The result of a A$700 million development program,[3] the EA Falcon bore a passing resemblance to the European Ford Scorpio.

[1] Developed under the codename EA26 (E for the large size, A for Australia, 26 for the (usually in sequence) global project number), it would retain the traditional Falcon hallmarks of width and rear-wheel drive.

This had proven to be a successful strategy during the preceding decade; as the 1979 oil crisis eased, the XE and XF model Falcons had become Australia's top-selling car, overtaking their key rival, the compact Holden Commodore.

This engine was standard on GL models, although relatively few were sold and many owners of the 3.2 litre found lacklustre torque and the resultant driving behaviour caused increased fuel consumption versus the 3.9.

The option was signified on vehicles by a "3.9 Multipoint" badge on each front fender behind the wheel arch was silver, except on Falcon S where it was red.

Until the fix, taxi owners would continue to fit reconditioned three-speed M51 automatics to these cars, until the bell housing design was finally changed in later models preventing this practice.

[citation needed] The EA carried over significant parts of the prior X series Falcon platform to save costs.

Rear suspension on the sedans continued with the coil spring live axle located by upper and lower unequal length trailing arms, and a transverse Watt's linkage.

The Falcon S lowered ride height by 26 mm (1.0 in) and increased spring and shock rates with larger stabiliser bars.

[1] Launched in October 1989, the Series II brought with it a four-speed automatic transmission, and could be distinguished via body-coloured, rather than black B-pillars.

The same problem also affects the NA Fairlane and DA LTD,[7] and even the utility and panel van variants, which continued with the older XF architecture.

A creation from Australian motor racing driver and engineer Mick Webb, the EA SVO came with ROH 16-inch wheels, Recaro seats, MoMo steering wheels, suspension upgrades including Bilstein Shock Absorbers, engine modifications, spoilers and two tone grey paint work.