THE TS50 engine is the first local V8 Ford to get aluminium cylinder heads

The 5.0-litre engine produces 220kW at 5250rpm and 435Nm of torque at 4000rpm, and uses a higher-lift camshaft, larger inlet valves and ports, and a flow-matched inlet manifold to improve gas flow and increase power. A larger, locally developed throttle body gives better accelerator response

Ventilated and grooved front discs are 15 per cent larger and 17 per cent thicker than regular Falcon discs

The curved grooves in the disc surface help heat and moisture dispersal

TS50 uses twin-piston front callipers from the American Mustang Cobra to improve performance and feel

The driver is able to select between regular automatic and "manual" operation of the transmission

Thumb-press buttons on both sides of the steering wheel allow the driver to shift up or down between ratios

Although the transmission is a four-speeder, five positions are displayed on the instrument panel readout. "Fifth" is actually the lock-up on fourth gear

In regular auto mode the transmission uses an adaptive shift program that selects between five separate operation modes

TS50 uses Koni dampers and variable-rate rear springs

Traction control is standard on TS50

18-inch alloy wheels with P245/40ZR18 tyres provide road grip

TS50 headlights use clear lenses

Rear spoiler is optional