Leave it to Ford to begin teasing a new model with random pieces of information and video and/or photo material.

Fortunately though, there’s not much time left before the 2013 Ford Escape makes its world premiere at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show that will stay open for the public from November 18 to 27.

Following some revealing details on the new global Escape’s engine lineup, Ford today released a single teaser image and a video highlighting the SUV’s “segment-first hands-free power liftgate”, which opens with a kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to search for the key (though you will need to have it in your pocket).

“The hands-free power liftgate is yet another innovative Ford technology that makes customers’ lives easier,” said Jason Sprawka, Escape brand manager. “New Escape owners will be able to load their vehicle without ever having to set packages or gear down.”

Ford says that the hands-free liftgate system makes use of two sensors in the rear bumper to detect a person’s shin and kicking motion, adding that it has been specially programmed to open only with leg motions and not –for example- when a small animal runs under the vehicle.

According to the automaker, the liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.

The new Escape is based on Ford’s C-sized platform and will launch next spring with three four-cylinder engines, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged units and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Ti-VCT.

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