RATT's first drive of BF Falcon and SY Terri

[XRated]

The SOHC 5.4L sounds like a weapon mated to the new trans. If only the Ghias could be optioned with the 6-speed manual.. arrrrrrrrrr.....

[jmc-007]

Originally Posted by RATT

No unfortunately there was only one to drive and I didn't get the opportunity. But I did ask 2 people that did and both said the same thing. It feels much, much better down low and free revving top end. They both agreed that it is huge improvement over BA.

Also, I have no info on FPV.

Have they changed anything engine wise on the 3V or has it just been software upgrades and the new 6spd

[HSE2]

Originally Posted by RATT

No unfortunately there was only one to drive and I didn't get the opportunity. But I did ask 2 people that did and both said the same thing. It feels much, much better down low and free revving top end. They both agreed that it is huge improvement over BA.

Also, I have no info on FPV.

I know someone who did drive the Xr8. No where near as accurate as Dean with his feedback but he said the same thing in terms of responsiveness, but claimed he felt the auto was more then just a little bit responsible for that impression. Huge rap for the auto.

[MeestaNob!]

Question: Why isnt the reverse camera in the FAIRMONT Ghia too? I know it's basically pointless, but purely for **** factor, and the fact its the PINICLE OF FORD SWB PRESTIGE.

FFS!

Visability is better in the sedans and of course Ford have to allow for a future feature upgrade too.

[MeestaNob!]

Originally Posted by RATT

Visability is better in the sedans and of course Ford have to allow for a future feature upgrade too.

Yep, true enough. I just wanted to rant out loud.

Any hint of a germ of an idea of a Fairmont Ghia turbo in the next few years? Lol, getting ahead of myself now.

[HSE2]

I wonder if perhaps the cars fitted with large rear wings might be a candidate?

Originally Posted by MeestaNob!

Yep, true enough. I just wanted to rant out loud.

Any hint of a germ of an idea of a Fairmont Ghia turbo in the next few years? Lol, getting ahead of myself now.

Well it's called an XR6 Turbo with Luxury Pack and sports steering wheel. :nutsycuck

[Donut King]

pics reinstated

[Aeron]

Dean, is there still the old backlash in the driveline like in most BA Manuals?

Didn't drive the manual Aeron. I'm assuming it will still be there to some degree.

[MrSparkle]

Yes the XT does look great with optional kit! Just need to get body coloured side moulds - the black strips still look cheapass.

[HSE2]

well that made picking a colour easier

So what did you pick??

[HSE2]

LOL None of the above

[genebaby]

Originally Posted by Aeron

Dean, is there still the old backlash in the driveline like in most BA Manuals?

Imagine if they did finally fix the clunky, lunky drivetrain in the manuals in BF...they'd have to finally admit there was a problem, and they'd have a lot of previous customers coming in to get theirs "fixed" too....

[Rodp]

I love the XR front bar, might put one on the front of mine.

Btw, Ratt. Nice legs. :P

You think the shoes looked ok?

[svo347]

What pics DK I cant seem to see any

[Noddy]

Originally Posted by svo347

What pics DK I cant seem to see any

first page. _2:

[Kapn_Kiwi]

Originally Posted by RATT

You think the shoes looked ok?

They're cute.

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by RATT

You think the shoes looked ok?

Hard to tell. How well do you accessorise? :

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by RATT

The new optional alloy wheels on the Territory are also a worthy addition and worthy of consideration particularly on TX.

Crikey they are an exact replica of the Mondeo Zetec wheels by the looks e

[MeestaNob!]

Originally Posted by RATT

Well it's called an XR6 Turbo with Luxury Pack and sports steering wheel. :nutsycuck

I guess, but it would be nice to have the non XR face and skirt on a 'cheap' performance/luxury car.

[MeestaNob!]

Some thoughts:
-The non-XR kit looks rediculous at that angle, hope it looks better from others.
-The XRs are disappointingly similar to BA. Still looks good though, so I'll live.
-People who think Menace is a girly colour need their brains fixed, its gorgeous.
-The new G8 rims look PIMP.

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by MeestaNob!

Some thoughts:

-The XRs are disappointingly similar to BA. Still looks good though, so I'll live.

Particularly the wheels, I've seen a few shots that look like the same wheels I have on mine. Not that I'm complaining because it doesn't date my car too much.

[FalKeen]

non xr kit looks great i reckon, nice one

certainly think theres a market for the BA XR front though for you BA guys

i really liked the look of the xr front until i saw the up close front on pic and now i dont know

thanks for the write up Dean, bring on FPV

[GlennBA]

i don't like the XT optional kit as much as the BA one..
the colours aren't too flash either. The fairlane is still ugly :(
I'll bet they are nice to drive with the new auto though! the XR bodykit and wheels look very nice too.

[Mike Gayner]

I think the fairlane looks horn, I'd love one!

[Iphido]

Definately looking at a Fairmont Ghia, choosing between I6 (head) and V8 (heart) will be decided on fuel prices and V8 performance.

Got to say tho, on paper, V8 Ghia seems very compelling. ~330mm vented front and rear discs, DSC, 6 speed auto, BMW 750 type power and torque in a lighter smaller car, loads quieter and smoother. If it can real in effortless 0-100 in 6's and low low 14's for the quarter it have to be the best under a $100k sport luxury car out there.

While the Ghia doesn't get curtain bags and reverse camera (of the territory), it apparently gets a completely unique suspension and DSC settings, and unique NVH materials.

Ford have turned up the bling factor tho on the luxury models.

The new V8 should help appese the lack of turbo or Boss260/290 in a Ghia.

I would imagine if you were interested in such a car, specing the regular SOHC V8 and throwing on a dealerfit supercharger would be the way to go. Should be able to milk a easy 350Kw/700Nm of torque. Enough to go M5/AMG hunting.