Lightning

Are you stalking me? Seriously though, you're damned close - it's the 135i. Well done. Bye guys! Cheers, Lightning....

Just as a "finish-off" to this thread, I've ordered my replacement for the 2003 XR6 Turbo. No, it's not a Falcon. I just didn't like it. Here are the specs of my new wheels to be. See if you can guess what it is: Engine (Twin Turbo) Fuel type: petrol Capacity: 2,979 cc Number of cylinders: 6 Cylinder layout: in-line Number of valves: 24 Fuel supply: 2nd generation HPI direct injection Power output: 306 hp at 5,800 rpm Max. torque: 400 Nm from 5,000 rpm Transmission Rear wheel drive Gearbox: 6-speed manual Steering Electro-hydraulic rack-and-pinion Turning circle: 10.7 m Brakes Front brakes: ventilated discs (338 mm) Rear brakes: ventilated discs (324 mm) Option: ABS Suspension Front: double-joint spring-strut front axle with strut brace Rear: five-link rear axle DSC: standard, can be completely deactivated Wheels : 18-inch alloys Tyres: Front: 215/40 R, Rear: 245/35 R Dimensions (m) Length: 4.36 Width: 1.748 Height: 1.408 Wheelbase: 2.66 Max. boot capacity (dm3): 370 Fuel tank capacity (litres): 53 Unladen weight (kg): 1,560 Performance Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) (s): 5.3 Fuel consumption (l/100 km) Urban: 13 Extra urban: 7 Combined: 9.2 CO2 emissions (g/km): 220

If anyone's interested - I have got a firm offer from a dealer for $22K cash and as a trade on a new (non-Ford dealer, so they'd have to wholesale) of $19,500. So, I would guess a private sale may get me up to $25K if I'm lucky. Now I just have to work out which way I am going.

Settle. I didn't say I was anywhere near doing it. Just that I'd consider it. I did and rejected the idea. Easy. Lightning...

PM sent. I've decided what route I'm going, so am happy in my own mind which is all that matters. Cheers guys, Lightning...

Thanks for the comments guys, all taken on board. Yeah, I like the new ICC in the FG's too, but you can't win 'em all! To smickey, he definately said 25x 2008 BF Typhoon F6's (he is the CEO of a dealer group, not just a single yard, so...). Don't think he'd fib to me (no reason to), but who knows? Anyway, time will tell! We'll see what happens. Depends on whether they have one with the options I want, the colour etc. Lightning....

Hi guys, I have a 2003 BA XR6T and am looking to trade up as it's now 5 years old. I checked out the FG's last week and don't like them aesthetically. I was looking at the XR6T or the G6E-T (or whatever its bl**dy name is) but just don't like too much. Don't hang me for that, that's just me. Now, when I drive one, I may get over it, we'll see. However, the Ford dealer that I am talking to has apparently bought 25x 2008 FPV Typhoon's and suggested that this may be an alternative option. What are the thoughts of anyone who's done a similar changeover? (Senna, don't kill me :banghead: ) Lightning....

Thanks for quoting the whole msg, saleen. And, in answer to your seemingly immature question, no. Cheers for your valuable input. Lightning....

The presenter at the Perth Motor Show kept on harping on about a souped up FPV vehicle based on the G6E, I'm positive he said it was going to be based on the V8. Lightning....

Agreed 110%, I'm glad I didn't pay. Thanks Ford MoCo. Well, well, that makes two of us. Simon....

Absolutely agree 100%. It's the sum of them all, that's all. I remember seeing the BA XR6 at the (I think) 2002 Motor Show and thinking "I'll have myself one of those". Went back half a dozen times to look at it, sit in it and walk around it. I got the brochure posted to me and read the damned thing in bed several nights in a row. Today's experience was nothing like this, which is sad (for me, I know). I'm just expressing my thoughts. I have no doubt that others will like all the things I don't. That's cool. As others said, you can't please all of the people all of the time. I'm just disappointed there's so much I didn't like, that's all. I said I like the side badges and the indicators in the mirrors. I suspect you can't remove them without filling in the hole where the indicators used to be anyway. The FPV girl indicated that the GT wouldn't have both, to comply with ADR, hence my comment. Lightning....

Thanks for the laugh, Grudgee To hanra, I'm not installing it. Beyond my motoring technical skills! Hehe. Simon....

Photo's are here: http://simonb.zenfolio.com/p297631764 Simon....

