Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Industry analyst says Australian car industry is doomed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of Australia's Dog & Lemon Guide, says there's no way around a central fact of Australian automobile production: "Australia's car factories are losing money on every vehicle they make." Because of that, he believes that there is no future for the domestic car industry Down Under, no matter how much money the government provides to keep factories open.

Matthew-Wilson further believes that General Motors' Holden division will be the first brand thrown into the abyss, trailed closely by Ford. The economics of Australian auto manufacturing, as far as he's concerned, simply don't make sense and GM and Ford's cash drain will force them to shut down their operations there.

''Globally, there's a glut of new cars at bargain prices," he says, "yet Australia, which produces a small number of high cost cars, is trying to compete with countries like China.... The Australian car industry can re-focus on small cars, green cars, blue cars or red cars. None of this will make the slightest difference."

For its part, Holden recently cut production nearly by half, and rumblings are that it, like Saab and Opel and HUMMER, it may soon be looking for a buyer.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald via Carscoop]

Industry analyst says Australian car industry is doomed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacommodoreearningsfalconfinancialsfordford australiaFordAustraliagmholdenmanufacturingplantsTue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Idle hands: AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/idle-hands-ac-schnitzer-bmw-x6-falcon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/idle-hands-ac-schnitzer-bmw-x6-falcon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/idle-hands-ac-schnitzer-bmw-x6-falcon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon

Idle hands are the devil's playthings, and apparently AC Schnitzer has a lot of time on its hands. You're only required to read the first two lines of the company's press release to realize that the crew formerly known for creating rolling automotive masterworkz have officially donned their collective bouffants, made like the Fonz and jumped the shark. Here's proof: The BMW X6 Falcon.

Using the X5 Falcon as unfortunate inspiration, the X6 variant gets the same stretched out body work, giving the 'ute a 70mm wider track in the front and an additional 80mm in the rear. According to AC, extensive testing was done on the Nurburgring to hone the Falcon's high-speed prowess, aided by a new front lip, air intakes, repositioned fog lamps, side skirts and rear wing. Black or silver 22-inch Type VII wheels fill the massive arches and although it's not clear in the release, we suspect that some lowering springs were used to keep the ride-height in check.

As for power, the only models to benefit from engine tweaks are the X6 3.0d and 3.5d, boosting power to 272 hp (from 235 hp) and 310 hp (from 286 hp), respectively. And naturally, AC will sell you a set of chrome tailpipes, aluminum interior trim, pedals and floor mats emblazoned with its logo.

Hit the jump to read AC's comically overwrought press release.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon

Continue reading Idle hands: AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon

Idle hands: AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac schnitzer bmw x6 falconac schntizerAcSchnitzerBmwX6FalconAcSchntizerbmwbmw x6BmwX6falconx6Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Aussie Ford FG01 V8 Supercar unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/aussie-ford-fg01-v8-supercar-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/aussie-ford-fg01-v8-supercar-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/aussie-ford-fg01-v8-supercar-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high res gallery of the new FG01 racing car

Just as civilian Ford Falcon drivers have a new ride in which to roll, the racers who pilot the competition version of the sedan in Australia's V8 Supercar series now have an FG Falcon to call their own. The FG01 V8 Supercar will be officially unveiled at this weekend's race in Melbourne, where it'll entertain with some demo laps and then reside in the pits. According to Ford, the race car was designed to maximize driver safety while minimizing teams' operating, maintenance, and repair costs. Best of all, unlike the "stock" cars run in our various NASCAR series, Australia's V8 supercars actually bear more than a passing resemblance to their production counterparts -- four doors and all. There's no mistaking the fact that this car is derived from the Falcon XR8. Plus, it has a Giant Effing Wing that makes the apparatus hung off of some Pikes Peak hillclimb cars look like the ducktail on a '73 Carrera RS. Awesome. The FG01 will go into battle against its Holden counterparts next season.

