on Silver Creek generates over 2000 suspension movements,' and it especially targets 'the durability of engine and body mounts, joints, and connectors'. Everything from top to bottom gets pushed to its limit, and Ford claims the test is equivalent to 10 years' abuse from driving in harsh conditions. Robot Takes The Wheel Source: Ford Judging by the above video of the SIlver Creek test, it would not just take a toll on Ranger, but anyone behind the wheel too – yes, it's that rough. As a result, Ford programmed an autonomous robot to pilot the Superduty up and down the track. This mechanical daredevil ran the Ranger Super Duty over Silver Creek 24 hours a day, in rain, hail, and shine. racking up more than 2,000 suspension movements in a single pass. The aim was to push every mount, joint, and connector to their limits without mercy. Built To Carry The Heavy Stuff Source: Ford As if things were not difficult enough, the Ranger Super Duty faced Silver Creek while loaded to its maximum gross vehicle mass of 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs). The forces pounding through the truck in that state are brutal, far exceeding what most owners will ever put it through. And that is exactly the point. If it can survive Silver Creek fully loaded, it can survive just about anything an owner might throw at it. Although many don't want to admit it, this test proves the Built Ford Tough slogan isn't just a fruitless statement. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Sad reason six rare Aussie animals were placed in backpacks and flown 570km to secure location
Australia has the worst record in the world for mammalian extinction. So in a bid to stop history repeating, six rare wallabies have been taken from their rocky stronghold and flown 570km across the country to help bolster an important insurance population. Fewer than 100 southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies remain in the wild, primarily due to habitat destruction and predation by invasive European foxes. But there are an additional 300 to 400 living at the Mount Rothwell sanctuary, west of Melbourne, which is run by environmental charity the Odonata Foundation. Its chief operating officer Matt Singleton explained the wallabies are a curious creature that scales high rocky cliffs, watching people as they walk past. 'They stand up there almost like meerkats. When you sit still and watch them... they mind their own business, but they're always keeping a watchful eye over you,' he said. Related: Rare colour footage of extinct wallaby seen again after 90 years With most of the brush-tailed rock-wallabies at this one location, just north of the You Yangs, the species was deemed susceptible to threats like bushfire. So work is being done to spread the genetics around to improve the health of two smaller populations at faraway predator-proof sanctuaries. Wallabies placed inside backpacks to keep them calm When populations get too small, there's a danger they can become inbred. On Friday morning, three males and three females with healthy genetics were selected to be sent to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in the ACT where a population of 20 live. At the same time, two will be taken from Tidbinbilla to Central Victoria, to help set up a population there. Tidbinbilla is well known for its work in helping save threatened species, and it is one of the last remaining places on Earth where the critically endangered Canberra grassland earless dragon survives. Brush-tailed rock-wallabies are well known for their ability to help the landscape by nibbling between long tussock grasses, potentially improving the landscape for dragons, which require open spaces. They also spread mycorrhizal fungi, which attach to tree roots to help them communicate. As Singleton spoke to Yahoo on Friday afternoon, the wallabies were mid-flight. Each was placed inside a backpack so they'd feel comfortable. 'They feel like they're in a pouch, and it reduces stress on the animals. A lot of macropods like rock wallabies have stress toxins build up in their bodies and they can be fatal to them,' he said. After the wallabies are picked up at Canberra Airport, they'll be placed inside one to two-hectare pens to keep them quarantined from the established Tidbinbilla while they adjust. 🚨 Alarm raised after strange backyard frog phenomenon worsens 🎞️ Incredible Australian footage reveals native predator killing city rats ☠️ Warning 'nowhere is safe' as Australia's 500km toxic problem spreads While the Odonata Foundation has been successful in breeding up numbers, Singleton said the Southern Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby Recovery Team's work has been a collaborative effort. 'I think it's a great example of how people can work together to achieve really great outcomes to recover a species. And from Odonata's perspective, our work couldn't be done without the support of Amazon's Right Now Climate Fund,' he said in reference to the tech giant's $100 million nature investment fund to help conserve natural landscapes and build climate resilience around the world. The project was also supported by the ACT Government and Cesar Australia. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Sad reason why six rare Aussie animals were placed in backpacks and flown 570km to secure location
