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Ford Launches the new BF Falcon MkII range
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Ford has launched the new BF Falcon MkII range, which will go on sale later this month. "The introduction of the new BF Falcon MkII is the next step in the evolution of the iconic Falcon brand," Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said. "BF Falcon MkII builds on the strong engineering foundations laid by the BF Falcon and SY Territory programmes, while also delivering a host of fresh exterior and interior styling elements that further refine the Falcon's contemporary design." "The depth of engineering and technological innovation in the Falcon range has been extended with BF MkII, with greater access across more models to some of the Falcon's class-leading features and technologies." Mr Gorman also announced new model pricing for the BF Falcon MkII line-up, revealing a revised pricing structure that strategically realigns the sports and sports luxury models to maintain competitiveness in their highly important sectors. "We have taken the deliberate strategic action of repositioning some of our most popular vehicles, in order to ensure that the competitiveness of our price offering is as customer-focused as the design changes we have made to the vehicles," Mr Gorman said. "The large car market is more competitive now than at any time in recent memory. These pricing actions will allow Ford to maintain our strong share of this segment, which has been the genesis of our success over many decades, while also increasing the attractiveness of the Falcon range to other customers." The new BF Falcon MkII range represents outstanding value for money, delivering new styling and additional features including an optional Bluetooth®^ mobile phone kit, as well as continuing Ford's commitment to engineering innovation and world-class technology with wider availability of the six-speed automatic transmission and Dynamic Stability Control system. "Recommended retail pricing of our premium Falcon XR models has been reduced by up to 12.4 per cent, while Fairmont Ghia has benefited from a reduction of 12.1 per cent compared to the previous model," Mr Gorman said. "Combined with new styling and finishes, we believe these actions make both the sports and sports luxury models a compelling value proposition." There is no change to the recommended pricing for Falcon XR6 and Fairmont models, while Falcon XT and Futura models have risen by just 0.3 per cent. In conjunction with the release of the BF Falcon MkII range a new "Euro Sports Package" will be optional on the Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont sedan, comprising the six-speed automatic transmission, Dynamic Stability Control, Sports Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels and tyres. The combined RRP of the features in the Euro Sports Package is $3,900, but at launch it will be available for just $250¹ as part of a special value offer. 
Falcon XR6 customers can also enjoy a special value offer at launch, with the optional six-speed automatic transmission and DSC packaged together to deliver $2,350 of recommended retail value for a special offer price also of $250². The recommended retail price of the six-speed automatic transmission as a stand-alone option at BF Falcon MkII is $1,500. "With the recent influx of new models sparking renewed interest in the large car segment, the new BF Falcon MkII offers customers an exceptional family car package that delivers outstanding fuel economy, performance, refinement and safety," Mr Gorman said. "BF Falcon MkII builds on Falcon's core strengths of world-class engineering, state-of-the-art technologies and superior driving dynamics, with a fresh and aspirational design that is sure to appeal to customers and keep the Falcon nameplate at the vanguard of the local car industry." ^ The Bluetooth® trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the
mark is under license. 
World class six-speed automatic Where the BF Falcon introduced performance and luxury buyers to the benefits of a world-class six-speed automatic transmission and state-of-the-art Dynamic Stability Control system, BF Falcon MkII opens up this world of technological advances to even more Falcon sedan customers. With the release of BF Falcon MkII, the ZF six-speed automatic transmission – which was the first six-speed automatic to be fitted to an Australian-built vehicle at BF Falcon – will be available on all petrol Falcon sedan models. Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont sedan customers can option their vehicle with the six-speed automatic transmission and delight in the real-world benefits it offers in terms of reduced fuel consumption, increased functionality, precision and refined performance. "The six-speed automatic transmission has proven to be a standout feature of the BF Falcon, especially for its ability to deliver a tailored driving experience for customers," Mr Gorman said. "Not only does it reward a sporty driving style with livelier performance and sharper responses, but it also delivers significant benefits in terms of reduced fuel consumption and greater refinement, with smoother shift quality a notable feature during everyday use." ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic The six-speed automatic is a compact and lightweight, high efficiency, high torque capacity transmission with a low first gear, higher top gear and smaller, more graduated steps between each gear. With a larger spread of ratios, the six-speed transmission offers real-world benefits in the traditionally divergent areas of performance and fuel consumption. A low first gear greatly improves launch feel, while the larger and tighter spread of ratios delivers livelier performance, especially at wide open throttle, along with the added benefits of smoother shift quality and reduced fuel consumption.
