Ford has announced it will send the Falcon out with a bang, of sorts, via a limited-edition 2016 Ford Falcon XR Sprint.
FORD AUSTRALIA HAS announced it will wave good-bye to the Falcon in 2016 via a limited-edition 2016 Ford Falcon XR Sprint, ending months of speculation around Ford having registered the Sprint moniker.
“There has been a lot of speculation around what our plans are for Falcon in 2016 and today we’re happy to confirm that Ford will build a special series to celebrate Australia’s large sedan,” according to Graeme Whickman, Ford President and CEO.
Bearing the name Sprint sees Ford dip into the Falcon history books, with a Sprint Package first offered on the 1964 Falcon in the US to help keep sales strong against the Mustang. Then it got a more-power V8, suspension and exhaust tweaks; the difference was the Falcon Sprint offered the same goodies as the Mustang. Oops. It never caught on.
That shouldn’t be the case with this limited-edition model. Ford hasn’t talked pricing or specific details but it has said the XR Sprint will be available with either a turbocharged six-cylinder or a supercharged V8 and will run either and automatic or manual transmission.
The engine’s are expected to get a power hike but by how much hasn’t been revealed, upgraded brake package, unique wheels, unique exterior stripe design, ‘Sprint’ badging on the rear deck lid and front quarter panels, unique interior trim on seats with ‘Sprint’ embroidery. And a unique numbered build on the engine.
“The Falcon XR Sprint is aligned to the understated look of our notable historic performance Falcons; they will be styled with design and dynamic influences that are distinctly different in feel, presence and execution,” Whickman said.
“The XR Sprint will be a limited-edition series and one we think will be highly regarded by our Falcon fans. Ultimately too, like many of our performance Fords, we expect it to be a highly collectible car.”
“2016 will certainly an exciting year for Ford. Apart from continuing to fill the 4,000 customer orders for the Mustang V8 and Mustang EcoBoost, later in the year our performance fans will also be able to enjoy the Focus RS and XR Sprint.”
