Ford turns heat up for Falcon

By DAVID LINKLATER

Falcon XR8 not hot enough for you? Ford New Zealand might have the answer in the form of the new T-series, recently caught on film in the company's South Auckland compound by Automotive News. Technical staff have been testing the Tickford-tweaked sedan on New Zealand roads with a view to local release.

Billed as an "Aussie Aston Martin," the T-series combines luxurious interiors with the most dynamic engine and suspension packages in the Falcon range. Three models have just been launched across the Tasman: the TE50, TS50 and TL50, based on the Fairmont, Fairmont Ghia and Fairlane respectively. All are powered by Tickford-enhanced versions of the existing Falcon 5.0-litre V8. Even the "entry" 200kW powerplant in the TE outguns the current XR8 by 15kW, while the unit in the TS model pumps out 220kW. Internal changes to the top engine include aluminium heads with enlarged valves, a specific camshaft, high-pressure fuel delivery system and a low-restriction exhaust.

The TE features independent rear suspension, the uprated spring and damper set-up from the XR8, and Tickford 17-inch wheels. The interior has a black and grey Momo steering wheel, new cloth trim, a six-stack CD player and blue-on-white instruments. The TS adds even sportier suspension, 18-inch alloys and leather trim. All models have a substantially uprated brake package.

The Fairlane-based TL sticks with the 200kW powerplant and uses a softer suspension set-up, but has Electronic Sport Shift (ESS) as standard, which features steering wheel-mounted shift buttons for the four-speed automatic transmission. The system is optional on the TE and TS models.

It's clear that the T-series Falcons will be exciting. What they will not be is plentiful. Or cheap. Planned production in Australia is just 700 cars per year. Ford New Zealand will not comment on pricing for the vehicles, but in Australia the 220kW TS50 costs about 10 per cent more than the top-line LTD V8.