Gear shifts between the top few gears are often imperceptible, while the smaller steps between 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th also ensure less ‘busyness’ within the transmission as it determines the right gear. The end result of the transmission being in the right gear at the right time is both an improvement in vehicle performance and a reduction in fuel consumption. There are two versions of the six-speed automatic transmission – a standard version with a torque capacity of 450 Newton metres and a performance version with a torque capacity of 600 Nm. The performance version features upgraded clutches, with extra plates in the clutch packs, to increase the torque capacity for use with higher torque output engines. Falcon models using the Barra 190 engine are fitted with the standard version, while Falcon models using either the Barra 230, Barra 245T or Boss 260 powerplants will be fitted with the higher torque capacity performance version. Software and calibration The ZF transmission is able to tailor its responses to individual driving styles courtesy of a number of software functions and Driver Recognition features, all designed to deliver increased transmission functionality and performance and a refined shift quality. The Sequential Sports Shift feature introduced on BA Falcon is a key element of the six-speed automatic transmission, offering the same style of adaptive and performance automatic modes as well as total manual control through sequential manual shifting. Torque converter clutch lock-up is available in all six forward gears, not just in the top two overdrive gears. When towing heavy loads at low speeds, such as in city driving or through hilly terrain, converter clutch lock-up in all gears assists with better transmission cooling and reduced fuel consumption. Electronic control of all gearshifts in the six-speed automatic transmission is via clutches rather than bands, delivering a more direct and refined shift quality. Calibration features of the six-speed automatic transmission include:
Driver Recognition A host of advanced features are accessible to the driver as part of the Driver Recognition software with the six-speed automatic transmission. Driver Recognition matches transmission performance to the current driving style by considering acceleration and deceleration rates, brake and throttle applications and cornering speed, to ensure the vehicle is in the right gear at the right time without undesired gear shifts. The transmission ‘learns’ the driver's style and assigns a theoretical point system to certain driving scenarios to determine the activation point of particular features. The point system extends from a “base” fuel economy bias (0 points), through stages such as “sporty” driver (100 points), up to “enthusiast” (200 points). The transmission software recognises various performance-based actions, such as rapid acceleration/pullaways, enthusiastic cornering, pushing the accelerator pedal through the detent and moving the shift lever into performance mode and increases the number of points accordingly. By moving the shift lever across from adaptive to performance mode, the driver recognition function increases by 100 points instantly, making the advanced features more accessible. If the transmission had already learnt to 40 points in adaptive mode, then when the shift lever is pushed across into the performance mode it would become 140 points. In performance mode, driver recognition can learn from “sporty”, representing 100 points, up to “enthusiast” (200 points). Points can be gathered quickly as increases occur in blocks, while a more graduated, single point decrease in the score occurs when you return to a less sporty driving style. Advanced features Advanced features accessible through the Driver Recognition software include:
The Driver Recognition features allow for a tailored driving experience, where the transmission rewards different styles of driving at both ends of the performance spectrum. A lower point count and more normalised driving style will deliver significant benefits in terms of refinement and fuel economy, while a greater point count will reward sporty driving with sharper responses and a more defined sporty feel. All the Driver Recognition features are available on all models fitted with the ZF six-speed transmission, although certain features are more accessible on the sports XR models through a more performance-biased calibration. Transient rpm limit The transient rpm limit allows the engine to momentarily exceed the prescribed rev limit during upshifting. This enables wide open throttle upshifting of gears to be scheduled at an engine speed closer to the rev limiter than would otherwise be possible. The transient rpm feature allows the engine to exceed 6,000 rpm – up to 6,250 rpm – while the transmission is completing the gear change, thereby taking full advantage of the high rpm performance