Government gives Ford Bara a push
James Stanford
13may05
The Ford Falcon and Territory six-cylinder engine is to become leaner and greener.
A $28 million Federal Government research and development grant is likely to extend the life of the Geelong-designed and built Barra in-line motor.
There was a risk Ford Australia could stop making the engine and get a replacement from the global Ford family.
But the investment shows the engine has a long-term future.
Ford is tight-lipped about how it will spend the grant, though a key goal will be to reduce the engine's emissions in line with stricter standards beyond 2010.
"It has to be seen to be thoroughly modern, more fuel-efficient and deliver power in a more refined way -- those are the challenges," Ford Australia product development vice-president Trevor Worthington says.
"It is not saying that we are unhappy with what we have at the moment. This is just the responsibility we have," he says.
The 182kW 4.0-litre engine had an upgrade in 2002, including dual overhead camshafts with variable cam phasers and electronic throttle control.
The turbocharged version produces 240kW and 450Nm; the Ford Performance Vehicles' engine produces 270kW and 550Nm.
Ford says the $28 million, to be spent between 2006 and 2010, is significant, though it is dwarfed by investment poured into new vehicle projects, including $500 million for the BA Falcon.
The grant is from the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme.
"What we have been able to do through the ACIS program is go to the Government and say, 'The local engine provides great benefits for our customers, but also it is a great benefit to Australia'. It is the only locally developed and tested engine and is something that we are proud of. We want to keep it that way," Worthington says.
Ford wants to maintain its advantage of being able to tailor its powerplant for the needs of customers.
"It is a unique engine in the Ford world and that is fantastic for us because we understand what our customers are looking for," he says.
"We have found a way with the BA and the Territory to give them torque, technology, the four-valve head and the electronic throttle.
"We have been able to pick bits from around the Ford world and integrate and redesign them to give terrific value and great technology."
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