Falcon Facts: EL Falcon

The new grille, which was not to everyone’s taste, was an oval shape, in keeping with Ford’s then global design theme (think Taurus, Mondeo). There were new headlights, bonnet and front bumper. Fairmont models featured new chrome grilles and the XR models' quad-headlights were slightly changed. At the back, the Fairmonts gained a new number plate surround in between the unchanged tail lights, while all other models now had amber indicators. Wagon indicators were now white. Completing the visual changes were new badges and new ugly wheel designs for every model.
The suspension on the EL Falcon was a giant leap forward from the EF. It was developed by a Tickford engineer, and a balance was achieved between sharper handling and a quiet soft ride. Alterations to angles, settings and dampers also gave the Falcon better straight line stability and a softer impact over bumps. Falcon’s front and rear suspension set-ups were now working in harmony.
Improvements were made to the steering and the Fairmont Ghia now featured speed-sensitive power steering which meant less effort at parking speeds without affecting steering feel at higher speeds. Changes to get rid of interior noise made the EL even more quiet.
Safety wasn’t forgotten, with the EL picking up the latest generation Bosch 5.3 anti-lock braking, still optional on the GLi. The windscreen and windows were protected by Smart Tint, offering the same protection as SPF15 sunscreen. Smart Tint also resulted in much lower temperatures inside the cabin.
Inside, the car was freshened up even more. There were new colour schemes, and buttons and switches were colour-coordinated instead of being black. The front seat backs were reshaped, as were the front and rear head restraints, while lumbar adjustment was improved and the seats were trimmed in lighter and more airy fabrics.
Other changes included mobile phone wiring and for the wagons, an optional cargo barrier and optional third-row front-facing kids seat.

Ford EL Falcon

On Sale: October 1996 - September 1998

How do I know it's an EL? GLi and Futura: Oval-shaped grille with Ford badge, bulging bonnet, rear amber indicators (wagon has clear rear indicators). XR6, XR8: Like Futura, with new quad-headlight design, spoiler, body kit, with red or black side stripes. Fairmont, Fairmont Ghia: Formal chrome grille, chrome stripes, sedans have rear number plate surround. All models have new badges.

Models available:
Falcon GLi:
Falcon Futura:
Falcon XR6:
Falcon XR8:
Fairmont:
Fairmont Ghia:

sedan, wagon
sedan, wagon
sedan
sedan
sedan, wagon
sedan

Option packs/prototypes/limited editions:

Falcon Classic:

Falcon ‘S’ Pack:

Falcon Sapphire:

Falcon Sapphire II:

Falcon Predator:

Falcon XR8 Sequential:

(Limited Edition) Available on GLi and Futura. Air conditioning, alloy wheels, metallic paint, passenger airbag, pinstriping. March - June 1997
(Limited Edition) $3500 extras at no extra cost. Air conditioning, sports alloys, 6 stack CD player, ‘S’ Pack pinstriping. January 1998.
(Limited Edition) Available on GLi and Futura, $3500 extras at no extra cost, to fight Holden’s VT Commodore. Air conditioning, new-design 15 inch alloys, pinstriping and badges, no cost metallic paint. GLi: cruise control. Futura: passenger airbag. August - December 1997.
(Limited Edition) Available on GLi and Futura, $3500 extras at no extra cost. Air conditioning, 15 inch alloys, pinstriping and badges, no cost metallic paint. GLi: cruise control, front power windows. Futura: passenger airbag, velour interior. March - August 1998.
(Prototype) Tickford engineered, supercharged, LPG-powered Falcon with XR6 engine, 230kW/468Nm, 0 to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, 18 inch wheels. Finished in Orange Copper, chrome mesh grille, Recaro seats, Audio Visual system.

(Prototype) Created by Ford, Tickford and others. 5-speed manual sequential gearbox, similar to a motorcycle gear change, reworked 5L V8 putting out around 215kW, 19 inch Speedline magnesium wheels. Exterior is Mexican Fire, which changes colour depending on the light, with willow green leather interior.

What’s new? Bosch 5.3 anti-lock brakes, improved suspension

Falcon Firsts:

Prices at introduction: Falcon GLi sedan - $29594, Falcon XR6 - $38442, Fairmont Ghia - $46251

Total ELs built: 133461

Transmission: 5 speed manual, 4 speed automatic

Engines:
4.0L 6 cyl
Bore and stroke: 92 x 99 mm
Power: 157kW at 4900rpm
Torque: 357Nm at 3000rpm
Overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.3:1

5.0L V8
Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm
Power: 165kW at 4500rpm
Torque: 388Nm at 3000rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.0:1

4.0L 6 cyl (Fairmont Ghia)
Bore and stroke: 93 x 99 mm
Power: 162kW at 4900rpm
Torque: 361Nm at 3000rpm
Overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.3:1

