Ford Falcon (AU)

Ford AU Falcon
Ford AUIII Falcon SR
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company of Australia
Production	1998–2002
Assembly	Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	2-door ute 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Platform	FR EA169
Related	Ford Fairlane
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L Intech I6 4.0 L Intech Dedicated LPG I6 4.0 L Intech VCT I6 5.0 L Windsor V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2793–3096 mm (110.0–121.9 in)
Length	4907–5077 mm (193.2–199.9 in)
Width	1870–1871 mm (73.6–73.7 in)
Height	1870–1871 mm (73.6–73.7 in)
Curb weight	1437–1645 mm (56.6–64.8 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford EL Falcon
Successor	Ford BA Falcon

The Ford AU Falcon was a full-size family car, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company of Australia between September 1998 and September 2002. The AU sported, a radically different design that was dubbed "New Edge", to attract the younger generation with its "out there" looks.

Model history

The AU Falcon was developed after considering proposals to replace the Falcon platform with one derived from an overseas model, such as the American Ford Taurus, European Ford Scorpio, or the Japanese Mazda 929. These were eliminated in favour of a substantial redesign of the Australian platform, due to concerns about towing, interior size, and local employment. Design started in 1994 and the program cost 700 million Australian Dollars before product launch. It was launched under the slogan You've come a long way baby.The AU featured Ford's New Edge design style. Unfortunately for Ford, the new design was not appreciated by many customers. Complaints were also levelled at the AU's NVH, cheap-looking dashboard and the 'waterfall' grille on the base model, the Forté. Some dealers re-sprayed the grille for people who did not want it to stand out. Some complaints were also made with the ageing Windsor V8 engine which was unable to compete in a 'power-hike' war with the Commodore's new LS1 V8. The rear door openings received many complaints from passengers because it was hard to get in without hitting your head.

Sales of the AU did not match those of the previous model, the EL Falcon , partly due to a lack of enthusiasm by customers for the New Edge styling, alteration of fleet sale pricing, and the long term decline in the market for large cars.

Series II and III

Many of these issues were addressed with the AU Series II (April 2000) and Series III (November 2001) updates, which brought with them minor styling changes that gave the cheaper models styling features from the Fairmont, a laminated firewall to reduce NVH and incremental power upgrades for the V8, among other things.

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, making 172 kW . The same engine, detuned to 168 kW through the use of a quieter exhaust system, was an option on the Fairmont Ghia fact.

Specification levels

The base model AU Falcon was called the Forte, which was the replacement of the old Gli and was marketed to fleets and families. When new the car was priced at $30'690 AUD. When the car was in production, it was an almost unanimous choice for taxis, because it was cheaper than the Holden Commodore, and it was comfortable and reliable.

The more 'up-spec' model was called the Futura, which was also marketed to families. The Futura had a more conservative grille than the Forte. The Futura had more options than the standard Forte, like cruise control, and alloy wheels. The price of the car when new was $34,990.

A limited edition AU Falcon model was made and was called the 'Classic' model and was designed while series I was in production. It was an independent model from the Forte and Futura which features included the AU Falcon Utility Vehicle's grille, 'Classic' badging, alloy wheels, a low level spoiler, and a 'warm charcoal interior. The price when new was $30,690.

The Ford Falcon S, for Sports, was designed as an entry-level sports edition, with added features such as a painted grille, alloy wheels, S decals on the rear quarters, and a high level spoiler. The colour choices were limited to Hot Chilli Red, Dynamic White, Galaxy (Metallic Blue) and Silhouette (Black) and the car was a sedan only model.

The Fairmont was the entry level luxury model for the Falcons. The Fairmont had all of the qualities of the Futura but included extra features that included a honeycomb grille, a 80 second headlamp off delay, wood grain inserts, unique 15" wheels, dual horns, Fairmont badging on the boot lid, and an analogue clock. The car came in sedan and station wagon. Above that was the Fairmont Ghia, which was the highest non-performance speculation Falcon available. It had even more features that included unique wheels, more wood grain inserts and other features.

A Series 1 XR8

The XR Series was the performance end of the range, comprising of the XR6 HP, XR6 VCT and the XR8, which was the 'hero' car of the range, although the aging Windsor V8 struggled to keep up with Holdens new LS1 engine. All had the standard body kit that the XRs always have.

Towards the top end of the market were the T-Series motors. These were crafted based on the XR8 (TE50 and TE56), 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.

Utility Vehicles

The AU Falcon utility vehicles, launched in June 1999, were the first tray (or 'one-tonner') utility vehicles that Ford had produced for several years. In fact, they were the first full redesign of the Falcon utility range since 1979.

The AU Falcon utility vehicles were popular. The model options were XL, XLS, XR6 and XR8. These utes were also used as the basis for special vehicles made in the aftermarket, such as motor homes.