Ford Falcon (BF)

Ford Falcon (BF)
Company type	Automobile model
Industry	Automotive
Founded	October 2005; 21 years ago
Defunct	June 2010
Headquarters	Australia
Products	Full-size cars (sedan, wagon, utility)

The Ford Falcon (BF) represents a full-size car manufactured by Ford Australia between 2005 and 2008, serving as the concluding version of the sixth-generation Falcon. Meanwhile, the station wagon model remained in production until 2010, overlapping with the introduction of the seventh generation.

Introduction and changes

Sedan and utility models of the BF series were produced from October 2005 through February 2008, while wagon production extended until June 2010. This series introduced notable mechanical improvements such as an increased compression ratio of 10.3:1, advanced independent dual variable cam timing on six-cylinder engines, and refined knock sensing technology on the DOHC 3 Valve V8 engine. Alongside updates to the ECU, these enhancements elevated power output, torque, and fuel economy while complying with Euro III emission standards. The six-cylinder engines experienced a power boost from , accompanied by reductions in noise and vibration levels.

A significant advancement was the debut of a six-speed automatic transmission developed collaboratively by German companies ZF and Bosch. The XR6 Turbo’s output increased to , and all XR sedans gained access to this ZF six-speed automatic as an option; however, XR utilities continued to use a four-speed automatic.

Security features were upgraded by replacing the obsolete Tibbe lock system with a twin-track key mechanism produced by German manufacturer Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst, thereby enhancing vehicle protection.

Visual modifications included a divided lower grille on non-XR models, redesigned front bumpers for XR versions, jewelled tail lamps on sedans, and new alloy wheel designs for XR variants. Inside, seat fabrics and door trim received refreshed patterns, with XR models adding coloured tyre tread motifs on their sports seats.

Model range

Production of the BF Falcon commenced in October 2005 and was followed by the Mk II update in October 2006.

The original range comprised:

Falcon XT sedan and wagon
Falcon XL, XLS, and RTV utility
Falcon Futura sedan and wagon
Falcon XR6, XR6 Turbo, and XR8 sedan and utility
Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia sedan

In February 2006, Ford released the limited edition Falcon SR, which offered enhanced equipment levels compared to the base XT model.

Mk II

On 6 October 2006, former Ford Australia President Tom Gorman officially unveiled the BF Mk II, which became available for purchase on 22 October. The XT, Futura, and Fairmont models received refreshed styling including new bonnets, headlights, grilles, as well as updated front and rear bumpers. Minor interior revisions were applied to the XR lineup. The Fairmont Ghia featured a sportier body kit with side skirts designed to appeal to younger consumers. Some vehicles carry build dates from September 2006.

Starting in July 2007, the XR6, XR6 Turbo, and XR8 models were offered with a special 'Aggressor' body kit featuring dark gray bumper inserts, shadow chrome 18" alloy wheels with dark gray spokes, alongside standard Premium Sound and Climate Control systems. In New Zealand, this package was marketed under the name 'Rebel,' distinguished by Rebel badging and embroidered Nappa leather headrests along with all optional upgrades included.

The 2007 BF Mk II also introduced the limited edition "Ripcurl Ute," commemorating Ford’s sponsorship of Ripcurl Pro’s 35th Anniversary at Bells Beach. Offered in both XR6 and XR8 variants, it incorporated Ripcurl branding, wetsuit-inspired seat covers with insignia, a premium audio system, extended cab configuration, sports suspension setup, 18-inch wheels, a unique aqua blue/green "breeze" exterior paint code, and an exclusive body kit.

Mk III

Although the BF Series sedans and utes were succeeded by the FG lineup in February 2008, Ford continued to offer a restricted selection of BF models in the Mk III version. The Futura variant was discontinued, leaving the XT base model as the sole option, mainly catering to fleet buyers.

The Falcon Mk III introduced features such as Dynamic Stability Control (available only on petrol engines), the FG series flip key design, satin alloy highlights on the grille, ‘Warm Charcoal’ carpeting, Goodyear Excellence tyres, and rear Mk III badging positioned on the boot lid.

Production of the BF Falcon wagon ceased in late 2010 without a direct successor; instead, the Territory and Mondeo wagons effectively filled this segment.

FPV range

Engine specifications largely remained consistent, aside from updates to idle stabilization software in V8-powered GT and GT-P variants. A significant enhancement in BF and BF2 Boss 290 engines was the integration of an independent air-to-oil transmission cooler located behind the front bumper, permanently addressing the transmission fluid foaming issues—often referred to as 'milkshake'—that plagued lower-spec BF models. Every FPV model came equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and an optional ZF six-speed automatic transmission from Germany. FPV recalibrated this automatic unit with a Sport Mode that improved shift speed, firmness, and optimized rpm points relative to the Eco mode.

The GT model adopted the 19-inch wheels previously exclusive to the GT-P; meanwhile, both GT-P and Super Pursuit variants featured distinctive wheel designs. Typhoon and Tornado editions offered optional 18-inch wheels carried over from earlier iterations or new 19-inch black-spoke wheels. Across all models, updated body kits were introduced; notably, the F6 Typhoon showcased unique styling elements including color-matched fog lamp surrounds, a larger intercooler highlighted by a lower grille insert, a redesigned rear bumper featuring mesh inserts and a deeper diffuser. GT-P variants were distinguished by a unique dual-exit exhaust integrated within the diffuser.

2006 BF MkII update

Minor revisions encompassed a textured power mirror control knob and footwell lighting inside all models; 19-inch rims became standard across the range. Subtle changes were made to styling details and accent colors. The most significant addition was the introduction of Force 6 and Force 8 models—luxury-oriented trims designed to rival HSV’s Senator Signature line—mechanically based on the auto-equipped base GT but visually more restrained without rear spoilers.

Towards the end of BF MkII production, special editions included the GT "40th Anniversary," celebrating four decades of Falcon GT heritage, and the F6 "R-Spec" Typhoon—the sole limited-edition turbocharged FPV model—featuring upgraded dampers and increased output (405 hp/300 kW in sedans). The "Cobra R-spec" sedan and utility variants were also part of this exclusive lineup.

Only 300 Typhoon R-Spec units were manufactured in 2007, rendering it highly sought after due to its unique Argent Dark Silver accents, Nappa leather interiors, R-Spec branded floor mats, and Brembo four-piston front brakes. Of these, ten were exported to New Zealand; one came with a six-speed manual transmission while nine were equipped with six-speed automatics.

The BF MkII GT-P 40th Anniversary edition stands as the rarest limited-edition GT Falcon model ever produced, marking 40 years since the Falcon GT nameplate was first introduced in Australia in 1967.

Sales

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Year
2005	—								3,642	5,064
2006		4,743		2,563	3,388	3,951	3,703	3,563	2,945		42,390
2007	1,974			2,255	2,801	3,186	2,973	2,852
2008	1,252	2,520	2,322		—

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