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[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Raptor

Thanks for reviving those memories.

Whilst you may have only been 16 in 2002, I was 39 with two young kids and very much the demographic this was targeting. My forum username is no accident and predates both the F150 Raptor and the Ranger Raptor. I'd been following the development of what become the Territory from the very earliest media leaks. Raptor was the internal Ford codename prior to that Detroit approval, it then became known by the code E265 before becoming the Territory upon release. The R7 was the similarly, but more outrageously styled concept car (based on a Explorer platform).

Didn't know about the Explorer link.

Apparently they used reflectors out of torches to create the scale models headlights/fog lights.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Apparently they used reflectors out of torches to create the scale models headlights/fog lights.

Look what I found.................

[Adamz Ghia]

From memory (and this could have been an exaggeration that I didn’t pick up on) the deadline for the R7 was so tight the paint was still wet when it arrived at the Motorshow.

[Raptor]

I’ve never seen an explanation of why the model(s) have 6-studs wheels.

Anyone know.






.

[lra]

Originally Posted by Raptor

I’ve never seen an explanation of why the model(s) have 6-studs wheels.

Anyone know.
.

A wild guess = visual symmetry to match the 6 spoke rims ?
Never noticed until your mention, now can't help but see it.

[DFB FGXR6]

Now for something a little different.

FPV to Broadmeadows.

For this post, I have included the official press release for the announcement made in mid 2012.

FORD ASSUMES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FORD PERFORMANCE VEHICLES

MELBOURNE, Australia (Thursday August 30 2012): Ford Australia and Prodrive today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Ford to purchase the assets of FPV required to engineer, manufacture and market the FPV brand in Australia.

- Ford Australia and Prodrive Automotive Technology Asia Pacific Holdings (Prodrive) have entered into an MOU for Ford to purchase the assets of Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) required to continue engineering, manufacturing and marketing the FPV brand in Australia.

- Development, production and marketing of FPV vehicles will move to Ford Australia’s Geelong and Campbellfield operations.

- Customers will experience no difference to their interactions with the FPV brand.

Negotiations are expected to be completed shortly, with Ford to take responsibility for future activities of FPV from the end of 2012. Ford will become responsible for all future development programs, the manufacture of FPV engines and vehicles, and marketing the FPV brand.

Until now, FPV has operated under a Joint Venture agreement between Prodrive (51%) and Ford Australia (49%). The change follows a review by the partners of the FPV business and both partners concluding the current business situation was unsustainable in the long-term.

“We recognise the passion and dedication of FPV enthusiasts and their desire to see Ford high-performance vehicles available in the market,” said Ford Australia President & CEO Bob Graziano.

“Although this segment of the market is relatively niche, it is an important part of Ford’s performance history and DNA. Both partners have worked hard to ensure the FPV brand can continue to thrive in Australia post the change to our current arrangements.”

Production of FPV engines will move to Ford’s Geelong engine plant, while full vehicle assembly will take place at Ford’s Campbellfield plant. The additional work at both sites will offset the need for a small number of the previously announced redundancies across both sites.

Unfortunately, although Ford can take on responsibility for the FPV brand and in-source the manufacturing and other work, the change will see approximately 32 FPV staff become redundant at the end of 2012. All entitlements and other benefits for those staff will be provided.

“As a result of the business review, Prodrive has made the decision to exit the performance car market at the end of 2012,” said Prodrive Managing Director Bryan Mears.

“We have enjoyed great success through our partnership with Ford Australia and look forward to watching the FPV brand continue to thrive in the future.”
FPV vehicles will continue to be sold through Ford’s dedicated network of FPV specialist dealers Australia. There will be no change to current service and warranty arrangements.

“Our current and future customers should experience little, if any, change to the way they interact with the FPV brand,” said Graziano. “We look forward to continue providing them with the outstanding performance and specialist service they have enjoyed to date.”

The first Ford completed FPV rolled off the line in early February 2013, a Silhouette GT sedan. Ford set up a dedicated FPV assembly line within the Broadmeadows plant where the cars were hand-finished by Ford's "best technicians", many trained and supervised by former FPV.

The 'Miami' V8 production line was transported and set up at the Geelong engine plant, where they remained hand-built and signed by a single technician. That move marked 30 years since Ford last built V8 engine at the Geelong plant.

“Ford’s history with performance vehicles goes back a very long way and nameplates such as GS and GT are warmly welcomed back in-house,” Graziano said.

“Even though these cars have previously been assembled by FPV, I feel the FPV brand is returning to its natural home.

