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| Falcon V8 Ute returns
- 16/10/97
Ford has reintroduced its 5-litre V8 engine into the Falcon Ute as an extra cost option on the ‘S’ automatic, and created a new model -- the XR8 Utility -- equipped with a high performance V8 as standard. The V8’s return flags a raft of detail improvements identifying the new XH Series 2 Falcon ute and van range, including upgraded interiors, wheels and options, plus adoption on the XR Utes of the current EL Falcon XR-series sedan nose styling and interior trim fabric. Younger appeal "The return of the V8 will broaden Falcon Ute’s appeal, especially to younger buyers," Ford’s Brand Manager for Light Trucks, David Katic said. "Falcon ute has always been strong in its base GLi specification, reflecting its superior load and towing capacity and ruggedness as a workhorse compared to Commodore ute, but the V8 option on the ‘S’ automatic and the introduction of the very lively XR8 Ute exposes Falcon ute to a much wider net of users, including those at the leisure end of the market and V8 enthusiasts. And besides, as Ford Australia invented the coupe utility back in 1934 which debuted with a V8, we thought our current ute really should offer a V8 too!" Mr Katic added. XR8...Best Power/Weight The new XR8 Ute is externally identical to its XR6 Ute sibling other than its standard P225/50ZRx16 Yokohama A510 tyres on 16" alloy wheels (both of which are optional on XR6 Ute), bigger 3" diameter chrome tailpipe and XR8 side and rear badging. The XR8 Ute is powered by the just-released (in the EL Falcon XR8 sedan) higher performance, sequential multi-point fuel injected 5-litre V8 on which Tickford have breathed. They raised its maximum power to 185 kW (248 bhp) at 4500 rpm (from 170 kW) and torque to 402 Nm at 3000 rpm (from 398). Weighing in at 1532kg kerb mass, the manual XR8 Ute has an 8.28 kg/kW power/weight ratio, the best of Ford Australia’s vehicle lineup (EL GT is 8.34). Indicative acceleration times are low seven seconds for 0-l00kph and low 15 seconds for the standing 400 metres. An automatic XR8 is also available. All XR Ute variants are specified with 3.45: 1 limited slip differentials to optimise acceleration. This boosts performance of the manual XR6 Ute which previously had a 3.23 unit. "S" Ute breaks out Many of the changes to Falcon Ute at XH series 2 target a younger market for the "S" The highlight is the availability of a V8 option in the automatic. Developing maximum torque of 388 Nm at 3000 rpm and power of 165 kW (221 bhp) at 4500 rpm, the 5-litre sequential multi-point fuel injected V8 promises effortless performance, enhanced towing capability (up to 2.3 tonnes, state or territory regulations permitting) and that unmistakable V8 burble. The "S" Ute also borrows the interior trim package, wheels and tyres from the recently successful ‘Splash’ limited edition ute. The package includes leather rimmed steering wheel, velour seat trim bolsters and door trims, plus ‘pixel’ design seat insert fabric. The new alloy wheels wear sportier P225/60 tyres than the prior 205/65 size. A new "S" stylised graphic on the bodysides and tailgate aid identification, as does a similarly sited V8 graphic were appropriate. XR Ute-style stance and handling is newly available to "S" Ute buyers, with the introduction of the Tickford specification options of Sports Suspension -- which can be ordered as a stand alone option -- and the 16" wheel/Yokohama A510 P225/50 ZR 16 tyre combination -- which is only available paired with the Sports Suspension option. GLi gains On the lowest priced models, the GLi ute and van, remote entry/central locking becomes standard and 15" wheels with 205/65 tyres replace 14"/195/75s except on 1-Tonne and Outback, which have their own special wheel/tyre specifications. Seating for three is now available as a no cost option in manual GLi models with the adoption of the manual Falcon Outback Ute’s central cushion inserts and seat belt between the bucket seats. Floor shift is retained, as is the 3-seat option in automatic GLi with the Centafold bench seat and column shift. The 4-spoke steering wheel from the current EL Falcon sedan is now standard on all GLi utes and vans instead of just on driver airbag-optioned units, replacing the older 3-spoke wheel. On the dashboard, a matching grey replaces black on the sound system fascia and on the surrounding lower central switchgear panel. A supplementary 1-Tonne suspension pack with single rate rear springs has been developed for users who consistently carry close to the maximum load weight. The existing 1-Tonne suspension’s two stage rear springs provide a more comfortable ride when the ute is unloaded or lightly loaded. Lower priced Outback The unique Falcon Outback Ute has become more affordable with a reduced recommended retail price reflecting the deletion of its underbody flaps, and the respecifying of its bullbar as optional rather than standard as previously. The same bullbar -- tailored to the curvature of the front bumper design and featuring radiused edges and round section upper and lower fence rails -- is now available as an extra cost option on all Falcon utes (except XR) and the van. The bar is compatible with the driver airbag option -- a world first when launched in the prior model ute. A body kit is now offered on all utes except the Outback and the van and comprises front bib spoiler, side skirts and skirt extensions aft of the rear wheel arches. On utes with the Tickford-fitted LPG kit, the spare wheel is now located flat on the load bed floor instead of vertically, and uses the conventional tonneau cover without needing the prior tailored bulge. XH Series 2 Falcon Ute & Van recommended retail prices:
New Options:
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Falcon V8 Ute is back after a 15 year absence.