2011 Ford Territory: Redesigned Australian Crossover Teased

Ford Motor Corp.'s Australian division has released a teaser illustration of its new-look 2011 Territory, some six months ahead of the crossover's market launch. The current Territory is based on the underpinnings of the local market Falcon sedan and was first introduced in Australia in 2004 having received some subtle updates throughout its production life.

It is believed that the 2011 Territory will continue to make use of current model's platform adding fresh styling inside and out, plus a number of technology highlights, including the introduction of turbo-diesel power.

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Ford to Unveil All-New Ranger Pickup Truck and FPV Falcon with Supercharged V8 at Sydney Motor Show

This year's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, which runs October 15 -24, will see Ford taking the wraps off an all-new generation of its Ranger compact pickup truck. The new Ranger will be joined by Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) first-ever supercharged V8 Falcons, and the Aussie debuts of the current Focus RS and Fiesta Sedan.

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Ford Australia Revives Falcon GS Nameplate with Budget 405HP V8 Sedan and Ute Models

Named after the original Aussie model from the late 1960s, the Falcon GS sedan and ute models are the new entry-level products of Ford Performance Vehicles, otherwise known as FPV. Available in limited numbers, the new FPV GS is the budget series of the Falcon GT with both the sedan and ute being powered by a detuned version of the 5.4-liter V8 engine that now produces an output of 405HP (302kW) instead of 423HP (315kW). Peak torque remains the same at 551Nm or 406 lb-ft.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optionally, a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford did not release performance specs for the GS Falcons.

Both Falcon GS models get specific race stripes, a charcoal cloth interior, FPV GT instrumentation, gear knob, starter button and badging while a premium sound system with iPod and Bluetooth integration, and dual zone climate control are also standard.

In addition, the GS sedan features 19-inch Graphite alloy wheels and a choice of six exterior color/stripe combinations, while the GS Ute gets 19-inch Alpine Silver alloys, an FPV soft tonneau and a choice of three exterior color/stripe combinations.

FPV said that production of the GS Series is limited to 250 sedans and 75 Utes, with prices set at $54,950 AUS and $49,950 AUS respectively.

"GS is another iconic badge in Ford's family history in this country," said FPV General Manager, Rod Barrett. "Our aim was to develop a model that provides the performance, prestige and individuality that is a signature of the FPV brand, with its own identifiable model personality, and all at a great price."

Ford Australia to offer Falcon RWD Sedan with 2.0-liter Turbo Four, Territory gets V6 Diesel

The first application of Ford's new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in a rear-wheel drive vehicle will be on the Australian market Falcon sedan, the U.S.-based automaker announced today. The new powerplant that uses petrol turbocharged direct-injection technology will be available in Australia from 2011. According to the Ford, the new EcoBoost four-pot will "deliver the power and refinement of a six-cylinder" but with 15-20 percent better fuel economy than the firm's 4.0-liter straight-six engine.

The company also announced its plans to introduce the Ford and Peugeot-Citroen PSA co-developed 2.7-liter V6 turbo diesel engine to the Australian market Territory SUV. Ford said that the diesel powerplant will improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases compared to the 4.0-liter 6-cylinder petrol engine.

"Today's announcements put Ford Australia in a strong position for profitable growth in today's auto industry," said Marin Burela, President & CEO of Ford Australia. "We are ensuring our core Falcon and Territory vehicles will have the most advanced, high-tech and cleanest engines possible. At the same time, this represents the biggest environmental transformation in the fifty-year history of Ford Falcon by giving buyers the newest engine in the Ford Motor Company stable."

Aside from the turbocharged V6 diesel and four-cylinder engines, the company said that it will also present a new, more technologically advanced version of its LPG engine for the Falcon sedan.

Source: Ford -Thanks for the tip John.L

1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase 3: Giga 1/8th Scale Die-Cast Model

Being somewhat of die-cast model collectors ourselves, we couldn't bypass the chance to tell you about this giga-sized, 1/8th scale replica of the 1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III from 'Icon Models' that will be produced in a limited run of 1,000 units each priced at a hefty $1,295 AUD - that's about €700 or US$925. For non-Australian readers, the GTHO Phase II Falcon is one of the most iconic muscle cars from the land 'Down Under' reputed at its time to be the fastest production saloon in the world.

The actual '71 Falcon XY GTHO Phase III was powered by a modified 351 Cleveland V8 engine that produced somewhere around 380HP. Mated to a 4 speed manual-gearbox, the rear-wheel drive Falcon was said to reach 60mph (96km/h) in 6.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds while its top speed was close to 230km/h (143mph). Only a mere 300 examples of the GTHO Phase III were built and fewer than 100 survive today. The past few years, prices for the much sought after Ford have skyrocketed to as high as AUD$800,000.

As for the die-cast version of the Aussie muscle car, the 60cm or 23.6-in. long 1/8th scale replica looks the part from the photos featuring many realistic details, but we'd like to see one up close before spending a grand on a die-cast model. According to the maker, the Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase 3 will be available during the thrid quarter of the year.

Link: Icon Models

Ford Celebrates FPV's 5th Anniversary with Special Edition Model

In celebration of its 5th birthday, Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) revealed a limited edition version of its FG Falcon based sports sedan at the at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Claimed to offer over $9,600 AU worth of additional features for a premium of $5,300 over the retail price of an FPV GT sedan, the FVP 5th Anniversary model gets a series of goodies like 19-inch alloys, a 6-piston Brembo brake package, unique decals, badges, stripping and sports seats finished in Nudo Leather. -Continued

The FPV 5th Anniversary will be available in two colors, Lightning Strike or Silhouette with prices set at $71,890 AU and production limited to 200 examples.