Ford Falcon XR Ute Rip Curl Edition challenges Renault's Rip Curl Clio for surf-brand supremacy (with Poll!)
Click photo to enlarge
Sure, this week's all about Geneva, but there are still some stragglers left over from Melbourne that we want to make mention of. Take the above, for example -- it's Ford Australia's Falcon XR Ute Rip Curl Edition. As you might surmise, the neo-Ranchero is adorned with Rip Curl decals, advertising the tie-in with the surf gear manufacturer. It's also equipped with options like Rip Curl-logoed waterproof seat covers, an uplevel audio system, Momo steering wheel, and nice-looking 18" wheels. Engine choices include gasoline inline-6es both NA and turbocharged, a V8, and even an LPG six.
Now, in case you missed it the first time around, this isn't the only Rip Curl-branded ride we've written about in recent weeks. Back on Feb 12th, we showed you Renault's Rip Curl Clio, a similar branding exercise for the European market. This, of course, begs the question: if you had to pick one, which would it be? We've set up a poll in which you can vote for your fave. Don't surf? Who cares! It's all in non-scientific good fun, as many of you likely reside in North America, where the closest we'll get to either car is the enclosed photos. One thing's for sure: we're all armed with opinions. Clio or Falconchero? Make your voices heard! We'll post the results tomorrow.
[Source: Ford Australia]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Howard Kerr 1:51PM (3/07/2007)
As of 12:48 CST, it looks like NO ONE is voting for the Renault...I wonder why? Could it be that the only other vehicle says "surf's up" better than a Falcon UTE is ...a late '40s Ford woody wagon?
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Jay Ray 2:38PM (3/07/2007)
Looks like a F150 Mustang!
Still better than the Cheesey Frenchie
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wally 2:37PM (3/07/2007)
Ford are you guys dumb? Bring your #1 designers to USA
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Patrick 2:38PM (3/07/2007)
Is It Just Me Or Does The Falcons Front End Look Like The Previous Generation Mustang?
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Slag 3:25PM (3/07/2007)
Falcons have straight sixes, not Vs!
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Rick Lyon 3:38PM (3/07/2007)
Gee, a Ford with a V6 vs a tiny Renault and there's no surprise which one is leading on this site...
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Murph 3:37PM (3/07/2007)
Guys all Aussie Falcons are inline (straight) 6's, not V6's.
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Alex Nunez 3:49PM (3/07/2007)
Thanks guys. Six-cyls are now correctly referenced.
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Rodion 4:10PM (3/07/2007)
Thing is in Australia, Falcon XR Utes are actually used for purpose. Here I'm afraid they'd be show pieces which actually don't say much about the driver. I'd take the Clio which is smaller, more fun to drive in twisties, and practical.
I hate this macho alpha-male BS we have so much of here in US. All roughnecks rejoice!
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why not the LS2/LS7? 5:13PM (3/07/2007)
Holden Sandman.
Yes, it's enclosed, but you can get your board attached proper, and you can get some action in the back.
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Jeff Banks 5:52PM (3/07/2007)
I like the Ute...its quirky and looks right at home at the beach. Don't know if I'd ever buy one, but I think its cool just the same.
"I hate this macho alpha-male BS we have so much of here in US. All roughnecks rejoice!"
Seriously, WTF are you smoking? It's a strange-looking subaru bajaish car/truck thing from Australia. How in the world does this equate redneck aside from the fact that it sort of resembles a pick-up truck?
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taylor 11:29PM (3/07/2007)
wtf they already got rid of the rancharo once y bring it back now especialy win there about ready to go under do they think changeing the name will help it sell
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Fetus 9:05AM (5/29/2007)
" It's a strange-looking subaru bajaish car/truck thing from Australia"
yeah mate, we call 'em utes (short for utility)
"do they think changeing the name will help it sell?"
they have always been the falcon ute down here. . . also have sedans. . . do yourselves a favour and check out www.ford.com.au
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keith 9:44AM (4/17/2007)
was wondring if anyone knew the outcome of the poll ? Which vehicle won?
Thanks
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Alex Nunez 9:28AM (4/17/2007)
As it happens, we closed the poll without screen-capturing the results. For those of you who are interested, the Ute handily beat the Clio with over 80% of the vote.
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