The Ford Falcon (XH) is a commercial range of vehicles that was manufactured by Ford Australia from 1996 to 1999, as an upgrade to the XG series of utility and panel van models which were derived from the XF full-size car and had been marketed alongside the new series sedans since the EA26 project release in 1988. The XH incarnation brought closer levels of technology and comfort in comparison to the current sedan range on offer (EL), and was also the first Falcon utility vehicle to offer a V8 engine option in approximately fourteen years (more than four years later than the E series sedan range which reintroduced a V8 in 1992 in the form of the 5.0 (Windsor 302ci) sequential EFI V8 utilising EECIV engine management as seen in Ford US Mustang models). Introduction The Ford XH Falcon was introduced in April 1996 as a facelift of the Ford XG Falcon, which it replaced. Like the XG series, it was offered only in coupe utility and panel van body styles. The XH series was sold alongside the EF Falcon sedan and wagon models until October 1996, and with the facelifted EL Falcon sedan and wagons from that point as well as early in the AU Falcon production run. Ford grafted the nose of its EF Falcon sedan/wagon on to the existing XG Falcon, giving it the appearance of a new model. A new bonnet with a raised centre section was also fitted. Improvements included revised front suspension and steering, revised rear suspension, upgraded engines, revised seats, a new instrumentation pod and upgraded interior trim. Model range The XH range was offered in 2-door coupe utility and 2-door panel van models, marketed as follows. Ford Falcon Longreach GLi utility Ford Falcon Longreach GLi panel van Ford Falcon Longreach S utility Ford Falcon Longreach Outback utility Ford Falcon XR6 utility Ford Falcon XR8 utility (from October 1997) GLi utility and vans were available with a "1 Tonne" option pack that included heavier rear leaf springs, uprated tyres and an automatic transmission oil cooler. There were also several limited edition XH models: Longreach GLi Tradesman: adding air conditioning, vinyl bed liner, 15 inch alloy wheels, Tradesman decals, remote central locking. Sold between May and June 1997, with 520 utilities and 80 vans produced. Reintroduced between October 1998 and June 1999, with 820 utilities and 80 vans produced. Longreach S Splash (utility): adding