Press Release
How does it work?
DSC combines the advantages of Ford's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) and multiplies the benefits of both.
The best protection against accidents is to avoid them completely and stability control utilises the latest technology from Bosch to provide Falcon with a locally engineered vehicle stability control system.
DSC helps maintain stability when the vehicle approaches its physical limits, through programmed intervention in the braking system and powertrain or a combination of both.
DSC works in tandem with ABS – which prevents the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied – and TCS, which limits wheel spin during acceleration.
Traction control ensures the vehicle remains controllable under heavy acceleration that can occur taking off on slippery roads, negotiating a hill or accelerating out of a corner.
Traction control brakes the driven wheel, which shows a tendency to spin, and adapts the engine torque to obtain maximum traction. The brake control is known as ABD (Automatic Brake Differential) and avoids loss of forward momentum through spinning wheels while maintaining lateral grip.
Sensors located at each wheel calculate the slip of each driven wheel and initiate traction control if slip levels are deemed excessive. Consequently, traction control intervenes on the rear wheels of a Falcon.
The system continually monitors driver input via communication with the Electronic Throttle Control. As soon as the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects a deviation from desired wheel speeds, the speed of the spinning wheel is automatically reduced by brake intervention, without any action on the part of the driver. If the system calculates more intervention is required, the ECU firstly intervenes by retarding spark to reduce excess engine torque, then by limiting throttle angle via an electronic throttle control.
The final level of engine intervention occurs by cutting fuel flow.
DSC is part of the next generation of driving aids, employing the vehicle's braking and engine control system as a tool for 'controlling ' the vehicle by mitigating vehicle skid.
When DSC assumes operation it makes use of the existing braking system. The basic function of the brakes – to decelerate or stop the vehicle – is enhanced as stability control maintains the vehicle's stability and desired course.
DSC incorporates three vital elements in addition to the traction control system hardware – a steering wheel angle sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor and a rotational yaw rate sensor.
The steering wheel sensor constantly monitors steering wheel angle, or the driver's intended direction of travel. The yaw and lateral acceleration sensors track the vehicle's rotation around its vertical axis and its lateral motion.
DSC is constantly working in the background, monitoring all its sensors 25 times a second, to check the driver's steering wheel position, throttle pedal position, whether the driver is braking, and where the vehicle is actually going.
By comparing the actual measured yaw rate with a calculated desired yaw rate, the system is able to intervene early enough to reduce the risk of unwanted skids and potential loss of control.
Specific braking intervention is then directed at individual wheels – such as the inner rear to counter under steer, or the outer front during over steer.
DSC also modulates engine output to reduce wheel spin and vehicle speed when necessary.
All chassis control systems work constantly in the background, monitoring the need for intervention at astonishing speed. DSC monitors its sensors 25 times per second, TCS 50 times per second and ABS 200 times per second.
Driving conditions, which may activate DSC, include:
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Taking a turn too fast
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Moving quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
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Hitting a patch of ice
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Changing lanes on a rutted road
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Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice versa
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Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
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Hitting a curb or bump while turning
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Driving on slick surfaces
For example, if the driver approaches a bend that tightens more sharply than expected, the driver will suddenly turn the wheel in the intended direction of turn, but may be carrying too much speed to safely negotiate the turn.
Or, if a driver swerves rapidly to avoid colliding with an object or another vehicle on the road, the vehicle may not respond quickly enough to following the desired path, or may over-respond, resulting in oversteer.
In both examples dynamic stability control will immediately notice the angle of steering wheel input and the direction of travel and brake the appropriate wheel to help keep the vehicle stable and under control.
Fresh new styling inside & out
In addition to the wider availability of DSC and the six-speed automatic transmission, BF Falcon MkII also introduces a host of exterior design and interior styling upgrades within the Falcon line-up.
Fairmont Ghia leads the way with a new European-inspired sports luxury exterior look, reflected in its new, dark accent headlamp treatment, tapered bonnet, chrome grille, bejewelled fog lights and front bumper finishes, and new seven-spoke 17-inch sports alloy wheels.
