By: IOL Motoring Staff
Campbellfield, Australia - Ford has released the first pictures of its facelifted Falcon and Territory models ahead of what will surely be the Australian division's most bittersweet model introductions ever.
What you're seeing in the gallery above are the last Falcon and Territory models that will ever be produced. Their fate was already sealed last year when Ford decided that it would shut its Australian manufacturing facilities, consequently discontinuing production of the locally-brewed models. Ford blamed the move on flagging sales as well as rising production costs on the back of a strong Australian dollar and other factors.
The only sweetness in this bitter scenario is that the Falcon is going out with a big bang. Not only does the facelift bring a rather aggressive front end inspired by the Mustang and Fusion, but Ford Australia is also bringing back V8 power along with the legendary XR8 badge.
Ford has not yet delved into any specific technical details, except to confirm that the updated rear-wheel drive sedan will offer the choice of EcoBoost four, in-line six and V8 petrol power.
The company has also released the first picture of its facelifted Territory crossover SUV, which is based on the Falcon. But as with the sedan, any useful details are smothered in silence.
Falcon and Territory fans will be having their own moments of silence.