Gallery: Ford FG01 V8 Supercar


[Source: Ford Racing Australia]

Continue reading Aussie Ford FG01 V8 Supercar unveiled

Aussie Ford FG01 V8 Supercar unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafalconfg01fordford racingFordRacingsupercar seriesSupercarSeriesv8 supercarV8SupercarFri, 06 Jun 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford releases specs on new FPV Falcons]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/ford-releases-specs-on-new-fpv-falcons/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/ford-releases-specs-on-new-fpv-falcons/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/ford-releases-specs-on-new-fpv-falcons/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the new FPV Falcon F6

Ford is getting ready for a battle in Australia for the hearts and minds of performance enthusiasts. Its new FPV Falcons will go head to head with what HSV offers from Holden, and today the Blue Oval from Down Under released officials specs for its souped up, gnarly-looking rear-wheel-drive sedans. First we have the F6, which is powered by the familiar turbocharged 4.0L straight-six engine now producing 416 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque at just 1,950 rpm. That's a 54-horsepower increase over the prior straight six, and matches up surprisingly well with Ford's other engine offering, the 5.4L Boss V8 producing 422 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque at a loftier 4,750 rpm. The Boss motor can be had in the GT E, GT-P and GT sedans, as well as the Super Pursuit and Pursuit Ute. The exceptional straight-six meanwhile, is only offered in the F6 sedan and ute.

Let's compare what Ford revealed today with the offerings from Holden's HSV. Currently the Clubsport R8 is HSV's most high-performance sedan, and it's powered by an LS3 6.2L V8 producing 425 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Ford has pretty much matched HSV in the motor department then, and the new Falcon looks like it might weigh less to boot. But HSV dropped a bomb at the Melbourne Motor Show named the HSV W427, which is a version of the Clubsport R8 powered by GM's LS7 V8 producing 496 horses and 472 pound feet of torque. Hopefully Ford Australia has an answer for that up its sleeves, too.

Click below to view FPV's new performance vehicles and check out Ford's official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 FPV F6


Gallery: 2008 FPV GT


Gallery: 2008 FPV Super Pursuit


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford releases specs on new FPV Falcons

Ford releases specs on new FPV Falcons originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 fpv falcon2008FpvFalconfalconfalcon f6falcon gtFalconF6FalconGtford australiaFordAustraliafpv falconFPV falcon f6fpv falcon gtFpvFalconFpvFalconF6FpvFalconGtMon, 14 Apr 2008 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2008 Ford Falcon Orion XR6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/rendered-speculation-2008-ford-falcon-orion-xr6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/rendered-speculation-2008-ford-falcon-orion-xr6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/rendered-speculation-2008-ford-falcon-orion-xr6/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above image for high-res version

Development mules for the upcoming redesign of the Ford Falcon in Australia are not that hard to come by in the land of Oz. CarAdvice has hosted plenty, and decided to let loose an artist on them to create an accurate rendering of what the 2008 Ford Falcon will look like. Shown here is a rendering of the 2008 Ford Falcon XR6 model, one of the many high-performance versions of Ford Australia's rear-wheel drive sedan. After examining all the spy shots that we've seen, it's clear to us that this is the most accurate guesstimate of the Falcon's new look that you're likely to find.

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

Rendered Speculation: 2008 Ford Falcon Orion XR6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 Ford Falcon2008 Ford Falcon XR62008FordFalcon2008FordFalconXr6AustraliaFalconFalcon XR6FalconXr6Ford FalconFord Falcon XR6FordFalconFordFalconXr6renderingFri, 31 Aug 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #71]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We're shooting from the hip this week for Podcast #71. Rather than prepare, we're going with gut reactions. Starting it off, we mull over the loss of the USGP from Indianapolis, and postulate on where else F1 may pop up in the US. An F1 race on the Vegas strip would be the bomb. Staying with motorsports, we marvel at how Team SARD spanked everyone extremely hard at Tokachi with a hybridized Supra GT. We're sure that racing will improve the hybrid breed at a much steeper pace than conventional powerplants. In other racing news, Dale Junior has split from Budweiser, so he'll have new livery to plaster all over his left-turn machine.