of Barra 190 and 245T engines. Improved fuel economy Falcon XT customers opting for the six-speed automatic transmission will notice an improvement in fuel consumption of more than six per cent when compared to the BF Falcon with the four-speed automatic, with an accompanying Australian Design Rule (ADR) 81/01 fuel economy test figure of 10.2 l/100km. Fuel economy on petrol BF Falcon MkII models with the four-speed automatic transmission, including Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont sedans, has also improved. As a result of further drivetrain efficiencies that have been achieved on these Falcon models, fuel economy will improve by a further two per cent, dropping 0.2 l/100km to 10.7 l/100km. Powered by the most technologically advanced six-cylinder engine ever produced by Ford Australia, with its dual independent variable camshaft timing and dual knock sensors, four-speed automatic Falcon I6 models across the range have benefited from a programme of continued refinement that has delivered:
"The extensive engineering programme undertaken at BF Falcon delivered significant gains in the areas of fuel efficiency and refinement, as well as more useable performance from our Barra 190 six-cylinder engine," Mr Gorman said. "But the process of improvement is a continual one and our engineers have responded with further improvements on the top-selling four-speed auto Falcon I6 models, delivering greater real world benefits to Falcon owners." "In the last two years we've delivered a seven per cent improvement in fuel efficiency on the Falcon XT. The availability of the six-speed automatic transmission on Falcon XT with the BF MkII programme has taken the level of improvement even further, to more than 11 per cent." E-Gas Fuel economy on the E-Gas range of Falcons – which includes sedans, wagons and utes – has improved as well, benefiting from the same programme of development and refinement applied to the petrol I6 engine, with the revised calibration contributing to the even greater percentage improvement. BF Falcon MkII models powered by the E-Gas engine have gained a five per cent improvement in fuel consumption, with the official ADR figure dropping 0.8 l/100km to 15.1 l/100km. Ford's dedicated LPG E-Gas engine, introduced in 1999, boasts all the technological benefits of the Falcon petrol engine with double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, dual variable camshaft timing and coil-on-plug ignition. A unique induction system was developed to work with the advanced Electronic Throttle Control while a new balancer hose and new ductwork and piping improve under-bonnet layout and reliability. The dedicated LPG Falcon dispenses with all petrol system components including fuel tank and pipes, reducing complexity while saving weight and cost. E-Gas technology is available on nine vehicles in the Falcon range, including the Falcon XT and Futura sedans and wagons, the Fairmont and the XL, XLS, RTV and XR6 Utes. Dynamic Stability Control Dynamic Stability Control will also be available across the wider Falcon sedan range as part of an optional "Euro Sports Package", which includes the six-speed automatic transmission, Sports Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels and tyres. "The BF Falcon introduced traction control as standard on all petrol Falcon sedans, as well as on XR Falcon Utes, while also incorporating the very latest in chassis control systems as standard on premium Falcon sedans," Mr Gorman said. "Now the BF Falcon MkII raises the bar even further with the availability of DSC on Falcon XT, Futura, Fairmont and XR6 sedans, adding to the high levels of active safety already built into each Falcon." Ford has developed four distinct levels of DSC calibration, ranging from comfort to sports, to cover the variety of engine, transmission and body styles available across the Territory and Falcon vehicle families. The calibration of the DSC system when fitted to a Falcon XT, Futura, Fairmont or Falcon XR6 matches the system currently fitted to the Fairmont Ghia, with DSC interventions being tuned to the overall sportier nature of the package compared to Fairlane and LTD variants. How does it work? DSC combines the advantages of Ford's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) and multiplies the benefits of both. The best protection against accidents is to avoid them completely and stability control utilises the latest technology from Bosch to provide Falcon with a locally engineered vehicle stability control system. DSC helps maintain stability when the vehicle approaches its physical limits, through programmed intervention in the braking system and powertrain or a combination of both. DSC works in tandem with ABS – which prevents the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied – and TCS, which limits wheel spin during acceleration. Traction control ensures the vehicle remains controllable under