AU1 TE50, TS50 and TL50 – aka ‘T1’
The TE50, TS50 and TL50, introduced in 1999 as part of the Ford Tickford experience, are based on the Australian Ford Falcon and Fairlane. The design of the exterior of the cars is based on subtle differentiation rather than overt sportiness. A distinctive chrome mesh grill and body coloured headlamp bezels are signature features of the T-Series, setting them apart from Falcons, Fairmonts and Fairlanes on the road. Other differentiating features include a bodycolour bonnet lip and unique front and rear bumper moulding.
The TE50 has a mesh lower grill below the bumper bar, while the TS50 features an “egg crate”-style air intake. The more aggressive open grille of the TS50 aids engine bay airflow. This is one of the styling features which distinguishes the TS from the TE.
The sportiness of the T-Series is also reflected in the styling of the fully equipped interior. The interior trim and layout of the T-Series suggests that while it is a performance car, it is not aimed at the boy racer. Polycarbonate highlights gently push the technology theme. The instrument display has high-tech, graphite like highlights, while the instrument cluster features sporty blue-on-white graphics. It stays simple, clear and easy to read.
“This is a driver’s car and it is a luxury car. The interior we designed had to reflect those facts. We also wanted to create an environment in which the driver is included, in to isolated from other occupants, so there is a spaciousness to the whole design. I think there is also vitality, an atmosphere of precision & modernity” (Ania Van Oxenburg, Color and Trim Supervisor)
The engines
All cars are powered by the powerful 5.0 litre V8 “Synergy 5000” engine which delivers 220kW (295bhp) in the TS50 and 200kw in it’s stable mates. When you drive a car with these engines, you’ll notice it’s not just the volume of power, but it’s the way the power is delivered with such impressive smoothness, thanks to the technological expertise of the engineers at Ford and Tickford. The synergy concerns the sum of all the parts. Among them, roller rockers for low friction valve actuation that gives the engine a pleasantly free revving characteristic. To promote engine breathing, the profile of the high lift camshaft allows the valves to stay open longer, increasing the throughput of the air/fuel mixture and facilitating exhaust gas emission through the unique exhaust manifold. The 220kW engine has aluminium cylinder heads with larger ports and a unique throttle body to further enhance engine breathing.
The exhaust has been modified, with higher flow catalysts and a low restriction exhaust manifold halping to ensure that gases can flow out of the engine as efficiently as air is drawn in. The distinctive V8 Falcon burble has not been lost in the enhancements.
The TS50 and TL50 feature an electronic sports shift transmission with wheel mounted shift selection buttons. The driver can choose between the standard automatic transmission or the Electronic sports shift by hitting a switch on the centre console. This transmission is standard on the TS50 and TL50 and optional on the TE50.
The TL50 is the sole LWB model in the T-Series range and was based on a Fairlane Ghia.