“Today, we are very proud to be assembling these hand-crafted performance machines right here for our FPV customers.”

















































































At the time, I remember being somewhat devastated at this move, there was a certain prestige factor in have a Falcon that passed through the Tickford/FPV facility. But as history would prove, a few months later Ford made an even more devastating announcement, the closure of all manufacturing in Australia. As such, the 2012/2013 FPV to Broadmeadows was result of that impending factory closures.

I obviously can't prove this, but I firmly believe the decision to close Ford Australia down was made years before it was announced. The cancellation of the V6 program, in effect giving the Barra a reprieve, along with cancelling the locally assembled Focus in 2010 was a clear indication of this. Ford decided to ride-out the model cycle of the FG Falcon and SZ Territory, rather than pulling the plug suddenly and brutally like Mitsubishi did in 2007.

I also want to highlight Bob Graziano and the role he played in the closure of local manufacturing. While I initially hated him, that sentiment has softened over the last decade. He was clearly sent here with a mission, in effect being thrown to the wolves. I have no doubt what his role would have been extremely difficult and uncomfortable, to lead a team who's fate was sealed long before the announcement was made. He was roasted by anyone and everyone for the job he was doing until he stepped down at the end of 2013. His job was done, and so was his time with Ford.

I think like a number of American's who were sent here to run Ford Australia were tasked with the same mission, but eventually became an advocate for the local team, and then were either fired or left the Ford Motor Company in frustration. I think it was easy to be critical of the revolving door of CEO's, but their hands were tied. When times were good and the money flowing, head office were all too happy to siphon that back to the US. When times were bad, the drive to shut down local manufacturing or adopting global models became an obsession. It's something I could never figure out, the internal politics and the us vs them mentality when they were all representing the same company.

As for Graziano, his time shutting down Ford Australia took its toll. Not only did that stress cause him to step down as CEO, but he also left Ford and the car industry behind.

[DFB FGXR6]

The BF Falcon.

In October 2005, Ford released the updated BF Falcon range. After the huge success of the BA Falcon, both in showrooms and on the racetrack, Ford could have played it safe with the BF update. At first glance, it would be easy to assume that being the case. However, the big changes for the BF update were under the skin.

For the BF Falcon, Ford put a huge focus on refinement, every area was addressed to make the car quitter and smoother sounding. This was a case of multiple small changes and improvements adding up to a great whole.

“It only takes a few minutes behind the wheel to appreciate the outstanding levels of refinement built into this car, from the entry level XT right through to the LTD,” said Product Development Vice President Trevor Worthington.

“Attention to detail has taken what was already a very quite vehicle and produced a vehicle boasting superb levels of refinement.”

Starting with the NVH package, Ford added a new sound absorbing headliner, a lofted outer dash panel, stiffer wheels, new exhaust systems, and additional bitumastic noise deadening pads. In addition to that, Ford also made improvements to the body structure to strengthen and reduce vibration and noise channels. The engine mounts were also redesigned.

Ford then turned their attention to the exhaust systems for the inline 6 and 3V V8 to improve the engine sound and exhaust note quality. The inline 6 got a new front resonator, retuned center and rear mufflers, while the 3V V8 got a new dedicated rear muffler with larger diameter pipes. In addition to that, the exhaust hangers were redesigned to isolate muffler vibrations.

“At BA, the 3V shared the same rear muffler design as the I6 engine.

“By engineering a dedicated V8 version, we have lowered back pressure levels to liberate more power from the engine and enhance the exhaust note.

“Customers feedback told us that V8 customers wanted to hear and enjoy the note of their engine.

“The new dedicated Barra 230 exhaust system clearly delivers on that customer want,” Hosking said.

Finally, Ford put effort into new body sealing techniques to reduce high frequency engine, driveline, road and wind noise.

“ We placed significant emphasis on this part of the BF Falcon design and manufacturing processes, improving body leakage sealing levels up to 23 percent compared to BA Falcon.

Engine wise, the goal was for improved fuel efficiency and higher refinement. The main beneficiary was the naturally aspirated 4.0 engine, now known as the Barra 190. The 3V V8 became the Barra 230 with a 10 kW boost over its predecessor. The Barra 245T represented a 5 kW and 30 Nm improvement over BA. EGAS and Boss V8’s remained static for power and torque but benefited from various emission and refinement measures. I think the key to the Barra engines was the improvement made to the engine note, Ford taking several measures to tune the intake system to produce a smoother, deeper note.

