2008 Ford Falcon technology
February 17, 2008 by George Skentzos
Complimenting the all-new Ford Falcon’s modern appearance is a world-class, technologically advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI), which brings vehicle interaction, system control and integration to a new level.
This system is incorporates the Interior Command Centre (ICC), Multi-function Display (MFD), instrument cluster and steering wheel controls, as well as integrating a host of new customer-oriented features where fitted, including a reverse camera, a Bluetooth mobile phone integration module and full iPod integration with the audio system.
“Navigating through the system is possible from three different points, depending on the function being accessed, with the ICC, instrument cluster and steering wheel buttons all providing various levels of sub-system control.”
There are two levels of ICC, a low series version with an LED back lit monochromatic LCD screen on XT, G6, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 models and a high series version with a seven-inch colour TFT screen on G6E and G6E Turbo models, which utilises colours and layers to enable simple navigation of menus and functions.
This system controls simple functions such as audio which incorporates MP3 functionality and iPod connectivity, along with driver conveniences such as auto-headlamp off, interior light dimming and auto-audio off with driver’s door.
Upscale models which utilise the TFT screen also incorporate a sonar display for the reversing system along with a reverse camera display. The driver will also be greeted with an animated Ford logo upon start-up.
The new Falcon will be offered with two levels of audio systems, a standard audio system that is fitted as on XT, G6, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 models, and a premium audio system on G6E and G6E Turbo models.
The standard system incorporates a single CD/MP3 player delivering sound through a four-speaker setup. Rear speakers are located in the rear doors rather than the parcel shelf so that rear-seat passengers can converse more easily.
The premium system includes a six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player which delivers its sound through an impressive eight speakers, coupled with a 150-watt amplifier and 150-watt subwoofer.
The Satellite Navigation System in the new FG Falcon uses a new SD card-based system in lieu of the DVD based system used in prior models.
Improved mapping software includes and all-new display and menu, shut-down-delay mode which recalls route guidance if the vehicle is off for a short period of time, current Sensis map data, 2D/2.5D perspective view map mode, for easy recognition and understanding and an infrared remote control.
There are three functional levels of cluster in the FG Falcon – low series, high series and FPV – of which there are a total of seven unique variants across the vehicle range.
A multi-function display inset into the cluster delivers a range of information to the driver in their peripheral vision including a large digital speed display, overspeed, odometer, tripmeter, system warnings, audio information and trip computer information.
Cluster settings are stored on the key fob, maintaining preferences for multiple drivers.
With the introduction of the new Set-Point cruise control system on FG Falcon, the MFD shows cruise control status including Cruise On, Set and set Speed, while there is now also a “one touch lane change indicator”.
New warning functions include a driver fatigue chime which sounds at two, three and four hour intervals and a display which indicates if the driver’s door has been opened without putting the vehicle into park.
Cluster illumination is determined by the ambient light level via an ambient light sensor, independent of the headlight status – it compensates for using headlights during the daytime or travelling through a tunnel.
Print it: 
Cluster illumination is determined by the ambient light level via an ambient light sensor, independent of the headlight status – it compensates for using headlights during the daytime or travelling through a tunnel.
Good idea, but this was standard on a 1991 BMW E36 3 Series….
All the same, kudos on some of the other improvements to the Falcon. Equipment like that is a reflection of more intelligent driving systems implemented in Europe some time ago and hopefully now being adopted more readily here in Aus.
Yep Godspeed – BMW, Merc-Benz are the leaders in most things. Good to see more of their innovations filtering down to Aussie cars, even if it takes a while. Not surprising as we are talking sub-$50k cars.
I love the fact that even the fleet/base XT gets a CD/MP3 player standard. I bought a Kenwood CD/MP3 player for my car when they first came out about 7 years ago. I didn’t buy the optional 6CD/MP3 stacker for it because I just don’t need it with 160+ songs on a single CD. I rarely change the CD more than twice a year, mainly to update my song list.
Incorporating CD/MP3 into the ICC is a brilliant move based on my own experience. The prestige ICC is a 6-stack CD/MP3 (approx 960+ songs) so you’d never have to change discs again except for updating your song list.
Being able to sort your music into folders is a smart move too.
watto,
yes mate the clutch is also apperently auto adjusting just like the handbrake.
stuffs me how that works………
also id like to know how the bluetooth set up works.
i havent had much to do with bluetooh in cars before and wondering if it was as simple as storing your phones signal in the car and then any time you get in and it rings just push the button on the steering wheel????
are they easy to use?
The self-adjusting handbrake is designed/made in Aussie too they say, good stuff.
I’ve never used Bluetooth in a car, but it’d be the same as using a headset. You just turn on Bluetooth on your phone and it’ll look for nearby devices it can be paired with.
It’ll remember that pairing (and others) from then on so as long as you have your phone Bluetooth turned on, it’ll link with the FG as soon as you hit the ignition.
Hey anti spam was………BMWM3……….so couldn’t resist!
Hey Watto…..great idea cause the BA/BFs handbrake was a god dam pain i the arse to adjust! Never felt it was on even when it was on! what ever happened to 3 clicks and that’s enough!
Bluetooth…..hahaha babe I don’t even have a mobile….hate them after selling real-estate!Vow never to own another!
Me just wants to hear the exhaust!!!!!!!
I own the curent shape xr8 and i cant wait to upgrade to this new shape its nothing like the bf and if you think it looks like a bf i think ya better get your eyes checked.Im very confident it will be a huge sucess and sales too,people will choose the new xt over an omega but thats my opinion.Now im off to adelaide clipsal 500.
