Ford pursues HSV at Brisbane Motor Show

Ford plans to turn up the heat at this year’s Brisbane International Motor Show, with a range of hot Falcons developed with performance partner Tickford.

The stars of the stand will be the striking new T-Series range (read all about them here) and the bold Pursuit Ute, each powered by a Tickford-enhanced, stroked 5.6-litre Windsor V8, pumping out 250kW of power and about 500Nm of torque.

The T-Series went on sale in December, while the limited edition Pursuit Ute is due for release later this month. Now, the Pursuit Ute is another interesting model, a vehicle aimed squarely at HSVs Maloo. Although it's early days and no tests have been completed yet, we reckon the Pursuit will inch past the Holden's Maloo by just a whisker, given its slightly increased torque.

The Pursuit Ute clearly uses the same mill as that found in the new T-Series, but Ford boss, Geoff Polites, reiterates: "Contrary to numerous reports in the press, this is not a T-Series Ute. The XR8 Pursuit is an XR Ute.

"We established the T-Series franchise as a high-end range of performance passenger cars. It's possible that some time down the track we may consider the possibility of including a Ute in our T-Series range. However, our current T-Series family does not include a Ute."

The Ford Australia power-player did mention, however, that unprecedented demand for the original 200kW XR8 Pursuit Ute was the driving force behind the new vehicle. He said the only extra thing people wanted in the Pursuit Ute was more power. You've got to love Australia.

The new Pursuit Ute is 5kW down on the HSV R8 Maloo in terms of raw power, but the torque figures tell the tale of acceleration - Ford pips the General by a good 25Nm (GM 475Nm vs FoMoCo 500Nm).

Even more telling of the fact that Ford Motor Company needs to fill the gap that HSV has so lovingly occupied, is the copy-cat spoiler at the end of the tray. The Maloo has one, and so does the Pursuit. But quite frankly, we reckon they look tacky and would be much better off without them (except at 180km/h+).

The engine has been tooled around with, in a similar fashion to the T-Series stroked Windsors. You've got new lightweight pistons, billet conrods, ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds, an 82mm progressive cam throttle body and Tickford-developed camshafts and valves.

The massive amounts of power available to the new Pursuit are transmitted to the road via the same heavy duty Tremec five-speed manual 'box from the T-Series, and everything is kept ship-shape with the inclusion of an LSD. Ford let us know that a four-speed auto is also available to those who prefer it.

So, what's for desert, then?

The new-look Pursuit takes advantage of the tradish, yet lovable, XR quad-headlight front end, though it's been modified to allow a larger front air dam to feed the engine with power-giving air more effectively. You've got that dodgy-looking spoiler, a hard tonneau cover, new side-skirts and a re-jigged rear bumper fascia with a tastily exposed twin-pipe system, ready to sing its low, loud warble. Sitting pretty on multi-spoke, race-style 18-inch alloys, shod with the impressive Dunlop SP9000 tyres, the new XR8 Pursuit Ute is a fine lookin' machine.

Sporting four pot calipers all round on 329mm discs up front and 287mm circles aft, and together with the latest Bosch three-channel anti-lock braking system, the Pursuit has an impressive and sophisticated braking setup.

But the fun doesn't stop there. Inside, potential buyers will be engulfed by warm charcoal leather sports seats, surrounded by the sweet meoldy only a 100 watt prestige sound system can deliver. The blue speedo displays 240km/h, you get power everything, air-con, cruise-con, twin airbags, plus a funky Momo steering wheel and gear shifter. Watch out HSV, you're being Pursued!

The impressively kitted-out Pursiut Ute should be available by the time you read this (early Feb) and will set you back about $54,250 for the 5-speed manual

Now, back to the Brissy Auto Show, and Ford will be showcasing a number of other concepts/vehicles. Ford has catered for the “fast-fours” enthusiast with the turbocharged Laser SR2 Xplod. Developed in conjunction with Sony, the Xplod features a turbocharged engine, a bad-boy (aka "steal me") bodykit and one of the best sound systems in the country.

Continuing the successful partnership between Sony and Ford that yielded the stunning Falcon XR8 Xplod, the Laser SR2 Xplod Turbo is proof that, when it comes to customising a Laser, the only limit is your imagination. The Sony sound system has the power to fill a small hall, with a total power output from the amplifiers of 1200 watts RMS with a shattering output capability of 145 decibels. Did you say something? Huh?!

The show car is one of four Laser SR2 Xplod Turbos that is being used by Ford and Sony as promotional vehicles around the country at auto salons, industry exhibitions and various product launches. Other vehicles on the stand include Craig Lowndes’ V8 Supercar, the new Series III Falcon range, the all-new Explorer and the legendary F-Series truck. There is also a splash of colour on the stand, with a special edition bright yellow Escape, Ka and a suave Mustang with an outrageous bodykit.

Also of note is a fresh new idea that actually has merit. Ford Australia is the official sponsor of the Globe World Cup Skateboarding Championships (to be held in Melbourne from the 16th of Feb) and the Brisbane stand features a stunning concept vehicle designed with leading skate, surf and urban clothing and footwear company, Globe International.

The M-One-11 Escape is a concept vehicle that crosses over traditional boundaries, offering two-plus-two sports seating, off-road ability and an open rear cargo area that brings the outside in. A joint project between the Ford design studio and Globe International, the M-One-11 incorporates modern fashion fabrics and designs that are aimed at the next generation of 4WD buyers.

“The M-One-11 Escape is a unique concept because it is designed to create an emotional connection with future buyers rather than selling vehicles today,” SUV and Light Commercial Marketing Manager, Kevin Lillie said.

The interior of the M-One-11 Escape bears the styling hallmarks of Globe International’s popular sportswear brand, M-One-11. With integrated waterproof seating, innovative storage and creative lighting, the M-One-11 mirrors the lifestyle of the fashion conscious urban generation.

The seats are a mixture of full grain leather, perforated suede and fabrics reflecting urban youth culture. Coarse white stitching (inspired by M-One-11 footwear) is complemented by M-One-11 Escape embossing on door trims and seats. No word yet on what the new Escape is running, but expect the same V6 used in the standard models.

So, there you have it. Ford seems to be clawing its way back and serving up a sumptuous dish that not even HSV can ignore - the Pursuit Ute. But how will the public react to the new skate-culture M-One-11 Escape? We'll see you at the show and find out! The Brisbane Motor Show is going to be a great spectacle and begins on February 8.

Brisbane International Motor Show 2002: Website