Has Ford abandoned luxury cars? - Page 2

sleekism · 03-06-2007, 12:01 PM

Another point is the lack of a FPV LWB vehicle.

The AU had the TL50, I saw one the other day I thought the exterior styling could have been better but overall not a bad effort.

The AU interior is a matter of personal taste a lot of my mates and my girlfriend in particular love the interior of my Fairmont but absolutely hate the "squarish" dash of the BA and the "cheap" looking trip computer.

The point is that the LWB market is vital as Ford will be exporting to the middle east where the Falcon could prove to be too small. Even in the US the Fairlane was considered too small a replacement for the Crown Victoria.

Powdered Toast Man · 03-06-2007, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleekism

Another point is the lack of a FPV LWB vehicle.

The AU had the TL50, I saw one the other day I thought the exterior styling could have been better but overall not a bad effort.

They hardly sold any long wheelbase T-series so why bother spending money on designing a BA version.

I would go the XR8 with full leather interior. Do they come with the colour screen as an option with premium sound? But if I could have anything it would be Typhoon or ultimately a Force 6. I've done the V8 thing for the last 4 years with my previous ef and now my BA, which I intend on keeping for another few years at least. Geez these car things are expensive!

I agree there is less derivation between the BA/BF XT and Fairmont Ghia dashes compared to the AU but I have never been in a BA/BF Ghia so I cant comment on how good/bad it is. The standard BA XT dash is good enough for me.

As far as exterior goes the ef/el had the best Fairmonts vs Falcons. The later models have been much harder to tell the difference.

Nikked · 03-06-2007, 01:21 PM

Im hoping there may be a German Inspired Fairmont, maybe from FPV. The Force modles were nice, but needed more identity, i.e. different bodykit all round.

Just imagine, LTD style Leather interior, Subtle, classy Body kit, nice crome 20" wheels, "elegant" colours...turbo...

So basicly a LTD in a short wheel base with the turbo...

sleekism · 03-06-2007, 02:47 PM

I think it is clear that it is difficult balancing cost and keeping the fan base happy.

I would love the different models to be more unique but I guess it is just an added cost.

History has shown that the most poular cars for enthusiasts have been sales disasters.

Example: Skyline, while the rice croud love them sales of the skyline and others such as the Supra were so poor that these models eventually died along with their brilliant inline six engines.

The XF while being bagged for lacking a V8 version was the most succesful falcon model EVER while at the same time Holden was nearly broke even though they had a turbo and a V8.

I still think it would be wise if Ford put more effort into upmarket models.
There is no money in base models and the key to the Falcons survival is performance and luxury cars where all the profit is.

Ford is making good ground with the performance arm but the luxury cars leave a lot to be desired hmmmm maybe a luxury brand for the falcon possibly CTM (Cheap Than Mercedes)?

**TUF_302** · 03-06-2007, 02:52 PM

The BF2 is alot better car than the BF1 was, looks way better, and just feels that much more classy!

fou_bleu · 03-06-2007, 02:55 PM

Get the leather pack on a XR8 and you got a BETTER V8 Fairmont Ghia! BTW, BF MkII looks waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaay better than AU I, II or III!!!

Gobes32 · 03-06-2007, 03:31 PM

I like how the current ghia is differentiated from the rest of the line up. Hopefully this continues with orion?

csv8 · 03-06-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSTerritoryGhia

Thats my dash !!! only problem is too grey. Wood trim should be around centre stack ,shifter and wood spears on the doors.

Nikked · 03-06-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleekism

Example: Skyline, while the rice croud love them sales of the skyline and others such as the Supra were so poor that these models eventually died along with their brilliant inline six engines.

Skyline is not dead at all...

sleekism · 03-06-2007, 04:30 PM

Technically no but in essence yes.

The name "skyline" may have survived but it is no longer the same car.

It used to be in the WRX, EVO, HSV market and price bracket now it is in the Porsche, BMW and Merc market and price bracket.

Plus it is now a lot heavier and powered by a V6.

Powdered Toast Man · 03-06-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleekism

I think it is clear that it is difficult balancing cost and keeping the fan base happy.

I would love the different models to be more unique but I guess it is just an added cost.

History has shown that the most poular cars for enthusiasts have been sales disasters.

Example: Skyline, while the rice croud love them sales of the skyline and others such as the Supra were so poor that these models eventually died along with their brilliant inline six engines.

The XF while being bagged for lacking a V8 version was the most succesful falcon model EVER while at the same time Holden was nearly broke even though they had a turbo and a V8.

I still think it would be wise if Ford put more effort into upmarket models.
There is no money in base models and the key to the Falcons survival is performance and luxury cars where all the profit is.

Ford is making good ground with the performance arm but the luxury cars leave a lot to be desired hmmmm maybe a luxury brand for the falcon possibly CTM (Cheap Than Mercedes)?

The problem is in the past the plain cars that do the job like the XF and other base models have sold in large numbers to fleets. The fleet market has now changed with user chooser options and the large cars are no longer the choice of many people.
Both Ford and Holden have to now rely much more on the private customer whom normally demands something more than just what will do the job. They want performance and luxury and care about what their car looks and drives like and what features it has etc.

Green X · 03-06-2007, 05:55 PM

We took my mates old man’s AU3 Fairlane “Sportsman” as the party transport last night over my XR6T which was fine buy me cause after 3 weeks of nightshift I was drinking heavily, LOL

But what a car, the Look from the front could do with a bit of work but otherwise I loved the thing, the 5 litre could do with some work like stroking it :evil3: Fit a good 2win system with extractors, 3.73 LSD Ect and it would be a magic ride and not a bad sleeper, and being a Fairlane the cop’s wouldn’t even look twice at it.

:

Thou I must admit staggering out of a club at 2am and climbing into a Fairlane made me feel like I was 22 going on 50 LOL

sleekism · 03-06-2007, 07:24 PM

All a Fairlane needs is a nice big block under the bonnet...........

Deviateboy · 03-06-2007, 08:23 PM

I thought the thread was called has ford abandoned luxo cars....?
answer..yes, the fairlane dies this year.
But holden continues to build (hsv?) the luxo barge grange and sell by the bucket load, hello Ford! do a sport/muscle hero fairlane give them some cred again!

Nashy86 · 03-06-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deviateboy

I thought the thread was called has ford abandoned luxo cars....?
answer..yes, the fairlane dies this year.

Fairlane wasn't the only luxury car in the lineup. It died because it couldn't compete against its rivals both inside and outside ford

Ives · 03-06-2007, 08:37 PM

Luxury isnt worth the money. Ford did the right thing to discontinue the long wheelbase cars.

Nashy86 · 03-06-2007, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ives

Ford did the right thing to discontinue the long wheelbase cars.

Agreed
Because they were building so few the parts were sometimes being stamped in Geelong then going rusty before being put into the cars in broady, thats not sustainable manufacturing

Ives · 03-06-2007, 10:18 PM

Apparently you can count the number of LTD sold with 2 hands.

JC · 04-06-2007, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ives

Apparently you can count the number of LTD sold with 2 hands.

Wow, they sold 13 then!

Ford should just rebadge the Statesman and sell it as a Ford. Of course, just change the front bar and grille and headlights to something more Ford. Holden did it with the GTO - sold as a Pontiac!

ltd · 04-06-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ives

Apparently you can count the number of LTD sold with 2 hands.

Yes but on the announcement that the lwb would be discontinued, didn't ford sell over 270 fairlanes last month? LTD's are down to zero as the fairlane ghia now represents some really great value for money.

As for the comments on the EL's being better than the AU interiors; I don't think so. I have had an NL, and two DL's and I can tell you that the DU2 interior kills them all. The rouched leather (gathered leather) seats are that much more cushioned in the DU compared to the DL and are a whole lot more supportive, the dashboard is much easier to use, the drivers seat has a memory and there is a much more liberal use of leather throughout the entire cabin. The gaudy orange displays are gone and the central GPS screen is surrounded by woodgrain. There is much less of a plastic feel in the DU; this can't be said of the DL or even the BA for that matter.

I'll get some photo's if you like.

zigzagnt · 04-06-2007, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltd

Yes but on the announcement that the lwb would be discontinued, didn't ford sell over 270 fairlanes last month? LTD's are down to zero as the fairlane ghia now represents some really great value for money.

As for the comments on the EL's being better than the AU interiors; I don't think so. I have had an NL, and two DL's and I can tell you that the DU2 interior kills them all. The rouched leather (gathered leather) seats are that much more cushioned in the DU compared to the DL and are a whole lot more supportive, the dashboard is much easier to use, the drivers seat has a memory and there is a much more liberal use of leather throughout the entire cabin. The gaudy orange displays are gone and the central GPS screen is surrounded by woodgrain. There is much less of a plastic feel in the DU; this can't be said of the DL or even the BA for that matter.

I'll get some photo's if you like.

If you were referring to me i said We had a EL GLI or whatever the base model was and now have a BA XT i was saying the interior is better planned out on the ba as opposed to the EL and an AU i once went in.The only problem i have with the ba is the rear door on the wagon is obviously not designed for paraplegics such as myself.It doesn't open wide enough.Also the seat is higher which makes it difficult when you can't really move your legs very much.

**Polyal** · 04-06-2007, 06:20 PM

The BF2 Ghia is the hottest piece of metal Ford has done in ages. Its classy, sporty and luxury. It is missing one thing though, but I wont go there.