Australia has the worst record in the world for mammalian extinction. So in a bid to stop history repeating, six rare wallabies have been taken from their rocky stronghold and flown 570km across the country to help bolster an important insurance population. Fewer than 100 southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies remain in the wild, primarily due to habitat destruction and predation by invasive European foxes. But there are an additional 300 to 400 living at the Mount Rothwell sanctuary, west of Melbourne, which is run by environmental charity the Odonata Foundation. Its chief operating officer Matt Singleton explained the wallabies are a curious creature that scales high rocky cliffs, watching people as they walk past. 'They stand up there almost like meerkats. When you sit still and watch them... they mind their own business, but they're always keeping a watchful eye over you,' he said. Related: Rare colour footage of extinct wallaby seen again after 90 years With most of the brush-tailed rock-wallabies at this one location, just north of the You Yangs, the species was deemed susceptible to threats like bushfire. So work is being done to spread the genetics around to improve the health of two smaller populations at faraway predator-proof sanctuaries. Wallabies placed inside backpacks to keep them calm When populations get too small, there's a danger they can become inbred. On Friday morning, three males and three females with healthy genetics were selected to be sent to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in the ACT where a population of 20 live. At the same time, two will be taken from Tidbinbilla to Central Victoria, to help set up a population there. Tidbinbilla is well known for its work in helping save threatened species, and it is one of the last remaining places on Earth where the critically endangered Canberra grassland earless dragon survives. Brush-tailed rock-wallabies are well known for their ability to help the landscape by nibbling between long tussock grasses, potentially improving the landscape for dragons, which require open spaces. They also spread mycorrhizal fungi, which attach to tree roots to help them communicate. As Singleton spoke to Yahoo on Friday afternoon, the wallabies were mid-flight. Each was placed inside a backpack so they'd feel comfortable. 'They feel like they're in a pouch, and it reduces stress on the animals. A lot of macropods like rock wallabies have stress toxins build up in their bodies and they can be fatal to them,' he said. After the wallabies are picked up at Canberra Airport, they'll be placed inside one to two-hectare pens to keep them quarantined from the established Tidbinbilla while they adjust. 🚨 Alarm raised after strange backyard frog phenomenon worsens 🎞️ Incredible Australian footage reveals native predator killing city rats ☠️ Warning 'nowhere is safe' as Australia's 500km toxic problem spreads While the Odonata Foundation has been successful in breeding up numbers, Singleton said the Southern Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby Recovery Team's work has been a collaborative effort. 'I think it's a great example of how people can work together to achieve really great outcomes to recover a species. And from Odonata's perspective, our work couldn't be done without the support of Amazon's Right Now Climate Fund,' he said in reference to the tech giant's $100 million nature investment fund to help conserve natural landscapes and build climate resilience around the world. The project was also supported by the ACT Government and Cesar Australia. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
News.com.au
26-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Lachlan Shepherd-designed home brings minimalist luxury to Highton
A striking 'architectural marvel' framing sweeping views over the Highton valley has come to market for the first time. Surf Coast architect Lachlan Shepherd designed the minimalist, four-bedroom house at 72 Stoneleigh Cres, Highton, for the vendors several years ago. McGrath agent listing agent Mergim Ibrahimi said he had always been curious about what lay behind its private, low-slung facade. First-timers' surprise win at Geelong West 'It's a home that I have always driven past and always wondered about and now I am lucky enough to be selling it,' he said. 'And it lived up to my expectation.' The luxury home, constructed from durable concrete, glass and corten steel that extends into the living room, is selling with $2.79m to $2.95m price hopes. With amazing views to the north, it's little wonder the split-level design turns it back on the street, instead focusing attention on a rear vista that extends all the way to the You Yangs. Throw in a swimming pool, entertainer's deck and an in-ground trampoline and you have all the ingredients for a dream family lifestyle. 'The home offers a lot and it is luxury of a high standard however it's got a really minimalist feel to it,' Mr Ibrahimi said. 'Nothing is overdone but you can feel the quality when you walk in the front door – that view, the architecture, the natural light just hits you in the face. 'It's the first thing you see and it give you a sense that the home is something quite special to the market place. I have not seen another one like it.' He said the home's thermally efficient design was another triumph that meant airconditioning was only required when there were several 40-plus degree days in a row. Clerestory windows to the north and south of the central living pavilion can also be remotely opened and closed to allow for cross ventilation and cooling as required. Architect Mr Shepherd said floor-to-ceiling windows harnessed the winter sun and connected the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge to the pool deck. 'We wanted the home to engage with both its immediate surroundings and the broader landscape,' he said. 'By elevating the pool to floor level and using concrete blockwork, we created a seamless visual flow drawing the eye across the water to the horizon.'
