Ford re-jigs specs
Barra V8 production drying up and Falcon goes for a space-saverThe standard three-valve 'Barra 220/230' V8 that Ford fits as an option in its Falcon range will shortly cease production at the company's Essex engine plant in Ontario, Canada.
Ford's Australian arm has purchased enough stocks of the engine to last forward orders up to the release of the Project Orion Falcon early next year.
According to Ford Australia President, Tom Gorman, "It was standard in the Fairlane G8 and LTD; and available as an option in a whole series of other products.
"Quite honestly, we were down to about ten a month and it is not a major impact on our business."
The change does not affect supply of the four-valve DOHC engines fitted to the XR8 Falcon and FPV models.
In another change to Ford's large car line-up, Falcon models will adopt a space-saver spare wheel ('temporary-use') in place of the full-size spare fitted to most current models. That change takes effect from October production.
Mr Gorman advised that the decision was not driven by cost factors alone, citing weight reduction and packaging considerations too.
Adding fuel to this suggestion was the further news that Ford will reduce the cost of an after-sales alloy spare wheel from $400 to $250.
"Customers that have been buying (alloy spares) to match their alloys were paying $400 and we're going to reduce that to $250 -- and then if you want a matching full-size (steel) spare which is a 16-inch spare...that now -- in lieu of being standard equipment -- will be $100.
"And we took that action really in line with what's happening in the marketplace. We have taken a whole series of product actions, as you know; on Falcon and Territory (more here), major downward realignments in price, significant additional offering in product. We would have done this all at one time, it just took a little engineering work to get this accomplished."
In support of the move to a space-saver spare, Mr Gorman stated that the opinions of motoring journalists were at odds with the community. Ford's customer feedback indicates the 'temporary use' wheels are not a major cause for concern.
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