Moving on from racing, we ponder the leakage and eventual announcement of the Porsche 911 GT2. It's as unassuming as a Porsche can get, but it packs 530 horsepower and uses the rear wheels to push top speed to the 200 MPH realm, while being a docile everyday car. While Porsches always make us giddy little schoolboys, Subaru's recent model line revisions have us alternating between cheers and jeers. The good: the Legacy SUS, or whatever the heck they call their Outback sedan is kaput. The bad: so is the straight Legacy wagon. We devolve into a styling review of Subaru's new corporate language for a while before surfacing again to discuss the inanity surrounding presidential candidates and hybrid vehicles. Idiocy, 'nuff said.

On a lighter note, we discuss the rumored sequel to Disney/Pixar's "Cars." Not surprising when you consider how lucrative the tie-ins usually are. Off entertainment and on to entertaining cars, we ogle the leaked pictures of the FPV Falcon, and discuss the future plans of that platform here in the US. It does look mean, so thanks to that janitor who picked these renderings out of the trash. Our pithy cavalcade keeps rolling along, and we chew over Bob Lutz's latest comments about the future of diesel powerplants in the US. It's odd that Bob is cool on diesel just as GM is poised to roll out new oil-burners. Wrapping up, we put out the call to action again for the Reader Ride - add your pix to the Flickr pool and include details! The hour duration of Podcast #71 will give you enjoyment to and from work, enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #71 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbudweisercandidateclintondale juniorDaleJuniordisneyearnhardtescapefalconfpvgt2hybridindianapolisindylegacymotogpobamaorionoutbackphotospixarpodcastporschepresidentsardsequelspy shotsSpyShotssubarutokachiusgpWed, 18 Jul 2007 15:20:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #71Dan Roth55:11autoblog podcast, podcast, sard, toyota, supra, indy, indianapolis, usgp, motogp, lutz, diesel, gm, falcon, orion, australia, spy shots, subaru, styling, legacy, outback, earnhardt, nascar, budweiser, disney, sequel, pixar, cars, candidate, hybrid, obama<![CDATA[Scoop! Ford Falcon Orion sans camo!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/scoop-falcon-orion-sans-camo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/scoop-falcon-orion-sans-camo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/scoop-falcon-orion-sans-camo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

UPDATE: More and better renderings can be found here.

Our desire for Australia's Fords and Holdens continues unabated, and the Courier and Mail has managed to snag shots of the new Falcon in the buff, further stoking our flame. While American sedans went all mamby-pamby (what could be more milquetoast than our family sedans?), Australia's cars have retained and distilled a certain kick of style and fun. The 2008 Falcon isn't set to arrive for a few more months, and Ford has staked $500 million on the new revision of the platform. The new look is instant badass. We love the blacked out portions under the headlamps -- it's as if this car's spent time in KISS. The greenhouse has a euro-flair to it, especially the kick at the base of the C pillar. The shape is muscular in the same way the Commodore VE is - not that there's anything wrong with that. Underneath this Australian institution, the suspension system retains its baked-in goodness from the outgoing BF Falcon, and the six- and eight -cylinder engines also carry over. We're sure the V8 versions will have a basso-profundo rumble capable of putting Peter Criss to shame.

Ford could do well with this car in the US; at least it would raise eyebrows in the way their current lineup can't. We're sure they're looking at it, seeing the anticipation build around the G8, née Commodore. Every internet blowhard will make statements like "Yes! bring it over! I'll buy one!", while in reality, the sales could disappoint once the initial novelty has worn off. While we enthusiasts have a thing for RWD sedans with V8s and capable chassis, Ma and Pa Camry find compromises where we find joy. The G8 is more of a niche model than if they'd turned the VE into the Malibu - and that's where we see potential for Ford in the US with the Orion. If it does stand any chance of coming here, make it the Fairlane, make the hot one the Fairlane 500, and promote the beejeezus out of it. Most importantly, make it good. Hey, Mulally did promise a convergence of global platforms, right?

Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: news.com.au]

Scoop! Ford Falcon Orion sans camo! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabreakingfalconfordorionphotospyFri, 13 Jul 2007 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Ford Falcon from Oz]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/rendered-speculation-ford-falcon-from-oz/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/rendered-speculation-ford-falcon-from-oz/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/rendered-speculation-ford-falcon-from-oz/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Australian-market Ford Falcon is one we would like to have on our shores, and may get if Ford wises up and takes a page out of GM's playbook. The Falcon is RWD, comes with turbo V6 engines, V8s, optional El Camino-like truck beds, and it just looks good. Unfortunately, the Falcon has fallen on hard times, with the venerable Falcon falling to third place in sales down-under, behind the Commodore from GM and the Corolla from you know who. Ford has good news forthcoming, though, as the Falcon is scheduled for a major overhaul in March. The Aussies over at Drive couldn't wait until Spring to see what Ford's next Falcon will look like, so they talked with folks from Ford Australia, did their spy shot homework, and came up with the above illustration.

Drive's rendering uses some queues from Ford of Europe's Kinetic Design, with more angular headlights and sharp creases. There are also some themes from past Falcons like the roundness of the front end and the large greenhouse. Overall, the rendering is very tastefully done, and Ford wouldn't do to badly to put such a vehicle in production. Unfortunately, the changes to the Falcon are largely cosmetic, and the underpinnings are rumored to be largely unchanged. Check out Drive's other Falcon renderings by hitting the Read link below.

Thanks for the tip, Paul!

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Falcon from Oz originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaFalconFordOZRWDWed, 11 Jul 2007 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Man up with the Ford Falcon XR8 Ute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/man-up-with-the-ford-falcon-xr8-ute/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/man-up-with-the-ford-falcon-xr8-ute/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/man-up-with-the-ford-falcon-xr8-ute/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's very much a man's world in this new TV spot for Ford's Aussie-market Falcon XR8 Ute. It's a land where sandwiches are delivered by the paperboy in the morning, the ice cream man is replaced by the ice-cold beer man, 280 inches seems like a perfectly reasonable size for a TV, every store sells tools, and metrosexuals are feeling the heat. In the land of the XR8 Ute, blokes rule.

It's a great, clever, funny spot for the Down Under Ranchero. Follow the jump to see it for yourself. For more, visit the commercial's homepage, where a "making of" video will be available sometime soon and you can also see it in higher res.

Thanks to Daniel for the tip!

[Source: Ford Australia, YouTube]

Continue reading Man up with the Ford Falcon XR8 Ute

Man up with the Ford Falcon XR8 Ute originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blokesfalconfalcon xr8FalconXr8utexr8xr8 uteXr8UteThu, 05 Jul 2007 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Falcon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-falcon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-falcon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/spy-shots-next-gen-ford-falcon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Australia's at work developing the next version of a car we can't have here in the US. Australian website CarAdvice snagged spy shots of camoflaged Falcons undergoing tests in the Melbourne area. Suspicions are that base models as well as turbocharged XRs were pirouetting around getting a variety of workouts to ensure that the next generation of not-available-here RWD sedans will continue to make us pine for them. Of course, Falcons on these shores would likely snag sales from the Taurus and Sable, but Ford's shuttered plants could offer a place to put these cars together from knock-down kits, or CKDs. Maybe it's just a case of the grass being greener on the other side, but the Falcon strikes our fancy, those Aussies know how to make cars that appeal to the way we roll. Click through the picture to see more.

Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Falcon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafalconfordorionshotshotsspyxrWed, 06 Jun 2007 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Ranger on the ropes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/ford-ranger-on-the-ropes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/ford-ranger-on-the-ropes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/05/ford-ranger-on-the-ropes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We posted some conjecture about the Ranger not too long ago, with some Photochops to illustrate possible ways Ford could keep its smallest pickup alive. Automotive News has looked in to their crystal ball and determined that the future of the Ranger is murky, at best. The first bad sign is that the St. Paul, MN Ranger plant is slated to be closed in 2008. With no place to build the Ranger, it would seem to have one foot in the grave, along with the rest of the segment, not counting the evergreen Toyota Tacoma (which is not particularly small anymore). All is not lost, however. As we offered, there are existing platforms that would lend themselves to truckification, as well as actual trucks in different markets.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Ford Ranger on the ropes

Ford Ranger on the ropes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabt-50bt50falconfordmazdaminnesotamissouripickuprangerst louisst paulStLouisStPaulthailandtruckutexrTue, 05 Jun 2007 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Spies spot RWD Ford in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/31/spies-spot-rwd-ford-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/31/spies-spot-rwd-ford-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/31/spies-spot-rwd-ford-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Looky, looky. Spies from KGP have caught a rear-wheel drive Ford from Australia at Ford's engineering centers in Detroit. In fact, the car appears to be in the process of being unboxed after its long trip from Oz. What does it mean that this car, presumably a rear-wheel drive Falcon prototype, has landed on our shores? Well, let's start speculating.

Clearly Ford is the last of the domestic automakers to take advantage of rear-wheel drive's resurgence. Nevertheless, Ford may be planning (we hope) to augment the wildly popular Mustang with a rear-wheel drive sedan. Such a strategy could follow the same path that General Motors has blazed by having Holden, its Australian brand, develop the rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform for export to various international markets including the U.S. We'll see GM's Zeta platform underpin the new Camaro and Pontiac G8 for sure, and possibly other big RWD sedans like the next-gen Impala. Likewise, Ford could be developing Australia's Falcon with international export in mind, meaning left-hand-drive will be a consideration from the get-go, as well as U.S. safety and emissions standards. That RWD platform could then be the basis for the next-gen Mustang, due a year or two after the decade's end, and a large sedan, either a replacement for the Crown Vic (unlikely) or an all-new sedan, possibly inspired by the hot Interceptor Concept from the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.

By the way, that entire last paragraph was wishful thinking, as we have no actual evidence Ford is currently developing the next-gen Falcon in this way. Prototypes from other markets show up on U.S. roads all the time, and it really doesn't mean anything in and of itself until an official word comes from Ford. Still, speculating about a production version of the Interceptor is more fun than being told it will never be built at all, so speculate we will.

[Source: LLN]


Spies spot RWD Ford in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafalconford falconFordFalconinterceptorrear wheel driverear-wheel driveRear-wheelDriveRearWheelDriveRWDThu, 31 May 2007 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/03/in-the-autoblog-garage-toyota-aurion-sportivo-sx6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/03/in-the-autoblog-garage-toyota-aurion-sportivo-sx6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/03/in-the-autoblog-garage-toyota-aurion-sportivo-sx6/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image for a gallery of high-res pics of the Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6

For years, the large, family car market in Australia has been divided between the Aussie built GM Holden Commodore and the Ford Falcon, both on the road and on the track. The large car market has been characterised not only by their size, but also by V6 or V8 powerplants running on rear-wheel drive platforms. For years, other competitors, including Mitsubishi with their Magna and more recently their 380 models, have tried to chip away at this virtual duopoly, with limited success.

The game is changing though. As the price of fuel has risen, the Australian car market has seen a massive shift away from large cars and towards more fuel efficient, medium sized models. The market is currently dominated by vehicles like the Mazda6, the Honda Accord, the Hyundai Sonata and in particular, the Toyota Camry. As Australia's largest passenger vehicle brand, Toyota has long enjoyed segment-leading sales with the Camry, and although it's not a sexy choice, Toyota's mid-sized sedan represents a smart purchase, with high re-sale value, good fuel economy and Toyota's reputation for outstanding reliability.

Continue reading the Toyota Aurion Sportivo review after the jump.

Gallery: Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6

In the Autoblog Garage: Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurionaustraliacamrycommodorefalconfordholdenpresarasportivosx6toyotav6zr6Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie Utes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/brisbane-motor-show-aussie-utes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/brisbane-motor-show-aussie-utes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/brisbane-motor-show-aussie-utes/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of Ford and GM Holden Utes.

At the Brisbane Motor Show, which started on Friday, Ford and GM Holden, plus their tuning groups Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), had plenty of top Aussie utes on display, ranging from the workman Ford Falcon XR6 Cab Chassis, through the higher performance Ford Falcon XR8 and Holden SS Crewman and up into the fully-blown FPV Super Pursuit Ute and the HSV Thunder.

