2008 Ford Falcon engine line-up
February 17, 2008 by George Skentzos
Ford Australia has returned with a significantly revised powertrain line-up, sporting a new generation of its proven inline-six and BOSS range of engines as well as two new transmissions which are available across the range.
The new FG Falcon engine range encompasses 4.0-litre I6, 4.0-litre I6 Turbo, 4.0-litre I6 E-Gas and 5.4-litre Boss V8 power plants mated to either a new six-speed manual or a new five-speed automatic, in lieu of the previous four-speed unit, on petrol sedans and utes.
“The comprehensive package of upgrades delivered with the all-new FG Falcon program has broadened the technological reach of the I6 and V8 engine families, building on the extensive engineering and development undertaken for BA and BF series Falcons.
Revisions to the iconic naturally aspirated 4.0-litre I6 engine has yielded more power, more torque and improved engine efficiency.
Maximum power has increased by 5kW to 195kW at 6000rpm, with more torque than any engine in its class – up 8Nm to 391 Nm at 3250 rpm, an advantage of more than 18 per cent compared to its direct competitor.
“The latest generation I6 engine has tremendous torque and driveability, with a flat torque curve and wide powerband at the top end as a result of all the new engine hardware and calibration developments that have been engineered for the FG Falcon program,” Ford Australia Powertrain Engineering Manager, Lee Kernich said.
An additional power boost can be achieved whilst running a higher octane fuel, liberating 198 kW and 409 Nm respectively when used with 95RON fuel.
One of the key sources of this increased performance has come from an all-new dual mode, split plenum composite intake manifold, incorporating a new electronic throttle body and fuel rail assembly.
The new manifold design increases peak power over the previous Barra 190 engine, as well as improving power delivery and drive ability through enhanced responsiveness to throttle inputs. Other benefits include improved fuel efficiency and sound quality, and a 4kg weight reduction by virtue of using composite materials in lieu of an aluminium casting.
The highly acclaimed turbocharged variant of the 4.0-litre I6 engine has received a major overhaul, now producing V8-rivaling performance figures.
Maximum power is up by 25 kW to 270 kW at 5250 rpm, while peak torque has increased by 53 Nm – or more than 11 per cent – to 533 Nm, which is available across a wide rev range from 2000 rpm – 4750 rpm.
Maximum turbocharger boost pressure has increased from 0.4 bar to 0.7 bar, or from 6 psi to 10 psi.
“With 80 per cent of the peak torque available all the way from 1250 rpm to 5750 rpm, the new I6 Turbo engine transforms the performance feel of our turbo models, delivering seamless power and fantastic responsiveness across all driving conditions,” Kernich concluded.
Complimenting the increased boost pressure, the new intercooler and ducting also delivers substantial gains, boasting a 50 per cent increase in intercooler core volume and size, a 40 per cent improvement in heat rejection and a 34 per cent reduction in flow restriction.
While the calibration of the I6 Turbo engine has been optimised to improve fuel economy, it also incorporates a transient over boost feature, as well as launch assist and adaptive variable camshaft timing (VCT) anti-lag technologies.
“The transient over boost feature allows the engine to over boost by up to 10 per cent for several seconds, increasing available engine torque for improved performance during driving events such as overtaking manoeuvres,” Ford Australia Powertrain Development Manager, David Mitchell said. “Manual transmission turbo models are also equipped with a launch assist anti-lag feature, which increases available engine torque for more consistent maximum launch acceleration, as well as reducing turbo and exhaust temperatures, and minimising turbo lag and clutch wear.”
The I6 Turbo engine also employs cylinder cut on gearshifts in automatic transmission vehicles, for improved shift timing and overall shift refinement. Shift times have been reduced by more than 50 per cent during wide-open throttle applications, giving a sportier shift feel via the shorter, sharper gearshifts.
The (arguably) flagship BOSS 290kW has made its transition into the FG Falcon XR8 range, producing maximum power of 290 kW at 5750 rpm and 520 Nm peak torque at 4750 rpm.
For the first time, the BOSS 290 engine is complimented by an all-new Semi Active Muffler (SAM) and exhaust system.
The SAM comprises a cylindrical valve that is mounted on the muffler end-plate protruding inside the intermediate muffler, which opens and closes to change the vehicle’s exhaust sound characteristics.
During low speed applications and cruising, exhaust gases pass through a baffle to reduce noise for optimum comfort, however the gasses are redirected during spirited applications of the throttle, allowing a full, throaty V8 sound quality.
