fords.com.au logo
Online Magazine

CATEGORIES

advertisement
SPECIAL
Ford Territory Ford Territory
SPECIAL
Ford Territory Ford Territory
2007 TERRITORY

image $36,888
2007 RANGER

image $39,088
2008 FOCUS

image $23,888
2007 FOCUS

image $28,888
2008 FALCON

image $29,888
2008 FPV

image $55,888
Front Page

BF Falcon MkII Evolution of an Icon

Staff, Friday October 6, 2006.

Page 1 of 1

Ford Australia President Tom Gorman today officially launched the new BF Falcon MkII range, which will go on sale later this month.

“The introduction of the new BF Falcon MkII is the next step in the evolution of the iconic Falcon brand,” Mr Gorman said.

BF Falcon MkII Evolution of an Icon

“BF Falcon MkII builds on the strong engineering foundations laid by the BF Falcon and SY Territory programs, while also delivering a host of fresh exterior and interior styling elements that further refine the Falcon’s contemporary design.”

“The depth of engineering and technological innovation in the Falcon range has been extended with BF MkII, with greater access across more models to some of the Falcon’s class-leading features and technologies.”

Mr Gorman also announced new model pricing for the BF Falcon MkII line-up, revealing a revised pricing structure that strategically realigns the sports and sports luxury models to maintain competitiveness in their highly important sectors.

“We have taken the deliberate strategic action of repositioning some of our most popular vehicles, in order to ensure that the competitiveness of our price offering is as customer-focused as the design changes we have made to the vehicles,” Mr Gorman said.

“The large car market is more competitive now than at any time in recent memory. These pricing actions will allow Ford to maintain our strong share of this segment, which has been the genesis of our success over many decades, while also increasing the attractiveness of the Falcon range to other customers.”

The new BF Falcon MkII range represents outstanding value for money, delivering new styling and additional features including an optional Bluetooth®^ mobile phone kit, as well as continuing Ford’s commitment to engineering innovation and world-class technology with wider availability of the six-speed automatic transmission and Dynamic Stability Control system.

“Recommended retail pricing of our premium Falcon XR models has been reduced by up to 12.4 per cent, while Fairmont Ghia has benefited from a reduction of 12.1 per cent compared to the previous model,” Mr Gorman said.

“Combined with new styling and finishes, we believe these actions make both the sports and sports luxury models a compelling value proposition.”

There is no change to the recommended pricing for Falcon XR6 and Fairmont models, while Falcon XT and Futura models have risen by just 0.3 per cent.

In conjunction with the release of the BF Falcon MkII range a new “Euro Sports Package” will be optional on the Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont sedan, comprising the six-speed automatic transmission, Dynamic Stability Control, Sports Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels and tyres.

The combined RRP of the features in the Euro Sports Package is $3,900, but at launch it will be available for just $250¹ as part of a special value offer.

BF Falcon MkII Evolution of an Icon

Falcon XR6 customers can also enjoy a special value offer at launch, with the optional six-speed automatic transmission and DSC packaged together to deliver $2,350 of recommended retail value for a special offer price also of $250².

The recommended retail price of the six-speed automatic transmission as a stand-alone option at BF Falcon MkII is $1,500.

“With the recent influx of new models sparking renewed interest in the Large car segment, the new BF Falcon MkII offers customers an exceptional family car package that delivers outstanding fuel economy, performance, refinement and safety,” Mr Gorman said.

“BF Falcon MkII builds on Falcon’s core strengths of world-class engineering, state-of-the-art technologies and superior driving dynamics, with a fresh and aspirational design that is sure to appeal to customers and keep the Falcon nameplate at the vanguard of the local car industry.”

¹ Recommended offer price for retail customers only. Limited offer at participating Ford dealers.
² Recommended offer price for retail customers only. Limited offer available on new Falcon XR6 vehicles purchased & delivered between November 1 and December 31, 2006, at participating Ford dealers.

World class six-speed automatic

Where the BF Falcon introduced performance and luxury buyers to the benefits of a world-class six-speed automatic transmission and state-of-the-art Dynamic Stability Control system, BF Falcon MkII opens up this world of technological advances to even more Falcon sedan customers.

With the release of BF Falcon MkII, the ZF six-speed automatic transmission – which was the first six-speed automatic to be fitted to an Australian-built vehicle at BF Falcon – will be available on all petrol Falcon sedan models.

Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont sedan customers can option their vehicle with the six-speed automatic transmission and delight in the real-world benefits it offers in terms of reduced fuel consumption, increased functionality, precision and refined performance.

