Ford has officially unveiled the long awaited 2008 Ford FG Falcon for the Australian market.
The all-new Falcon competes against cars such as the Holden VE Commodore sedan also known as the Pontiac G8 here in the US. Just like the RWD Holden, the Falcon features a rear-wheel-drive layout and a series of available 6-cyl and 8-cyl engines. Horsepower ranges from a respectable 209 horsepower all the way up to 388 horsepower in the 5.4L V8. There is also a turbocharged inline-6-cyl that puts out 362 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque if you don't want to step up to the V8.
The sedan is available in XT, G and XR series trims and the Falcon Ute is available in base, R6 and XR trims.
Ford FG Falcon XR Series:
Ford FG Falcon G Series:
Ford FG Falcon Ute:
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PRESS RELEASE:
Ford Unveils All New FG Falcon
Ford Australia today unveiled the all-new FG Falcon range, showcasing all-new exterior and interior architectures and designs, an all-new front suspension, new powertrains with more power, more torque and improved fuel economy, and an advanced safety package.
The official debut of the 2008 FG Falcon included the entire new model range, with sedan, Ute and Ford Performance Vehicles line-ups all on show ahead of mainstream sedan models going on sale in May.
The all-new FG Falcon range also introduces a new model line-up and nomenclature, incorporating the new sports luxury G Series sedan range, along with three different exterior front end treatments and a significant realignment of models and specifications.
"The all-new FG Falcon range represents another step forward for automotive vehicle design in Australia," Ford Australia President Bill Osborne said.
"It is an exceptional large car package that delivers outstanding performance, fuel efficiency, refinement and safety to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers.
"For the first time in Falcon's history, the new model will come to market with three distinct faces on the vehicle, offering both private and fleet customers, and both sports and luxury customers, a new Falcon to suit their lifestyle.
There are now three families of vehicles in the FG Falcon sedan range, including:
1. Falcon XT
2. G Series, incorporating
-G6
-G6E
-G6E Turbo
3. XR, incorporating
-XR6
-XR6 Turbo
-XR8
"The introduction of the all-new G6E Turbo will create excitement and provide the perfect balance of sports luxury performance for customers who don't wish to compromise on either sports or luxury options," Mr Osborne added.
A new body structure for the FG Falcon delivers significant improvements in structural integrity for greater occupant protection, and side and frontal crash performance, as well as improved vehicle refinement.
All petrol Falcon sedans will come standard with an advanced safety package, incorporating driver and front passenger airbags, front side head/thorax airbags, driver and front passenger Beltminder® system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TC), and Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Side curtain airbags, in conjunction with front side thorax airbags, are standard on premium sedan models, but are also available as an option across the rest of the sedan range.
A new reverse camera system is standard on G6E and G6E Turbo models, and optional on the overt sports XR range, while a reverse sensing system is standard on all G Series models and available as an option across the rest of the sedan range.
All FG Falcon Utes will have ABS with EBD as standard, while Traction Control is standard on XR Utes and optional on the remainder of the Falcon Ute line-up.
New model line-up
The new 'FG' series prefix for the eighth generation Falcon range heralds the arrival of the all-new Falcon line-up, as well as serving as an acknowledgement of the strong heritage of the long-running Fairmont and Ghia nameplates.
That acknowledgement also translates to the introduction of the new sports luxury G Series sedan range, incorporating the G6, G6E and G6E Turbo models.
The G6 is a nod to the "Ghia" nameplate and an extension of the G8 nomenclature used on the outgoing Fairlane range in recent years, while the "6" represents Falcon's high-tech six-cylinder engine.
G6E builds on the nod to "Ghia" and is a modest acknowledgement of the European-inspired styling and distinct design cues evident in the new vehicle, while G6E Turbo announces the introduction of the acclaimed I6 Turbo engine as the new hero of the sports luxury line-up.
