Staying true to tradition, the new Ute is essentially a more practical version of the rear-wheel drive Falcon sedan. It looks much bolder than the outgoing model thanks to a muscular front end characterized by sharp headlights, a trapezoidal radiator grille and a bulged hood. Ford is keeping pictures of the Ute’s business end under wraps until the truck is formally unveiled next month in Melbourne.
Inside, the Ute is fitted with a simple, function-oriented dashboard and an easy-to-read analog instrument cluster. All models come standard with a large touch screen that runs Ford’s SYNC2 infotainment system, power seats and Bluetooth connectivity.
Related: 2015 Mustang production begins
The base Falcon Ute is powered by a 4.0-liter straight-six engine that sends 261 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers looking to keep their fuel budget in check can order a LPG-burning version of the six straight from the factory.
The more powerful Falcon Ute XR6 (pictured) gains a turbocharged version of the straight-six that has been tuned to churn out 362 ponies and 392 pound-feet of twist. Aimed largely at enthusiasts, the turbo six can be linked to either a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually or a six-speed manual.
The Ford Falcon Ute is scheduled to go on sale across Australia next November. Production will run until October of 2016, when Ford will shutter its Australian factories for costs reasons.
Ford has previously hinted the Falcon will be replaced by a market-specific version of the Fusion. Transforming the Fusion into a small pickup truck would be a wildly expensive endeavor, so the Ford Falcon Ute will be relegated to the history books once production of the new model stops.