Ford has likened the system to a similar one found in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage – arguably the world’s best sounding car.
The 5R55S five-speed is a new rear-wheel drive (RWD) automatic transmission, which has been designed in conjunction with Ford engineers in the USA and is produced in Bordeaux, France, for use in the new FG Falcon.
Revised gearing and software behaviour in performance mode offers instinctive gear selection without the need for driver input.
A back-out up-shift inhibit function holds the current gear for a short period of time after the throttle is released, preventing constant upshifting in performance situations such as balancing the throttle through a corner.
Specific transmission calibrations for the sedan and Ute allow for the sedan to be more performance-oriented, while the Ute has been optimised for its workhorse duties, such as carrying heavy loads and towing.
The new Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission is a major upgrade of the previous T56 six-speed manual transmission comprising of three variations in gear rations for the I6 engine (Falcon Ute/Falcon XR6), I6 Turbo engine (XR6 Turbo) and V8 (XR8) for improved performance and a more defined sports feel.
Print it: 
pretty good value for xt if theres little or no price rise seeing as this has better exterior with no crappy black handles more tourque and powere and better interior
i agree i wood probly buy one second hand in 2 years time
Is 6 speed auto still an option for xr range.Should be standard.
Great upgrade, smart work done on donks and cool upgraded gearboxes. Stinky filthy hot looking…love the ute heaps, love the base model look, real good model differentiation and interior slick as. Love the dash and console and shits all over the Commodore! Love the Euro look of base models!
wow..smartest thing ive seen Ford do in a long time
hopfully a diesel or hybrid is in the pipline to keep the greenies happy..
and hopfully this engine is more efficient than the last
its good for the time being, problem is that in early 2009 commodore is getting direct injection V6’s and 6 speed automatics accross the entire range, which will see power go past 210kw in omega trim and around 230kw in calais and SV6 trim, along with much improved fuel economy thanks to direct injection technology and 6 speed auto.
So although this update unquestionably puts the falcon infront of the commodore in terms of drivetrain’s, the advantage will be short lived.
Richo,
I think you’re pushing it for those upgrades to be made available on base model commodores.
and at the same time the commodore will be getting the 307kw LS2 V8 currently doing service in HSV’s range as standard in calais and SS models, and HSV will move onto the LS3 V8 with 325kw standard as well as the supercharged “blue devil” V8 out of the cadillac CTS-V with 410kw as standard in the GTS, and the uprated 462kw version from the ZR1 corvette will go into a limited edition GTS-R version along with its 807nm of torque!
dont believe me? all will be revealed at the melbourne motor show later this month, or just pick up the latest edition of Motor at the newsagent!
Alec, the alloytec currently comes in two versions, the low output 180kw and the high output 195kw. This will be the same with the updated alloytec except that it will now be 210kw and 230kw, and they want the 6 speed accross the range to get the fuel consumption better then what the current aurion is acheiving, which they need the 6 speed to do because even though it has direct injection, its still heavier, so it needs the 6 speed
all of this means that the duratec V6 going into the falcon in 2010 will need to be a very good motor indeed
Richo power doesn’t make it go fast…Torque does. Get a grip, all that spinning without torque will mean it will still lag the Falcon!
Richo,
ford already had it over the commy in terms of drivetrain/engine setup.
they have been infront with that for a long time and all this upgrade does is reinforces that
you may be right Westy, but dont forget the falcon is still heavier.. bugger
also, dont forget fuel economy, something that isn’t ford’s inline 6’s strong points…..
Andrew M – in 6 cylinder terms i don’t doubt that, ford has had the jump for a while now, BUT when it comes to V8’s holden kill ford, hence why the SS outsells bot the XR8 AND XR6t combined
Richo the gts-r you refer to is a concept.And i didn’t make much sence out of the article in MOTOR mag.But it would be great if they decided to build it.
All these stats about new falcon just cream the holden VE.
Now holden know what to do for there next car.HA HA HA
Richo,
fuel economy is a stronger point for the falcon than the commodore so i dont see how you figure it isnt.
also they are claiming better economy again.
ive also read a 4kg weight loss from re configuring the inlet and a 22kg weight loss due to suspension upgrades/improvements
also its not the fact that the SS is faster than the XR8 that it sells more…….
its a better marketed name plate on holdens behalf.
on the other hand holden doesnt touch fords XR6 name plate.
they have tried by introducing the name plate SV6 and toyota have ZR6, buit the XR6 name plate is a little more established and hence gets the sales.
in the same way the SS plate was established a little longer than the XR8 name plate
Aurion remains most powerful in its class.