Have any of you Falcon haters and doomsday people seen the FG in the flesh? Whell than daaaa!.
The journalists said it’s like the VE Commodore was “it looks better in the flesh than in pictures” so give it a break.
The 4 litre sounds fantastic in this guise, the interior looks great and the new doors, roof, models look excellent.
Bang for your buck, what about the killer figures for the Turbo and XR8’s and launch assist? Wow! Holden has no answer. And 11.5 l/100 for the 270 kw Turbo? Amazing
What about the 50% faster auto changes, the self adjusting clutches, EBD & emergency brake assist?
Yeah I think once the comparison’s start getting published, the 0-100 and 400 sprints should shut the red guys up. Let’s give this baby a chance.
Oh and welcome the new Ford Australia President. He sounds like someone in the same vein as Geoff Polites, maybe better. Please go left hand drive. Export Export Export.
Im back in adelaide now its very cool here now,and good news we got pole position for tomorows race and its ford to the back off the pack just look for the red bf vodafone car.Lets hope skaifey crashes again like last year and lets stick it right up holden fans asses.Im very confident ford will win so put a bet on team vodafone 888 number 1 yes im lovin it right now and holden is hating it.Craig Lowndes.
Wheelnut is there also….turn 8. Go Coldbum and thanks Wheelnut for my Coldbum merchandise….Ill love it Im sure!xxx Miss you terribly!
Bad news is its rained and may tomorrow…..
25 degrees is better than 40 degrees rememeber last year and 50 degrees in the cars,dont forget team vodafone pole position for tomorows race bf falcon.Its just so good to be back in adelaide.Craig Lowndes.
Yep we were discussing that last night. You didn’t go to see Powder Finger tonight?
Go Jamie……nail Skaffie! hehehe
CRAIG LOWNDES, well it looks like your teammate Whincup got pole, not you. SUCKED IN!
Thats right its party time in adelaide as i type this message,lets hope skaifey crashes as usual and cool weather is not bad news to me its good news in my book.Craig Lowndes.
I said we not me,mate pole dont mean im going to lose im smiling now as usual.Oz suck on that mum said it bed time for you or daddy will spank your ass. haha
25 degrees cool weather..Oh why oh why did I come back to slimey pohmland.
Ah you cant spell mate go back to bed,theres a big time difference between nsw and sa,no name haha.lol.
So why did you babe……You here to keep me company!
OZ AND NO NAME ARE KIDS LOL.
No there both Cool…..No Name lives in the UK so hes complaining loudly about his weather.
Oz was just joking…….hes a Ford fan through and through
Sorry guys,and iv have english background both my grand parents and father come from england and moved here in the late 50s.Go ford.
I think golf and gay review are the same person hows that for an insult haha.
Aww come on Craigy babe. What you on dude. Smiling :)
Craig, gee cobber you are a arseclown. Shame you have a surname like that on here as he is clever and well mate….do I need to point out the bleeding obvious on you? Me thinks not!
Craig Lowndes and Football Meat Pies Kangaroos and Holden Cars are the same person. Both have supreme intelligence, a devastating wit, sensational sense of irony and a cutting-edge rationale. Both are still embittered about not making the debating team at University. Only we can see why.
Actually, I’ve never seen gay review. His comments are alluded to elsewhere but seem to have been moderated or removed.
So that the word in the street, that these clowns flog the same meat, they try to talk cool, act gay and play the supreme fool!
Seen the new falcon today on Latrobe Terrace at about 1pm today in Geelong with no camoflague on it. Must have been one of those XR vehicles from You Yangs test track from Lara. It was headin towards the Great Ocean road. Looks good from what i seen and im glad i live in Geelong cause i get to see all the new fords before all you guys do
Thats right BK, we might see some “naked” spyshots of the Falcon soon. LOL
What a boring looking car, I am not a ford fan in any way and this car proves it, looks more like a magna in every shot. May even end up like Misubishi…. extinct.
What a great looking large car. Very European design, some Japanese influence and with Australian strength.
The VE looks very dated with it’s over the top Americanised look. The VE features such highlights as stunned rabbit in the headlights and elephant ears.
The Ford is a much more cohesive design. Excellent proportions.
Mutha, by the sounds of your attitude, you would never like this FG Falcon no matter what it looked like. And what?? Ford be extinct because you personally don’t like it? I’m sorry to break the news to you but the earth doesn’t revolve around you.
yeah, if they CAN market it properly with decent ad’s on tv, not like their bloody ford ranger one with that cricketer bitch when he walks through the carwash. i cant wait till these cars are released, but they should’ve made a G8 or something, a v8 luxury car. but i cant wait till the new fpv’s come out even more!!! …..and car porn, jeez mate, keep it in ur pants F@ GTHO
Wasn’t this about ICC HMI?..
If so no it’s not the best we have seen, Holden have been doing these types of things for years.
It’s seriously been some time for Ford to have waited for something this good.
It doesn’t scream i have something better then you, It screams i have been in the clouds for sometime, And have only seen this, The competition has had it for years..
What i say to my Ford friends is this, Now you will know what we have been playing around with for years, You will enjoy it, Little things like Digital speedo, Trip read out for average speed, Average fuel km’s traveled time traveled, All in A and B..
And if you are really lucky, You will be able to see real time RPM, Engine temp, Battery Voltage oil temp etc.
It’s wanky but it’s fun, You will love it.
On auto headlights, It wasn’t standard BA.. It was offered on the upper models, Such as Fairmont above, I know this because one was in my driveway.