Bean counters and the end of the straight six - Ford Forums

STRAIGHTSIX · 07-19-2007, 03:24

Its a sad day when you have no choice but to settle for a cast off front drive v-6 in an Ausie made sedan.No doubt that the bean counters are calling the shots . The apeal of the Ford over the Holden is the straightsix with its flat torque curve and smooth crankshaft configuration.Why is the goverment is so intent on killing manufacturing in Australia?
What are you thoughts?

ZC-Cruiser · 07-19-2007, 21:36

My thoughts are that the decision has little if anything to do with the Government - Ford can make cars cheaper using engines sourced from their plant in the US and that is what they are going to do...

**Big Block Ford** · 07-20-2007, 03:22

It is a shame as the inline 6 Barra engine is fantastic but I think it is too expensive keep developing an engine that is used in very small numbers. Ford Aus has to be competitive to stay in business and unfortunately this is another way of containing costs. The engine that replaces the Barra will probably sell a million units a year with development costs spread over those units yet the barra probably sells in under 100,000 units a year.
Ford will be wanting to use common engines and platforms on as many vehicles worldwide as possible to contain costs and it is quite likely that the Falcon and Mustang will be a common platform with simply a different skin. Using Mustang engines may be a good thing for the Falcon in the future and it also means that the Falcon still has a future.

discokin6 · 07-24-2007, 23:55

Reminds me of the time Ford US killed off their passenger vehicle inline six program in the early 80s (200-250 integral intake motors). They went to a 3.8 V6, we designed a crossflow motor in the 70s, to further evolve in the 80s. Cant remember the source, but it has been quoted that a ford executive noted at the time of the XE EFI's release, the Australian motors made more power and torque, use less fuel, and didnt cost a lot of money to redesign.

So Falcon's future is for export markets. Holden have been exporting for years now. While it looks like Ford AU have some catchup work, it doesn't seem logical to axe an engine family and plant because nothing else uses the motor. If anything, it seems very possible the Barra can find a home in something else.

Here's hoping the Falcon doesnt end up in the cardigan set. Bean counters are notorious for killing fun!