More power by 5kw, but much less torque.
TP,
well how are you going to explain this “most powerfull aurion” being beaten by the falcon this time no questions asked?
Falcon has just got to much torque over the other OZ brands. It easily wins on the track even though some people think its kilowats that wins race but there wrong. Go ford show em all how to win on the race track.
Richo,
sorry mate but I have owned a Ba falcon, now a Territory with a 6 Speed auto and the fuel economy of both have been excellent. The BA Falcon SR with a 4 speed auto averaged around 9.5 L/100km and had it for 3 years. Now have a Territory, and it weighs over 2 tonnes and I still get 11.5 L/100km. Bad economy, ummm not for the cars I have owned. I have other family members with Falcons/Fairmonts of the BA flavour and they report better economy than what I got. So don’t quote economy figures unless you can back up the figures with real world numbers.
WESTY :)
FALCON
391Nm torque @ 3250revs
AURION
336Nm torque @ 4700revs
Yet TP reckons the game has changed and AURION top of heap. One revs and worked more and one some 33% less revs and stress on motor with 55Nm torque. I do like the Aurion and Falcon more so now….but dare say the times and performance will change here.
Annoying that Dedicated LPG only comes in 4sp auto form only, yet base models have 5speed autos as standard and 6speed autos as option.
….55Nm extra torque (useable torque)
Any further details on the LPG motor. Have they gone to SVI or is it the same old obsolete mixer system?
55Nm more…. 150kg more weight!! Which effects performance and stress on engine Mr NM. Only a 5kw increase is disappointing, as a Ford fairy if you deny this you are flat out lying, given the speculation around here which said it will in words to the effect of ‘definetely have more power then Aurion’.
TP the aurion is a medium size car THAT IS WHY IT IS LIGHTER.Game over.
Well, I know I never said that Mr TP, o he who slanders people. Now and then you say something nice, then go straight back to madly insulting people. So I don’t know what to make of you.
We’ll see what the real world performance says when some testing gets done. You spruik on Aurion, and many (many many) people don’t agree with yo. Well the FG is more efficient and has more torque than ever before, so there should be now doubt then.
And as much as I like the TRD Aurions looks, its performance won’t touch an XR6Turbo now, let alone an F6.
“Falcons extra weight stresses the engine”???? You are joking aren’t you? This is the most under-stressed engine there is in an Australian car and has been for YEARS.
Interesting JT… might have to ring Drive and inform them, Aurion shouldnt have won best large car!!!
As for people not agreeing re Aurion, the only people who disagree with me on that are the people, like yourself and BA, who havent actually driven the Aurion!
That was true, until 2 weeks ago. Regular Aurion, well, let’s just say it doesn’t “do it” for me. I would like a drive of a TRD sometime.
My bro-in-law and I went and checked out an Aurion. Took a test drive, he jumped back in his BF XR6 with ZF 6-speed. Now remember, NA XR6 has the same engine as a common taxi, it’s the handling upgrades, bodykit, etc that lift it over an XT.
Zipped out to a quiet road, both floored it. He leapt ahead a length, then ever so slowly crept away up to 140. I was pretty impressed with the Aurion, it was a little quiter in the cabin, but most other things (steering, handling) I would say were about on par.
We tried a second run, swapping cars, same result. I’ll trust real life experience thanks.
Drive? You mean Drivel?
Just looking through the new pics. I have to agree with you on the XR8 TP. It should have dual exhausts. I see the GT has the huge duals though. XR8 should’ve had duals too but a little smaller.
You were wrong about the ute taillights though, saying they were copies of the VZ ute. The directly rear camera angle in those first shots made it look that way, but some angled shots have shown that not to be true.
5kw makes the Aurion more powerful? Please…
It’s all about useable power. Have a look at the torque figures and at what RPM it’s produced.
The Falcon will be pulling out of a car with low range torque and the Aurion will be revving its t*its off trying to keep up.
An easy way to find out is to throw them on a track and see which one is quicker. I’m sure we will get some great test drives and comparisons soon.
And all I have to say to the comment about the engine being stressed in the Falcon is LOL
The Falcon is by far the less stressed engine compared to the Commodore/Aurion/380. Go and drive one and see how it doesn’t even need to rev that high to produce its power and how stress free it feels when pulling.
