ALTHOUGH V8-powered cars usually get all the glory in this country, there also remains a proud tradition of performance sixes. Think E49 Charger, Torana XU-1, VL Commodore Turbo and the original Falcon XR6, to name but a few. With the release of the BA Falcon, Ford has introduced another name that can be added to that list: XR6 Turbo. One that thoroughly deserves its place among that elite group, the turbocharged XR6 is also the first locally built model with the credentials to rival its V8 equivalents - particularly since Holden dropped the ball with the supercharged V6 once the Gen III V8 arrived. With new exterior styling, a much-improved interior, revised auto transmission and the benchmark turbo engine as highlights, XR6-T is poised to shake up the local sports sedan market and create some headaches for Holden in the process.
Ford Falcon XR6 VCT
Released: September 98
Ended: August 2002
Family Tree: FalconTHERE is no true predecessor to the XR6-T but, as the premium XR6, its effective forebear is the AU Falcon XR6 VCT. It employed a two-stage variable cam timing system on the inlet valves only (the VCT system on BA operates on inlet and exhaust and is continuously variable) to lift power and torque by 8kW and 8Nm over the base 164kW/366Nm XR6 HP (High Performance) engine. The XR6 VCT was introduced with the AU Falcon in September 1998 and ran throughout the AU's Series II and III life cycle, picking up standard side skirts and 17-inch alloys midway through the AUII's model life.
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