Falcon XT
With a focus on interior appointments and safety features, the Falcon XT raises the bar for entry-level vehicle private customers and fleet buyers. For the first time on Falcon, it will have its own appearance and be distinctly different from the rest of the range.
The XT comes with the choice of either an I6 petrol engine producing 195kW of power and 391Nm of torque matched to a new five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS), or an optional 156kW E-Gas dedicated LPG engine with a four-speed SSS auto. The ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on the I6 petrol engine.
Standard interior appointments include automatic climate control, four-way power driver's seat, four-speaker single CD audio system, a new, larger Interior Command Centre (ICC) LCD screen, cruise control and 60/40 split fold rear seats.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all petrol models, while the XT also features driver and front passenger airbags, front side head/thorax airbags, and a driver and front passenger Beltminder® system.
G6
The entry G Series model, the G6 raises the bar for the discerning luxury buyer with a range of standard features in addition to those on the Falcon XT. These include a unique G Series front bumper and grille, front fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels, along with luxury interior appointments, including suede seat bolsters and a rear centre armrest with cup holders. The G6 also incorporates luxury sports suspension and, on the safety front, a reverse sensing system as standard equipment.
G6E
The G6E builds upon the luxury G Series story even further, adding to the standard G6 specification with a range of features to deliver a highly-specified luxury G Series variant. Standard G6E features include the acclaimed ZF six-speed automatic transmission, along with a side indicator integrated into the exterior mirror housing, a front fender badge, unique 17-inch alloy wheels and a unique G6E front grille.
The interior adds a Bluetooth® mobile phone integration module, a premium audio system with seven-inch TFT colour ICC screen, six-disc in-dash CD player and subwoofer, an electrochromatic rear vision mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats and an eight-way power driver's seat with three-position memory. On the safety front, the G6E adds a reverse camera and side curtain airbags as standard equipment.
G6E Turbo
The new hero of the sports luxury Falcon line-up, the G6E Turbo is differentiated from the G6E by a range of performance-oriented features, including the I6 Turbo engine that produces 270kW of power and 533Nm of torque, matched to the ZF six-speed automatic transmission. New 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear lip spoiler and bright headlamp bezels complete the unique exterior elements, while 19-inch alloy wheels are available as an option.
Interior differentiation includes fabric-wrapped lower door trims and an iPod Integration feature, which provides a fully integrated interface between a customer's iPod unit and the vehicle's audio system.
Falcon XR6
The FG Falcon XR range continues to build on the powerful and distinctive design cues that have contributed to the cult status enjoyed by XR vehicles. The XR6 incorporates a host of features over and above the Falcon XT, including a new Tremec six-speed manual transmission as standard – with the option of either the five-speed automatic or the ZF six-speed automatic transmissions – and sports suspension.
The exterior is differentiated by the signature XR double-drop lens headlight treatment, XR front bumper, grille and rockers, front fog lamps and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the XR6 features a sports instrument cluster, sports seats, alloy pedal covers and an aluminium gear shifter on manual transmission models, with reverse camera and reverse sensing systems available as options.
Falcon XR6 Turbo
In recognition of its overt sports status, the XR6 Turbo will – for the first time – be specified to the same level as the XR8, with the main difference between the two models being the engines.
The FG Falcon XR6 Turbo builds on the equipment levels of the XR6 with a range of performance and comfort-oriented features, including a 270 kW / 533 Nm I6 Turbo engine, limited slip differential, upgraded front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels. The world-class ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
Falcon XR8
The XR8 shares its major equipment specifications with the XR6 Turbo and is differentiated by its engine and signature bonnet power bulge. The exciting Boss 290 5.4-litre four-valve V8 engine moves to the XR8 with the introduction of the FG Falcon and is complemented by a new exhaust system with a Semi Active Muffler (SAM). The new exhaust system produces an unsurpassed, sporty V8 exhaust note, while also delivering a more refined interior environment.
