Other detail Safety changes include extensive modifications to the front-end structure to increase the energy absorption capabilities in crash situations, and modified front-end strut bushes to reduce vibration at high speeds. Local manufacture has wrought a few detail changes - most of which will please the Ford buyer. The automatic 351 4V engine is now locally manufactured for a revised torque curve to give improved acceleration through the low speed ranges. The manual transmission version of the same engine is slated for local production soon after model release and will naturally run the same changes as the automatic. The standard four-speed shifter for the regular Falcon models is also now built entirely in Australia and features a single rail shift for more precise demarcation of the gears and reduced shifting effort. It is the close-ratio version of this four-speed gearbox which is mentioned above as being due for introduction soon. Meanwhile the imported four-speed with its rather notchy shift pattern will continue briefly in production. The standard transmission for the XB range is now the all-syncro three-speed with column shift The three-speed automatic transmission, optional across the range, has been improved in the valving to give faster shift response times - a modification forced on Ford by the extremely responsive GM Trimatic. Ford has responded to specific customer requirements with equipment like a third-seat option for the station wagons, together with a new power-window version of the successful two-way tailgate. A long-range fuel tank is offered to country and enthusiast motorists; and there's a new cassette/radio

combination on the luxury options side. The long-range tank is rated at 27-gallons. The rear window demister will be available with the XB/ZG range and this option will include as standard a heavy duty battery and alternator and is available with both clear and tinted glass. An "outback pack" offers heavy duty dust sealing, heavy duty air cleaner, engine and fuel tank guards, shock protection plates, heavy-duty shock absorbers and high-ride suspension. Locking wheel nuts are now standard when sports road wheel options are specified and the GS rally pack now includes the GT style hood complete with air scoops and hood lock pins. The Fairlane range gets the most superficial revamp with the only mechanical changes being those already listed - chiefly to wheels and tyres. However Custom and 500 models both get heavier duty shock absorbers and higher suspension for improved ride. The rest is dress-up - and for the Fairlane that is the most important point for marketing. Although Ford tried hard to defend the XA/ZF styling similarity, there is no question it was extremely unpopular. The ZG model seeks to turn that image around although the new grille treatment probably heads a little too ostentatiously in the opposite direction. With 50 percent of that market securely tied-up and the Statesman growing only slowly and steadily as a take-over competitor, Ford appear to be content that a minor rework will be sufficient. Apparently they plan slightly more drastic action next year.