Codenamed Orion and based on existing BA/
BF chassis architecture, Ford’s next-generation
Falcon sedan is expected to be clothed in a
radical new exterior design language. Previewed
by both the Iosis concept and Ford of Europe’s
new Mondeo, it comprises higher boot/bonnet
lines, a
BF chassis architecture, Ford’s next-generation
Falcon sedan is expected to be clothed in a
radical new exterior design language. Previewed
by both the Iosis concept and Ford of Europe’s
new Mondeo, it comprises higher boot/bonnet
lines, a
fl atter roof, aggressive wheel-arch fl ares,
pronounced upper and lower side character
lines and headlights featuring a split-level lower
edge, as hinted by the updated BFII.
Falcon’s 4.0-litre straight-six and 5.4-litre
V8 engines (mated to six-speed ZF autos across
the board) are expected to bring only modest
performance upgrades to perhaps 200kW and
270kW (for XR8) respectively.
However, redesigned steering and front
suspension systems should bring improvements
to dynamics via a front-mounted steering rack
and two-piece lower A-arms like those seen on
Territory.
Meantime, Mr Gorman said Ford’s top-selling
medium SUV will not be facelifted this year, but
that it would receive turbo-diesel power before
Falcon did. And he did not rule out the possibility
of a Territory diesel emerging this year.
“We’re not going to change the face of
Territory this year,” he said. “All our efforts
are going into Falcon – we’re working all out
to get out the sedan and the ute.
“From the product front we’re anything
but sitting still. You’re just not seeing that
domestically at the moment because for us to
do the sedan and ute is a big effort and that’s
where our energies lie at the moment.”
pronounced upper and lower side character
lines and headlights featuring a split-level lower
edge, as hinted by the updated BFII.
Falcon’s 4.0-litre straight-six and 5.4-litre
V8 engines (mated to six-speed ZF autos across
the board) are expected to bring only modest
performance upgrades to perhaps 200kW and
270kW (for XR8) respectively.
However, redesigned steering and front
suspension systems should bring improvements
to dynamics via a front-mounted steering rack
and two-piece lower A-arms like those seen on
Territory.
Meantime, Mr Gorman said Ford’s top-selling
medium SUV will not be facelifted this year, but
that it would receive turbo-diesel power before
Falcon did. And he did not rule out the possibility
of a Territory diesel emerging this year.
“We’re not going to change the face of
Territory this year,” he said. “All our efforts
are going into Falcon – we’re working all out
to get out the sedan and the ute.
“From the product front we’re anything
but sitting still. You’re just not seeing that
domestically at the moment because for us to
do the sedan and ute is a big effort and that’s
where our energies lie at the moment.”
EXPECT a series of value-added limitededition
Falcon variants rather than a BF
MkIII facelift to be launched this year, as
part of what Ford anticipates will be a sales
battleground in the lead-up to its all-new
Falcon in early 2008.
“That (large-car) segment will continue to be
a challenge for us against all-new competitors,”
said Ford Australia president Tom Gorman on
Friday. “We think even in its fi nal year Falcon’s
share (of the large-car segment) should be
better than 25.7 (per cent), and we’re taking
tactical action to work on that.
“But this is going to be a battleground for
us this year. Under 26 per cent isn’t where
we really want to be. But we still have an
outstanding car. There’s no question from a
driving dynamic, frankly, BFII is as good as
any of the new products on the road today.
“We know that our next-generation Falcon
is going to leap substantially where they
(Holden with its VE Commodore) are, so
we’re not worried about that at all.”
Falcon variants rather than a BF
MkIII facelift to be launched this year, as
part of what Ford anticipates will be a sales
battleground in the lead-up to its all-new
Falcon in early 2008.
“That (large-car) segment will continue to be
a challenge for us against all-new competitors,”
said Ford Australia president Tom Gorman on
Friday. “We think even in its fi nal year Falcon’s
share (of the large-car segment) should be
better than 25.7 (per cent), and we’re taking
tactical action to work on that.
“But this is going to be a battleground for
us this year. Under 26 per cent isn’t where
we really want to be. But we still have an
outstanding car. There’s no question from a
driving dynamic, frankly, BFII is as good as
any of the new products on the road today.
“We know that our next-generation Falcon
is going to leap substantially where they
(Holden with its VE Commodore) are, so
we’re not worried about that at all.”
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