BF MkII goes to press

[Poetic Justice]

Words - Mike Sinclair
http://ninemsn.carpoint.com.au/car-review/1963037.aspx



Ford has confirmed details of its BF MkII Falcon. And, as scooped on CarPoint, it centres on fuel-economy driven wider availability of the maker’s six-speed auto


Ford Australia has fired its first shot at Holden’s VE juggernaut– the face-lifted BF MkII Falcon range.

Though boasting minor updates to the front and rear of the non-XR models (the sporties continue unchanged) and interior upgrades across the range, the focus of the overhaul is under the skin -- specifically the wider availability of the benchmark ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

As tipped by CarPoint earlier this week, when BF MkII hits dealers in October the six-speed auto will be available across all Falcon sedans.

Ford is hoping the svelte six-speeder and the improvements in fuel economy it brings will take the wind out of Holden’s new VE Commodore – in particular the four-speed auto equipped lower-spec Omega and Berlina models.

A $950-1200 (approx) option in the current Falcon line-up (no BF MkII pricing has been announced), in concert with improvements to thermal efficiency and a slightly more aerodynamically slippery front-end, the six-speeder is claimed to improve fuel economy from 10.9lt/100km to 10.2. This compares to 10.9 for the VE Commodore and 9.9 for Toyota’s recently launched Camry.

Early speculation had the big Falcon matching Toyota’s four-cylinder entrant in official testing with a sub-10.0lt stat. Though this didn’t prove to be the case, Ford sources are confident that in real-world conditions the Falcon will better the VE and match the Camry.

With VE delivering stability control (ESP) across the Commodore range, Ford has also moved to widen availability of its Dynamic Stability Control technology.

Previously offered on XR6 Turbo, XR8 and Fairmont Ghia and LWB models only, DSC will now be available on the full Ford sedan range, though with a catch. Falcon XT, Futura, XR6 and Fairmont sedan buyers who wish to opt for DSC can only do so via an optional sports pack. The pack also includes six-speed auto gearbox, Sports Control Blade Independent rear suspension and 17-inch alloys.

Ford says it hasn’t finalised pricing on the sports package. Individually six-speed auto and 17-inch alloy wheels add about $2510 to the cost of XR6 with Sports suspension listed at $465 on the current Fairmont. Add in an expected $700-800 for DSC and the total option cost would be in the region of $3700.

That said, expect Ford to sharpen its pencil considerably on this come October. Our pick is a package price around $2200-2500.

The DSC is packaged with the suspension and transmission spec to short-circuit the need for Ford to undertake costly recalibration of the DSC system on the cooking model XT, Futura, Fairmont chassis. As re-calibration is expensive in terms of both time and money, it also suggests that Holden’s move to deliver ESP across the board on VE caught the blue team napping.



A NEW FACE
The BF MkII upgrade’s external changes feature what Ford describes a European-inspired sports luxury look.

With the XR’s unchanged externally (save for new paint colours including a new Chromaflare ‘hero’ hue and MkII badging), the Fairmont Ghia (pictured) is the new pin-up car of the range.

Ford says the Ghia’s “European-inspired sports luxury exterior look is reflected in dark accent headlamp treatment, tapered bonnet, chrome grille, bejewelled fog lights and front bumper finishes, and new seven-spoke 17-inch sports alloy wheels.”

The Ghia also gets new badging, side skirts and rear bumper valance and an exposed XR-style oval chrome exhaust.

Inside there’s been the liberal application of black chrome and piano-black style console and centre stack highlights. These contrast with the light-coloured leather seats (with reprofiled headrest) and suede feel trims.

Fairmont, Futura and Falcon XT (pictured) also receive a new face as do Falcon Ute XL, XLS and RTV models. All feature the new-look new tapered bonnet, front bumper and new treatments. The sedan s also get a tweaked rear bumper and new rear lamp treatment.

The BF MkII XR sedan and Ute get new "Chicane" metallic yarn seat trim (also pictured), new instrument cluster design and satin alloy inserts in the instrument panel. The new seat trim can also be customised with a wide range of stitching and embroidery colours, which Ford say will “lend the interior a subtle or high impact finish, depending on personal taste.”



FUEL AND CUSTOMER DRIVEN
Speaking at the launch of the BF MkII in Melbourne last night (August 11) Ford Australia chief Tom Gorman said: "The introduction of the new BF Falcon MkII is the next step in the evolution of the iconic Falcon brand.

"BF Falcon MkII builds on the strong engineering foundations laid by the BF Falcon and SY Territory programs, while also delivering a host of fresh exterior and interior styling elements that further refine the Falcon's contemporary design,” he said.

According to Gorman, the BF MkII has been developed directly from customer wants – feedback he says Holden has not listened to in the execution of the VE program….

"I don't think they've [Holden] listened to the customer as well as we have when it comes to fuel economy, and I think that could be the Achilles' heel for them,” Gorman opined.

“We've continued a logical, natural and customer-driven progression to improve fuel economy [with BF MkII]. We're really proud of what we've been able to accomplish and when you add that to what we did a year ago there’s been an order of magnitude of improvement to this segment.

Gorman says Ford is confident that the BF MkII will be able to take on VE despite the difference in the ages of the designs.

“When we look at the new VE we don't think there's anything radical to the design of the car. The chassis has improved because it had to, to catch up with us, but nothing that they've put in front of us surprises or scares us," he said.

Ford says it will release full pricing and details of the BF MkII update closer to the car’s October dealer release.

