Ford Falcon (BA) — BrandWiki

Ford Falcon (BA)

Overview

Ford Falcon (BA)

transmission
manufacturer	Ford Australia
assembly	Australia: Melbourne, Victoria (Broadmeadows)
class	Full-size car
production	September 2002 – October 2005
platform	Ford EA169
layout	FR layout
body style	2-door cab chassis 2-door coupe utility 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
engine	4.0 L Barra 182 I6 (petrol) 4.0 L Barra 240T I6 T (petrol) 4.0 L Barra E-Gas I6 (LPG) 5.4 L Barra 220 V8 (petrol) 5.4 L Boss 260 V8 (petrol)

The Ford Falcon (BA) is a full-sized car produced from 2002 to 2005 by Ford Australia. It was the second, and significantly re-engineered iteration of the sixth generation of the Falcon, and also included a luxury variant, the Fairmont. It formed the basis for the Ford Territory—a crossover SUV, which debuted in 2004.

To address the relatively poor reception of the preceding AU series, the BA series was heavily updated for launch in September 2002—the same time as its biggest rival, the Holden Commodore (VY). It featured a substantially revised and more conservative exterior styling, with every panel new except for the carry-over door skins. Interiors, too, were substantially revised, while mechanically, a new independent rear suspension setup was fitted to all sedan derivatives and the engine and transmissions received extensive upgrades. In October 2004, Ford introduced a Mark II update, bringing subtle styling and mechanical changes,[1] and in October 2005, replaced the BA with the BF.

Development and design

The BA model represented a A$500 million investment, and 24,000 hours of engine and durability testing. Germany's Nürburgring test track was used for some suspension testing. The anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control were calibrated in Sweden, as well as Australia.[10]

Exterior design

Exterior styling was led by design director Scott Strong, then chief designer for Ford Australia. After Strong departed from operations at Ford in 2001, Simon Butterworth took over this role.[11] Ford Australia's intention was to create a European influence for the vehicle, whereby most aspects of the AU's "New Edge" design would be revised. The result was a significant update of the existing AU body shell, rather than a completely new design.[10] The BA model introduced an integrated aerial in the car's rear window, instead of the conventional retractable antenna. The aerial placement improved the vehicle's aerodynamics and ended the breakage issues that had plagued the retractable type found on previous models. Interference from the engine did not affect the radio reception.[12]

Interior design

From the inside, the "New Edge" interior of the AU was discarded in favour of a contemporary style, based upon European designs.[13] Marcus Hotblack, the director of interior design, focused on improving user friendliness. The resulting design was an ergonomically-correct interior command centre, highlighted by the satin-finish centre console.[14] The theme was further extended by the audio and cruise control switches' location on the steering wheel.[12]

A prominent feature of the new command centre was a large liquid crystal display which displayed information regarding the air conditioning unit and sound system. Buyers could opt for a premium sound package, standard on the Fairmont Ghia, which included a full-colour screen.[13] Ventilation outlets were larger than those of previous models, resulting in a cabin that could be more effectively and efficiently heated or cooled.[13]

Engine and mechanicals

Powerplants consisted of both straight sixes and V8s, with the entry-level Barra 182 six-cylinder being a significant improvement over the AU Falcon's six. The base model engine contained substantial mechanical changes such as dual infinitely variable cam timing for a gain of 25 kW of power for a total of 182 kW.[15] The Barra 182 can also take advantage of higher octane fuels, where a small increase of torque can be achieved. The 156 kW LPG-only Barra E-Gas engine was offered as an option on lower specification models.[16]

A turbocharged variant of the Barra engine was introduced in a new XR6 Turbo model and produced 240 kW of power.[15] A 5.4-litre V8 replaced the Windsor engine of the AU. The new V8 was a modified version of Ford's Modular V8, available in two variants: the Barra 220 generating 220 kW and a 260 kW Boss 260.[17]

Model range

Falcon XT

Marketed largely towards the fleet industry, the entry-level Falcon XT sold in the most numbers.[13] Featuring the base Barra 182 six-cylinder engine, air conditioning, front power windows, and five-speed manual transmission, with the choice of a four-speed automatic, the XT was sold in sedan and station wagon body types.[27] The Barra 220 V8 engine was available as an option.[28] Judges of the Australia's Best Cars awards crowned the XT Best Family Car in 2002,[4] and again in 2004,[7] with the Futura receiving the award in 2003.[6]

Futura

The semi-luxury Futura variant was heavily based on the XT, and marketed towards families. Futura models gained cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear power windows and full body-coloured side-view mirrors and side-protection moldings. But, side-impact airbags and power adjustable pedals were only available as options.[29] Sedan and wagon models were available.

Falcon XR6

Building on the features of the XT, Ford Australia at one point considered not releasing the sports-oriented Falcon XR6 because of the new XR6 Turbo model. However, Ford overturned this decision before production.[30] A specifically designed body kit distinguished the XR6 from other variants, except for the XR6 Turbo and XR8 which shared the sports bodywork. The naturally aspirated engine was identical to the engine used on the XT and Futura, and the five-speed manual transmission came as standard.[31]

The newly introduced Falcon XR6 Turbo (XR6T) received critical acclaim at launch, and the Australia's Best Car's judges even awarded it the Best Sports car under $57,000 in 2002.[5] At heart visually identical to the XR6, the turbocharged derivative gained extra features, with the additional turbocharger boosting the car's total power output to 240 kW.[32] The turbocharger is a Garrett GT35/40 unit.[33]

Falcon XR8

Being the flagship sports variant, the XR8 credited specially tuned sports suspension, seating trim displaying the "XR" insignia, 17-inch wheels and the new 5.4-litre Boss 260 engine, outputting 30 percent more power than the previous model.[34]

Fairmont

The Fairmont model opened up the luxury sector for the BA range. Externally, the Fairmont could be distinguished from the other BA models with its 16-inch alloy wheels[35] and grey mesh grille with chrome surround.[31] Some of the standard features included traction control and dual-zone climate control air conditioning, an analogue clock on the top centre console stack,[35] wood grain highlights,[35] and velour upholstery.[31] Automatic headlights, which turn off or on depending on surrounding environmental conditions, were now standard on the Fairmont model.[31] In addition to this, the Fairmont also received illuminated footwells.

Fairmont Ghia

By far the most expensive variant in the BA range, the Fairmont Ghia featured leather upholstery, wood grain highlights, full power options and a unique suspension assembly.[38] The premium sound system, which incorporated a full-colour LCD screen, was standard, and the centre console stack was characterised by an analogue clock.[13] Reverse parking sensors were available for the first time in the BA, standard on the Ghia. The sensors feature an automatic turn-off function for use when towing a boat or trailer for example.[13]

Falcon Ute

The BA series Falcon utility was introduced in October 2002 in six model guises.[39]

These were later joined by two additional models:

XL Cab Chassis
XL Wellbody
XLS Cab Chassis
XLS Wellbody
XR6 Wellbody
XR6 Turbo

XR8: reintroduced to the range early in 2003 (last seen in the previous AU III series).
RTV: was released in September 2003. The name "RTV" stood for "Rugged Terrain Vehicle" and featured an increased ride height, additional underbody protection, a lockable rear differential, a unique grille, flared guards and 16-inch alloy wheels.[40]