A bold 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheel design is available as an option on all XR models.
Falcon Ute
The all-new FG Falcon Ute will go on sale shortly after the mainstream sedan range, offering no compromise performance and functionality, with the ideal mix of truck-like capability and car-like comfort, driveability and safety.
Each model in the new Falcon Ute range represents a unique mix of workhorse and recreational elements, which ensures the job gets done during the workday week, as well as on weekends when its time to getaway.
Falcon Ute
The entry level model, Falcon Ute is available in either Cab Chassis or Styleside Box bodystyles with a choice of engines and transmissions.
Standard powertrain specification is the I6 petrol engine, producing 195kW of power and 391Nm of torque, matched to a new six-speed manual transmission, while the new five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS) is available as an option. Also optional is the E-Gas dedicated LPG engine, which is matched with the proven four-speed automatic transmission with SSS.
Other features include cloth trim, a single CD audio system with a new, larger Interior Command Centre (ICC) LCD screen, cruise control, four-way power driver's seat, power mirrors and windows, and steering wheel mounted controls for the audio and cruise control systems.
Safety items include driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger Beltminder® system, and ABS with EBD, while side head/thorax airbags are available as part of an optional Safety Pack that also includes a perimeter alarm system.
R6
The new R6 model introduces an all-new model name to the FG Falcon Ute range, with a host of key sports features that deliver an altogether sportier look, feel and drive, as well as close links to the overt sports XR line-up.
With sports suspension, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, XR rockers and rear bumper, and a new, flush-fitting tonneau cover (on the Styleside Box model), the new R6 offers a fresh combination of sports ute dynamism with renowned workhorse capabilities.
On the inside, the R6 features sports bucket seats with unique seat trim, passenger seat lumbar adjustment and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
XR6
The XR6 builds on the specification and equipment of the new R6 model while still offering a wide choice of bodystyles – Cab Chassis and Styleside Box – and powertrains – I6 petrol with six-speed manual or five speed automatic transmissions, or I6 E-Gas with four speed automatic transmission.
The exterior is differentiated by the signature XR double-drop lens headlight treatment, XR front bumper and grille, front fog lamps and unique 17-inch alloy wheels, while Traction Control (TC) adds to the list of standard equipment.
Inside, the XR6 features a sports instrument cluster, sports seats, alloy pedal covers and an aluminium gear shifter on manual transmission models, along with automatic climate control and a sports leather steering wheel. Bluetooth mobile phone integration, iPod Integration and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as part of an optional XR Sports Pack.
XR6 Turbo
Like its sedan cousin, the XR6 Turbo Ute will – for the first time – be specified to the same level as the XR8, with the main difference between the two models being the engines.
The FG Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute builds on the equipment levels of the XR6 with a range of performance and comfort-oriented features, including a 270 kW / 533 Nm I6 Turbo engine, limited slip differential, upgraded front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels. The world-class ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
XR8
The XR8 shares its major equipment specifications with the XR6 Turbo and is differentiated by its engine, the exciting Boss 290 5.4-litre four-valve V8, and signature bonnet power bulge.
A bold 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheel design is available as a stand alone option on all XR Ute models or as part of the XR Luxury Pack, which also includes premium sports interior, leather seat trim, premium audio system and dual zone climate control.
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Comments (49)
radiacal this car is mad
Posted by o | February 17, 2008 3:03 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 15:03
I like!
Posted by Kevin | February 17, 2008 3:43 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 15:43
Ford if you are paying attention, this would likely sell reasonably well in the US, heck you could just give it a more dignified body kit and a chrome grille and plug it into the spot the MKZ? Zephyr? whatever fills, instant credible CTS competitor.
Posted by Travis | February 17, 2008 3:45 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 15:45
I know, lets mix the BA up with a Mondeo and say it's new... The old one looked better, and that's pretty sad.
Posted by charlie | February 17, 2008 4:21 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 16:21
I want.