“The six-speed automatic transmission has proven to be a standout feature of the BF Falcon, especially for its ability to deliver a tailored driving experience for customers,” Mr Gorman said.

“Not only does it reward a sporty driving style with livelier performance and sharper responses, but it also delivers significant benefits in terms of reduced fuel consumption and greater refinement, with smoother shift quality a notable feature during everyday use.”

ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic

The six-speed automatic is a compact and lightweight, high efficiency, high torque capacity transmission with a low first gear, higher top gear and smaller, more graduated steps between each gear.

With a larger spread of ratios, the six-speed transmission offers real-world benefits in the traditionally divergent areas of performance and fuel consumption.

A low first gear greatly improves launch feel, while the larger and tighter spread of ratios delivers livelier performance, especially at wide open throttle, along with the added benefits of smoother shift quality and reduced fuel consumption.

ZF 6HP26

Final Drive

Gear shifts between the top few gears are often imperceptible, while the smaller steps between 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th also ensure less “busyness” within the transmission as it determines the right gear.

The end result of the transmission being in the right gear at the right time is both an improvement in vehicle performance and a reduction in fuel consumption.

There are two versions of the six-speed automatic transmission – a standard version with a torque capacity of 450 Newton metres and a performance version with a torque capacity of 600Nm.

The performance version features upgraded clutches, with extra plates in the clutch packs, to increase the torque capacity for use with higher torque output engines.

Falcon models using the Barra 190 engine are fitted with the standard version, while Falcon models using either the Barra 230, Barra 245T or Boss 260 powerplants will be fitted with the higher torque capacity performance version.

Software and calibration

The ZF transmission is able to tailor its responses to individual driving styles courtesy of a number of software functions and Driver Recognition features, all designed to deliver increased transmission functionality and performance, and a refined shift quality.

The Sequential Sports Shift feature introduced on BA Falcon is a key element of the six-speed automatic transmission, offering the same style of adaptive and performance automatic modes as well as total manual control through sequential manual shifting.

Torque converter clutch lock-up is available in all six forward gears, not just in the top two overdrive gears.

When towing heavy loads at low speeds, such as in city driving or through hilly terrain, converter clutch lock-up in all gears assists with better transmission cooling and reduced fuel consumption.

Electronic control of all gearshifts in the six-speed automatic transmission is via clutches rather than bands, delivering a more direct and refined shift quality.

Calibration features of the six-speed automatic transmission include:

For example, if the driver approaches a bend that tightens more sharply than expected, the driver will suddenly turn the wheel in the intended direction of turn, but may be carrying too much speed to safely negotiate the turn.

Or, if a driver swerves rapidly to avoid colliding with an object or another vehicle on the road, the vehicle may not respond quickly enough to following the desired path, or may over-respond, resulting in oversteer.

In both examples dynamic stability control will immediately notice the angle of steering wheel input and the direction of travel and brake the appropriate wheel to help keep the vehicle stable and under control.

Fresh new styling inside & out

In addition to the wider availability of DSC and the six-speed automatic transmission, BF Falcon MkII also introduces a host of exterior design and interior styling upgrades within the Falcon line-up.

Fairmont Ghia leads the way with a new European-inspired sports luxury exterior look, reflected in its new, dark accent headlamp treatment, tapered bonnet, chrome grille, bejewelled fog lights and front bumper finishes, and new seven-spoke 17-inch sports alloy wheels.

An exposed chrome exhaust, XR-style side skirts and rear bumper, and contemporary block font ‘Ghia’ badging complete the distinctive Fairmont Ghia package, resulting in a fresh, aspirational appeal and bold road presence.

Inside, the BF Fairmont Ghia MkII is a statement in refined elegance, from the black chrome instrument cluster, chrome air vent highlights and black onyx Interior Command Centre to the sumptuous China Beige leather seat trim, suede feel seat backs and door trims, and new front seat headrests.

Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont receive notable upgrades to the exterior design, including a stylish new tapered bonnet, new grille, an aggressive new front bumper design, sporty new headlamp treatments and revised rear bumpers on sedan models.

Falcon Ute XL, XLS and RTV models also receive the same front end styling enhancements as the Falcon XT, including stylish new tapered bonnet, new grille, aggressive new front bumper and sporty new headlamps. These upgrades further enhance Falcon Ute’s car-like positioning and combine to produce the most modern, stylish and sporty looking Falcon Ute ever.

The RTV Ute also picks up some new rugged styled steel wheels, more befitting of a vehicle with the RTV’s off-road capabilities, while alloy wheels are available as an option for customers who prefer a sleeker look.