Does anyone remember the Tango interior? That would be sweet in an Ego BF2 Ghia, China beige is nice but Id be to worried about scuffing it etc.

I also like that dark red colour, looks a bit like the old regency red.

Bossxr8 · 04-06-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deviateboy

But holden continues to build (hsv?) the luxo barge grange and sell by the bucket load, hello Ford! do a sport/muscle hero fairlane give them some cred again!

Bucket load. I don't think so. HSV are planning to sell 150 this year, and they only made one because they can export it. They said they wouldn't have bothered with a Grange if it was Australia/NZ only.

Considering Ford had a sport Fairlane in the TL50 that couldn't even sell in triple figures across 3 models then you can imagine how much of a lame duck an FPV Fairlane would be. They were wise not to waste money on one.

Gobes32 · 04-06-2007, 06:51 PM

The boss motor could replace the 3v job in the fairlane, BUT, then you need to fit the power bulge hood. And as much as some people on this site think that would look cool, it's not an image Ford would want to convey. Kind of rules out an FPV Fairlane really.

ltd · 05-06-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigzagnt

If you were referring to me i said We had a EL GLI or whatever the base model was and now have a BA XT i was saying the interior is better planned out on the ba as opposed to the EL and an AU i once went in.The only problem i have with the ba is the rear door on the wagon is obviously not designed for paraplegics such as myself.It doesn't open wide enough.Also the seat is higher which makes it difficult when you can't really move your legs very much.

I was talking to TX3dude as well. Not deriding you or him by the way,
just telling of my experience on the luxury models between the EL and AU series cars.

Deviateboy · 07-06-2007, 10:42 PM

yeah good on the bean-counters....if ford aus exported to bahrain or somewhere like that then we could keep the fairlane/fairmont due to economics.
The HSV Grange is the epitomy of muscle luxury, why couldn't ford do it?
We dont need to have hero bulges (yeah I know the motor wouldnt' fit properly) to say tough luxury......but even a ford man (my blood runs blue) has to admit the grange is a bit horn.
The fairlane used to be the pinnacle and aspiration of aussie luxury it's been with us since about 1967 in the aussie sorta stamping, I blame ford for poor marketing.......(dreams of a happier place with limitless oil..)
But then the latest figures show even the falcon getting an azz kicking on the sales charts with Orion a LONG way off.
I love my old ZD lol.

V3RSAC3 · 09-06-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deviateboy

The HSV Grange is the epitomy of muscle luxury, why couldn't ford do it?

they did, TL50 ... 5.6Ltr Stroker V8 ... only ran about 12KW under that of the grange, but cained it on take off ... lolz

I like the interior of both Models AU Fairmont's and the BA/BF Fairmonts, however i own an AU Fairmont and i love the woodgrain that i have, it gives it a more classier look ... but i also have a BA XR6T for work, and im in love with that interior too ... it just comes down to personal preference, none is really better than the other because, they are both so different!

As for no curtian airbags ... mines an AUI and i got curtian airbags, Electric seats, LSD and ESP ... but im not the original owner!

LUXO_8 · 09-06-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nversace

they did, TL50 ... 5.6Ltr Stroker V8 ... only ran about 12KW under that of the grange, but cained it on take off ... lolz

I like the interior of both Models AU Fairmont's and the BA/BF Fairmonts, however i own an AU Fairmont and i love the woodgrain that i have, it gives it a more classier look ... but i also have a BA XR6T for work, and im in love with that interior too ... it just comes down to personal preference, none is really better than the other because, they are both so different!

As for no curtian airbags ... mines an AUI and i got curtian airbags, Electric seats, LSD and ESP ... but im not the original owner!

there are 3 5.6L TL50's
all the others are a 5 litre

Smoke Pursuit · 09-06-2007, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nversace

they did, TL50 ... 5.6Ltr Stroker V8 ... only ran about 12KW under that of the grange, but cained it on take off ... lolz

I like the interior of both Models AU Fairmont's and the BA/BF Fairmonts, however i own an AU Fairmont and i love the woodgrain that i have, it gives it a more classier look ... but i also have a BA XR6T for work, and im in love with that interior too ... it just comes down to personal preference, none is really better than the other because, they are both so different!

As for no curtian airbags ... mines an AUI and i got curtian airbags, Electric seats, LSD and ESP ... but im not the original owner!

No it doesnt, no curtain airbags or ESP.. Even BF does not have curtain airbags.

FORD3V · 09-06-2007, 06:24 PM

I would buy a fairmont over an XR8 provided it was a V8,I think the current BF fairmont is the best looking fairmont in years,its miles ahead of the AU in performance and technology.
You would only say AU's are better if you owned one, the only AU i would drive with any pride is a TS50.

View Poll Results: What would you rather?
BF Fairmont Ghia	57	50.44%
BF XR8	56	49.56%
Voters: 113. You may not vote on this poll