Review: Ford AU.I Fairlane and LTD (1999-00)

Overview

The Ford AU Fairlane and LTD were long wheelbase sedans that were released in February and May 1999, respectively. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the rear-wheel drive Ford AU Fairlane and LTD were available with 4.0-litre inline six cylinder and 4.9-litre V8 petrol engines.

Engines: Intech VCT and Windsor V8

Of the engines,

The 4.0-litre Intech VCT six cylinder petrol engine had cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, sequential electronic fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC, chain-driven), variable cam timing (VCT), two valves per cylinder, an EEC V control unit and a compression ratio of 9.65:1. The VCT system used different camshaft profiles to increase torque from 1000-3700 rpm and power beyond 3700 rpm. The VCT module was mounted on the front of the engine and adjusted camshaft timing via an oil pressure-driven helix. Compared to its predecessors, the Intech engine had a more rigid block, a new cylinder head, triple-layered steel head gasket, more rigid crankshaft with larger bearings, lighter Teflon-coated pistons, lighter connecting rods, single conical valve springs, a cast aluminium sump (cross-bolted through the main bearing caps), electronic distributorless ignition system (EDIS) and a ‘limp home’ mode which enabled the engine to keep running without coolant fluid. Furthermore, a flexible decoupler between the exhaust manifold and new catalytic converter enabled a lower idle speed of 550 rpm;
The 4.9-litre pushrod Windsor V8 engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, two valves per cylinder, EEC V engine management and a compression ratio of 9.1:1. For the AU range, the V8 engines were based on a later generation small block developed for the predecessor, this V8 engine had GT 40 P cylinder heads with centralised platinum spark plugs, a ‘high flow’ fuel intake system, new inlet manifold and distributorless ignition.

Transmissions

The AU Fairlane and LTD were available with four-speed BTR M93LE and M97LE automatic transmissions for the six and eight cylinder models, respectively. For the AU range, the automatic transmissions were upgraded with:

A multi-groove C1 (clutch #1) plate friction elements for smoother gear engagements; and,
A ‘variable pressure solenoid’ which improved shift quality.

Development and dimensions

Developed in conjunction with the AU Falcon at a cost of $700 million, the AU Fairlane and LTD had a new body structure with straightened side rails that were welded together to a beam behind the front bumper. With its new body structure, the AU Fairlane and LTD achieved a 20.7 per cent increase in longitudinal bending rigidity and an 18.7 per cent increase in torsional rigidity.

Other innovations for the AU Fairlane and LTD included new headlights for a 30 per cent increase in light projection, triple weather-strip sealing for the doors (previously double weather-strips) and new sound proofing materials – sourced from OrbSeal Australia – which expanded during the paint baking process to fill gaps and cavities more effectively.

Compared to their NL Fairlane and DL LTD predecessors, the AU Fairlane and LTD were 18 mm longer (at 5140 mm), 11 mm wider (1872 mm) and 13 mm taller (1447 mm), though the wheelbase was unchanged (2919 mm).

Suspension

The Ford AU Fairlane and LTD had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link, double wishbone independent rear suspension that had adjustable toe links and was isolated via a rear subframe.

Ford AU.I Fairlane/LTD specifications
Model	Variant	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Fairlane	Ghia, Millennium	4.0-litre Intech VCT petrol I6	4sp auto	168 kW at 4900 rpm	370 Nm at 3000 rpm
Fairlane	Ghia	4.9-litre Windsor petrol V8	4sp auto	175 kW at 4600 rpm	395 Nm at 3200 rpm
LTD	N/A	4.0-litre Intech VCT petrol I6	4sp auto	168 kW at 4900 rpm	370 Nm at 3000 rpm
LTD	N/A	4.9-litre Windsor petrol V8	4sp auto	185 kW at 5000 rpm	412 Nm at 3500 rpm

Safety equipment and brakes

Standard safety equipment for the Ford AU Fairlane and LTD included dual front airbags, ABS and traction control.

The AU.I Fairlane and LTD had 287 mm by 24 mm vented front brake discs and 287 mm by 10.5 mm solid rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the Ford AU Fairlane Ghia included 16-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker 250 watt sound system with separate amplifier and subwoofer and a six-stack CD magazine in the boot, climate control air conditioning, leather seats (Warm Charcoal or Medium Graphite), a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a trip computer and an immobiliser. Inside, there was also a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift and park brake handle and woodgrain and chrome interior trim.

Beyond this, the Ford AU LTD added specially designed Howe leather seats, a power sunroof and alarm system. Visually, the LTD could be identified by its unique grille, 16-inch polished alloy wheels and different rear applique.

1999 Ford Fairlane Millennium

In December 1999, a Millennium edition of the Fairlane was released. Available solely with the 4.0-litre engine, the Fairlane Millennium was distinguished by its 17-inch five-spoke Tickford alloy wheels with P225/50 R17 tyres, wooden switch surround for the centre console, ‘Millennium’ embossed logos on the front seats and floor mats and an alarm system. Visually the Fairlane Millennium could be identified by its unique headlights with ‘smoked quartz’ surrounds and ‘Millennium’ badging.