- Ford FG Falcon
Infobox Automobile
name = Ford FG Falcon
manufacturer =Ford Motor Company of Australia
parent_company =Ford Motor Company
production = 2008–Present
assembly =Campbellfield, Victoria ,Australia
predecessor =Ford BF Falcon
class = Full-size
body_style = 2-doorcoupé utility
4-door sedan
layout = FR layout
engine = Barra 4.0LDOHC DI-VCT I6
(195 kW 393 nm)- XT
- XR6
- G6
- G6E
(270 kW 533 nm)- XR6 Turbo
- G6E Turbo
(290 kW 520 nm)- XR8
The Ford FG Falcon is a
full-size car produced by theFord Motor Company of Australia since 2008. The FG series is the current model of the Ford Falcon and is the seventh generation of the car. It was first previewed at a press event on February 17 2008. The FG moniker references the now discontinued Fairmont Ghia and is said by Ford Australia to be the most technologically advanced Falcon in history. The FG Falcon has acheived a ANCAP 5 Star safety rating, being the first and only Australian manufactured car to do so. It achieved a score of 34.6 out of 37, whereas its main rivals, the locally builtHolden Commodore andToyota Aurion achieved only 27.5 and 30 respectively. [http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/4850681/ford-falcon-gets-fivestar-crash-rating]The longstanding Futura and Fairmont models have been discontinued, with the Futura and Fairmont Ghia models being replaced by the G6 and G6E models respectively. The Fairmont V8 will be replaced by the G6E Turbo.
Powertrains
The base engine is the same 4-litre straight-six from the previous model, the BF, but tweaked for better performance and fuel economy. It now uses VCT and produces 195kW at 6000 rpm. It is to be replaced by a US-sourced V6 displacing 3.7 litres in the FG's midlife cycle. The turbocharged version of the straight-six now produces 270kW at 5250 rpm, and is available in the XR6 Turbo and G6E Turbo. The XR8 now uses the 5.4-litre Boss V8 that was previously in the BF series FPV GT and produces 290kW at 5750 rpm. There is an LPG "E-Gas" engine available on the 4.0L I6 models [http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1178838383236&pagename=Page&c=DFYPage] .
Specification levels
The Ford FG Falcon is sold in 7 different trim levels. There are three distinct groups. The base, G Series and XR. The G Series represents the premium luxury variants and the XR's are the sport variants. The models are XT, G6, G6E, G6E Turbo, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8.Suprisingly, the FG Falcon range is supplied without lockable fuel caps or remote fuel cap release. [P12 & 173 FG Falcon Owners Manual]
Falcon XT
The XT is the base model of the FG Falcon range and costs $36,990 (AUD). The XT has a business class suspension tune: the rear suspension is Ford's Control Blade IRS, and the front suspension is virtual pivot link, the same architecture as found in the Territory. The brakes and plastic wheel covers are carried over from the BF Falcon. The engine is the revised
I6 Barra Engine which now produces 195kW at 6000rpm and 391Nm of torque. The standard transmission is a new 5-speed auto, replacing the previous 4-speed. The ZF 6-speed auto is a $2,000 (AUD) option, and has quicker performance and slightly better fuel economy. The new styling is based around the kinetic designFord Europe uses for their cars. The interior has been improved from the previous model. The center console has been lifted to make for a more luxurious and spacious feeling. The interior is more roomy and has better entry and exit for front and rear passengers. The XT is now better equipped, it has a MP3 compatible CD player, 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack, single zone automatic climate control, cruise control, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat back, front and rear power windows, four airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) withEmergency Brake Assist and a driver fatigue warning system [ [http://www.ford.com.au/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1178852822104&pagename=FOA%2FDFYPage%2FFord-Default&c=DFYPage "Ford Falcon XT Key Features"] ] . From 1 September 2008, all XT models have been specified withalloy wheel s as standard equipment, previously an extra-cost option. [cite web | date =2008-09-08 | url = http://www.caradvice.com.au/16294/ford-fg-falcon-specification-pricing-update/ | title = Ford FG Falcon specification & pricing update | publisher = Australian Car Advice | accessdate = 2008-09-178]Falcon XR
Falcon XR6
The base model in the XR range and features the same 4.0L I6 engine found in the XT and G6 and G6E. It has the same features as the XT, plus a 6-Speed manual transmission, 17 x 8 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, Sports Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), Sports body kit with side skirts and rear bumper, rear spoiler, front fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, alloy pedal covers and cloth sports seats. It can also be had with an automatic transmission, with a choice of 5- or 6-speed. The latter proves to have slightly quicker acceleration than the manual. It sells for a base price of $39,990 (AUD).
Falcon XR6 Turbo
The Turbo model of the XR6, plus 18 x 8 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, limited slip differential, and upgraded front brakes. It uses the same 4.0L I6 Turbo engine as found in the G6E Turbo.
Falcon XR8
The XR8 has the same features that are found in the XR6 Turbo. The bulging hood and supporting emblems on the side skirts differentiate it from other XR models. The V8 is taken directly out of the previous model FPV GT, with 290kW of power and 520Nm of torque. However, it's slower than the XR6 Turbo despite having a 20kW advantage, and is also less economical and agile through corners due to the heavier front end. When the FG Falcon gets the new imported V6 engine the 5.4L will be replaced.
G Series
G6
Up from the XT, this is the base model in the G series. The G6 is the direct replacement for the Futura. It is powered by the same 4.0L engine and is mated to the same five speed auto. The suspension is the sport-luxury tune found in the G6E. Other then that the drivetrain of the car is the same as the XT. While the G6 does not differ to much from the XT in driving terms, however, the equipment levels are increased in the G6. It comes with front fog lights, leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, rear parking sensors, sports body kit with side skirts and rear bumper, 17 inch alloy wheels. The G6 sells for $39,990 (AUD).
G6E
The G6E is a step up from the G6, it is the replacement for the old Fairmont Ghia. It includes all of the features of the G6, plus a ZF six-speed automatic transmission, dual zone automatic climate control, a premium audio system, leather seats,
Bluetooth mobile phone integration, reversing camera, curtain and side thorax airbags, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, 17 x 8 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, front scuff plates and an overhead sunglass console. It also featuresMercedes-Benz styled side indicators on the side mirrors, simmilar to that on premium European cars. The G6E sells at $46,990 (AUD).G6E Turbo
The G6E Turbo is the same as the G6E, except it has a I6 Turbocharged engine, the same as found in the XR6 Turbo, and other slight modifications, such as 18 x 8 inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, a boot mounted spoiler and
iPod integration. The G6E Turbo sells at $54,990 (AUD).FPV variants
The XR6 and XR8 models will not look as aggressive as the FPV range, but will still have kept their sporting heritage. As part of the European appearance Mercedes-Benz styled side mirror indicators will be installed on the FPV range, instead of the original side panel mount. Chrome "FPV" insigne will be there instead. These details were gathered from leaked concept images and may not reflect the final design. The new FPV engines are more powerful then ever, and also more fuel efficient. The F6's 4.0 L inline 6 cylinder turbo engine now has 310 kW of power which is a 40 kW upgrade over its FPV predecessor, the Typhoon. The GT's 5.4 L V8 now has 315 kW of power.
ee Also
*
Ford Falcon (Australia)
*Ford Performance Vehicles References
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