Ford Announces Bold New Look on Falcon XR

Donut King · 01-10-2007, 09:04 AM

Ford Announces Bold New Look on Falcon XR

Ford Australia today announced details of a new look Falcon XR sedan range, along with a unique, limited edition Falcon XR Ute, both of which are due to make their public debut at next week's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

The new look Falcon XR sedan includes a new bodykit and revised exterior mirror treatment, along with a revised alloy wheel design on premium XR sedan models – XR6 six-speed automatic and all XR6 Turbo and XR8 sedan models.

The new bodykit features a modified front bumper with new mini rockers on each side, all-new side rockers and a new insert in the rear bumper valance, all of which have been treated with an accent colour paint finish.

Modified exterior mirror scalps are also finished in the accent paint colour, which is a high-gloss Dark Argent for maximum impact.

The premium XR models receive a revised five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel with a unique shadow chrome paint finish to complement the new bodykit.

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 six-speed manual and four-speed automatic models.

"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," Ford Australia Vice President Marketing and Sales Mark Winslow said.

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

Due to go on sale in mid-November, recommended retail pricing remains unchanged for the restyled XR sedan models.

Limited Edition XR by Craig Lowndes Ute

In a further announcement, a limited edition "XR by Craig Lowndes" Falcon Ute special vehicle pack has been released, which is available on XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 Styleside Box models, including XR6 with the optional E-Gas dedicated LPG engine.

Due to go on sale in mid-October, the exclusive XR by Craig Lowndes Utes offer almost $6,000 of additional equipment and features for just $1,000 over the recommended retail price of the standard XR Utes.

Additional features include a set of four 18-inch sports alloy wheels, a one-piece hard tonneau cover with integrated power bulge and rear spoiler, Momo steering wheel, prestige audio system with six-disc in-dash CD player, an iPod®/MP3 audio player input connection 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 motorsport 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 motorsport."

As part of the exclusivity of the XR by Craig Lowndes Utes, only a limited selection of exterior paint colours are available – Lightning Strike, Octane, Vixen, Conquer and Silhouette.

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.

Only 650 examples of the limited edition XR by Craig Lowndes Ute will be built.

Donut King · 01-10-2007, 09:06 AM

**Polyal** · 01-10-2007, 09:12 AM

Hmm...better than nothing I guess. Not a nice photo for the ride height either. Reminds me of the rebel AU kit, a little anyway.

XWGT · 01-10-2007, 09:20 AM

errrrrr why?

TZENU · 01-10-2007, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XWGT

errrrrr why?

They gotta get rid of excess stock some how!

XR6_661 · 01-10-2007, 09:32 AM

I like those wheels =O

Scott · 01-10-2007, 09:35 AM

In typical Ford fashion, 2/5 of FA change. I know it's too late to see radical improvements but really, this is just another bastard son of 2002.

When will Ford learn how to take a flattering photo??

Smoke Pursuit · 01-10-2007, 09:37 AM

The above Photo is based on an 05 one, they just photo shopped it!

Terrible looking car to, well done FORD.. NOT

ClevlndStemer · 01-10-2007, 09:52 AM

desperate times call for desperate measures.

Donut King · 01-10-2007, 09:55 AM

more pics

**Polyal** · 01-10-2007, 09:58 AM

That rear shot looks a little bit better. But we all know there's going to be nothing until Orion anyway, so no point getting excited. They have to try something without spending a fortune.

aye you · 01-10-2007, 09:58 AM

so his signature costs a grand? lol they really don't look much different from the current line

Casper · 01-10-2007, 09:59 AM

Still looking for the "bold" bit.
All I see is some 2004 spec "bling" changes and another crappy decal.

apolloxbgt · 01-10-2007, 10:01 AM

Look out,only 650 "Craig Lowndes" option pack utes are being built,we we see idiots driving the price of these up like the 40th ann. GT's?

**Polyal** · 01-10-2007, 10:02 AM

Thing is though. There must be alot of people hanging for these kind of deals before Orion, and its only going to get better.

If you like the shape its a good way to pick up a bargain. Not to mention the other people who just want a car that has a limited run. They should sell, and if it works then why not.

FORD3V · 01-10-2007, 10:26 AM

I have never heard such a load of pointless bitching in my life,what do you suggest ford do???? They are trying to run out the BF with some extra marketing packages the same as all car companys do,should they rush the release of the orion just to keep a bunch of people who probly arnt even in the new car market happy??????

5.4 GT · 01-10-2007, 10:47 AM

Would you be able to option other things onto the Lowndes spec ute? (sports leather seats etc)

Whitey-AMG · 01-10-2007, 10:48 AM

A great opportunity to pick up the last of the best model FORD have ever produced. And with some little individual touches........ A nice swan song.

Smoke Pursuit · 01-10-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveO_SP

Would you be able to option other things onto the Lowndes spec ute? (sports leather seats etc)

Yes most dealers with half a brain will order them with luxury packs / Leather, i know alot did with the Rip Curls.

El Sucio · 01-10-2007, 10:52 AM

How about a few extra Nm or kW.

Although I don't really see the point as any one worth their salt can get an extra 15 - 20% horsepower 30 minutes after driving it out of the showroom for the cost of a set of tyres.

Will be waiting for the last of the I6 orions before I buy a new car....hopefully my AU will last until then.

FORD3V · 01-10-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESP

A great opportunity to pick up the last of the best model FORD have ever produced. And with some little individual touches........ A nice swan song.

Couldnt agree more mate.

Dezza · 01-10-2007, 11:07 AM

I don't mind them. If it'll help sell more cars, good on them.

apolloxbgt · 01-10-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESP

A great opportunity to pick up the last of the best model FORD have ever produced. And with some little individual touches........ A nice swan song.

In Homer Simpson voice / best model so far.

LeadFoot81 · 01-10-2007, 11:41 AM

Very unflattering photoshopped studio pics of a BF XR8.

In person it might not look too bad.

Come on March 08 where are you??? lol

Whitey-AMG · 01-10-2007, 11:45 AM

LOL................Best overall model so far.............Thanks HOMER

soulfire · 01-10-2007, 12:20 PM

Hmm, definitely not as subtle as the accent colouring of the Rebels. Ah well, it's something isn't it.

JMO · 01-10-2007, 12:31 PM

I like the rims on the ute. The black on the rims on the sedan just doesn't do it for me...

Casper · 01-10-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORD3V

I have never heard such a load of pointless bitching in my life,what do you suggest ford do???? They are trying to run out the BF with some extra marketing packages the same as all car companys do,should they rush the release of the orion just to keep a bunch of people who probly arnt even in the new car market happy??????

I've got no issue at all with Ford doing a "run out" blitz to clear the model. All I have an issue with is calling the new styling "bold". Its not bold at all.. its about as un-bold as you can get.

sfr rob · 01-10-2007, 12:38 PM

when will this cheese stop!
I have had enough of Ford releasing "bold,sporty,aggresive" ""new"" " models. It is embarrassing.

vztrt · 01-10-2007, 12:48 PM

I dont see a problem with it, but it would have been good to have this change when BFII was released instead of the engineers having to justify to top management why the XR had no external changes at all (well except for the MKII badge).

I'm planning on getting a MKII before Orion, and I actually like the look of the changes. The B series is a great looking car and there isn't a point in spending vast ammounts of money in the model when orion is only 5-6 months away. Ford wouldn't make the money back.