Posted by Mathew | February 17, 2008 4:39 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 16:39
I would have liked you guys to ask for opinions on this car without revealing it was a Ford! This thing is great! The models and features are fantastic. The styling is awesome. The interior is very well done. If Ford doesn't bring this car to the US they are crazy. By the time Ford decides to bring this car to the US there will be other models from other makers to compete with it. Hurry and import this car!
Posted by John Campi | February 17, 2008 4:39 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 16:39
They've had this in Australia for quite some time. I hope they would bring this to the U.S. The turbo seems like the way to go for me because I know that the turbo can be upgraded to the moon, where as a turbo can be added to a V8 but at a much higher cost.
The sport ute is kind of retarded looking, but makes a good point that we don't have to have block headed truck designs to make things more truck like.
If they packed AWD or 4WD with these things, they would kill all.
Posted by Dean | February 17, 2008 5:26 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 17:26
OMG will Ford get a clue. They wouldn't be in half the money mess that they are in right now if they brought cars like this over to the U.S.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | February 17, 2008 5:31 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 17:31
Yet another nice car that would help the fledgling US automakers sell some shit. But HELL NO, we won't bring it state side cause it might actually make some money! GM's finally getting the point but is it too late??
Posted by carluver57 | February 17, 2008 6:15 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 18:15
Yes the 4 litre turbo six combo is powerful and bulletproof. The handling very solid and entertaining (fun even). These engines (non turbo) get one million kilometres in Aus taxis before a rebuild is in order...that is Toyota tough and they are reasonably smooth too.
With VERY minor tweaks (Au$2500) you can get them into the very high 12/very low 13 sec bracket and 10-11 sec quarters fairly easy to obtain (i.e. you don't have to spend 20K).
But for a car that can out-drag exotics (with cheap tweaks), get decent economy, tow a boat or a caravan, lug the family around in comfort and go racing for a weekend and not damage the car...that just can't be beat for the price.
Plus the turbo handles more sweetly than the V8...and has loads more power 'overhead' available for modifiers.
Have you driven a Ford lately? (sorry 70s catch phrase...)
Posted by AussieAssault | February 17, 2008 6:35 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 18:35
Now if only ford could release good vehicles like this in the US :(
Posted by crawlgsx | February 17, 2008 7:05 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 19:05
Now if only ford could release good vehicles like this in the US :(
Posted by crawlgsx | February 17, 2008 7:06 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 19:06
cars like this wont make it to the us because of fears that it will cannibalize sales of lincoln or merc models. The v8s are mod motors and the chassis used in this car the mustang is roughly based off of although without the sra. I would love to see these cars here something that accually could compete with bmws and mercs.
Posted by unknown | February 17, 2008 7:25 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 19:25
What a sad looking vehicle. It looks like a cross between a saturn, olds alero, and a old school taurus. Who would buy that piece of crap??
Posted by shady73 | February 17, 2008 7:58 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 19:58
good change this won't come to north america.
Posted by 09 | February 17, 2008 8:05 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 20:05
If it's a Ford and it looks good, its not in the USA.
Actually, I like the Fusion...
Posted by SEALBoy | February 17, 2008 8:20 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 20:20
Huh! You yanks give it more approval then people do in Australia. Most people on our main car media site (drive.com.au) are giving it crap. Probably because they are holden commodore fans or they are Toyota fans saying Aurion(V6 camry) has 5 more kw. WOW thats a lot. The torque differcne is huge though falcon 391NM at 3100rpm. Aurion 336NM at 4700rpm. Not to mention when you put the falcon on 95ron (your 91) torque jumps to 409NM.
I like it, sure they styled its outside a bit old but thats because they are scared of radical desighns like they did in 1998 with the AU falcon which absolutely killed faclon sales off, and it still effects them today.
Can't wait to here the power of the new GT and typoon since the new XR6tubo and xr8 basically have the old models engines from these 2 models.