4.0L 6 cyl (XR6)
Bore and stroke: 93 x 99 mm
Power: 164kW at 5000rpm
Torque: 366Nm at 3000rpm
Overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.3:1

5.0L V8 (XR8, up to October 1997)
Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm
Power: 170kW at 4500rpm
Torque: 398Nm at 3000rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.0:1

5.0L V8 (XR8, October 1997-)
Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm
Power: 185kW at 4500rpm
Torque: 402Nm at 3100rpm
Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.0:1

Fuel consumption: AS2877 City/Highway per 100km: 12.5L/7.4L (GLi 4L auto sedan)

Performance:
(Falcon Futura 4L sedan, 4 speed auto)
Top speeds in gears
1st: 81km/h
2nd: 133km/h
3rd: 180km/h (speed limited)
4th: 180km/h (speed limited)
0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds
Standing 400m: 17.0 seconds

(Falcon Futura XR6, 4 speed auto)
Top speeds in gears
1st: 75km/h
2nd: 124km/h
3rd: 173km/h
4th: 220km/h
0-100km/h: 8.7 seconds
Standing 400m: 16.4 seconds

Suspension:
Front
Short and long arm, long spindle with single rate coil springs, twin tube telescopic shock absorbers mounted coaxially within the coil spring, stabiliser bar. Heavy duty suspension - heavy duty springs and heavy duty shock absorbers. XR6, XR8 - 66N/mm springs, 30mm diameter Monroe gas shock absorbers, 2 piece progressive rate rubber tension/tie bar bushes with metal collar, lower control arm inner bushes with unique durometer rubber to give consistent tyre/patch road contact.

Rear
Sedan - Live axle, four trailing arms with Watts linkage, twin tube telescopic shock absorbers, single rate coil springs and stabiliser bar; Wagon - Live axle with leaf springs, twin tube telescopic shock absorbers, increased ride height; XR6, XR8 - 30mm diameter Monroe gas shock absorbers, upper longitudinal links differently angled design with higher front pivots, stabiliser bar, urethane/rubber drop link bushes replace rubber

Brakes:
Front
Power assisted 287mm ventilated discs, anti-lock braking standard (GLi optional)

Rear
Power assisted 287mm discs, anti-lock braking standard (GLi optional)

Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion

Wheels:
Falcon GLi, Futura - 15 x 6 inch steel, 15 inch alloy optional
Falcon XR6, XR8 - 15 x 7 inch 6 spoke alloy
Fairmont - 15 x 7 inch 12 spoke alloy
Fairmont Ghia - 15 x 7 inch 8 spoke alloy
Optional on all models - 16 x 7 inch alloy

Tyres:
Falcon GLi, Futura, Fairmont & Fairmont Ghia - P205/65 HR15 steel belt radial ply, Falcon XR6, XR8 - P205/65 HR15 steel belt radial ply sports tyres. Optional on all models - Yokohama P225/50 VR16

Dimensions:

Length:
Width:
Height:
Wheelbase:
Front track:
Rear track:
Kerb weight:
Turning circle:
Fuel tank:
Boot space:

Sedan
4906mm
1861mm
1453mm
2791mm
1566mm
1547mm
1536kg
10.9m
68 litres
465 litres

Wagon
5042mm
1856mm
1529mm
2923mm
1566mm
1547mm
1600kg
11.3m
72 litres
1473 litres

Interior dimensions:

Front headroom:
Rear headroom:
Front shoulder room:
Rear shoulder room:
Front hip room:
Rear hip room:
Front legroom:
Rear legroom:

Sedan
974mm
974mm
1518mm
1512mm
1495mm
1245mm
1081mm
992mm

Wagon
983mm
1039mm
1518mm
1517mm
1495mm
1245mm
1081mm
992mm

Features (at introduction): Legend

Automatic
Air conditioning
Power steering
Power windows
Power mirrors
Immobiliser
Central locking
Radio cassette
(speakers)
CD player
Steering adj.
Seat height adj
Seats
Speedometer
Tachometer
Cruise control
Driver Airbag
Pass. Airbag
ABS brakes
Alloy wheels
Cup holders

Falcon GLi
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X
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• (4)
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cloth
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Falcon Futura
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front
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• (6)
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cloth
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Falcon XR6
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front
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cloth
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Falcon XR8
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front
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• (6)
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cloth
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opt
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Fairmont
•
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• (8)
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velour
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opt
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Fairmont Ghia
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• (9)
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leather
•
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Awards:

Rivals: Holden VS/VT Commodore, Mitsubishi TE/TF Magna, Toyota Vienta, Toyota Camry V6

EL Falcon Links (new window)

Falcon Facts: EL Falcon GT
Falcon Facts: XH Falcon Ute/Van
Falcon Facts: NL Fairlane / DL LTD
Falcon Facts: EF Falcon
Falcon Facts: AU Falcon

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