Ford's new flagship on sale in July

Ford Australia's latest luxury sedan – the LTD – will reach the market in July.

Hot on the heels of the highly successful Fairlane Ghia, the all-new LTD delivers even higher levels of luxury and prestige. It features a 185kW V8 engine, a 'no options required' feature list and Ford's new "Smartshield" vehicle immobilisation system.

Externally the LTD is set apart from the Fairlane Ghia by a distinctive chrome grille with vertical bars, unique 16" wheels, bonnet insignia and a different rear applique.

The electric sunroof is tilt and slide adjustable and operated via a roof-mounted switch. The sunroof closes automatically when the car is locked.

The all-leather seats are unique to LTD. The power driver and front passenger seats feature 10-way power adjustment, including the seat back. The interior environment is medium graphite and features chrome and walnut finish highlights on the dash, doors, front and rear armrests and t-bar surround. The steering wheel is leather wrapped with wooden inserts and incorporates controls for the audio system and cruise control. The transmission t-bar and park brake handle are also leather wrapped.

The 250-watt premium sound system has 11 speaker elements and a sub-woofer with a six-disc CD stacker mounted in the boot.

The sequentially-injected, five-litre V8 produces 185kW and 412Nm of torque. The six-cylinder 'Intech' VCT, as fitted to the Fairlane Ghia, is also available as an option.

Other standard features include driver and front passenger airbags, traction control, automatic climate control and trip computer, along with the most sophisticated double-wishbone, multilink IRS system available on an Australian-built car.

"The AU LTD is the flagship of the Ford passenger range," says Falcon Family Brand Manager, Shaun Swift. "The LTD feature list is second to none and in terms of value for money it can't be beaten when compared to imported luxury vehicles."

The recommended retail price of the V8 LTD is $68,000; the six-cylinder 'Intech' VCT is priced at $64,820.

Smartshield
'Smartshield' is an enhanced version of the Smartlock vehicle immobilisation system it replaces. The most significant upgrade to the system is the addition of a transponder to the ignition key. The transponder 'talks' to the vehicle's electrical system when the ignition is switched on, the management system will not start the car unless the correct signal is received. The signal is an encrypted rolling code that cannot be duplicated.

With the introduction of Smartshield, and a warning notice on the side glass, the NRMA security rating on the vehicle increases to 85.

Smartshield will be standard on all Falcon passenger and light commercial vehicles from June 7th.

The LTD is also fitted with an alarm that complements the Smartshield system by monitoring entry to the doors, hood and boot.