Oh and this won't come to the US cause it was engineered for right hand drive only. They say the next falcon(if they even build one) will be made in left and right hand drive as well as right hand drive.
The falcon would be heaps better then your Taurus(that was a flop here when Ford imported it).
Oh and by the way, the Turbo Sixes are quicker(even through they have less power more torque though) then the 8's. Thats how it was with the BAand BF falcon so I don't see it being any different for this FG falcon.
Also the Utes may look small but they actually are not. They are lenghened wheel base sedans to begin with and they use leaf springs and live axels so they can carry a lot of crap. The last BF models could carry up to 1.4 metric tons. Better then alot of the specifically built Asian utes/trucks(obviously not the giant ones like a toyota tundra) plus it drives like a car and its cool to be seen in one.
Posted by Luke | February 17, 2008 8:32 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 20:32
John Campi said on Feb 17 that this car has been sold in Australia for'some time'. This is incorrect. It will go on sale in April.
This car is based on the BA series Ford Falcon range introduced in 2002. It was an almost all new architecture then and vastly improved over the previous (ugly and much unloved) AU series.
The FG series is a complete overhaul of the BA rather than simply a cosmetic facelift. There are a lot of similarities with the BA but ongoing 'niggles' such as the bad entry/egress angles (due to the low front roof and sloping pillar shape) from the front doors etc have been redesigned and rectified. The corporate look also found in the new Mondeo is carries over to the FG.
Mechanically the engines are very much a carry over though with tweaks. The 4 speed auto is to be found in the LPG gas version only with 5 speed standard fare and 6 speed either optional or standard in most variants.
The inline six (turbo and non-turbo) are old news with the home grown inline 4-litre 6 going out of production within a couple of years and an imported V6 being slotted in. I doubt the 5.4 litre V8 will get any bigger since they already use teflon strips to assist in the fitting at the factory of the 3-valve bent eight as it's such a tight fit.
There is word that a VM sourced V6 diesel is under evaluation very similar to that fitted to TDV6 Land Rovers.
Aussies have alway like their big (well big for us anyway - not as big as a lot of US cars) with rear wheel drive (we love to tow our boats and caravans), torquey engines and lots of interior space.
It's only since the petrol prices have gone through the roof that big Aussie cars have fallen from favour in the past couple of years which now sees this market sector struggling.
If you like the BA-FG series of Falcons then you'd probably like its arch rival as well - the GM Holden Commodore / Calais / Berlina / SV6 / SS range. Another big rear wheel drive 3.6 V6 / 6.0 V8 range of family sedans etc which took the market by storm in its latest all new VE spec range. Its an all new billion dollar car that supeceded the olden VZ range which the US saw as the Pontiac GTO in it's 2 door Monaro guise.
www.holden.com.au
www.ford.com.au
www.fpv.com.au
www.hsv.com.au
At the end of the day we build pretty damn good cars with the resources we have since US sourced cars just don't cut it here.
Watch this space....
Posted by WheresBear | February 17, 2008 9:29 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 21:29
No Thank You
Posted by RETNIAP | February 17, 2008 10:40 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 22:40
I dont know who designed this thing, but it couldnt have been Ford. They appear to have made everything right on this thing. I-6 Turbo?!?! It's about damn time! This thing seems more like Nissan AND BMW made it! Great job Ford on FINALLY making a good vehicle. You MUST bring it to the states. Although I dont see it happening due to the fact it would destroy the Mustang sales
Posted by Andy | February 18, 2008 12:07 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 00:07
The L-6 engine origins can be traced back to the first Falcon 6's sold almost half a century ago in Australia.
The 144 cu in, 170, 200, 221 (etc) inline sixes were in Fords back in the sixties. The L6 in the current Falcon has evolved a great deal since then but the origins are there. The crossflow head appeared in the 70's in the XC model (including alloy head), fuel injection in the the mid eighties (XF) then an overhead cam in the EA in 1988 in either a 3.2 or 3.9 litre capacity. The AU Falcon introduced variable (inlet) cam phasing (hydraulic) on the XR6 model.
