By David Bonnici
Ford last week revealed what will be the last Falcon – or at least the final Australian-built car to carry the iconic name.
The reveal was in the form of the new XR8 and XR6 performance sedans that blend the car’s history with Ford’s new global design “DNA”.
The new front fascia with trapezoidal grille brings it into line with models such as the Focus and Fiesta.
The exterior design manager for the new Falcon, Nima Nourian, said the Australian design team drew on all the visual strength of the existing XR series, which provided a perfect canvas to develop the 2014 Falcon XR series.
“The challenge was delivering a powerful, yet premium look for the 2014 car,” Nourian said. “I’m proud of the fact that the new Falcon XR builds on an already distinctive design and yet delivers a whole new personality.”
Another new look is the slimmer leadlamps with “hockey stick”-style LED daytime running lamps that mimic the “double drop” headlight treatment of past XRs.
Mr Nourain said the new front end would feature across the Falcon range, which will link it to the new Mustang and the Mondeo, which joins the line-up in Australia next year.
Ford president and chief executive Bob Graziano said the XR8 badge was a welcome return to the Falcon line-up.
“We’re very excited by the return of the XR8, as this badge has not been seen on a Falcon since 2010,” he said. “Our enthusiasts have been asking for it so we’ve purposely revealed the Falcon XR6 and XR8 first.”
He said the Falcon would be the only Australian-made large sedan available with the choice of three engines – the acclaimed EcoBoost four, in-line six and V8 petrol. “Quite simply, we think this is the best Falcon ever,” he says. “I just couldn’t be more pleased with what the talented local team’s been able to accomplish – I’m really proud of them.
“When you look at cars like the new Falcon, it’s easy to understand why we are now leading global projects such as the new Everest, which is designed and engineered in Australia for the world.”
Pricing, features and specifications of the 2014 Falcon will be revealed closer to launch.
The Falcon range and ute will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.