heavy acceleration that can occur taking off on slippery roads, negotiating a hill or accelerating out of a corner. Traction control brakes the driven wheel, which shows a tendency to spin and adapts the engine torque to obtain maximum traction. The brake control is known as ABD (Automatic Brake Differential) and avoids loss of forward momentum through spinning wheels while maintaining lateral grip. Sensors located at each wheel calculate the slip of each driven wheel and initiate traction control if slip levels are deemed excessive. Consequently, traction control intervenes on the rear wheels of a Falcon. The system continually monitors driver input via communication with the Electronic Throttle Control. As soon as the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects a deviation from desired wheel speeds, the speed of the spinning wheel is automatically reduced by brake intervention, without any action on the part of the driver. If the system calculates more intervention is required, the ECU firstly intervenes by retarding spark to reduce excess engine torque, then by limiting throttle angle via an electronic throttle control. The final level of engine intervention occurs by cutting fuel flow. DSC is part of the next generation of driving aids, employing the vehicle's braking and engine control system as a tool for 'controlling ' the vehicle by mitigating vehicle skid. When DSC assumes operation it makes use of the existing braking system. The basic function of the brakes – to decelerate or stop the vehicle – is enhanced as stability control maintains the vehicle's stability and desired course. DSC incorporates three vital elements in addition to the traction control system hardware – a steering wheel angle sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor and a rotational yaw rate sensor. The steering wheel sensor constantly monitors steering wheel angle, or the driver's intended direction of travel. The yaw and lateral acceleration sensors track the vehicle's rotation around its vertical axis and its lateral motion. DSC is constantly working in the background, monitoring all its sensors 25 times a second, to check the driver's steering wheel position, throttle pedal position, whether the driver is braking, and where the vehicle is actually going. By comparing the actual measured yaw rate with a calculated desired yaw rate, the system is able to intervene early enough to reduce the risk of unwanted skids and potential loss of control. Specific braking intervention is then directed at individual wheels – such as the inner rear to counter under steer, or the outer front during over steer. DSC also modulates engine output to reduce wheel spin and vehicle speed when necessary. All chassis control systems work constantly in the background, monitoring the need for intervention at astonishing speed. DSC monitors its sensors 25 times per second, TCS 50 times per second and ABS 200 times per second. Driving conditions, which may activate DSC, include:
For example, if the driver approaches a bend that tightens more sharply than expected, the driver will suddenly turn the wheel in the intended direction of turn, but may be carrying too much speed to safely negotiate the turn. Or, if a driver swerves rapidly to avoid colliding with an object or another vehicle on the road, the vehicle may not respond quickly enough to follow the desired path, or may over-respond, resulting in oversteer. In both examples dynamic stability control will immediately notice the angle of steering wheel input and the direction of travel and brake the appropriate wheel to help keep the vehicle stable and under control. Fresh new styling inside & out In addition to the wider availability of DSC and the six-speed automatic transmission, BF Falcon MkII also introduces a host of exterior design and interior styling upgrades within the Falcon line-up. Fairmont Ghia leads the way with a new European-inspired sports luxury exterior look, reflected in its new, dark accent headlamp treatment, tapered bonnet, chrome grille, bejewelled fog lights and front bumper finishes and new seven-spoke 17-inch sports alloy wheels. An exposed chrome exhaust, XR-style side skirts and rear bumper, and contemporary block font 'Ghia' badging complete the distinctive Fairmont Ghia package, resulting in a fresh, aspirational appeal and bold road presence. Inside, the BF Fairmont Ghia MkII is a statement in refined elegance, from the black chrome instrument cluster, chrome air vent highlights and black onyx Interior Command Centre to the sumptuous China Beige leather seat trim, suede feel seat backs and door trims and new front seat head restraints. Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont receive notable upgrades to the exterior design, including a stylish new tapered bonnet, new grille, an aggressive new front bumper design, sporty new headlamp treatments and revised rear bumpers on sedan models. 
