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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Ford Falcon BA XR6 Turbo is a compelling answer to the sports sedan America missed: an Australian-built, rear-drive performance sedan whose turbocharged six was pitched directly against Holden’s Commodore SS. That is an argued pick, not a universal ranking—there is no sourced study that settles which Ford sports sedan was best. The sharper point is that Ford sold distinct performance sedans in Australia and Europe while American buyers did not get this Falcon.
Why the BA Falcon XR6 Turbo is the pick
When Ford introduced the BA Falcon range in 2002, its XR6 Turbo joined the Australian sports-sedan contest as a turbocharged six-cylinder alternative to the V8-powered Holden Commodore SS. GoAuto’s launch coverage described the XR6 Turbo as a locally built performance six intended to challenge the V8 class. Its importance is not that it wins a measured comparison with every rival; it is that Ford offered a different answer to the big rear-drive performance sedan: turbocharged six-cylinder power in a full-size Australian car.
GoAuto reviewer Marton Pettendy wrote at launch that the XR6 Turbo was “poised to shake up the local sports sedan market and create some headaches for Holden in the process.” That period assessment captures the car’s role in its home market, rather than proving an objective ranking. GoAuto’s 26 November 2002 Falcon XR6 Turbo overview
What “America missed out” means
The Falcon XR6 Turbo was an Australian-market car in the contemporary coverage cited here. The available evidence does not show that Ford formally considered exporting every Falcon generation to the United States, so it would be too broad to say America rejected a planned XR6 Turbo launch. “Missed out” is best understood as a contrast between Ford’s regional lineups: Australia had this locally built sports sedan, while the US did not.
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- Compatible with the 2002-2008 Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo
- Full aluminum construction including durable, TIG-welded end tanks
- Features a two-row, 1.57" thick, efficiently brazed aluminum core
- Includes Magnetic Drain Plug to capture any metallic debris/fragments in your cooling system
- Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty
A separate decision came in 2016, after the Falcon was discontinued. WhichCar reported that Ford Australia did not pursue the US-built, twin-turbo V6 Fusion as a spiritual successor because projected demand was too low. Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman called the idea “a tough business proposition.” That was a decision about the Australian market and the Fusion—not evidence that Ford had evaluated exporting the Falcon to America. WhichCar’s 1 December 2016 report on the proposed XR6 Turbo replacement
How the European Mondeo ST220 fits in
The XR6 Turbo was not Ford’s only regional performance-sedan idea. Europe had the Mondeo ST220, a useful counterpoint: a front-wheel-drive family-car platform turned into a performance flagship, rather than Australia’s large rear-drive Falcon. Ford-Werke’s 2002 announcement listed the ST220 as a four- and five-door sedan and wagon for summer 2002, powered by a 3.0-litre, 24-valve V6 rated at 166 kW (226 PS). Ford quoted 0–100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and a 243 km/h top speed. Those are manufacturer figures from the period announcement, not a common independent test against the Falcon. The announcement also detailed cooling changes, including a larger radiator, stronger water pump, revised cylinder-head cooling and an oil cooler. Ford-Werke GmbH’s 12 April 2002 ST220 announcement
Rank #2
- Fitment: Fit for Ford Falcon XR6 BA / BF FPV F6, for GT30 GT35 Flange Turbocharger
- Specification: Oil Return Line: Length: 600mm, AN10; Oil Feed Line: Length: 1000mm, AN4 (7/16"-20), 1/8npt
- Feature: The kit provides a anodized look, and gives a best cooling on your turbo and long lasting life
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Ford’s historical Team RS page traces the performance lineage further back: it identifies the ST24 Mondeo as the first ST vehicle, in 1996, and describes the 2002 ST170/North American SVT Focus collaboration. That history helps explain the breadth of Ford’s performance work, but does not establish that each model was sold in every market. Ford’s Team RS history
Falcon XR6 Turbo and Fusion: useful context, not a head-to-head test
WhichCar’s 2016 report gave the twin-turbo Fusion figures of 242 kW and 475 Nm, and the discontinued Falcon figures of 270 kW and 533 Nm. These are publication-era specifications reported in a news story, not results from a like-for-like independent test. The cars belong to different generations and configurations, so the figures provide context for the replacement discussion—not a sound basis for declaring one faster or better.
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- It can increase engine power by 30% -50% and torque by 20% -40% without significantly increasing engine volume and weight, achieving "small displacement, large power".
- By compressing the intake air volume, the air density inside the engine cylinder is increased to help fuel burn more fully, thereby enhancing engine power output (especially suitable for small displacement engines to improve efficiency and torque).
- The turbine relies on the high-temperature and high-pressure exhaust gas emitted by the engine to drive rotation, without the need for additional consumption of the engine's own power, and belongs to the "exhaust gas reuse" power enhancement device.
- The advantage is significant in high-altitude areas, which can compensate for the decrease in engine power caused by thin plateau air and maintain a power output level close to that of plain areas.
- GT3582 Turbo Compatible For Ford Falcon BA/BF XR6 FPV & 64mm Piping Kits & Intercooler 76
What makes the XR6 Turbo a convincing choice
- A distinct performance formula: its turbocharged six-cylinder identity set it apart from the V8 rival it was built to challenge.
- A clear local role: contemporary coverage placed it in Australia’s sports-sedan market, rather than treating it as a niche styling package.
- A real regional contrast: the Falcon, Mondeo ST220 and later Fusion proposal show Ford pursuing different performance-sedan ideas across markets.
On that basis, the BA Falcon XR6 Turbo is a strong choice for this title: not a proven universal “best,” but a particularly persuasive Ford sports sedan that US buyers did not get.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Part Name: Turbocharger
- Part Number:3R239G438AD
- Application:fit for Ford Engine
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Rank #4
- Fit For Ford Falcon BA BF V8 Fairmont XR8 & XR6 Turbo
- Core Size Approx: 418mm * 650* mm * 50mm
- Overall Size Approx: 770mm * 500mm * 130mm
- Inlet/outlet: 35mm/38mm
- High quality full T-6061 aluminum construction core; Tank made of reinforced heat and wearing resisting aluminum
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