Aussie Falcon

Great news from The West Australian newspaper.


....................................................................................................
F-SERIES SET TO EXPAND
PAUL DICKER
31-07-2002

BUOYED by strengthening demand, Ford is considering yet another variant to add to its already extensive F-Series family.

After a lengthy break, Ford reintroduced the F-Series last year, concentrating on mainly F250 and F350 models.

The F-Series, the world's biggest-selling vehicle, has found a ready market in rural areas and in the mining and forestry industries.

The 328 sales last month were the best to date and the big pick-up is on track to achieve about 2500 sales in 2002. Four-wheel-drive models account for about 70 per cent of sales.

Ford Australia commercial vehicle manager Kevin Lillie said interest in the F-Series had picked up appreciably after Super Cab and Crew Cab variants were added late last year.

"We were surprised because we thought the single cab trayback would be the farmers' vehicle and the most popular, but the recreational models have really taken off and they're the ones which are driving a lot of the volume," he said.

The range comprises 20 4x2 and 4x4 models in four body styles and two specification levels, XL and XLT.

F-Series buyers have the choice of three engines, a 4.2-litre, six-cylinder turbo-diesel; a 7.3-litre, turbo-diesel V8 which is good for 187kW and 684 Newton metres of torque; or a 5.4-litre, petrol V8 which delivers 194kW and 474Nm.

At present, XLT models powered by the 7.3 diesel are available only with automatic transmission.

"We are looking at that model because our feedback tells us there is probably an opening for a manual," Lillie said.

Prices for the Brazilian-built F250 and F350 start at $53,400 for the F250 XL 4x2 cab chassis and rise to $81,700 for the F350 XLT 4x2 Crew Cab Pick-up.

Ford has no plans to bring in the smaller F150 because it would cut across the Falcon ute which continues to sell at record levels.

The F150 has a payload of only 700kg.

Lillie said the F-Series was doing particularly well in WA, especially in the Mandurah region.

"There is a strong mindset in WA because of the types of industry, and mining being relatively strong," he said.

"One of our strongest dealers is in Mandurah."
....................................................................................................

Falchoon

The 6 cylinder petrol 4.8 litre Nissan Patrol has 185kw & 420 Nm and would probably be more economical than these motors, though the torque of the 7.3 would be awesome...

__________________
You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen. It said, 'Parking Fine.'So that was nice.

____o00o_=^..^=_o00o____

Martin

Those Diesel engines are just about on their last days, theres a 6.0L TD just released to replace that 7.3L which has more power and torque, and its in the 2003 Excursion.



And theres a new 4.5L V6 TD which is released soon also.

__________________
1993 ED XR6 M5 (1 of 329)
Polynesian Green
Turbo on the way!!
1993 EBII Fairmont (Now wrecking, PM if you want any parts)
1988 Nissan R31 Skyline

Troutman

Apparently the 2003 Excursion could be the last.

http://discussions.fordforums.com/sh...postid=245402\

__________________
Jack Travis, E-Series Acting President

1989 Ford Fairmont Ghia turbo/GL replica (underway)
1994 Eunos 800M
1990 Ford Laser S

AusXH

Bring on a supercharged 5.4L falcon ute to 'sub' in for the lightning I say :s6:

__________________
PVTXR01

PURSUTE

ooh yeah, Falcon Lightning Ute. Cram the same drivetrain as the f150 lightning into an XR8 ute. Now there is a worthy replacement for the 250 pursuit. Good luck getting traction, hehehehe.

till

good 2 c these figures because i saw a 4x2 f 250 out maitland way for 44990 i just thought they were getting desperate 4 sales, so this is fantastic news.