For those interested, I have started a new thread on Ford Press Releases, which the below link explains the changes made to the engines in more detail –

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...25&postcount=2

The biggest news for BF was the introduction of the German made ZF 6-Speed Automatic. This inclusion formed a huge part of the overall refinement improvements for the BF Falcon. For the first time ever, the Falcon had the latest and greatest in transmission technology. It hard to describe the difference the ZF made to the Falcon’s refinement and driving enjoyment, it truly transformed each engine it was bolted to.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...27&postcount=3

While the ZF was new to the range, the old 4-speed was revised to improve shift feel, refinement and fuel economy. And from January 2006, XR6 sedans swapped the old T-5 5-speed manual for the Tremec 6-speed, for some reason the XR6 Ute missed out on this change.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...29&postcount=4
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...31&postcount=5

BF also brought new Performance brakes for the XR6 Turbo, XR8 and sedans fitted with the 3V Barra 230 V8. The ABS system was recalibrated, and traction control became standard across the sedan lineup (except EGAS models), wagons and XR Utes. DSC stability control made its first appearance on a Falcon, with the Fairmont Ghia, LWB, XR6T and XR8 sedans all gaining this technology.

Other changes included a new slimline key, the manual EGAS models were deleted from the Ute range, new tyres for XLS Ute and non-XR models with 17-inch wheels.

Stylistically, the changes for BF were subtle –

- New front bumper for XT, Futura, Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia (LWB cars missed out here)
- New front bumper for XR models
- New wheels for every model except XL and RTV Ute.
- Fairlane Ghia and LTD now have 17-inch wheels
- Revised tail lamp treatment
- Chrome side protection door trims for Fairmont Ghia

On the inside, it was all about new trim accents and colours –

- New trim fabrics/leather for all model (except LWB models)
- New soft-feel grab handles with satin chrome inserts for all models
- New liquid metal finish on ICC & instrument surround for XR & Fairmont Ghia.
- New titanium stone metallic finish on ICC, dash spears & dial surrounds for -XT, Futura, Fairmont, XL, RTV & XLS.
- Futura loses power pedals.
- Fairmont Ghia now has 8-way powered seat, Fairmont now has 6-way powered seat
- New shifter for 6-speed auto models.
- Ruby mahogany woodgrain for Fairmont & Fairlane. Rabbit Rose woodgrain on Fairmont Ghia & LTD
- Leather wrapped steering wheel for XLS.
- Chrome dial rings for Futura and XLS

As you can see, there was more to the BF update than looks would suggest.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...32&postcount=6



























This graphic displays the various NVH measures implemented for the BF update -















This would surely be one of the rarest BF Falcon's out there, an XT sedan fitted with the Barra 230 V8 and 6-speed auto. 17-inch wheels were a mandatory option when the V8 engine option was selected and also included performance brakes.

[DFB FGXR6]

BF Falcon continued, Falcon XR's ......................

[DFB FGXR6]

BF Falcon continues, Utes.....................

[DFB FGXR6]

The BF FPV Range.

Where the mainstream BF range focused on refinement, the FPV range was all about impact! While the FPV lineup certainly benefited from the BF refinement upgrades, the most significant of which being the new 6-speed auto, FPV spent its development dollars on a significant styling refresh. To my eyes, these were the best looking of all FPV’s created.

Staring with the styling, FPV invested in new front and rear bumpers for the V8 and F6 range, with specific treatments to differentiate each model in the range.

For the GT and Pursuit, the new enlarged lower grill opening had black mesh inserts and ornate foglamp surrounds. At the rear, the GT’s new bumper housed a new dual trapezoidal tip exhaust system and mesh inserts to provide some added visual impact. The GT-P and Super Pursuit differed in having stainless steel grill finishes and a full foglamp colour accent. The GT and Pursuit got the BA MK II GT-P wheels, while there was a new design for the GT-P and Super Pursuit. As had become tradition, the BF update brough with it a new stripe design, my favourite of all FPV stripe packages. GT and GT-P models got a new badge design, along with an additional badge attached to the upper front grill.

For the F6 Typhoon and Tornado, both got the new front bumper with the unique F6 mesh inserts and a body-colour foglamp surround that differed to the V8-series. The Typhoon also got the new rear bumper, but only had a singular exhaust tip. Wheels carried over from BA MK II, but buyers could also select the 19-inch Dark Argent wheels.

On the inside, the changes were less obvious. In addition to the new soft touch door handles with satin aluminum trim, there was of course the new automatic transmission shifter, GT-P now had 6-way powered driver's seat, along with the deletion of colour matched stitching and model logos on the seats, instead all models got universal silver stitching and silver FPV logos.

