The AU Falcon Introduction:

Gearbox:

For the first time, the Falcon offered the automatic gearbox as a no-cost option (listed by most as 'standard' but not quite correct - view any purchase documentation for proof of this). The manual option was now more un-available than ever, deleted altogether from the wagon options list and only available from the factory in the Forte Sedan, all XR's and utilities. Hence manual AU Falcons are a rare breed today - an indictment on a society that had largely forgotten how to shift gears for themselves.

Continuing on the EL's super smooth self shifter, the AU took it to new heights particularly in the XR models introducing the previously EL GT-only 'Adapt-a-Shift' shift pattern to make a great gearbox just that little bit better and a whole deal more responsive. The T-series on the other hand, extended the theme even further with steering wheel mounted gear change buttons (ESS or Electronic Sports Shift) giving ultimate control over a gearbox fit for Maseratti's (i.e. - the Falcon four speed auto was previously the gearbox of choice for Italian super car maker Maseratti now owned by Ferrari).

Both manual and automatic transmissions were changed slightly to improve ease & smoothness of gear changes, with the auto receiving a higher lubricant flow through the transmission to aid increased durability. Compared to the Commodore, the AU's auto was not only smoother shifting but far more reliable as well with little of the age related 'banging' related to it's imported rival. The manual gearbox, while conceding a gear (5 speed vs. the SS 6 speed) was a far better shifting box with better placed ratios - although fell down slightly with largely increased after-market power outputs.

(Back to the AU1 Intro INDEX.)

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