A new addition to the Falcon Ute range at BF MkII is the XR6 Chassis Cab Ute, which was released earlier this year as a special edition with a model run of just 450 units.

Keen interest in the special edition XR6 C/C has seen it become a permanent part of the Falcon Ute line-up, where it combines the practical capability of a cab chassis with the stylish good looks of the XR, meaning customers do not have to compromise looks for functionality.

The XR6 C/C is available with the half-tonne sports suspension and 17-inch five-spoke XR alloy wheels as standard, while for customers that require a heavier payload, a full one-tonne suspension and 16-inch wheel/tyre package is offered as a no cost option.

A new interior environment sets the BF Falcon MkII range of XR sedan and ute models apart from their predecessors, with a new “Chicane” metallic yarn seat trim, new instrument cluster design and satin alloy inserts in the instrument panel.

The new seat trim can also be customised with a wide range of stitching and embroidery colours, which lend the interior a subtle or high impact finish, depending on personal taste.

Colour palette

Five new exterior paint colours herald the arrival of BF Falcon MkII, including three new hero colours and a new Chromaflair® colour for Fairmont Ghia and the XR range, while another two colours – Seduce and Ego – were released in the lead-up to the new model.

Neo – bright and youthful, Neo is a dynamic new blue loaded with energy. One of three new hero colours, Neo is only available on Falcon XR models. Octane – an intense, retro orange designed to fuel the passion and ignite the senses of XR enthusiasts. One of three new hero colours, Octane is only available on Falcon XR models. Breeze – a fresh, modern turquoise that creates a visual sensation. One of three new hero colours, Breeze is only available on Falcon XR models. Obsession – a decadent, dramatic chameleon colour that moves from dark chocolate into cherry (Chromaflair®). Obsession is only available on Falcon XR and Fairmont Ghia models. Flare – a blazing, earthy orange, Flare emulates the intensity of a sunset on a hot summer’s day. Flare is available across the Falcon range. Bluetooth® mobile phone kit

The release of BF Falcon MkII signals the introduction of a Bluetooth®^ mobile phone kit, available on all Falcon sedan and wagon, Falcon Ute, Fairlane and LTD, and Territory models, as a dealer fit accessory.

Available from December 1, 2006, the Bluetooth® kit allows you to make phone calls from your vehicle with the convenience of a wireless system that is fully integrated into the vehicle’s audio system and operated by a single push button control located beneath the Interior Command Centre.

The ICC screen switches to telephone mode automatically when you make or receive a call, while the audio levels can be adjusted by the control buttons on the steering wheel.

The Bluetooth® mobile phone kit allows you to answer a phone call at the touch of a button for the ultimate in hands free communication.

MODEL BY MODEL

BF Falcon XT MkII Sedan and Wagon

BF Futura MkII Sedan and Wagon

BF Falcon XR6 MkII

BF Falcon XR6 Turbo MkII

BF Falcon XR8 MkII

BF Fairmont MkII

BF Fairmont Ghia MkII

BF Falcon MkII Evolution of an Icon

BF Falcon XL Ute MkII

BF Falcon XLS Ute MkII

BF Falcon MkII Evolution of an Icon

BF Falcon RTV Ute MkII

BF Falcon XR6 Ute MkII

BF Falcon MkII Evolution of an Icon

BF Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute MkII

BF Falcon XR8 Ute MkII

^ The Bluetooth® trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the mark is under license. Bluetooth® mobile phone kit only suitable for Bluetooth® compatible phones
² Available on Barra 190 engine only
³ DSC must be specified with ZF 6-speed automatic transmission on XR6

Subscribe to Fords News feed.

Previous Article: Bright Second in Bathurst Qualifying
Next Article: CAT Falcon To Start From Front Row At Bathurst

INSTANT SEARCH



LATEST ARTICLES


RECENTLY

VHRR Festival of Sport - for all motor sports enthusiasts
Ford Fiesta Drives Away with the 2009 Best Car Awards
Ford Triumphs at Global Green Challenge
Ford Teams Meeting the Green Challenge
Ford Teams Get Ready for the Challenge
Ford Fiesta ECOnetic - Australias most fuel efficient car
Ford Sponsored Solar Car Arrives Down Under
Fords Global CEO Reveals New Ford FIGO
New Ford Figo Launched In India
Ford Introduces Value-Packed G6 Limited Edition


ASK COLCAM

Need an answer to a technical question?

RSS - Ask Colcam


© Copyright 2000–2012 Fords.com.au
http://www.fords.com.au is not owned by, nor affiliated with, Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited.
All FORD standards, logos and products presented in whole or in part are the property of, and copyright by, Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited.

AutoLink Media sites: