Ford Falcon (BA)
| Ford Falcon (BA) | |
|---|---|
_Futura_sedan_(2010-06-17).jpg)
Ford Falcon (BA II) Futura sedan
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Australia |
| Production | September 2002 – October 2005 |
| Assembly | Australia: Campbellfield, Victoria |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size car |
| Body style | 2-door cab chassis 2-door coupé utility 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Ford EA169 |
| Related |
Ford Fairlane Ford Fairmont Ford Territory |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,829 mm (111.4 in) |
| Length | 4,916 mm (193.5 in)–5,053 mm (198.9 in) |
| Width | 1,864 mm (73.4 in) |
| Height | 1,444 mm (56.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,620 kg (3,570 lb)–1,740 kg (3,840 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Falcon (AU) |
| Successor | Ford Falcon (BF) |
The Ford Falcon (BA) is a full-sized car produced by Ford Australia from 2002 to 2005. It was the second significantly re-engineered iteration of the sixth generation of this Australian-made model, and also included the Ford Fairmont (BA)—the luxury-oriented version of the Falcon. This platform also formed the basis of the Ford Territory sport utility vehicle.
To address the relatively poor reception of the preceding AU series, the BA series was heavily updated for launch in September 2002—the same time as its biggest rival, the Holden Commodore (VY). It featured a substantially revised and more conservative exterior styling, with every panel new except for the carry-over door skins. Interiors, too, were substantially revised, while mechanically, a new independent rear suspension setup was fitted to all sedan derivatives and the engine and transmissions received extensive upgrades. In October 2004, Ford introduced a Mark II update, bringing subtle styling and mechanical changes, and in October 2005, replaced the BA with the BF.
In the final months of 2002, the BA model received the influential Wheels Car of the Year award, breaking a 36-year drought. The BA also won four consecutive Australia's Best Cars awards, spanning three years. The model's market share briefly topped that of its chief competitor, the Holden Commodore on two occasions, but have failed to match those of the record-breaking EL Falcon.
The BA model represented a A$500 million investment, and 24,000 hours of engine and durability testing. Germany's Nürburgring test track was used for some suspension testing. The anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control were calibrated in Sweden, as well as Australia.
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