The BA was launched after a AU$500 million dollar investment and introduced a far more evolved version of the 4.0 litre inline six featuring a far more sophisticated dual phase inlet/exhaust system allowing for 182kW @ 5000rpm & 380Nm @ 3250rpm with 11.5l / 100km fuel consumption with massively increased refinement. The long stroke six was never a high revver and refinement was never brilliant until now.
The BA had the 182kW 4-valve L6, 220kW 3-valve V8 and 260kW 4-valve V8 engines available. The XR6 had a turbo option which saw the addition of a Garrett GT40 ball bearing intercooled turbo with 240kW @ 5250rpm & 450Nm @ 2000rpm (!!!) making it the quickest Ford you could buy ... all packaged in a driver friendly 4 door sedan.
It proved to be an excellent combination with excellent reliability, refinement and even economy if driven carefully. The low-pressure turbo has almost no lag whatsoever.
FPV introduced uprated (270kW) versions of the L6 turbo giving even more grunt and continued through to the BF upgrade and now into the new FG series. Now we get more power on even less fuel though the L6 is doomed to extinction in a few years with an imported V6 takes over. End of an era....
Posted by WheresBear | February 18, 2008 1:14 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 01:14
soory USA you wont be getting this its RHD only the only export countries are southafrica NZ and possibly UK
Posted by o | February 18, 2008 2:30 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 02:30
Ford should just axe their US design team already.
Posted by Ed | February 18, 2008 3:26 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 03:26
They are lucky to have this car there. Why we do not have this car?
Posted by paul | February 18, 2008 5:51 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 05:51
good looking and current design.
but it won't get to any other country
Posted by adrian | February 18, 2008 8:03 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 08:03
@ Luke and others from Australia, thanks for your informed words. Good to get opinions from people who are in a position to know.
The exterior design seems sound, although not exciting to me. The interior also doesn't excite me, and the dash looks like a slab. But the mechanicals sound very promising. I don't mind cars that are faster than they look, and this might be a case in point.
Pity the powers that be in Ford USA don't seem interested in bringing this stateside. Yet another missing opportunity.
Posted by kw | February 18, 2008 9:40 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 09:40
Finally, sane headlights. Nice to see Ford does not stretch the headlights 3/4 the way along the side of the car like the new Accord or Camry. What is up with that anyway? Shouldn't headlights be confined to the FRONT of the car? Anyway, like many of the others, if Ford brought this car and the Mondeo to the states, with all these trim and performance levels, I would buy one. Speaking of performance, what has happened to the big 3? GM used to have the SS level with bonkers V8 performance and Ford had SVT and now has nothing in the states. I'd like to buy American if they offered me something I wanted...........
Posted by Shameless Coward | February 18, 2008 9:47 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 09:47
SUBARU called they want their design back!!!
Posted by hah | February 18, 2008 9:59 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 09:59
Kinda looks like a mazda 6 sorta.
Posted by nu-creation | February 18, 2008 10:00 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 10:00
It's not that it's looks nice or that it is a nice car.
It's just that it's RWD and US doesn't get it.
Depressing that US cars from Ford are almost all FWD.
I still wouldn't buy one if it were in the US, but I'd like to see more legitimate cars from Ford make it here.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | February 18, 2008 10:13 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 10:13
Am I the only one who thinks this looks like a 4 year old Mustang with 2 extra doors?
I think I saw the "Ute" version in a North Georgia body shop last year (in primer grey of course).
Posted by Seen this somewhere | February 18, 2008 10:56 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 10:56
The power train is there, but the styling seems just a bit off to me. After the Fiesta and Kuga I thought this thing was going to be a 3rd Ford in a week I liked, close but not quite.
