Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo
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The XR6 Turbo is a variant of the Ford Falcon, produced by Ford Motor Company of Australia.
The XR6 Turbo was initially released in the BA series Falcon in 2002. In October 2004, an updated version of the BA (dubbed the Mk II) was released which brought a 6-speed T56 manual transmission to the XR6 Turbo, however, the automatic remained the BTR 4-speed. In September 2005, Ford released the BF series which brought small cosmetic features, a new 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox featured in various BMWs and Jaguars, plus an extra 5kW of power (6.7 horsepower).
A 6-speed manual BF XR6 Turbo sedan has a suggested retail price (RRP) of A$46,405 and the 6-speed automatic has a RRP of $47,655.
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[edit] General
The XR6 Turbo is based on the popular XR6 model - with minor extras and the major inclusion of a Garrett GT35/40 hybrid turbocharger. The turbocharger, as well as other internal modifications bring the engine's power to 245 kW (flywheel kilowatts) (320 hp) @ 5250 rpm over the standard 190 kW offered in the XR6. The BF XR6 Turbo's maximum torque production is 480 N·m (353 ft·lbf) @ 2000 rpm.
The XR6 Turbo is fast becoming one of the most popular family size performance vehicles in Australia and some have speculated it will be the next Aussie cult car in the same light as the Holden Commodore VL Turbo. Unfortunately due to the competitive nature of the new-car market and the new BF series, resale values of earlier BA examples have plummeted to $26,000 for 3 year old manual sedan model.
The car is available with a host of factory options; some popular ones include entertainment system, navigational system, premium audio, sunroof, leather seats and extra safety installations. A Prestige Pack was released as an option with the BA Mark II. The pack compromised several of these options to bring the standard XR6 Turbo up to the specification of luxury models such as the Fairmont Ghia, without compromising the sporty feel.
[edit] History
After the ill-fated Ford Falcon AU series, which many speculators thought would spell the end for local Ford content in Australia, the BA range was developed on a shoestring budget. The XR6 Turbo only received a fraction of that R&D budget as Ford Australia struggled to repay its debts to the Ford Family in the US. Perhaps this was why the turbo option was pursued by Ford. The cost effectiveness of simply bolting on an existing Garrett turbo charger onto a tried and true engine, required minimal research and development. Suddenly Ford had a weapon against their main rival Holden.
However tight the budget, the XR6 Turbo was initially well received. Motor Magazine even said that with few aftermarket modifications, the Ford could be tweaked to the power of a Nissan GTR Skyline. Australian tuning garages now had a domestic, forced induction engine to tweak. A welcome alternative to imported Toyotas and Nissans with far smaller engine capacities than the Falcon's 4.0 litre.
Notable Australian performance companies including CAPA, Nizpro and APS continue to develop aftermarket performance kits for the XR6 Turbo assuring it's popularity.
Despite being quite typical in Australia, the XR6 Turbo is quite possibly the only 4.0 litre, forced induction, full sized, rear drive family sedan in the world.
[edit] Export markets
Ford offer the XR6 Turbo, and the entire Falcon range, primarily to New Zealand and South Africa (until 2003). Unfortunately for Ford, the BA platform cannot be ported to left hand drive. Otherwise it may provide formidable competition to the Holden Commodore/Chevrolet Lumina platform sold extensively throughout the world.
Tom Gorman of Ford Australia has mentioned in the November 2006 issue of Wheels Magazine, that the 2008 Falcon platform will definitely have a left hand drive variant for export markets.
[edit] Models
The XR6 Turbo platform has also been used to create the XR6 Turbo utility (or ute) and the Turbo Territory Ghia SUV. ggkj
[edit] Features
- INTERIOR
- Interior Command Centre (ICC)
- Audio System
- Trip Computer
- Automatic headlamps ON/OFF feature
- CFC Free Air-Conditioning
- Alloy Pedal Covers
- Front Power Windows
- Rear Power Windows
- Central Locking all doors
- Remote Keyless Entry with Panic Alarm
- Cruise Control with Steering Wheel mounted Switches
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- Unique XR Leather Steering Wheel
- Cloth Trim Sports Seats
- Courtesy Lights
- Driver Lumbar Support Seats
- Passenger Lumbar Support Seats
- 60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Seat Back
- Centre Rear Arm Rest with Cup Holders
- 4 Way Driver Power Seat
- On Glass Radio Antenna
- EXTERIOR
- 16" Steel Spare Wheel
- 17" x 8" Alloy Wheels - 235/45 R17 tyres
- XR Sports Body Kit - side skirts, low front and rear bumper, full wing spoiler
- XR Fog Lights
- MECHANICAL
- Barra 240T - 4.0L DOHC VCT TURBO
- XR Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
- Fully independent double wishbone front suspension
- Limited Slip Differential
- Engine Type 4.0 L DOHC VCT TURBO I6
- Engine size 3984 cm³
- Compression ratio 8.7:1
- Max Power (DIN) 240 kW @ 5250 rpm
- Max Torque (DIN) 450 N·m @ 2000 to 4500 rpm
- No of Valves 24
- Bore x Stroke 92.26 mm x 99.31 mm
- Ignition Sequential Multipoint Electronic Fuel Injection1
- Engine Management Powertrain Control Module incorporating Electronic Throttle **Control
- Fuel tank capacity 68 L
- Fuel economy: ADR 81/01, 12.95 L/100 km
- Recommended fuel ULP/PLP
- Weight 1725 kg
- SAFETY
- Intelligent Safety System
- Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
- Airbag dual stage inflators
- Pyrotechnic seatbelts buckle pretensioner
- Beltminder system
- Three point seat belts
- Advanced Restraints Module
- Crash Severity Sensor
- Driver's Seat Sensor
- Anti-Lock Braking System
- Traction Control (switch on/off behind stearing wheel)
- Smartshield security system
- Child Proof Locks
[edit] External links
A popular debating, informational and social hang-out for enthusiasts and those interested in this vehicle. Most of the emphasis of this forum is on performance, visual and entertainment modification of the XR6 Turbo. The forums also focus on common problems with this car and possible solutions. Plus forum members regularly organise cruises to meet each other and share their enthusiasm for this Aussie cult car the XR6 Turbo.
