Quote:
Originally posted by Adam Chaplin
I work for a large Ford dealer here in Australia.
Ford have just released their new Falcon models, which are a huge improvement over their older cars. They are big, roomy rear-drive sedans, powered by big, torquey motors, yet they are very nimble. They weigh between 3,300lbs and 3,800lbs.
They have a starting motor which is a 4.0 inline six, with variable cam timing for intake and exhaust cams. They are of a 24-valve configuration and push out 242bhp in standard trim. They have 380nm of torque (I don't know how to convert this to lb/ft.). 0-60 in around 8 seconds.
There is a turbo 6 cylinder model, which is intercooled and pumps 320 bhp and 450nm. 0-60 is 5.9 seconds.
A 5.4 SOHC 3-valve V8, which provides 300bhp and 470nm, but with 400nm from 1,000rpm! My old 928 had 400nm at it's peak!
A 5.4 DOHC 4-valve V8... 350bhp/500nm.
1st quarter, 2003 a 5.4 DOHC "GT" model will arrive with around 390-400 naturally aspirated bhp.
My question is.. would this car be desirable in the USA? They start here at around US$18k and goto about $30k for the loaded V8 models. The GT could cost close to US$40k.
Most of the models come standard with alloy wheels (most of them 17", but 18" on the high-line cars).
What do you guys think?
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Adam: this car would HAVE TO BE a success in the U.S. if GM/Pontiac imports the Holden to replace the (I think) Grand Prix.
Falcon, huh? Jeez, haven't heard of a Falcon out here in decades. It's a nice car. I've been jealous of Aussie/American cars since that hollowed-out beast Mel G. drove in "The Road Warrior," which incidentally was the car's second appearance after "Mad Max," right? (I'm a real fan of the first two. The third/American version was...hmmm...sucky).
Incidentally, out here in Hollywood, I've seen that Mad Max/Road Warrior car driving around, or at least it's a real good replica. The car (and driver) seems to hang out at a place called Prisilla's Coffee House. Real special with the H-wood writers, and assorted other showbiz hopefuls.
Nonetheless, if you have any pull with Ford of Australia and can tug a string from Detroit to where you are, tell them to bring it over. Our Taurus types need something more than an aged V6 SUV engine to enliven their rides.
Cheers.
