"The BA Falcon represented a big step forward for Ford Australia when it was introduced in 2002. Now the new BA MkII Falcon is destined to build on the success of that model," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.
"With the launch of BA, the XR range of performance vehicles reignited the passion of driving enthusiasts around the country.
"The new cars combined an outstanding mix of superb driving dynamics with a range of powerplants including the exhilarating XR6 Turbo and the heady four-valve Boss 260 V8.
"XR led the showroom charge in the BA range, increasing sales mix from 6.8 per cent of total Falcon sales in 2002 to more than 27 per cent in 2004.
"Now our new Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, fine tuned by the FPV engineers to provide optimum performance, adds the final touch to the performance line-up, resulting in improved performance feel," Gorman said.
Performance Vehicle Planning Manager Gordon Barfield said the arrival of the new six-speed manual transmission heralded a new era for the high performance Ford models.
"The BA MkII XR6 Turbo and XR8 confirms Ford as the manufacturer providing enthusiast cars for enthusiast drivers.
"Drivers will appreciate the improved performance feel, while still having a gearbox that offers tractable performance through all the gears at typical driving speeds.
"Fifth gear is well suited to the 60 km/h speed limit and sixth gear pulls strongly below 100 km/h offering peace-of-mind motoring. The close ratios in the new gearbox make it easy to select the right gear for the right occasion."
Barfield confirmed the transmission would come with a unique gear set for both the XR6 Turbo and XR8, designed to match each engine's unique performance characteristics.
The final drive ratio in the XR8 has changed from 3.23 to 3.46, while the XR6 Turbo final drive ratio has shortened from 3.46 to 3.73.
Double synchros in all six forward gears will be a feature of the new six-speed transmission, along with a single synchro in reverse to ensure a sweet shifting movement.
"Ford and the Premier Automotive Group have a distinguished history employing the T56 six-speed transmission, which features on products such as the Mustang Cobra R and the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.
"Drawing on that experience has helped in providing a transmission that further accentuates the sporting nature of the XR6 Turbo and XR8 while providing outstanding shift quality and performance feel."
Barfield said the MkII XR8 would also benefit from a suspension upgrade.
"Firmer spring rates have sharpened the steering response on the XR8 with a flatter ride and nimbler handling designed to further improve the athletic nature of the car," Barfield said.
Gorman said the MkII update would build on the inherent strengths of the BA program.
"The award-winning BA Falcon not only gained critical acclaim but won a host of important motoring, engineering and safety awards as well.
"More importantly it spearheaded a revival in the sales fortunes of Ford Australia built on providing product that inspires passion and confidence in the market.
"It also heralded a new era in motorsport with Marcos Ambrose reclaiming the V8 Supercar championship for the Blue Oval.
"MkII represents a further development of the BA Falcon with the changes driven by customer demand for extra features."
Creature comforts such as cruise control and automatic headlamps are now standard throughout the Falcon range and power adjustable pedals are standard on Futura.
Futura safety levels have also been boosted significantly with the MkII version now boasting side airbags as standard equipment.
The Falcon Ute range also features heavily in the MkII upgrade, with new creature comforts, alloy rims and exciting new paint colours.
"This update signals Ford Australia's intention to continue providing locally designed and engineered product that motivates people into Ford showrooms."
Gorman said the BA MkII Falcon would deliver a truly exhilarating driving experience with its comprehensive mix of locally engineered design excellence including:
Superb handling offered by the Control Blade IRS
Fully independent double wishbone front suspension
Five high-tech engines ranging through the economy offered by the E-Gas dedicated LPG, the technology of the DOHC Barra 182, the breathtaking performance of the turbocharged Barra 240T, the silky smooth performance of the Barra 220 SOHC V8 or the exhilarating four-valve DOHC range of Boss V8s
All new six-speed manual transmission on XR6 Turbo and XR8 Automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS) allowing complete manual control over gear selection.
Standard cruise and audio controls
60/40 split fold-down rear seat back
Best in class towing capacity.
"Of course, the MkII comes complete with the Intelligent Safety System that won the coveted Gold award at the Society of Australia Engineers Excellence Awards in 2003," Gorman said.
Employing a number of sensors, the system monitors information such as driver seating positioning and crash severity.
In an accident this information is fed to the Advanced Restraints Module (ARM), which instantly decides how best to deploy modern safety technologies such as dual stage inflation airbags, front seat pyrotechnic seat belt pretensioners and energy seat belt retractors.
Other safety features include; anti-intrusion (collapsible) brake pedal on automatic models, front and rear impact management body structure and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution for improved stopping performance and steering control.
Falcon also remains a leader in the technology stakes with a number of Australian firsts:
First Australian-manufactured vehicle with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
First Australian-manufactured vehicle with anti-intrusion brake pedal
First Australian-manufactured vehicle with power adjustable pedals
First Australian-manufactured vehicle with dual-stage inflatable airbags
First Australian-manufactured vehicle with on-screen antenna
First Australian-manufactured vehicle with optional pollen filter
Model by model
Reply With Quote
