Limited Edition
The Falcon BF Rebel was announced by Ford New Zealand on their dealer sales brochure as a 'Limited Edition'. The BF Rebel was sold from it's release in November 2007 until the debut of the Falcon FG model in May 2008. There are 79 Ford Falcon BF MkII XR6 Rebels in New Zealand (Source: MVD Data Information Analyst, NZ Transport Agency, Private Bag 11777, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand, August 2012).
Origins and History of the XR series
The New Zealand BF Rebel is an upgrade of the Falcon BFII XR6 model. The XR6's and XR8's first appeared in Ford Australia's model line-up in 1991, when Tickford Vehicle Engineering was set up as Ford Australia's high performance car division. Tickford were based in the UK and had a rich history of performance engine development. In association with their newly set up Melbourne facility, Tickford developed enhanced Falcon packages with more powerful engines, sports suspensions and race styled bodykits. Among these were the XR6 (the I6 model) and the XR8 (the Windsor V8 model). These Tickford XR's first appeared in the ED model, and continued through the E series into the AU series.
When the B series began in September 2002, the XR's continued in the line up. The XR6 now shared the same engine specs as the other Falcon I6 models, with a motor named the Barra. A sports suspension and specially designed bodykit remained a part of the XR package, to distinguish these cars from the rest of the model range, and continue their distinctive sports heritage.
When the B series began in September 2002, the XR's continued in the line up. The XR6 now shared the same engine specs as the other Falcon I6 models, with a motor named the Barra. A sports suspension and specially designed bodykit remained a part of the XR package, to distinguish these cars from the rest of the model range, and continue their distinctive sports heritage.
The Barra 190 Engine
The BF Rebel is powered by the Barra 190 engine which is an inline 6 cylinder that develops 190 kW (255 hp) @ 5250 rpm in it's stock form. This motor is known for it's torque, reliability, and longevity. It is likely to have been named after a popular local species of Australian fish called the Barramundi. The Barra has it's origins in the earlier I6's from the Falcon line-up, benefitting from ongoing development and investment by Ford Australia.
The engine's output can be significantly increased by the addition of aftermarket parts. Popular modifications tend to be to the air intake and exhaust, along with custom dyno tuning. Increases of 20 to 30 rwkw can be gained this way, producing an even more powerful motor. A typical performance package would be headers, high flow catalytic converter, bigger bore mandrel bent exhaust from the catalytic converter back to the exhaust rear tip, cold air intake, and a high flow air filter. This coupled with an expert custom dyno tune has produced good gains. For those that want even more, other popular modifications include underdrive kits (lighter pulleys), and high stall converters, which are particularly beneficial for drag racing purposes.
The engine's output can be significantly increased by the addition of aftermarket parts. Popular modifications tend to be to the air intake and exhaust, along with custom dyno tuning. Increases of 20 to 30 rwkw can be gained this way, producing an even more powerful motor. A typical performance package would be headers, high flow catalytic converter, bigger bore mandrel bent exhaust from the catalytic converter back to the exhaust rear tip, cold air intake, and a high flow air filter. This coupled with an expert custom dyno tune has produced good gains. For those that want even more, other popular modifications include underdrive kits (lighter pulleys), and high stall converters, which are particularly beneficial for drag racing purposes.
The ZF 6 Speed Automatic Transmission
The BF Rebel comes standard with the ZF 6HP26 transmission. This transmission was previously reserved for high end luxury and sports cars. Ford Australia introduced it as an option in production cars in 2005.
Also used in Jaguar and BMW, this transmission is highly esteemed and is recognised as a reliable well built transmission of excellent design, that provides for smooth fast acceleration.
Also used in Jaguar and BMW, this transmission is highly esteemed and is recognised as a reliable well built transmission of excellent design, that provides for smooth fast acceleration.
Rebel Interior
BF Rebel seats are a combination of black leather and dark grey suede, with silver stitching and XR logos. The headrests are stitched with the 'REBEL' title. While a few models feature plain grey suede, the larger majority of BF Rebels have circles incorporated into the suede pattern, inspired by the circular patterns found on the seats of the legendary GT40.
Rebel Badging
BF Rebels feature chrome badges with the REBEL script in Italic capital lettering, on the boot and on the left and right front guards.
Rebel 18" Alloy Wheels
18 inch alloy wheels with a distinctive attractive design are part of the BF Rebel package. The 5 spokes have a machined polished alloy face contrasting with the Ford argent colour and a Ford centre cap. These wheels are shod with 245/40 x 18 tyres.
The Rebel Bodykit
When first released in Australia this body kit was known as the Aggressor kit. The side skirt has a scalloped insert, the rear bumper has an added valance, and the front bumper has mini rockers on each side. These are all colour coded with the Ford colour 'argent', which is the same colour used in the bumper inserts found on the BF Typhoon FPV model.