Ford muscles in on Holden

By DAVID LINKLATER

Look out HSV. According to reports in the Australian motoring media, Ford is planning a pumped-up version of its T-series sports sedan that packs a 5.7-litre V8 and 255kW - an identical engine specification to arch rival HSV.

A Ford New Zealand spokesperson said that the company could not comment on the validity of the reports.

Mike Jarvis, Ford Australia's head of public affairs, also headed Automotive News off at the pass: "This is definitely in the area of media speculation. In any case, it is our policy not to talk about future model plans." Confirmation may come at the Melbourne Motor Show next week, where Ford is rumoured to be unveiling a Falcon-based concept car with the 5.7-litre powerplant.

In the meantime, the story makes too much sense to ignore. Ford's exclusive T-series has won praise for its striking styling and fine handling since its launch in mid-1999, but its hand-built Tickford 5.0-litre powerplant has never had the grunt to truly rival HSV's Chevrolet-sourced 5.7-litre V8s.

The Australia-only AU T-series was launched in 1999 with a 200kW engine for both the TE50 and Fairlane-based TL50. Only the TS50 was offered with the 220kW engine.

The T-series was subject to a radical rethink when competitive pressure forced Ford to drop the 200kW powerplant into the XR8. Slower than expected sales were also taking their toll.

The AUII T-series was launched in New Zealand in December 2000, with the 220kW motor standard across the range and a more purposeful styling package. But the powertrain was still 35kW behind HSV's grunters and even 5kW shy of Holden's standard Commodore V8.

Rumours of a more powerful V8 have since persisted, with speculation that a more modern US-sourced motor might join the line-up before the next-generation Falcon arrives for the 2003 model year.

However, it's thought that the new 255kW 5.7 litre unit is a revamp of the current Windsor V8. The extra capacity comes courtesy of a longer stroke and the camshafts and valves have been modified.

If the 5.7 comes to fruition, there could also be an important trickle-down effect for the XR line-up. With the 255kW engine in the T-series, Ford could move the 220kW unit down into the XR8, giving it a stronger rival for Holden's 225kW V8 Commodores. The change would not be likely to happen until mid-year.

Ford New Zealand currently sells the T-series under the Ford Tickford Experience (FTE) banner through 21 specialist dealers. The three tier line-up starts with the sporty TE50 at $77,000, runs through the more luxurious $87,000 TS50 and tops out with the limo-like $98,500 TL50.

Australia's T-series cars are built to order, but Ford New Zealand has an agreement to import about four per month.