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An FTE dealer network will be established to provide a premium total ownership experience for car enthusiasts through a limited number of expertly trained and equipped dealers.

Ford Tickford Experience is positioned as a new and exciting concept with a range of stylish and sophisticated products from Australia and overseas. Vehicle volumes will be limited for all models.

Geoff Polites, President, Ford Australia, believes that FTE will be a project that will further extend the "Live It!" positioning. "The specialist products, the expert dealer network and the focus on the total ownership experience will ensure FTE will appeal to people who love cars whether they are technically minded or not," he said.

The dynamic European styled Cougar will join the FTE lineup with the powerful Duratec 2.5 litre 24V V6 engine.

The Cougar package will retail for under $40,000 and will be a stylish entrant with its mix of clean design, safety, power and performance.

• Powerful Duratec DOHC 2.5L 24V V6 engine with an output of 125KW \@ 6250 rpm and 220Nm \@ 4250 rpm
• The choice of manual or automatic transmission.
• Dark sports cloth trim with leather option.
• Outstanding safety package with driver, passenger and two side airbags standard.
• Brakes ? Anti lock electronically controlled with electronic brake distribution.
• Engine immobiliser - Passive anti theft system (PATS).
• Semi automatic climate control.
• Sports contoured seats, anti-submarining with fully adjustable head restraints.
• Traction control.
• Suspension ? Front: Independent with MacPherson struts anti-roll bar.

Rear - Quadralink independent, anti-roll bar.

The T-Series range will join Cougar in the FTE network from October.

There will be three T-Series models available: two short wheel base versions - TE50 and TS50, and one long wheel base, TL50. The TE50 describes the T-Series energy, TS50 is T-Series supreme and TL50 represents luxury.

The T-Series range will be a combination of luxury and performance with a unique sense of style and sophistication.

"Tickford have helped add further refinement, safety and confidence to the T-Series range. It is very easy to build a car that just goes fast, but one that handles, performs and lends itself to outstanding driving dynamics is what we have aimed for," said Tickford Managing Director David Flint.

The vehicles are positioned as luxurious Australian sports sedans and are not intended to be positioned against HSV or any one competitor. The T-Series is a unique and sophisticated design providing effortless power and performance. Its innovative package comprises the ultimate in practical technology for the driving enthusiast.

The short wheel base TE50 and premium TS50 models will include the following features:

• 200 kw V8 engine on TE50, 220 kw on TS50.
• Unique ESS (Electronic Sports Shift) automatic transmission system is optional on all vehicles. Thumb controlled steering wheel mounted shift device. Ability to shift up and down through all forward gears. ESS mode display on instrument cluster.
• All new Tickford 17" alloy wheel for TE50 (P235/45ZR17).
• All new Tickford 18" wheel for TS50 (P245/40ZR18).
• Unique brake booster and master cylinder with front 330 x 28mm grooved rotors and rear grooved standard diameter rotors.
• Luxury level instrument panel with unique inserts and blue on white cluster graphics.
• Aubergine leather trim on TS50 and special seats embossed with Tickford logo. Sporty cloth trim on TE50.
• 6 CD stacker standard.
• Special front and rear bumpers, rocker mouldings and grille, differentiated between series.
• Enhanced front and independent rear suspension package (TS50) with Koni shock absorbers.
• Hidden exhaust outlet maintaining the integrity and sophistication of the rear.
• Driver and passenger airbag standard.
• Black and grey Momo steering wheel.

The TL50 will be a luxury performance vehicle for the discerning luxury large car buyer. The package on the TL50 includes:

• 200 kw V8 engine.
• New front and rear bumper, and stylish grille treatment.
• Unique ESS (Electronic Sports Shift) transmission system standard. Thumb controlled steering wheel mounted shift device. Ability to shift up and down through all forward gears. ESS mode display on instrument cluster.

• All new Tickford 18" wheel (P245/40ZR18).
• Unique brake booster and master cylinder with front 330 x 28mm grooved rotors and rear grooved standard diameter rotors.

• Luxury level instrument panel with unique inserts and blue on white cluster graphics.
• Luxurious aubergine leather interior, seats embossed with Tickford logo.
• Standard electric Tickford sunroof.

• Hidden exhaust outlet maintaining the integrity and sophistication of the rear.
• Specific TL50 suspension to provide luxury edge to ride and handling.

The Ford Tickford Experience will be an exclusive Ford brand experience and provide customers with the specialist care they desire.

Dealership premises will be fitted out with stylish and modern design elements in line with the sophistication of the whole FTE concept. All FTE dealers and staff will participate in an FTE accreditation and training program specifically targeted at understanding and meeting the needs of specialist customers.

FTE owners will receive owner privileges and be offered FTE Premium Service and FTE Premium Assist programs designed to take the hassle out of owning and servicing their vehicle. Specialist service staff will provide exclusive assistance to FTE owners in designated FTE service bays. The trained automotive experts will care for the vehicles as if they were their own. All dealers will have service loan vehicles and a range of FTE demonstrators.

The Ford Tickford Experience will be an exciting new development for vehicle enthusiasts and people who share a passion for cars and the thrill of the open road.

The Ford Tickford Experience will be launched at the Sydney Motorshow in October. Further information updates until launch can be accessed at www.ford.com.au.