Business will be a gas for the latest new car maker to hit Britain – Verté is to launch a range of LPG-only cars and pick-ups. And guess what? There will even be hot versions with the famous XR badge!
The move is the brainchild of AC Cars boss Alan Lubinsky, who has teamed up with Australian suppliers to export eco-friendly versions of the Mondeo-sized Ford Falcon to the UK. Badged Verté Tempest, the line-up will include a choice of 200bhp 4.0-litre six-cylinder or 260bhp 5.0-litre V8 engines, mated to automatic transmission. Ford fans will be pleased to note that hot versions will spell the return of the XR badge, last seen on the Fiesta XR2i in 1995. The XR6 and XR8 sports saloons boast breathed-on versions of the two units and are both capable 150mph cruisers. The range will be completed by the luxurious, high-performance Tempest T.
Lubinsky is keen to distinguish Verté cars from AC models and is adamant they will not be sold together. "We're putting together a dedicated dealer network and aiming for a significant niche market," he told us.
Verté is taking the unusual step of launching the pick-up models – badged Tempest SUV – before the saloons, with deliveries starting from next month. Costing £15,950 for the entry-level XL and £17,950 for the well equipped XLS, the pick-ups' pricing policy bodes well for the arrival of the performance saloons early next summer.
Well I know they'll have a few on order already. A group from London came over here and couldn't get over how great the Falcon was and three of them want the ute for their companies. Some complained that it was too wide though.
I'm looking forward to them as have seen alot on the net and they look really good , the only problem people have is the import question once its done the cost was too much even importing from the states wasn't that cheap but most of them are for classic chevys and stuff .
If they are going to do the assembly over here this will cut the costs dramaticly and I know there is no pick ups (or very rare) we had a sierra version the P100 and this was quite popular but no one else was willing to do them and if they were they were not that great (the sierra version was cheap!!!)
I can only assume the tempest T is what we call the T series converted to gas. If this is the case you guys are in for a real treat. Actually i can't wait for you guys to see the cars in the metal and see what you think!
Originally posted by HSE2 I can only assume the tempest T is what we call the T series converted to gas. If this is the case you guys are in for a real treat. Actually i can't wait for you guys to see the cars in the metal and see what you think!
Its a very good point cobra . I don't know why they can't do it in a kind of specialist thing like Toyota/Lexus??????
Especialy the bigger ones as the Ford europe is seriously lacking in executive power !!!!
Just think of the last atempt the Scorpio . Bug eyed , under powered , too expensive and pretty dam ugly ????????!!!!!!
The Reason I say this is because physicly the XR8 is bigger than the Mondeo so it is considered a step up the ladder and in the 5 series territory and therefore a perfect stable mate for the rest .
Also we will be getting the GT this year. If holden/HSV export the GTS (or known in Europe as GTS-R with the only modifciation a K&N air filter) why can't ford Australia export the Upper models too UK as fords. But you agree with me john, an aussie ford would not hurt if it was sold in europe - nor would it Hurt Ford Australia if the focus RS were to be sold here.
__________________
O.F.R #12
1999 AU XR8
14.594 @ 94.40mph
152.2RWKW (APS dyno)
Switchable Shift Kit, K&N panel filter, Lukey straight thru mufflers, momo gear and steer,
DBA slotted rotors/Bendix ultimate pads (front), Pioneer MP3 head unit and BA XR carpet mats.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
