2013 Ford Escape to Star in Ford-Produced ‘Online, Interactive Reality Series’

To help promote the new 2013 Ford Escape, Ford will launch a competition called Escape Routes, where participants will use an Escape to solve various challenges. The competition will be featured in the form of web videos and social-media updates online.

The “online, interactive reality series” will have six teams of two people solve challenges in various locations by using the unique features of the Escape. Think of it as The Amazing Race centered around the new Ford crossover. Ford will hold casting calls for the contest in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Miami, San Francisco, and Miami. The company says it is looking for “dynamic, fun-loving individuals.”

Fans will be able to follow along with the teams’ progress via web videos, social-media updates, and online versions of the puzzles found in each city. We imagine, though, that the focus of every update will be the virtues of the 2013 Escape. The Escape Routes project kicks off in March 2012, and those interested in participating can sign up at escaperoutes.com.

The 2013 Escape is an all-new design that is sleeker and more stylish than the current boxy model. Its edgy new design is shared with the new version of the European-market Kuga, and is about 10 percent more aerodynamic than the old Escape. The new crossover offers three different four cylinder engines: a carryover 171-hp, 2.5-liter unit; a 173-hp, 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo; and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo with 237 hp. All are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive. Neat new gadgets for the Escape include a kick-to-open power liftgate, self-parking system, and safety technologies like a knee airbag. The new Escape goes on sale in spring 2012.