Posted by Gary | February 18, 2008 11:25 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 11:25
I've always wondered why Ford didn't sell these here. They look great, unlike pretty much every other Ford, aside from the current Mustang, IMO. It would be a great competitor for the Pontiac Grad Prix, among others.
Posted by Polynikes | February 18, 2008 11:29 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 11:29
Wow! The first Ford I've seen that I like enough to consider buying. Too bad I'm in the U.S. Way to go Ford, you miss out on another sale!
The exterior struck me as a little bland at first, but after looking at the performance specs and the quality, fit, and finish of the interior I found it very easy to overlook the exterior. In fact, it ends up appealing a bit more since it looks more mature and fits the mature styling of the interior better. (i.e. It's not just a hyped up Neon.)
**********************************************************************************
It's been a long time since I've seen this high of a positive-to-negative comment ratio for any car. You're getting some good designs, Ford. Now just bring 'em to the U.S. so that you can sell them!
**********************************************************************************
Posted by Icester | February 18, 2008 12:01 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 12:01
why in ford so stupid no tto make this car in the states. the Falcon Ute could make a awesome fleet vehiclle for many companies in need of a light versitile truck, im not surprised this car will never make it to us here in america because that would just make too much sense. i think henry ford would be pissed off at the current management.
Posted by dennisil | February 18, 2008 1:56 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 13:56
To the guy that thinks this looks like a mustang.... what are you smoking? Except for the fact that it's a car, has headlights and wheels and stuff, no, it doesn't look anything like a mustang.
To 'unknown' about the car being based on the same platform as the current mustang. You're right about the v8s- they are locally modded versions of the old Mustang quad-cam 5.4litre, but as for the rest of the car, the only other thing they have in common is the uprated 6 speed manual transmission. Mustang's front suspension McPherson struts, the Falcon uses a pretty sophisticated double A-arm setup.
Posted by Timboj | February 18, 2008 2:01 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 14:01
I can see where someone would think that the front of the car was lifted from a last-generation Mustang. The inverted trapezoidal grill and everything underneath, except the fog lights, it is reminiscent of the old Mustang's front end. That's where the similarities end, of course.
Posted by Patrick | February 18, 2008 2:28 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 14:28
I'd put this Falcon on my high performance sedan list if it was sold over here. The Fusion and Taurus sedans aren't even worth a look. Both are so bland in terms of styling and neither offers performance on par with the sedans GM and Chrysler offer. If Ford took style and performance a little more seriously (like they do with the Mustang) they wouldn't be so many years behind their competitors. I say bring this hot Falcon over and see how it does compared to the boring crap they're feeding us today. Oh, and they can keep the pickup truck Falcon...lol.
Posted by D | February 18, 2008 2:41 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 14:41
you wont getit because ford axed there lhd export program
Posted by o | February 18, 2008 3:16 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 15:16
The Falcon XR6 Turbo is smokin' hot for a Ford sedan. Comparing it to the Taurus, I like the understated yet sleek exterior design cues of the Falcon. The I-6 Turbo is very interesting. I-6 engines are usually buttery-smooth due to natural balancing. Few late-model manufacturers (except BMW) take advantage of this. Ford could also drop in the new engines, like a small turbodiesel or the Ecoboost DI engines (275hp I-4 or 340hp V6). Dammit, this should be the Taurus, not that other craptastic blue-hair snoozemobile.
Posted by Kell | February 18, 2008 3:31 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 15:31
Man, I never thought I would say that I would seriously consider buying a Ford. (besides the Mustang) But damn...this thing is actually nice. The interior of this car looks a lot better than anything else they have on the lot. The exterior, I can definitely see where some people are coming from saying it's too plain. But I like it. Nice and mature. But in the end, Ford has saved me. They aren't going to bring it to the states, so I don't have to consider it. Thanks Ford. Glad you've made it a lot easier for me to not be your customer.