An exposed chrome exhaust, XR-style side skirts and rear bumper, and contemporary block font 'Ghia' badging complete the distinctive Fairmont Ghia package, resulting in a fresh, aspirational appeal and bold road presence.
Inside, the BF Fairmont Ghia MkII is a statement in refined elegance, from the black chrome instrument cluster, chrome air vent highlights and black onyx Interior Command Centre to the sumptuous China Beige leather seat trim, suede feel seat backs and door trims, and new front seat headrests.
Falcon XT, Futura and Fairmont receive notable upgrades to the exterior design, including a stylish new tapered bonnet, new grille, an aggressive new front bumper design, sporty new headlamp treatments and revised rear bumpers on sedan models.
Falcon Ute XL, XLS and RTV models also receive the same front end styling enhancements as the Falcon XT, including stylish new tapered bonnet, new grille, aggressive new front bumper and sporty new headlamps. These upgrades further enhance Falcon Ute's car-like positioning and combine to produce the most modern, stylish and sporty looking Falcon Ute ever.
The RTV Ute also picks up some new rugged styled steel wheels, more befitting of a vehicle with the RTV's off-road capabilities, while alloy wheels are available as an option for customers who prefer a sleeker look.
A new addition to the Falcon Ute range at BF MkII is the XR6 Chassis Cab Ute, which was released earlier this year as a special edition with a model run of just 450 units.
Keen interest in the special edition XR6 C/C has seen it become a permanent part of the Falcon Ute line-up, where it combines the practical capability of a cab chassis with the stylish good looks of the XR, meaning customers do not have to compromise looks for functionality.
The XR6 C/C is available with the half-tonne sports suspension and 17-inch five-spoke XR alloy wheels as standard, while for customers that require a heavier payload, a full one-tonne suspension and 16-inch wheel/tyre package is offered as a no cost option.
A new interior environment sets the BF Falcon MkII range of XR sedan and ute models apart from their predecessors, with a new "Chicane" metallic yarn seat trim, new instrument cluster design and satin alloy inserts in the instrument panel.
The new seat trim can also be customised with a wide range of stitching and embroidery colours, which lend the interior a subtle or high impact finish, depending on personal taste.
Colour palette
Five new exterior paint colours herald the arrival of BF Falcon MkII, including three new hero colours and a new Chromaflair® colour for Fairmont Ghia and the XR range, while another two colours – Seduce and Ego – were released in the lead-up to the new model.
Neo – bright and youthful, Neo is a dynamic new blue loaded with energy. One of three new hero colours, Neo is only available on Falcon XR models.
Octane – an intense, retro orange designed to fuel the passion and ignite the senses of XR enthusiasts. One of three new hero colours, Octane is only available on Falcon XR models.
Breeze – a fresh, modern turquoise that creates a visual sensation. One of three new hero colours, Breeze is only available on Falcon XR models.
Obsession – a decadent, dramatic chameleon colour that moves from dark chocolate into cherry (Chromaflair®). Obsession is only available on Falcon XR and Fairmont Ghia models.
Flare – a blazing, earthy orange, Flare emulates the intensity of a sunset on a hot summer's day. Flare is available across the Falcon range.
Bluetooth® mobile phone kit
The release of BF Falcon MkII signals the introduction of a Bluetooth®^ mobile phone kit, available on all Falcon sedan and wagon, Falcon Ute, Fairlane and LTD, and Territory models, as a dealer fit accessory.
Available from December 1, 2006, the Bluetooth® kit allows you to make phone calls from your vehicle with the convenience of a wireless system that is fully integrated into the vehicle's audio system and operated by a single push button control located beneath the Interior Command Centre.
The ICC screen switches to telephone mode automatically when you make or receive a call, while the audio levels can be adjusted by the control buttons on the steering wheel.
The Bluetooth® mobile phone kit allows you to answer a phone call at the touch of a button for the ultimate in hands free communication.