Hi guys and girls, Okay, I'm going to go out on what I fear to be my lonesome here and say that I don't like the looks of the new Ford FG's that I was considering upgrading to from my current BA XR6T. That is, specifically, the new XR6T and the G6E Turbo. Before I get crucified, let me stress that this is just after a look 'in the flesh' at the Perth Motor Show this morning and not a drive, which I will still do. Why? It's a bit hard to explain, but I am very fussy (I'll be the first to admit it) aesthetically and I just don't like the look of a lot of things, especially interiors. Here's some of the things I didn't like: The interior door handles in the front of the T look terrible, they're too small and feel like they'll break if you pull 'em too hard. The XR6 logo's have been moved from the side skirt to the rear door corner. The dial's on the dash (RPM and speedo) are terrible with the blue outer circle. While I love the new full colour display and its relocation above the air-con vents, the round clock on the display - I don't like. I don't like all the cheap looking silver plastic around the controls in the console. I don't like the look of the new handbrake. The cup holders without a cover over it looks terrible. The scupltured controls on the steering wheel so that blind people can see the previously 'hidden' buttons look cheap. The window controls look cheap. Sorry, I'm not keen on the door handles. Specifically, in the GE6 Turbo (which I was seriously considering), I can't STAND the shiny black plastic all over the dash where the T and the BA had silver. Yuck. Enough to put me off, sorry Ford, talk about a fingerprint and dust magnet! Also in the GE6 Turbo, the steering paddle controls are silver and, again, feel like they're made of cheap plastic. In the GT, I don't like the way the starter button is on the side with the FPV logo and the GT badge and number on the other side (build?). Waste of space, IMO. I like the lid and the feel of the centre console. The things I do like: The ICC display, it's really nice and what the BA should have been. It looks huge! I'll even grow to like the previously mentioned round digital clock. I love all of the previously hidden options being available. I love the iPod integration. I like the look from the front, of the T. I like the look, externally, of the G6E Turbo, including the badges where the turn indicators would normally be. I like the mirror mounted indicators on the higher end models (I didn't know that you had to remove the normal side indicators when they did this) Anyway, that's my list. If anyone wants to see photo's, let me know. Nothing special, but some interior shots. Sorry guys, I don't mean to be a damp squib and this is just my personal view, but I am quite disappointed now. I just didn't get that "gotta have one" with regards to the XR6T or the G6E Turbo. I did like the FPV GT, I must say, though I think that may be outside my budget though! About the show in general, all I can say is that I'm very glad I didn't pay $16 to get in. For that, I sincerely thank Ford Motor Co. Cheers and I am off to cry over dinner, I was really looking forward to a new Ford. Seriously. Simon....

Hi all, For the 2nd time in about 6 months, the front left hand indicator on the BA T has failed. On both occasions (this time for sure, last time I am pretty sure) the problem was intermittent for a couple of days and then gone for good. Last time, took it to the dealer and they replaced globe and all was good. Now that this has occured again so soon, along with it not working - working - not working - working - not working, it seems a bit sus. Anyone got any ideas, or do you reckon it's just one of those things? edit: Okay, I can't type, but I can't find out how to edit the damned topic title! Simon....

Sorry guys, looks like it's going to be too hard to pass on the access. Ford called me this morning and it's too late for tickets, so is via an "Invite List" at the door. I was told that ID would be required. So, I'm going to go after all. I will take the camera and see what photo's I get. Cheers, Simon....

I'm going to call the number on Monday (not attended over the weekend) and get the tickets. Assuming they send to me, the first person to PM me who can collect from Yokine or Belmont can grab them for nix, but you have to give me a report! Simon....

Thanks, appreciate the speedy response. I'll take your advice. I have a balloon on the existing finance, so I will refinance that and that will buy me some time to organise a test drive. Supplementary question, did anyone mention why there's no factory sunroof option in the FG's? Most disappointing. Simon....

Senna, I currently own, from new, a 2003 BA manual T with leather, upgraded brakes, premium sound with a sports steering wheel. Am I going to be impressed with either the T or the GE6T (or is it the G6ET, who comes up with this sh*t)? I am going to be looking at them when at the Motor Show next weekend, but I am interested in your thoughts. Nice articles, by the way. I have been toying with going European, mainly just because of the clunky driveline of my existing vehicle, plus the infamous shhh-shhh-shhh (which appears to have been fixed 12 months ago, funnily enough). I love the performance of the T, but it's a bit basic inside. Simon....

I got an SMS too, on Friday, with the same details. So, not sure if they're specifically targeting individuals or not. I am going, but not on the day that the ticket states (working). Let's see, general admission is $16, this is a VIP ticket, so that makes it worth.... Simon....

Well, Ford certainly are taking their marketing thing seriously. My finance ends (well, except for the balloon) in may this year. I got free tickets to the cricket late last year and now I get a 'VIP' invite to view the new Falcon at the Perth Motor Show 'before the public are admitted' (albeit only by one hour). Now, I don't think I can go as it's a work day and I've had a bit of time off lately, but I am looking at upgrading Ford, so keep it coming! If they had a factory fitted sunroof option, it'd be an easier decision! Simon....

Thanks Maximus, as I said, I'll work on $20K and see what happens. Got the kay's wrong, by the way, it's just a shade over 66,000. Cheers and Happy New Year to all!

Thanks guys, I'll work on $20K and see if I am pleasantly surprised or not. Might be time to chat to my friendly Ford dealer before the 2008 models come out. Are there are threads on it? I'll have a search. Not sure if I want to get v1 of a new car again though. Simon....