Mechanical changes were limited to the following –

-Availability of the new 6-speed ZF automatic, which also gave F6 customers the choice of auto or manual.

-New base level brake system, consisting of Brembo 4-piston front calipers and large single rear piston sliding calipers. As fitted to GT, F6 and Pursuit.

-New Premium Brake system, consisting of Brembo 6-piston front calipers and Brembo 4-piston rears. These were standard on GT-P, optional GT and F6 sedans.

-New Premium Brake system for Utes, which consisted of Brembo 6-piston front calipers, but paired with the large single piston setup from the base level system. This was to control pack knock-off issues experienced with the live rear axle.

-Strengthened differential transmission mounts

-Revised Boss 290 engine with new airbox, PCM and Euro 3 emissions tune. (The new airbox was to reduce drive-by noises and replaced the previous pod filter arrangement.)

-Revised F6-270 engine to meet Euro 3 emissions (no power increase)

More FPV specific mechanical details here –

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...07&postcount=7

It’s important to note that no BF FPV model was equipped with DSC, which was a strange decision when the XR6 Turbo and XR8 models did. This was purely a cost saving measure, FPV not wanting to stump up the cash to tune the DSC system to the larger FPV brakes, wheels and different powertrains. From memory, FPV defended this choice by saying the that the larger brakes, upgraded chassis and larger tyres helped reduce the need for DSC, which was pure PR bullsh.t. Either way, an FPV did not get DSC until the FG model arrived in 2008.

The BF and BF MK II FPV’s are my favorite of all FPV’s created. The styling was superb, aggressive but without the bloated look that came with the FG range. I also adored that FPV allowed customers to go as wild as they liked with the choice of colour and stripe combinations. Lurid lime green with black stripes? Step this way. Classic Blue with White stripes? Sure thing. Purple with orange stripes? Why not.

















































Always loved this combination, Menace with orange stripes.............













Can anyone spot the mistake in this image of the GT-P's interior? It also appears on the equivalent GT image (following post).

[DFB FGXR6]

BF FPV continued.............

[DFB FGXR6]

Two period videos, both BA MK II in this case...............

[DFB FGXR6]

The WP and WQ Fiesta.

Launched in early 2004, the WP Fiesta was Ford's local replacement for the KA! Where the KA! had limited appeal due to its 3-door manual only spec, the Fiesta was the real deal.

At first glance, the German built WP Fiesta looked fantastic. Sure, it had a feminine look, but those pumped wheel arches gave it some muscle. Ford offered the car with 3 and 5-door body styles and three trim levels that included the entry level LX, the mid-spec Zetec and the top end Ghia.

The range was powered by a DOHC 1.6-litre engine teamed with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed torque converter auto. The engine really stood out from the competition, the larger 1.6 capacity used across the range made 1.3 and 1.4 competition look stingy. With 74 kW at 6000 rpm and 146 Nm at 4000 rpm, this all-alloy with its 11.0:1 compression ratio was best run on 95 or 98-ron fuel.

As was the norm for European Ford's, the best part of the Fiesta was the agile chassis. I drove a Zetec many times and loved the superbly direct and well weighted steering. The ride was firm and the engine zesty.











































By late 2005, Ford launched the updated WQ Fiesta. This update focused on subtle styling changes. There was a new front and rear bumper, revised head and tail light graphics, and some minor interior trim changes. The big news was a new addition to the model lineup..................more on that shortly.

[DFB FGXR6]

In 2007, Ford added the Fiesta XR4 to the lineup. In European markets, this model was known as the Fiesta ST, but Ford Australia decided to use the XR model name to tie in with the rest of the Ford lineup, it also being used on performance orientated Focus and Mondeo, and of course the Falcon.

These cars drove waaay beyond the humble beginnings would suggest. With a specific suspension tune and 17-inch wheels, the Fiesta XR4 was a true hot hatch. The engine was a worked over 2.0-litre from the Focus, in this application producing 110 kW at 6000 rpm and 190 Nm at 4500 rpm. The Fiesta XR4 wasn't the most powerful in the segment, but it was arguably the most rewarding to drive hard. The only transmission offered was a 5-speed manual. Ford also fitted rear disks to this model, replacing the drums used on the rest of the range.

While many would have sneered at racing stripes on a 4-cylinder hatchback, I think it was so audacious that it actually worked! I also loved the bold headlight design on the WQ Fiesta, and the colour they injected into the interior. I would have happily had one in blue with the white stripes and blue interior.







































I loved this blue interior, from memory, they did it in red too.