Released part way through the AU1's
product cycle, the Falcon ‘S’ re-introduced a name last used in the EB (with
a brief return for limited edition EL 'S') in
response to the similarly named VT Commodore ‘S’ providing an entry
level sports car at a much lower cost than the XR6. Based on the styling
of the Forte rather than the more expensive XR6, the Falcon 'S' was a
particularily good looking car showing
just how good a Forte can be made to look on both the inside and out!
Like the XR6 HP
from which it gets it’s handling package, the Falcon 'S' can be
a little too harsh riding for some but if you can put up with that there are
plenty of surprises to be had.
Ticking the Independent Rear Suspension as an option
gave not only a more compliant ride but even better handling – equivalent to the XR6 VCT
or XR8 variants. Down slightly on standard specifications when compared to
Futura the Falcon S more than made up for it in other areas - including handling
and looks - but more importantly including the availability of a manual
gearbox. Considering this it is surprising more were not sold! Considering
how easily a Falcon wagon could have been turned into a Falcon S, Ford still
insisted on ignoring it's wagon customers providing the Falcon S in sedan format
only (doh!)...
The Falcon S' standard specifications
included:
The standard Falcon 4.0 litre inline six producing 157 kW (see full
details below). This engine is lively enough
for most just as it is - especially when combined with the manual transmission
option!
Body coloured grill (does this make a difference or what!).
Black unpainted side protection strips.
Standard ‘high’ level rear spoiler with integral high mounted triangular
stop light.
Bold ‘S’ decals on the rear ¼’s (just below spoiler tips) and
boot lid.
Attractive “Warm Charcoal” cloth interior (to you and me that’s a
extremely dark grey – near enough to black) and unique blue/black
patterned seat and door trim inserts.
Power operated front window winders, manual rear (great for the kids
and
being able to let the windows down without keys in the ignition).
Tickford sports suspension (same as XR6 HP or VCT model if IRS is
selected).
Great looking Tickford 16” 5 spoke alloys - in my opinion better
looking on the ‘S’ than they do on the XR6!
Live rear axil mounted via “four link” and Watt’s link. (same
as Forte but with XR6 springing & dampening).
Fitted with Falcon’s fully independent rear suspension, Falcon ‘S’
gains the distinguished ‘ESP’ designation.
Leather wrapped steering wheel (black) - as per XR6.
Cruise control.
No cost option of either an 5 speed manual (my pick for sure) or one of
the best standard 4 speed auto's available.
Lowered stance courtesy of XR6 suspension.
Colour choices limited to Hot Chilli red, Dynamic white, Galaxy
(dark metallic blue) or Silhouette (black).
Fitted with Futura’s sound system:
Double din security coded 100 watt auto reverse/auto scan
radio/cassette player.
Mobile phone interface with mute.
CD controls for remote stacker unit (not fitted – option only).
Power operated aerial.
6 cone speaker system.
Steering wheel mounted volume and seek functions.
One hour play function (without ignition being on).
Overhead Cam with roller rockers & roller cam followers.
Alloy head with direct heat detection sender on the back
of no.6 combustion chamber.
Stronger head studs with greater pull down tensions.
New two-piece head gasket to further aid in reducing
blown head gaskets.
Sequential fuel injection.
Dual resonance intake manifold for a better torque spread.
Serpentine accessory drive belt for quietness and
increased reliability.
Fail safe cooling (engine can literally run without coolant in it - theoretically
it is impossible to cook this engine due to loss of coolant). *This
feature un-available while running on LPG.
‘Smart start’ - prevents you from engaging the starter motor if the
engine is already running.
Structural sump for quieter operation and increased block
stiffness.
New alloy rocker cover for improved looks and quieter operation.
New stiffer and better balanced crankshaft for quieter
operation and less NVH.
Longer conrods for better fuel economy & better burn
control.
New short skirt anti-friction coated pistons for better
fuel economy.
Overall, a much sweeter and easier engine to rev than
ever before...
Engine Optional
#1:
5.0 litre V8.
