AU Fairlane/LTD (1999-2003)

Big, bold and brassy was the theme of the new AU Fairlane/LTD, and design cues from Lincoln and Mercury, such as the formal roofline and grille, gave the car a distinctive American personality. Borrowed from the Lincoln Town Car, the headlights were dual round lamps sunk in chromed recesses behind a single clear lens cover.

 

All these formal design features were aimed at an older and more conservative demographic, and were in response to criticism that the previous models shared too much in common with their cheaper Falcon equivalents. This time, the only panels shared with the Falcon (wagon) were the doors and the Fairmont high series bonnet. Falcon’s strong side crease line was present, and at the high, squared-off rear end, large tail lights were linked by a chrome spear.

AU Fairmont’s high series dashboard was used in the Fairlane/LTD’s interior, which was given a large dose of woodgrain and chrome highlights. Redesigned seats, with more thigh and lateral support, were trimmed in leather as standard, and the driver’s seat was electrically adjustable.

Ford’s 4.0L six with variable valve timing was Fairlane’s standard engine, the LTD used the high performance V8 powerplant from the AU Series I XR8. Both engines were much more refined and Ford claimed that the six cylinders were all-new, dubbing them Intech. Suspension was Ford’s new world class double wishbone independent rear suspension, delivering an excellent combination of ride and handling. Traction control gave greater adhesion on slippery or unsealed roads.

Further refinements helped reduce noise, vibration and harshness, with Ford boasting that it was now so quiet, Smart Start was introduced, making it impossible to engage the starter motor while the engine was running.

A Series II upgrade arrived in July 2000, bringing with it memory for the driver’s now 10-way power adjustable seat, and standard satellite navigation in the LTD.

Ford AU Fairlane/LTD
On Sale: March 1999 – July 2000; LTD: June 1999 – July 2000; AU Series II: July 2000 -
How do I know it’s an AU? Bold, American-style sedan, with dual round lights behind single headlight cover, large chrome Fairlane grille (horizontal bars) or LTD grille (vertical bars) with Ford badge in centre, bonnet ornament, AU Falcon side crease line, large square tail lights on either side of chrome “spear” and red strip, chrome alloy wheels (LTD).
Models available:
Fairlane Ghia: LTD: sedan sedan
Option packs/prototypes/limited editions: Fairlane Ghia Millenium:Fairlane Ghia 75th Anniversary: Fairlane Ghia Sportsman: (Limited Edition) $3800 of extras – 17 inch Tickford alloys with low profile tyres, security alarm system, charcoal headlamp surrounds, Millenium logos. December 1999 – April 2000, 250 built.(Limited Edition) Two-tone paint (Liquid Silver or Silhouette over Meteorite), 17 inch “Elegance” alloy wheels, “75th” badge on C-pillar, wood/leather Momo steering wheel, power front seats with memory. November 2000 – March 2001, $51115.(Limited Edition) Two-tone paint, 17 inch “Elegance” alloy wheels, LTD Howe leather seats, wood/leather Momo steering wheel, power front seats with memory, floor mats. April – July 2001, 480 built.
What’s new? New American styling, new interior
Firsts: Independent rear suspension, variable valve timing
Prices at introduction: Fairlane Ghia – $50990, LTD – $64820
Total AUs built: Fairlane Series I: 5129, Fairlane Series II: 5618 (up to Nov 02, car still on sale) LTD Series I: 438, LTD Series II: 374 (up to Nov 02, car still on sale)
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Engines: 4.0L Intech VCT 6 cyl (Fairlane Ghia, LTD opt) Bore and stroke: 92 x 99 mm Power: 168kW at 4900rpm Torque: 370Nm at 3000rpm Overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection Compression ratio: 9.6:1	5.0L V8 (Fairlane Ghia opt) Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm Power: 175kW at 4600rpm Torque: 395Nm at 3200rpm Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection Compression ratio: 9.1:1
5.0L V8 (LTD) Bore and stroke: 102 x 76 mm Power: 185kW at 5000rpm Torque: 412Nm at 3500rpm Pushrod overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder Fuel system: EEC V fuel injection Compression ratio: 9.1:1
Fuel consumption: AS2877 City/Highway per 100km: 13L/8.5L (Fairlane Ghia 4L VCT)
Performance: (Fairlane Ghia V8, 4 speed auto): Top speeds in gears 1st: 84km/h 2nd: 138km/h 3rd: 180km/h (speed limited) 4th: 180km/h (speed limited) 0-100km/h: 8.1 seconds Standing 400m: 16.2 seconds
Suspension: Front Fully independent double wishbone	Rear Fully independent double wishbone (IRS)
Brakes: Front Power assisted ventilated discs with asbestos-free pads, anti-lock braking	Rear Power assisted discs with asbestos-free pads, anti-lock braking
Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion, 3.2 turns lock to lock
Wheels: 16 x 6.5 inch alloy wheels
Tyres: P215/55 HR16 steel belted radials
Dimensions: Length: Width: Height: Wheelbase: Front track: Rear track: Kerb weight: Turning circle: Fuel tank: Boot space: Fairlane/LTD 5140mm 1872mm 1448mm 2919mm 1566mm 1547mm 1676kg 11.3m 68 litres 550 litres	Interior dimensions: Front headroom: Rear headroom: Front shoulder room: Rear shoulder room: Front hip room: Rear hip room: Front legroom: Rear legroom: Fairlane/LTD 991mm 1004mm 1523mm 1509mm 1420mm - 1081mm 1074mm
Features (at introduction): Legend Automatic Air conditioning Power steering Power windows Power mirrors Immobiliser Central locking Radio cassette (speakers) CD player Trip computer Steering adj. Seat height adj Seats Cruise control Driver Airbag Pass. Airbag ABS brakes Alloy wheels Cup holders Sunroof Fairlane Ghia • • • • • • •• (11) • • • 6 way power leather • • • • • • X LTD • • • • • • •• (11) • • • 6 way power leather • • • • chromed • •
Awards:
Fairlane Rivals: Holden WH Statesman LTD Rivals: Holden WH Caprice