font for the new "Falcon" and "Futura" badges. As stated previously, the AU was the first Falcon to offer IRS (a double wishbone design on an isolated subframe). IRS was made available as a costly option on the base Forte, Fairmont and 'S' models, and standard on Fairmont Ghia, XR6 VCT and XR8 models. The updated 6-cylinder engines incorporated advanced features such as VCT on some models and a temperature sensor in the cylinder head, which detected coolant loss and allowed the car to "limp home" safely by cutting cylinders. The engine range comprised: the base Intech model producing , with a revised cylinder head featuring smaller valve stems, larger exhaust valves, and different rocker ratio, as well as a revised piston and longer conrod and a cast aluminium cross-bolted oil sump (with the same power output as the EL series); an "HP" version reserved to the XR6 producing (thanks to: unique cylinder head; reshaped inlet port; redesigned exhaust port; ‘open’ combustion chamber shape to restrict pre-detonation from hot spot areas; unique camshaft; higher fuel pressure; recalibrated EEC V engine management system); the VCT version producing for the XR6 VCT; a "Windsor" V8 producing (also carried over from the EL series but without major upgrades). Transmissions were improved for better shift feel and the auto was recalibrated to better suit the upgraded engines. The six and eight cylinder models had a 4-speed BTR M93LE and M97LE automatic transmissions, respectively for the six and eight cylinder models, respectively. The automatic XR series models had an "adaptive shift" with five shifting strategies depending on driving conditions. The manual transmission, where available, was a 5-speed T5 model. The program cost before product launch and key staff included chief designer, Steve Park, and Marcus Hotblack, Manager of Interior Design. Model range Series I (AU) The first series of the AU Falcon was launched in September 1998 and remained on sale until a major upgrade in April 2000. It was marketed under the new slogan "I've come a long way, baby.". The standard AU range included: Falcon Forté, 4.0L, "Intech" 6-cyl, Sedan/Wagon, , Falcon Forté, 5.0L, "Windsor" V8, Sedan, , Falcon Futura, 4.0L, "Intech" 6-cyl, Sedan/Wagon, , Falcon S, 4.0L, "Intech" 6-cyl, Sedan, , Falcon XR6, 4.0L, "HP Intech" 6-cyl, Sedan, , Falcon XR6 VCT, 4.0L, "Intech VCT" 6-cyl, Sedan, , Falcon XR8, 5.0L, "Windsor" V8, Sedan, , Fairmont, 4.0L, "Intech" 6-cyl, Sedan/Wagon, , Fairmont