AU series upgrades

[BJ TE50]

Well, the EA falcon is approaching 360,000 kms and its time for an upgrade. Im looking to get an AU XR6, specifically a HP manual model.

I want to know what some of the differences are between the series 1, 2 and 3 models. I thought this would be a common topic but i couldnt find anything on FF or the web. Hopefully its not in a sticky thread or somewhere obvious :togo: But i have looked...

[rag top]

For a start.....
Series 1 had smart lock, Series 2 and 3 had smart shield;
Series 1 had smaller brakes than series 2 & 3, and there was a difference in the front suspension;
I also think there was some difference in the firewall between series 1 and 2.

[AWD Chaser]

IMO - series 1 was the worst looking car ever, and was based off the EL

• Series 1 had smartlock, whereas 2/3 had smartshield...
• Series 1 had the orange LCD "watch" style odo, while the series 2 & 3 got a white, more refined "watch" style odo
• Series 2 & 3 got upgraded brakes, front suspension, and a big increase in dampening NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness).
• Series 3 Futura got 16" alloy wheels
• Series 1 forte/futura came with the EL style radio
• Series 2 & 3 saw a refined dash (forte/futura)
• All series came with different style grills, rims and wings

Basically, the AU1 forte was pretty much designed like a $20,000 car. The AU3 however, looked like alot more effort had been put into both design, and creature comforts....
Get yourself a series 3. One of the best....

[I6corp]

Originally Posted by au3 chaser

IMO - series 1 was the worst looking car ever, and was based off the EL

• Series 1 had smartlock, whereas 2/3 had smartshield...
• Series 1 had the orange LCD "watch" style odo, while the series 2 & 3 got a white, more refined "watch" style odo
• Series 2 & 3 got upgraded brakes, front suspension, and a big increase in dampening NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness).
• Series 3 Futura got 16" alloy wheels
• Series 1 forte/futura came with the EL style radio
• Series 2 & 3 saw a refined dash (forte/futura)
• All series came with different style grills, rims and wings

Basically, the AU1 forte was pretty much designed like a $20,000 car. The AU3 however, looked like alot more effort had been put into both design, and creature comforts....
Get yourself a series 3. One of the best....

: I love the AU1, IMHO... each to there own, though :the_finge

[OldManGhia]

Originally Posted by au3 chaser

IMO - series 1 was the worst looking car ever, and was based off the EL

I love my AUI.

Mine is one of the last models in the AUI series so had a few improvements found in the series 2. But not the brakes which have been a real pain since I got the car.

Until I took it for a test drive there was no way I would have bought a Series 1, drove it and bought it. I like the styling (bonnet etc) and really dont understand why so many people love to hate this model. Sure, somethings could have been done better.......

[Lukeyson]

Originally Posted by '67

I also think there was some difference in the firewall between series 1 and 2.

Yes i think it was a double laminated firewall from series 2

[AWD Chaser]

Originally Posted by XR8fella

Yes i think it was a double laminated firewall from series 2

Yeah, hence the decrease of NVH

[BJ TE50]

Thanks for the replies. I think i will look at series 2 and 3 as they have a few improvements over series 1 but not much difference between 2 and 3.

Does anyone know the cut-off dates for each series?

[DJM83]

Not real keen on any AUI unless its an XR or T series. I have an AUII XR6 HP 5sp its a great car havnt had any trouble 'finally another HP ride to combat the VCT guys lol'.
The differences are the most are cosmetic between SI and SII/III mechanically much the same except as mentioned above brakes and front suspension plus SIII forte got 16's not just futura as you want to buy an XR these really dont mean much to you but thses upgrades are right through the range good luck with the purchase

[Dark Horse]

AUII April '00 - November '01
AUIII November '01 - October '02

[GK]

It's interesting to see the way even here on this forum dedicated to AU's that the Series 1 is often talked about like it's the ugly ducking, when in fact that's basically that's how the wider public treated the AU's in general!

You know what they say, the abused become abusers! LOL!

GK

[Zed7fiddy]

n00b alert:

What is smart shield and smart lock?