» Get the best price from a Ford dealer When sales are on the wane and the new model is still months away, there's nothing like special value pack editions and a minor cosmetic upgrade to reinvigorate interest.
That's Ford's thinking in releasing the limited edition 'XR Ute by Craig Lowndes' and adding some further visual charm to the XR6 and XR8 sedans.
Starting with the Lowndes Ute, Ford has dumped $6000 retail worth of goodies into the car, charging a premium of just $1000 over the standard car's price.
The package is available for all XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 'Styleside' models, including the E-Gas single-fuel LPG variant of the XR6.
For the extra dosh, Ford equips the limited edition models with 18-inch alloy wheels, a hard tonneau cover with integrated bulge and rear spoiler, Momo steering wheel, prestige audio system with six-disc in-dash CD player, an MP3 audio player input connection and unique "by Craig Lowndes" decals.
The only colours available are Lightning Strike, Octane, Vixen, Conquer and Silhouette.
Buyers can specify the Momo steering wheel in Blue, Grey or Red, according to the exterior and interior colours selected.
Ford plans to sell 650 units of the XR Ute by Craig Lowndes.
The sedans, which were updated mechanically back in July (more here), can be distinguished by a new style of 18-inch alloy wheel fitted to the naturally-aspirated XR6 with six-speed ZF auto and all higher-priced models (XR6 Turbo and XR8).
A five-spoke design (pictured), the wheels are finished in a 'shadow chrome' scheme, comprising a high-gloss Mid-Argent colour. This design is also available as an option for the standard XR6 models with the six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions.
All models, irrespective of market position, gain new side skirts and revised bumpers, with matching 'rockers'. The rockers are finished in a coordinating paint colour. Mirror bodies are also finished in high-gloss Dark Argent.
Both the revised sedans and the Lowndes Ute will debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney later this month.
» Get the best price from a Ford dealer
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