Falcon Ute XL, XLS and RTV models also receive the same front end styling enhancements as the Falcon XT, including stylish new tapered bonnet, new grille, aggressive new front bumper and sporty new headlamps. These upgrades further enhance Falcon Ute's car-like positioning and combine to produce the most modern, stylish and sporty looking Falcon Ute ever. The RTV Ute also picks up some new rugged styled steel wheels, more befitting of a vehicle with the RTV's off-road capabilities, while alloy wheels are available as an option for customers who prefer a sleeker look. A new addition to the Falcon Ute range at BF MkII is the XR6 Chassis Cab Ute, which was released earlier this year as a special edition with a model run of just 450 units. Keen interest in the special edition XR6 C/C has seen it become a permanent part of the Falcon Ute line-up, where it combines the practical capability of a cab chassis with the stylish good looks of the XR, meaning customers do not have to compromise looks for functionality. The XR6 C/C is available with the half-tonne sports suspension and 17-inch five-spoke XR alloy wheels as standard, while for customers that require a heavier payload, a full one-tonne suspension and 16-inch wheel/tyre package is offered as a no cost option. A new interior environment sets the BF Falcon MkII range of XR sedan and ute models apart from their predecessors, with a new "Chicane" metallic yarn seat trim, 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 lend the interior a subtle or high impact finish, depending on personal taste. Colour palette Five new exterior paint colours herald the arrival of BF Falcon Mk II, including three new hero colours and a new Chromaflair® colour for Fairmont Ghia and the XR range, while another two colours – Seduce and Ego – were released in the lead-up to the new model. Neo – bright and youthful, Neo is a dynamic new blue loaded with energy. One of three new hero colours, Neo is only available on Falcon XR models. Octane – an intense, retro orange designed to fuel the passion and ignite the senses of XR enthusiasts. One of three new hero colours, Octane is only available on Falcon XR models. Breeze – a fresh, modern turquoise that provides a visual sensation. One of three new hero colours, Breeze is only available on Falcon XR models. Obsession – a decadent, dramatic chameleon colour that moves from dark chocolate into cherry (Chromaflair®). Obsession is only available on Falcon XR and Fairmont Ghia models. Flare – a blazing, earthy orange, Flare emulates the intensity of a sunset on a hot summer's day. Flare is available across the Falcon range. Bluetooth® mobile phone kit 
The release of BF Falcon MkII signals the introduction of a Bluetooth®^ mobile phone kit, available on all Falcon sedan and wagon, Falcon Ute, Fairlane and LTD, and Territory models, as a dealer fit accessory. Available from 1st December, 2006, the Bluetooth® kit allows you to make phone calls from your vehicle with the convenience of a wireless system that is fully integrated into the vehicle's audio system and operated by a single push button control located beneath the Interior Command Centre. The ICC screen switches to telephone mode automatically when you make or receive a call, while the audio levels can be adjusted by the control buttons on the steering wheel. The Bluetooth® mobile phone kit allows you to answer a phone call at the touch of a button for the ultimate in hands free communication. MODEL BY MODEL BF Falcon XT MkII Sedan and Wagon
BF Futura MkII Sedan and Wagon
BF Falcon XR6 Turbo MkII
BF Fairmont MkII
BF Fairmont Ghia MkII
Interior
^ The Bluetooth® trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the
mark is under license. BF Falcon XL Ute MkII
BF Falcon XLS Ute MkII
BF Falcon RTV Ute MkII
BF Falcon XR6 Ute MkII
BF Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute MkII
BF Falcon XR8 Ute MkII
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