[Jock260]

nice! thats all needs to be said

[Redrum]

I am looking forward to see what FPV do to upgrade their vehicles to BFMk2. :

[Fair302]

The Fairmont ghia looks Goooooooood, add a Turbo too that...yumm! Lucky the XR's havent changed, so hopefully the FPV's won't either or I will be ****ed for being an unpatiente bugger :

[Danny]

Interesting front on them. I reckon the New look Ghia would be a shockingly gorgeous car if it had nicer (read: Bigger) Rims and a Barra 245T...

They'd probably sell too. Its about time the Ghia became sporty again, and about time that the Front of the BA was changed a little. Too Bad they didn't do anything to the look of the XR's...

[parawolf]

Originally Posted by Redrum

I am looking forward to see what FPV do to upgrade their vehicles to BFMk2. :

Don't hold your breath.... :

[Dilan]

Is the 2nd link working for anybody else?

[uranium_death]

What was said is what I have felt...Holden have upgraded what they had to, but other than that, the car is nothing special.

Unfortunately, people will be carried away with the "I own a brand new Holden" gimmick and get carried away. That's a blot on our culture! And unfortunately, it's dominant!

[WILDTRAKPX2]

Originally Posted by Danny

Too Bad they didn't do anything to the look of the XR's...

I reckon they make the existing XR look better than ever! I don't like the horizontal lines in the grill/spoiler or the new bonnet. The BF XR has smooth, stylish yet aggressive lines, whereas the new MKII looks too busy and not suited to the XR style IMO. I'm looking forward to seeing the new XR cluster/instrument panel and seat trim.

[csv8]

So, Why do people keep buying dunnydores ????????????????????
I think its because Holden have a MUCH BETTER marketing department.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Fair302

The Fairmont ghia looks Goooooooood, add a Turbo too that...yumm!

What would Force that to happen?

[Danny]

Originally Posted by Shockwave XR8

I reckon they make the existing XR look better than ever! I don't like the horizontal lines in the grill/spoiler or the new bonnet. The BF XR has smooth, stylish yet aggressive lines, whereas the new MKII looks too busy and not suited to the XR style IMO. I'm looking forward to seeing the new XR cluster/instrument panel and seat trim.

Still, I reckon some different Highlights on the front bumpers, a sideskirt change and rear bumper change (Now that the Fairmont shares the same kit items), and maybe even a spoiler change to marry up with the original BF Update would breathe new life into it. Clearly it would be too hard to touch the iconic BA XR headlights, but a little bonnet sheetmetal tweak as well I think couldnt have gone astray.

[Jock260]

we need a power upgrade in the v8's i rekon

[Bucket]

Originally Posted by Tom Gorman

“When we look at the new VE we don't think there's anything radical to the design of the car. The chassis has improved because it had to, to catch up with us, but nothing that they've put in front of us surprises or scares us," he said.

This Tom Gorman guy...Im startin to like him :thebirds:

[WILDTRAKPX2]

Originally Posted by Danny

Still, I reckon some different Highlights on the front bumpers, a sideskirt change and rear bumper change (Now that the Fairmont shares the same kit items), and maybe even a spoiler change to marry up with the original BF Update would breathe new life into it. Clearly it would be too hard to touch the iconic BA XR headlights, but a little bonnet sheetmetal tweak as well I think couldnt have gone astray.

Agreed, I know what you mean. The new MKII Fairmont and Falcon look will be loved or hated, but if there was to be a change to the XR and further more FPV, they would have needed to pursue a different style IMO.

[sfr rob]

i love the ghia!!!! hell yeah, thats what i am going to do to my ba ghia, not sure about the front though.... looks a bit to busy with those silly driving light surrounds..

[bionic_jase]

Anyone know if the stripes will change on the MKII BF like they did on the ba mkI, mkII and BF range..?

[sfr rob]

i guess they would...

[stockel]

The pic of the xt reminds me of the previous mustang model for some reason, can't be bad I guess.

edit: just the front...

[Redrum]

Originally Posted by minesbeta:-)

we need a power upgrade in the v8's i rekon

If they don't upgrade the V8s, then in my books, they officially suck!

[Sta Arhidia Mou]

Originally Posted by Redrum

If they don't upgrade the V8s, then in my books, they officially suck!

Force 8....

[Bucket]

Originally Posted by Sta Arhidia Mou

Force 8....

Its always a possibility...maybe they are saving the Force 8 For Orion? It would make sense...give the Next Falcon some thunder...but maybe ford is thinking they need more power now??

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Sta Arhidia Mou

Force 8....

Force 8 will be available in October.....

[Bucket]

Originally Posted by flappist

Force 8 will be available in October.....

: No way...

[Franky]

It may be just me but from this angle it looks absolutely fantastic!

[Falcon Coupe]

Originally Posted by Bucket

: No way...

Yep, i heard before 07"

[Silver Ghia]

The front of the Ghia needed more chrome to identify it better. Its got it now on the front of the bonnet like it was on the AU.

However I'm not sure about the horizontal bars in the grill and below.

And why do they show the Ghia with 'Falcon' written on it??? The marketing dept. needs a good shakeup.

[ef_classic]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

Yep, i heard before 07"

Please tell us more!!!

[Peuty]

That looks great.


Now why in god's name didn't Ford release that as the original BF?

[Bucket]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

Yep, i heard before 07"

Any word on why they are calling it the Force 8?