I don’t dislike the Aurion but I don’t feel its anything special. Great fuel economy and a pretty decent drive. Typical Toyota I guess.
We have come to the same conclusion Yianni.
TP….if your going to call me a Ford fairy get your facts crystal clear! Iam not a one eyed car follower like you. I would appreciate facts and not emotion
Right on Yianni, the stats clearly speak for themselves and its a shame some Toyota Tossers cant see that. I like the Aurion, but its tad bland and not stunning at front for me. The headlights are a tad bland and devoid of aggressive lines as too cardigan for me = more so in TRD form together with the too wavy front spoiler. In Sportivo form in the great tan colour I looked over – it was like real sweet as! If I was to buy a V6 I would still plump for Sportivo….would suss out the Falcon but as nice as!
as already pointed out but i will say it aswell…..
its all about “usable” power and torque.
i can tug along a 1 tonne trailer of gear in my falcon in 4th doing 60kmh and around 1800rpm and when i hit the slopes there is no need for me to drop it back to 3rd nor do i have to press any harder on the pedal.
once you have it in the 2000-2200 rpm you can really notice that all the muscle is on board and you will not only hold the speed whilst climbing but easily accelerate up grades with a big load behind you.
also the power figure is just for the simple people that dont understand how to read out puts of motors.
they call it “power” so people instantly think it is a direct comparison of a cars might.
TP how about you do a weight to cubes ratio and tell us that the extra kgs will stress the 4.0l falcon motor more that the high reving aurion motor.
then do a torque to weight ratio and tell us the falcon is the higher stressed motor
ok ive found the fuel economy.
the main drops come from the performance models.
the base I6 drops .1L
the XR6T drops .6L
the boss drops 1.0L
What no diesel….poor show…snigger snigger
I agree with No Name. Ford hasn’t announced a diesel or displacement on demand, and the wagon is still virtually unchanged. Pretty disappointing, this is supposed to be a new model launch not just a revised model.
Sure sales figures will be plumped up for 6 months but I don’t see anything in the range (other than the XR6 turbo) to keep sales flying high long term.
TP…
Did Aurion win wheels car of the year?
Have you driven an aurion back to back with the new FG falcon?
I currently am driving an aurion as a work vehicle and ive driven plenty of BF11 falcons.
Guess which still feels more punchy and handles weight better!? not to mention falcon still handles better too.
Use premium and FG is 2kw of aurion while the gap for torque just gets bigger and bigger.
The add turbos engine choices, transmissions choices and suspension turing and options.
It would appear Ford has surprised many with orion just like they did with mondeo.
That the best they can do?
Nothing more than a rehash, the glory days are long gone.
Holden and Toyota MUST be having a big giggle!
Countdown to close-of-shop [magna/380 style] has began…….
Cheers,
F-0
The BOSS XR8 has 20 kw more than a SS but 10nm less than the SS, why?
Frugal One, what’s that got to do with the price of eggs in china?
Duck…
Do you understand engine capacities? Why do you think Toyota can stretch 200KW out of a 3.5V6 but can’t win the torque ratings?
KW is for marketing purposes only, torque is the more important figure that Holden and Toyota fans glaze over all too easily, wonder why…
Ford has effectivley improved the new falcon in every measurable area, while the new VE and camry didn’t when they were released and people still maon over 20% carry over items.
Ford has no global RWD platform or volume like Holden and Toyota yet manages to make a better car???? who would have thought!!
shall we now list the carry over components in aurion/camry and VE!? i bet you the figures would come close to 20% also.
I thought the Orions would have the Duratec cyclone motor, a bit dissappointed but at least its not pushing the same stats or worse. 5wk more and 8Nm more at 21kg more heavier.
Suspension would be the key for this car as they based it on the territory somewhat.
Lol wheels dont even mention that magazine… its like Bush talking about nukuler.
Adam,
mate, how does having more torque become a better car. Theres more to it in large cars than performance, otherwise put this car against performance cars. It just came out so theres still alot to prove who knows the car might have 5 recalls in 2years we don’t know that and then become the biggest POS ever, or it could have no recalls and gain high recognition and be the best large car 6er in its class in the world.
I think Holden said the same thing thats its going to an improvement and look where the VE sits now.
21kg = 10kg
referencing the structure weight over the outgoing model.
FO….freaking ogre