Delayed: Ford's 4-cylinder Falcon

[Brazen]

I kind of wish Ford chose a different approach to Ecoboost Falcon, as in they tried to launch it with its own identity

Originally Posted by Brazen's Pretend Drive Article

Ford today announced a new 4 cylinder car to be built at its Victorian plant, based on impressive EcoBoost technology, the 4 cylinder car will utilise direct injection and turbo technology to deliver class-leading power and economy.

To be based on the Rear Wheel Drive Falcon the car codenamed 'Blue Heeler' is expected to begin production in 2012.

Drive understands the vehicle to be basically a Falcon with different bumpers and lights and other small differences to seperate it from the well-established large car nameplate. The new car will be to Falcon much like the Camry is to Aurion - which are essentially the same car apart from minor cosmetic tweaks and a different engine.

Ford Spokesperson Sinead McAlry said the new vehicle will "Cater to buyers used to the power and space of a large Aussie rear-wheel drive sedan, yet who want the economy of a mid-sized 4 cylinder".

Ford also announced a competition to name the new car, Drive was quick to suggest Cortina to Sinead McAlry, but it appears to be already ruled out "Whilst Cortina was a great car, we want to move away from the past as we believe this new vehicle is a total shift away from what people expect in the market today"

An anonymous Ford insider has suggested this new 4 cylinder car will be used to chase fleet and 4 cylinder buyers who would of traditionally dismissed buying a Falcon because of its 'gas guzzling' reputation. The insider also stated that Falcon will drop the XT variant and focus more on sports and luxury buyers. With Falcon sales at all time low there is a lot of pressure on this 4 cylinder variant to succeed. Drive will have more details on this new car when Ford's technical roll-out begins in May.