Ford Falcon XR Update: New Sports Car Style

Motoring Channel Staff - 1/October/2007

Broadmeadows, Australia — Ford has released a new look for its range of XR Falcon sports sedans, while simultaneously launching a new limited edition XR Ute. The new modelsaim to deliver an even more appealing sports car with a number of changes.

Starting with the new Falcon XR sedan update, the subtle new look is expected to provide a few hints as to the aggressive new design cues of the next generation Falcon sports models coming in 2008.

The new-look Ford Falcon XR range will make their first public appearances at the 2007 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Sydney, and this early look is expected to increase interest in the sports car range in the lead-up to Bathurst this weekend, arguably Australia's most famous motor race.

The updated design incorporates new look 18-inch alloy wheels with a "unique shadow chrome paint finish to complement the new body kit" says Ford. 

"The new look Falcon XR sedan is the most significant upgrade to the exterior design of the performance XR models since BF Falcon was introduced," said Mark Winslow, VP of marketing and sales at Ford Australia.

"With its powerful and distinctive quad-headlight signature, the Falcon XR continues to have an unmistakeable road presence, while the new body kit and individual paint treatments are sure to make the XR sedan stand out from the pack even further," added Mr Winslow.

As well as the new wheels, Ford has implemented a number of new touches to the body kit that add more sports appeal, and has also included new mirrors thatfeature modified exterior scalps that are finished in a high-gloss Dark Argent for a bit more visual impact.

The new body kit is different to the older XR models in that it now gets modified front and rear fascias, and new side skirts. The front bumper gets contrasting 'mini rockers' on each side, which carry through to the side skirts for an integrated look. 

At the rear of the car, a new insert in the rear bumper valance creates a more eye-catching rear end, which completes the new look. At present Ford has announced that all XR6 Turbo and XR8 models get the new styling treatment with 18-inch alloy wheels, while non-turbo XR6 models optioned with the 6-speed automatic will also get the big wheels.

Ford released a statement which read: "The new look wheels are finished in a high-gloss Mid Argent paint colour with a machined face, along with a matching Mid Argent wheel centre cap, and are available as an option on the XR6 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic models."

According to the company, the new XR models are due to go on sale in mid-November, and the pricing will remain unchanged for the restyled XR sedan models.

Ford will also release a special edition model ute to steal some of the new Holden VE Ute's thunder. The limited edition XR by Craig Lowndes Ute will go on sale in mid-October, and only 650 examples will be built.

According to Ford, the new limited edition XR Utes offer almost $6,000 of additional equipment and features for just $1,000 over the normal price of the standard XR Utes.

The new stuff includes 18-inch sports alloy wheels, a one-piece hard tonneau cover with integrated power bulge and rear spoiler, a prestige audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD player, an iPod/MP3 audio player input connection, a Momo steering wheel and unique "by Craig Lowndes" decals.

"Recently voted one of the ten greatest Australian racing drivers in history by a panel of drivers, journalists and senior motor sport figures, Craig's achievements within the world of V8 Supercar racing resonate with a huge percentage of our Falcon XR Ute customers," Mr Winslow said.

"And as the reigning Bathurst and Sandown champion, it's fitting for the Craig Lowndes name to sit alongside the performance XR brand in celebration of his achievements at the highest level of Australian motor sport."

As part of the exclusivity of the XR by Craig Lowndes Utes, only a limited selection of exterior paint colours will be available for the special model, including Lightning Strike, Octane, Vixen, Conquer and Silhouette. Inside the car, the Momo steering wheel is available in Blue, Grey or Red depending on the exterior paint colour and interior seat trim colour of the vehicle.

Ford has also confirmed that it will release a limited edition "XR by Craig Lowndes" Falcon Ute pack that can be ordered with XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 Styleside Box models, including the XR6 with the optional E-Gas dedicated LPG engine.

Related articles:
- Ford Fiesta XR4 (Road Test)
- Ford Kuga Concept (2007)
- Ford Mondeo (2007)
- Ford Focus Diesel (Quick Drive)
- Ford Focus XR5 Turbo (Road Test)
- Next-Gen Ford Falcon in Detroit (2008)
- Ford Fiesta Zetec (Road Test)
- Ford Fiesta XR4 (2007)
- Ford Mustang Giugiaro Concept (2006)
- Holden Commodore vs Ford Falcon (Road Test)
- Ford Territory Turbo (Road Test)
- Ford Falcon BF MkII (2006)