Ford AU Falcon

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Ford AU Falcon Forte
Production	September 1998–April 2000 111,420 Units produced
Engine	Intech Straight Six 4.0L 157kW 4.0L 164 kW XR6 4.0L VCT 168 kW Fairmont Ghia 4.0L VCT 172 kW XR6 Windsor V8 5.0L 175 kW 395Nm 5.0L 185 kW 412 nm XR8 5.0L 200 kW 420 nm FTE T-Series
Wheelbase	2793 mm (dimensions based on Forte)
Length	Sedan 4907 mm Wagon 5058 mm
Width	1870 mm
Height	1437 mm
Curb weight	1493 kg

AUII Falcon Forte
Production	April 2000–November 2001 93,250 Units produced
Engine	Intech Straight Six 4.0L 157kW 4.0L 143 kW Dedicated LPG 4.0L 164 kW XR6 4.0L VCT 168 kW Fairmont Ghia 4.0L VCT 172 kW XR6 Windsor V8 5.0L 175 kW 395Nm 5.0L 185 kW 412 nm XR8 Ute until 02/01 5.0L 200 kW 420 nm XR8 Sedan until 04/01, XR8 Ute from 03/01 5.0L 220 kW 435 nm XR8 Sedan from 05/01 FTE T-Series
Wheelbase	2793 mm (dimensions based on Forte)
Length	Sedan 4907 mm Wagon 5058 mm
Width	1870 mm
Height	1437 mm
Curb weight	1565  kg

AUIII Falcon (T-Series model shown)
Production	September 1998–April 2000 111,420 Units produced
Engine	Intech Straight Six 4.0L 157kW 4.0L 143 kW Dedicated LPG 4.0L 164 kW XR6 4.0L VCT 168 kW Fairmont Ghia 4.0L VCT 172 kW XR6 Windsor V8 5.0L 175 kW 395Nm 5.0L 200 kW 420 nm XR8 Ute 5.0L 220 kW 435 nm XR8 Sedan 5.6L 250 kW 500 nm FTE T-Series Re-engineered by Tickford
Wheelbase	2793 mm (dimensions based on Forte)
Length	Sedan 4907 mm Wagon 5058 mm
Width	1870 mm
Height	1437 mm
Curb weight	1545  kg

The Ford AU Falcon is an Australian family sedan, replacing the older EL Falcon, which had a significantly different design. The AU Falcon had a new, futuristic design that was made to attract younger customers with its 'out there' looks, be more aerodynamic, and look fresh coming into the new millenium.

Ford originally commenced design in 1994 and eventually spent 700 million Australian Dollars before product launch. It was launched under the slogan You've come a long way baby.^[1]

The AU featured Ford's New Edge design style. Unfortunately for Ford, the new design proved too shocking for most of the Australian market, and the styling gamble, which had worked with the Ford Focus, did not work with the Falcon. Complaints were leveled at the AU's NVH, cheap-looking dashboard and the 'waterfall' grille on the base model, the Forté. Some complaints were also made with the aging Windsor V8 engine which was unable to compete in a 'power-hike' war with the Commodore's new LS1 V8. These factors lead to the AU Falcon's dissapointing sales.

Contents 1 Series II and III 2 Model Options 3 Features that are available on base model Forte 4 References 5 External Links

[edit] Series II and III

Attempts were made to address these issues with the AU Series II (April 2000) and Series III (November 2001) updates, which brought with them minor styling changes, a laminated firewall to reduce NVH and incremental power upgrades for the V8 among other things.This car received harsh criticism because of it’s futuristic design but it was obviously to improve aerodynamics, the large front headlights were designed so they would reduce the “shadow” effect while driving at night and the large amounts of empty space in the motor area was to make the car easier to be fixed or serviced at regular intervals. The rear door openings received many complaints from passengers because it was hard to get in without hitting your head. This problem was fixed slightly in the BA and BF series Falcon.

During this period the Windsor was phased out of production with the last being sent to Australia. These Windsors were then hand assembled by Tickford Engineering and turned into the most powerful EFI Windsor V8 made in the world. It was stroked to 5.6 litres and boasted 250 kW and 500 nm of torque. The six cylinder engine was not forgotten during this period with the XR6 version receiving VCT in the top of the range model XR6 and optional on Fairmont Ghia variations. This engine had 172 kW though was detuned for the Fairmont Ghia to 168 kW through the use of a quieter exhaust system.

[edit] Model Options

The base model AU Falcon was called the Forte, which was the replacement of the old Gli and was marketed to fleets and families. Then there was the more 'up-spec' model was called the Futura, which was more marketed to families. A limited edition 'Classic' model was also made as an independent model from the Forte and Futura.

There were also performance models, such as the 'S PAC' which was introduced for the AU in 1999 (reminiscent of the S PAC introduced in the X series), the XR6, XR6 ST (Sprint) and XR8.

Towards the top end of the market were the T-Series motors. These were crafted based on the XR8 (TE50), Fairmont Ghia (TS50) and Fairlane/LTD (TL50). The T-Series were built under Tickford's banner with hand-built engines, accompanied by an engraved plaque of the name of the builder.

[edit] Features that are available on base model Forte

• Immobiliser
• Alarm
• Power steering
• Tilt adjustable steering
• Reach adjustable steering
• Central locking
• Remote central locking
• Electric windows
• Electric windows - front only
• Electric mirrors
• Styled steel wheels
• Spare wheel - steel
• Spare wheel - spacesaver
• Air conditioning
• Rear compartment heating

INTERIOR

• Cloth trim
• Moulded door trim
• Cloth inserts for doors
• Moulded headlining
• Cloth headlining
• Sunvisors
• Driver's vanity mirror
• Passenger's vanity mirror
• Floor carpet
• Fully lined boot/luggage area
• Driver's footrest
• Passenger assist grips
• Passenger assist grips - number of 1
• Remote boot/tailgate release
• Remote fuel filler release
• Bucket seats
• Driver's seat - lumbar adjustment
• Front headrests
• Second row/rear seat
• Split fold second row/rear seat
• Second row/rear headrests
• Centre console
• Centre console with storage box
• Glovebox
• Glovebox, lockable
• Storage pocket/tray
• Coin tray/holder
• Front ashtray
• Cigarette lighter, front
• Cup holder
• Cup holders - number of 2

AUDIO

• AM/FM radio
• Security coded audio system
• Number of speakers 4
• In-cabin single CD player
• Remote audio control

INSTRUMENTS

• Tripmeter
• Digital clock
• Temperature gauge
• Tachometer
• Warning lamp - low fuel
• Warning lamp - door ajar
• Warning lamp - seat belt on
• Audible warning - lights on
• Intermittent wipers

SAFETY

• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Driver's airbag
• Front passenger's airbag
• Front passenger seat belt pretensioners
• Height adjustable front seat belts
• Centre second row/rear lap/sash belt

EXTERIOR

• Body coloured bumpers
• Side protection mould
• Door handles, body coloured
• Exterior mirrors, body coloured
• Fuel cap holder
• Full wheel trims

LIGHTS-INT.

• Interior dome light
• Map lights
• Luggage/cargo compartment light/s

[edit] References

1. ^ Cars Guide 1998-2002 Ford Falcon AU Road Tests

[edit] External Links