As a ute driver myself, it was great to see the totally Oz vehicles proudly flying the flag as fast, fun, rear-wheel drive sports cars with big boots.

On the side: our friends over at the Jalop uncovered a story in CarPoint that reports that the launch date for the new Holden Commodore Ute has been bumped forward and that a left-hand drive version is in the cards. Could this mean that GM is considering a El Camino comeback? An even better question is: would you buy one? - Ed.

Related:

Gallery: Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie Utes

Brisbane Motor Show: Aussie Utes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brisbanecommodorefalconfordfpvgm holdenhsvpursuitthunderuteTue, 06 Feb 2007 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Saving Lincoln one RWD concept at a time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/saving-lincoln-one-rwd-concept-at-a-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/saving-lincoln-one-rwd-concept-at-a-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/saving-lincoln-one-rwd-concept-at-a-time/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lincoln's recent fall from grace can be attributed to a number of factors and compelling product is certainly at the top of that list. According to an article in Business Week, Lincoln plans to rectify the situation posthaste, beginning with a rear-wheel-drive concept set to debut in Detroit this January.

The concept is based off the Australian Ford Falcon's architecture, under the watchful gaze of FoMoCo's N.A. design chief, Peter Horbury. The styling will supposedly foretell the future of Lincoln's design language, but it's unclear whether the production version will send power to the rear wheels.

We're looking forward to something, anything, to revive the Lincoln marque and hopefully this will be that first crucial step.

[Source: Business Week via MotorAuthority]

Saving Lincoln one RWD concept at a time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falconfordlincolnWed, 13 Dec 2006 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ford Fairmont Ghia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/video-ford-fairmont-ghia/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/video-ford-fairmont-ghia/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/video-ford-fairmont-ghia/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We've spent so much time here at Autoblog yelling about the rank awesomeness of GM's Australian product, we forget that The Blue Oval brand has some pretty rockin' stuff in the land of Oz as well. In fact, it's just as good. We've just been so busy obsessing over Ford's stellar European lineup that the hot Aussie stuff gets shoved to the back burner. This week's Australian Motor Show reminded us just how engaged Ford of Australia is with its local enthusiast customer base, what with its FPV division (think Australian SVT, but with an actual lineup of products). In Sydney, FPV unveiled its Force 6 and Force 8 performance sedans, either of which we would run up to and hug were they offered here (with the wheel on the other side, of course).

Now, those are both based on the Aussie-market Falcon, which is a pretty appealing set of wheels even without the added FVP muscle. Available in a variety of trim levels with V6 I6 or V8 power driving the rear wheels, the Falcon represents exactly the type of car Ford could desperately use right now, seeing as their passenger car lineup is woefully devoid of rear-drivers (save for Mustang and the dated, neglected Crown Vic and Town Car). The latest variant is the new Fairmont Ghia, which places a focus on European styling and dynamics, combined with the aforementioned Australian power and performance. Have a look at the car's new TV spot., and try not to get too jealous.

thanks to reader Daniel Dacey for the tip!

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Ford Fairmont Ghia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fairmontfairmont ghiaFairmontGhiafalconford australiaFordAustraliaSun, 29 Oct 2006 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford FPV brings more power, handling to the Aussies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/26/ford-fpv-brings-more-power-handling-to-the-aussies/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/26/ford-fpv-brings-more-power-handling-to-the-aussies/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/26/ford-fpv-brings-more-power-handling-to-the-aussies/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on image to enlarge

We would normally start off this post by lamenting the fact that Ford seems to give more love to markets outside North America than it does within the U.S. We're tiring of that intro, so we'll just give you the information and let you draw your own conclusions about why Ford is forsaking us.

At the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Ford debuted two new high-powered, luxury sedans based off their Falcon lineup. Ford's performance arm down under, FPV, has created the Force 6, which finds motivation from a 4-liter, turbocharged inline-6, producing 362 HP and 405 ft.-lbs. of torque. That torque figure eclipses their eight-cylinder offering, in the form of the Force 8, which utilizes a 5.4-liter V8, making 388 HP and 383 ft.-lbs. of torque.

