The BF Falcon.
In October 2005, Ford released the updated BF Falcon range. After the huge success of the BA Falcon, both in showrooms and on the racetrack, Ford could have played it safe with the BF update. At first glance, it would be easy to assume that being the case. However, the big changes for the BF update were under the skin.
For the BF Falcon, Ford put a huge focus on refinement, every area was addressed to make the car quitter and smoother sounding. This was a case of multiple small changes and improvements adding up to a great whole.
“It only takes a few minutes behind the wheel to appreciate the outstanding levels of refinement built into this car, from the entry level XT right through to the LTD,” said Product Development Vice President Trevor Worthington.
“Attention to detail has taken what was already a very quite vehicle and produced a vehicle boasting superb levels of refinement.”
Starting with the NVH package, Ford added a new sound absorbing headliner, a lofted outer dash panel, stiffer wheels, new exhaust systems, and additional bitumastic noise deadening pads. In addition to that, Ford also made improvements to the body structure to strengthen and reduce vibration and noise channels. The engine mounts were also redesigned.
Ford then turned their attention to the exhaust systems for the inline 6 and 3V V8 to improve the engine sound and exhaust note quality. The inline 6 got a new front resonator, retuned center and rear mufflers, while the 3V V8 got a new dedicated rear muffler with larger diameter pipes. In addition to that, the exhaust hangers were redesigned to isolate muffler vibrations.
“At BA, the 3V shared the same rear muffler design as the I6 engine.
“By engineering a dedicated V8 version, we have lowered back pressure levels to liberate more power from the engine and enhance the exhaust note.
“Customers feedback told us that V8 customers wanted to hear and enjoy the note of their engine.
“The new dedicated Barra 230 exhaust system clearly delivers on that customer want,” Hosking said.
Finally, Ford put effort into new body sealing techniques to reduce high frequency engine, driveline, road and wind noise.
“ We placed significant emphasis on this part of the BF Falcon design and manufacturing processes, improving body leakage sealing levels up to 23 percent compared to BA Falcon.
Engine wise, the goal was for improved fuel efficiency and higher refinement. The main beneficiary was the naturally aspirated 4.0 engine, now known as the Barra 190. The 3V V8 became the Barra 230 with a 10 kW boost over its predecessor. The Barra 245T represented a 5 kW and 30 Nm improvement over BA. EGAS and Boss V8’s remained static for power and torque but benefited from various emission and refinement measures. I think the key to the Barra engines was the improvement made to the engine note, Ford taking several measures to tune the intake system to produce a smoother, deeper note.
For those interested, I have started a new thread on Ford Press Releases, which the below link explains the changes made to the engines in more detail –
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...25&postcount=2
The biggest news for BF was the introduction of the German made ZF 6-Speed Automatic. This inclusion formed a huge part of the overall refinement improvements for the BF Falcon. For the first time ever, the Falcon had the latest and greatest in transmission technology. It hard to describe the difference the ZF made to the Falcon’s refinement and driving enjoyment, it truly transformed each engine it was bolted to.
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...27&postcount=3
While the ZF was new to the range, the old 4-speed was revised to improve shift feel, refinement and fuel economy. And from January 2006, XR6 sedans swapped the old T-5 5-speed manual for the Tremec 6-speed, for some reason the XR6 Ute missed out on this change.
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...29&postcount=4
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...31&postcount=5
BF also brought new Performance brakes for the XR6 Turbo, XR8 and sedans fitted with the 3V Barra 230 V8. The
ABS system was recalibrated, and traction control became standard across the sedan lineup (except EGAS models), wagons and XR Utes. DSC stability control made its first appearance on a Falcon, with the Fairmont Ghia, LWB, XR6T and XR8 sedans all gaining this technology.
Other changes included a new slimline key, the manual EGAS models were deleted from the Ute range, new tyres for XLS Ute and non-XR models with 17-inch wheels.
Stylistically, the changes for BF were subtle –
- New front bumper for XT, Futura, Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia (LWB cars missed out here)
- New front bumper for XR models
- New wheels for every model except XL and RTV Ute.
- Fairlane Ghia and LTD now have 17-inch wheels
- Revised tail lamp treatment
- Chrome side protection door trims for Fairmont Ghia
On the inside, it was all about new trim accents and colours –
- New trim fabrics/leather for all model (except LWB models)
- New soft-feel grab handles with satin chrome inserts for all models
- New liquid metal finish on
ICC & instrument surround for XR & Fairmont Ghia.
- New titanium stone metallic finish on
ICC, dash spears & dial surrounds for -XT, Futura, Fairmont, XL, RTV & XLS.
- Futura loses power pedals.
- Fairmont Ghia now has 8-way powered seat, Fairmont now has 6-way powered seat
- New shifter for 6-speed auto models.
- Ruby mahogany woodgrain for Fairmont & Fairlane. Rabbit Rose woodgrain on Fairmont Ghia & LTD
- Leather wrapped steering wheel for XLS.
- Chrome dial rings for Futura and XLS
As you can see, there was more to the BF update than looks would suggest.
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...32&postcount=6
This graphic displays the various NVH measures implemented for the BF update -
This would surely be one of the rarest BF Falcon's out there, an XT sedan fitted with the Barra 230 V8 and 6-speed auto. 17-inch wheels were a mandatory option when the V8 engine option was selected and also included performance brakes.
