Barra caught in the spotlight...

A couple of months ago, the company launched a calculated program of drip-feed information to try to hook the public and media into a frenzy of speculation about the model that could make or break Henry's Australian manufacturing operation. Among the tactics, it offered to show journalists the car if they accepted a strict secrecy contract until the official release in September. Wisely, few did, and now their stance against such manipulation has been proved correct. Accurate spy photos of the car in the final stages of pre-production testing virtually forced Ford to reveal the real thing prematuely, surely taking the edge off the official announcement. Showing the finished design was the last thing Ford promised to do. Not content to allow Ford to hog the limelight, Toyota then raised the stakes by flying some journalists to New Zealand to see and drive the new Camry. September and October are shaping up for the biggest car war in years, with tens of millions of dollars being lined up for marketing purposes.. All four Australian makers will release new versions of their most important models. It's unprecedented to divulge so much pre-launch information, as Ford and Toyota have done apparently under pressure, and one can only wonder if the new Commodore and Magna will enjoy a consequent benefit of surprise. Nonetheless, publicity about the Falcon, seen here, has excited plenty of interest. It will be known as the BA model. Under a skin changed heavily at front and rear but still unmistakable in profile, the Falcon will offer some very significant upgrades. These include all-new six- and eight-cylinder engines, a new independent rear suspension, new dash shape and interior design, elevtrically-adjustable pedals and BMW-like features such as reverse parking sensors, drive-by-wire accelerator, DVD-based satellite navigation and in-glass antennas. It's a vital car for Ford Australia and of not a little significance for thousands of motorists. Sales of the unloved Falcon AU II have sunk to little more than half those of the VX II Commodore. Government and taxi fleets appear the Falcon's most loyal customers, but it needs to woo back the discretionary private and executive buyers. Stand by for Car Wars. Chris

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