Both vehicles come equipped with a ZF six-speed slush box, 19-inch wheels, limited slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension. Buyers can upgrade the front brakes to six-piston Brembo units if desired.

The full press release along with a few more hi res images can be found after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford FPV brings more power, handling to the Aussies

Ford FPV brings more power, handling to the Aussies originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafalconfordfpvThu, 26 Oct 2006 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[2007 Ford Falcon: More RWD love for our mates downunder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/2007-ford-falcon-more-rwd-love-for-our-mates-downunder/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/2007-ford-falcon-more-rwd-love-for-our-mates-downunder/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/2007-ford-falcon-more-rwd-love-for-our-mates-downunder/#commentsFiled under: ,



We've complained that the European market gets the delectable Focus RS, while we, in the automaker's home country, have to endure bland styling updates and an anemic naturally-aspirated (read: boring) power source. Now, Ford shoves the knife in a little bit deeper, offering the Australian market a sporting revision of its Falcon sedan with wonderful, steer-by-throttle, rear-wheel-drive.

C'mon Ford, why you holdin' back on the love?

Four variants of the Falcon are available, however the Sports package, designed to compete with the release of Holden's Commodore, is the one that you should pine for. Upgrades over the base model include a 6-speed automatic, 17-inch wheels, larger brakes and Ford's acronym for stability control, DSC. Compared to its V8 powered competition, forward progress comes courtesy of an inline-6 that Ford plans to push for its fuel sipping tendencies.

Rumors are pointing towards a possible release in the U.S. within next two years, but considering the amount of energy and resources needed to federalize such a vehicle, don't plan your next car purchase around it.

A bucket-load of pics can be found after the jump.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Continue reading 2007 Ford Falcon: More RWD love for our mates downunder

2007 Ford Falcon: More RWD love for our mates downunder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Aug 2006 07:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafalconfocusfordrsFri, 11 Aug 2006 07:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Australia investment could spawn next Crown Vic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/07/ford-australia-investment-could-spawn-next-crown-vic/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/07/ford-australia-investment-could-spawn-next-crown-vic/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/07/ford-australia-investment-could-spawn-next-crown-vic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As we reported earlier today Ford's Australian arm has announced a big investment that includes aid from the Australian government. It will result in the development of an engineering and design "centre of excellence" for the Asia Pacific and Africa region, as well as new product plans that may, just may produce the next Crown Vic in the U.S.

Blue Oval News has posted Ford's press release, which states the investment amounts to almost $1.4 billion USD. In it Ford details plans for a new global light commercial vehicle architecture that would be exported to over 80 countries, as well as an all-new Falcon and Territory. The Falcon and Territory would ride on a new large rear-wheel drive platform, which has led BON to speculate the next Crown Vic could come care of the Aussies. For that matter, the next Ford Ranger could also use Ford Australia's new light commercial vehicle platform. Of course, for either of these imports to happen a solid business case needs to be present, which, as we've seen with other Aussie immigrants like GM's GTO, is a difficult case to make. 

[Source: Blue Oval News]         

Ford Australia investment could spawn next Crown Vic originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 May 2006 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaCrown VicCrown VictoriaCrownVicCrownVictoriaFalconTerritorySun, 07 May 2006 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Australia gets government bailout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/07/ford-gets-government-bailout-down-under/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/07/ford-gets-government-bailout-down-under/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/07/ford-gets-government-bailout-down-under/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Australian government is taking a much softer line than our own administration it seems as Australian prime minister John Howard has just announced that his adminstration will be providing Ford Australia with a boost of $40.4 million (AU$52.5 million) to ensure that the automaker's AU operations stay afloat. The design and production of the next Ford Falcon and Territory, to be built in Australia, take up much of the pot, accounting for $30.8 million of the investment. The remaining funds will go toward building a new light international vehicle platform, which will necessitate the construction and staffing of a new research and development center.

(A current Ford  XR6 is pictured)

[Source: pm.gov.au]

(Thanks to Ben for the tip)

Ford Australia gets government bailout originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 May 2006 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FalconFordgovernment assistanceGovernmentAssistanceHoldenTerritorySun, 07 May 2006 09:03:00 EST