Ford's 2006 Falcon Takes Off

Motoring Channel Staff - 23/9/2005

Ford's new 2006 Falcon, designated the BF, will hit dealerships at the start of November of this year, with price rises of about 1 per cent on average.

The entry-level XT sedan with a 5-speed manual fetches $34,880, while the most expensive model, the BF Fairlane LTD costs $75,525.

Popular sports models are well-priced, with the XR6 Turbo 6-speed manual sedan coming in at $40,445, and the Blue Oval's massive range of Falcon utes are topped by the XR8 featuring the new 6-speed automatic for $42,845.

As we've outlined in another article, changes to the new model Falcon are largely mechanical (the car still resembles the BA Falcon's general bodyshape), which include the updated 6-speed automatic transmission and power increases for all 6-cylinder and some 8-cylinder engines.

The entry level Falcon XT comes complete with the upgraded Barra 190kW 6-cylinder engine, says Ford, which boasts dual independent variable camshaft timing and the option of an improved 4-speed automatic transmission, which will deliver class-leading power levels and fuel efficiency improvements of more than five per cent.

An optional 5.4-litre V8 is also available on the XT, which comes standard with the highly acclaimed ZF 6-speed automatic transmission, but costs more ($41,880).

From $39,175, the Futura offers the same upgraded 6-cylinder engine and also comes complete with new 16-inch alloy wheels and Reverse Sensing System for easier parking, and like the XT can be ordered as E-Gas model (LPG compliant engine).

Ford's Fairmont, priced from $43,195, continues to offer traditional sophistication with the new Barra 190 engine or optional 5.4-litre V8, new alloy rims and two new paint colours – Wired and Deja Vu.

The range-topping Fairmont Ghia will go up against the Holden Calais, priced from $52,860, and adds the advanced active safety benefits of Dynamic Stability Control, new alloy rims, a 6-speed automatic transmission and an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat.

Fans of large sports sedans will notice the XR have a more dramatic front end, and Falcon XR6 customers can choose from a three transmissions - two automatics and one manual.

The new 6-speed manual transmission will be fitted as standard from January 2006, and then there's the no cost option of the improved 4-speed automatic transmission or the optional 6-speed automatic gearbox, which offers fuel savings of more than 11 per cent.

The pulse-pounding XR6 Turbo continues to carve new paths in the performance car history book, with power and torque increases, plus the option of a new 6-speed automatic transmission, stylish new 17-inch alloy wheels and the safety benefits of DSC.

The Falcon XR8 remains at the pinnacle of the Ford performance tree with classic new looks including new 18-inch rims, new front bumper and new tail lamps.

The signature bonnet bulge remains, housing the potent 5.4-litre DOHC V8, which can now be optioned with the new 6-speed automatic transmission like the rest of the XR range.

"The new Falcon and Territory models will build on the success of the BA Falcon and SX Territory," said Ford's marketing man Bruce McDonald. "Everything about this programme is targeted at specific customer wants and delivers substantial improvements in fuel economy, performance and refinement.

"The programme continues to put Ford at the forefront of local automotive engineering with a number of technological firsts," said McDonald. "Every model benefits from the significant number of upgrades, delivering a better car to our customers.

"Commercial customers will appreciate increased performance from the Barra 190 engine, which is now standard in XL, XLS and RTV utes, complemented by a smoother shifting 4-speed automatic transmission," McDonald confirmed.

Concerning the ute models, customers will enjoy new seat trim fabrics, inserts and finishes throughout the range and new styled wheels on the XLS model. Falcon XR ute fans will welcome the safety benefits of traction control as well, plus XR6 Turbo and XR8 owners will revel in the performance offered by the optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

The long wheel base BF Fairlane range continues to set new trends in sports luxury, with all vehicles boasting new levels of performance and refinement courtesy of the new Barra 190 I6 or Barra 230 V8, teamed with the 6-speed automatic transmission. All models – the Fairlane Ghia, G8 and LTD – come complete with the active safety offered by DSC and new 17-inch alloy rims.

Even the Territory has been in training, and looks set to continue its reign atop the SUV sales charts with the convenience offered by a new reverse camera on Ghia models, and the economy and performance of the new Barra 190 engine. Ford says that Territory AWD customers will also benefit from the addition of the new 6-speed automatic transmission, while DSC is now standard on Territory Ghia RWD and optional on the TS and TX RWD versions.

"It all adds up to an exciting range of vehicles delivering what the customer has asked for – economy, refinement and user-friendly power," continued McDonald. He said that Ford had worked hard to keep pricing increases to a minimum.

"Value for money is an integral part of the Ford equation and there can be no doubt our new model range delivers on that promise. The average price increase for the Falcon range is 1 per cent, which represents fantastic value for money when you consider the new levels of technology, safety and refinement built into the car.

"We're confident the combination of exciting locally designed and engineered product and a sharp pricing strategy will further consolidate the success of the outstanding Falcon and Territory range," he concluded.

The new BF Falcon will be on sale by November 2005.