Posted by Mark | February 18, 2008 4:06 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 16:06
The FG model was originally designed to be able to be built in both RHD and LHD versions. It's main competition here is the Aussie designed and build GM Holden Commodore which was exported the Middle East as Chevrolet's and 2 door Monaro's sold the US as Pontiac GTO's in LHD.
It's kept the Commodore viable for Aussie production (Australia just hit 1 million car sales last year for the first time) and Ford desperate to keep the Falcon as a home grown & built product since it's the only model they build here though in 2011 small overseas (Euro) models will be built here.
However part way through they canned the whole LHD project team working on the FG - go figure?
This is a make or break deal with large Aussie cars not selling like they once did and if things don't pick up soon we will lose the Falcon for good.
Nissan stopped manufacturing here a long time ago as did Toyota (we get most of our RHD Toyota's from Japan and Thailand); Mitsubishi just pulled the plug on the locally built Mitsubishi 380 which was a Falcon/Commodore competitor and is shutting down local manufacturing for good leaving only Holden and Ford.
Given the sales decrease in large cars I don't see them lasting. Holden at least has an export program to the Middle East in it's Chevrolet badged VE range - Ford has nothing except local consumption which is in decline for these type of cars no matter how good they are.
A BMW 3 series or Merc C Class sells for AU$50-55k here; a base L6 Falcon or V6 Commodore is about $35k. Ford XR6 turbo sedans start at around $45k and 6.0 SS Commodores a little over $50k so they are good value. Shame.
Posted by WheresBear | February 18, 2008 4:50 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 16:50
John Campi stated that there is a turbo kit available for the V8 though at a 'much higher cost'. I ahve no idea where you get this crap from John?
No turbo kit for the V8 since the 5.4 4-valve engine has 'zero' free real estate under the hood. particularly at the back and the sides with the large bonnet hump needed to clear the induction system.
There is however a range of supercharger kits that manage to slot in a compressor at the top front of the engine (I should know I install them) which are pretty good with 450+kW possible without too many mods.
However the real demand is in upgrading the L6 turbo - even with the GT40 turbo compressor significant upgrades are possible since it's a good basic design already.
Stock standard the big (and heavy) turbo six pulled low 14's with FPV versions (www.fpv.com.au) into 13's.
There are plenty getting around with are 12 second cars which have had very little spent on them and stock turbos. There's a few 10-11 sec cars getting around but serious $$$ ....
Posted by WheresBear | February 18, 2008 5:01 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 17:01
Good car for 40 years ago.
Posted by Biil | February 18, 2008 5:06 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 17:06
I was accually talking about the platform not the suspension and it looks like the mustang was based off of the old one not this one. The old one still used the multilink rear but it too was using a similar chassis to the mustang lincoln ls and jag s type.
What I love about the neg comments on this car is that there are not commenting any anything in particular except its ugly or bad ford.
Posted by unknown | February 18, 2008 9:12 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 21:12
Wow. Looks like someone liked the design of the Legacy rear end, the front of the Integra, and decided to blend it into a car that fits into the car industry's most rapidly declining sector (large sedans). Top shit.
Posted by brad | February 18, 2008 10:34 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 22:34
It's sad to see that the cars that could save Ford are the cars we can't buy.
Posted by Tommy Boy | February 20, 2008 12:45 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 12:45
The 'platform' refers to drivetrain/suspension/and basic layout. The only thing the Falcon (new and outgoing model) shares are the v8 (well block anyway) and manual trans. Floorplan and chassis are completely different, especially to Jaguar.
No similarities to any of them sorry.
Posted by Timboj | February 20, 2008 3:12 PM
Posted on February 20, 2008 15:12
i like this alot. fords gotta bring this to the states seriuosly the design and everything is classy and got the horsepower. Give it a different name or something just bring it here!
Posted by lasik124 | February 27, 2008 8:50 PM
Posted on February 27, 2008 20:50