175 kW @ 4600 rpm (up from 165 kW @ 4500 rpm in EL).
395 Nm @ 3200 rpm (up from 388 Nm @ 3000 rpm in EL).
Pushrod valve actuation.
Cast-iron heads.
Sequential fuel injection.
Serpentine accessory drive belt.
Pressed steel rocker covers and sump.
EngineOptional #2:
Factory fitted “Tickford” LPG conversion:
Including no loss in power.
Works with Distance to Empty calculator.
Integrated look to dash controls.
Uses standard fuel gauge for selected fuel.
Greater economy than most aftermarket units.
Cannot be fitted by dealer or aftermarket - only by Tickford on new
vehicle as delivered from factory.
Dealer fitted “Parnell” LPG conversion:
Some have commented it handles “dirty” gas better
than the Tickford unit.
Only a small power loss.
Costs less to install.
Can be fitted at any time by dealer or aftermarket.
No cost option of a 4 speed automatic with floor shift including
converter lock-up, electronic control and a overdrive 4th gear.
- Includes power and economy modes. *One of the smoothest shifting
gearboxes on the market at the time, this very same gearbox was used by
Maseratti on some earlier models.
This steering has a increadibly accurate feel to it and only gets better
as you progress to the performance Falcons - unlike the VT Commodore’s
vague and unresponsive steering (if you could call it that). Do not
confuse the Commodore's lack of responsiveness combined with it's
under-engineered IRS for added stability!
Standard black leather steering wheel including audio
volume / seek functions and cruise control.
Smartlock system makes hotwiring difficult via electronic
engine immobilisation.
Post 'AU Update' vehicles include a special key with internal transponder as
well as better ignition lock shielding. This can be identified by a
fatter key pad as well as a recessed ignition lock / fatter 'eyebrow' above the
lock itself.
Central locking standard.
Lock button on driver's door only allowing less entry
points for the potential theif.
‘Smartlock’ remote keyless door and boot (tailgate) entry system.
Exceptionally bright headlights (30% brighter than the
EL's) - make the VT’s pale in comparison and exceptionally good to drive by.
Plastic shatter resistant lenses - no longer require headlight covers.
Silver painted headlight surrounds.
Orange front guard indicator repeater lenses.
Orange blinker lenses in tail lights (clear in Fairmont /
Fairmont Ghia).
Self fading interior light.
High mount rear stop light.
'Jeweled' tail lights finally included in the wagon
(first introduced to the EF sedan of 1994).
The AU Falcon S benefits from the same race stiffened body shell as the
XR8 that is so suitably used for the V8 supercar series.
Bake hardened steel used in all external surfaces - means a lighter
body shell while being more resistant to shopping trolley dints than the
model it replaces.
Body kit available as an option - includes side & rear skirts as well as front air dam extension -overall very
attractive and well suited to the AU’s shape. Much wilder than the
VT’s Hyundai imitation.
More aerodynamic than VT.
“New Edge” styling has an added practical feature - sharp corners add strength
and rigidity to panels, further resisting low speed impacts.
Boot hinges do not intrude into boot space allowing you more room to
pack the goodies in as well as a lessened chance of damaging packed items...
“Blocker” steel bar welded across front of the radiator to help prevent
damage in low speed impacts (therefore cheaper repairs).
Exterior (mm)
Front track
Rear track
Front overhang
Rear overhang
Interior (mm)
Front headroom
Front legroom
Front Shoulder Room
Front hiproom
Rear headroom
Rear legroom
Rear shoulder room General
Kerb weight (kg) **
Luggage capacity (L)
Minimum turning circle (m)
- diameter, kerb to kerb.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Petrol (litres)
LPG (litres)
Sedan
1566
1547
918
1197
991
1081
1523
1482
978
986
1517
1515
512
10.9
Sedan
68
68
*Optional Ford Sunroof reduces available headroom by approximately 40mm when fitted.
**Approximate kerb weight for a Falcon Forte fitted with 4.0 litre Intech, SOHC
engine and 4 speed automatic transmission (Including air conditioning).
