Many gearheads in the United States, especially those who prefer international models, know there are many cars we simply don’t get here when they are new. For example, models like the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 are among the more famous “forbidden fruits” that the US went without, along with the versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution before the Evo VIII. While it was deflating back when those were sold new, some of these titans are becoming old enough to step onto American shores.
One of these titans is the 2002 Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo, an Australian model that’s just a few months away from gaining the ability to legally come to the US. What’s standing in its way is the famous — or infamous — 25-Year Rule. In essence, it’s a law that bans the importation of models not built for the US market due to safety and emissions issues.
Now that the hot Falcon is right on the precipice of being capable of coming to the US, it seems to be about time to start seriously considering picking one up for yourself.
The Falcon XR6 Turbo Is Finally Within Reach
2005 BA Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo front 3/4 angle in blue while parkedCollectingCars.com
The Ford Falcon nameplate has been around for decades. While it started in the US, the branding stuck around in Australia far longer. For example, the XR6 Turbo, or XR6T for short, first hit the market in 2002. At the time, Ford Australia wanted to spice up the latest Falcon model, which had the internal designation “BA.” The Aussie car-buying public reportedly disliked the previous “AU” Falcon due to its rather divisive looks. The BA Falcon had to improve its standing among the public while also competing in the ever-growing world of sports sedans.
The XR6T launched alongside the standard XR6, and they sported virtually the exact same sporty body, both inside and out. A set of sporty, 17-inch wheels, a trunk spoiler, and smoked headlights all conveyed the car’s sporting image. The only difference between the XR6 and XR6T was the addition of a turbocharger to the inline-six engine. Upon its launch, the XR6T was immediately praised for its power output, design, and value for money. When it first hit the market, the Falcon XR6T even earned the “Best Sports Car Under $57,000” award from Australia’s Best Cars.
2005 BA Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo rear 3/4 angle in blue while parkedCollectingCars.com
Now, 24 years on, the Ford Falcon XR6T is about to earn its US visa. We wrote about it last year, and the time is finally almost upon us. Over in Australia, the original Ford Falcon BA XR6T still enjoys a healthy cult following, which might very well transfer over to the US, once you find out what’s going on under its hood.
The Fabled Barra Engine Dwells Within
2005 BA Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo detail shot of the engine bayCollectingCars.com
Here in the US, we don’t gasp in wonder when we hear about the Barra engine. However, it’s a different story over in The Land Down Under. The XR6T uses a 4.0-liter turbocharged inline-six from Ford Australia’s Barra engine family. The company introduced the first of these powerplants in 2002 and gradually launched several iterations.
The XR6T packed the top version of the powerplant at its debut, and the unit carried the internal code name “Barra 240T.” The numerical nomenclature denotes the mill’s power output in kilowatts, which equates to 321.8 horsepower. At the time, it was one of the most powerful six-cylinder engines on the Australian mass market.
The Barra 240T was locally developed by Ford Australia. Its roots stretch back quite a way, with a basic structure related to the original Thriftpower/Falcon Six that debuted in 1960. However, the 240T sports modern tech included dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and even variable camshaft timing. It also sported four valves per cylinder, and a Garrett GT3582R turbocharger capable of producing 6 psi of boost.
2005 Ford Falcon BA XR6 Turbo 4.0L Turbo Barra I6 EngineCollectingCars.com
The XR6T’s turbocharged engine came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic was available as an option. The XR6T’s sole drivetrain configuration was rear-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential (LSD), which helped to improve its cornering ability. The suspension setup is fully independent, consisting of coil springs and shocks up front, with Ford’s then-revolutionary Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension system.
The company’s independent rear suspension setup used a special, longitudinally mounted trailing arm paired with high-quality bushings. The bushings isolated road noise and, reportedly, drastically improved handling over the previous Falcon XR6. Shocks and springs were firmer than standard all around, and the 2002 XR6T sits about 1.26 inches lower than stock.
2002 Ford Falcon XR6T Specs
Engine Details
4.0L turbocharged inline-six
Horsepower
322 hp
Torque
332 lb-ft
0-60 MPH Time
5.9 seconds
Top Speed
155 mph
Curb Weight
3,735 lbs
*Specs courtesy of CarsGuide.com.au
It’s Also (Mostly) Reliable
2005 BA Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo side angle in blue while parkedCollectingCars.com
The Barra engine as a whole has been widely praised for its exceptional longevity and dependability, and the turbocharged XR6T iteration is no exception. According to CarsGuide.com.au, the engine, transmission, and most other components in the model are rock-solid, provided regular maintenance has been performed.
The only common issue found is with its limited-slip differential, which is known to fail prematurely. It’s not uncommon for most XR6Ts to be on their second, or even third, rear differential, even in low-mileage examples. Its brake rotors are also known for warping under high stress.
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The Barra Engine Is Incredibly Tunable
2005 Ford Falcon BA XR6 Turbo 4.0L Turbo Barra I6 EngineCollectingCars.com
On top of its already-impressive power output, the Barra 240T straight-six also happens to respond extremely well to modification. The secret ingredient in tuning is sturdy components, which the mill has thanks to a cast-iron block, a forged crankshaft, and powdered-metal connecting rods. Aftermarket support for the Barra 240T, as well as for the XR6T as a whole, is widespread.
With just basic tuning, the Barra 240T can produce a lot more power than stock. Reportedly, the factory tune is extremely restrictive, and just adding an aftermarket engine tune could, potentially, push the output to 350-400 hp. Couple that with a 3.5 or 4.0-inch exhaust system, a high-flow intake manifold, and a new set of valve springs to eliminate potential issues with valve float, and the Barra 240T could realistically produce close to 500 hp on its stock bottom end safely.
It’s Almost Time For The XR6T’s US Invasion
2005 Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo Green Front Angled View on TrackWikipedia
Under the 25-year rule, the owner can’t register the car in the US until the specific vehicle’s manufacturing date is more than 25 years old. This means you can’t import a 2002 XR6T and then legally go for a drive the moment the clock hits 12:00 AM on January 1, 2027. The car has to celebrate its 25th birthday since rolling off the assembly line first. Still, not much time stands between now and your chance to import one of these Ford-bred kangaroo missiles for yourself.
Getting one wouldn’t be a bad idea, considering the six-cylinder engine throws out over 300 horsepower as standard, and the car boasts rear-drive, a stick, and some pretty decent, sporty styling. Say what you will about its rear end look. The front end’s cut-out headlights and circular fog lights make up for it.
As it stands now, the ’02 Falcon XR6T garners an average price anywhere between $10,890 and $14,960, but that’s in Australian dollars. Until the first models start hitting the market over here, we won’t have a very good grasp on what average pricing will look like, other than it will likely be anywhere between $10k and $30k, and even that’s just conjecture. As always, time will tell.
Sources: CarsGuide.com.au, CarSales.com.au, SpoolImports.com, PrimePerformanceParts.com.au.
