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: 
man this is car porn and im underage
looks complex..good for the younguns.. but probably not suited to the general falcon demographic
otherwise awsom ideas Ford… onli BMWs and Mercs have this tech
this falcon is gunna kick ass
IF its marketed well
What a shame the wagon is not included in this major upgrade.
The Egas model is also left out in the cold with no direct injection & 4 spd auto.
ESP also left off the utes.
I guess the development $$$ didn’t stretch as far as they were needed.
Ford’s production line will be a mix of new technology, old technology & even older technology – throw in there the Territory & Focus (down the track) and it all sounds a bit NQR
PreetR34,
mate you just spilled the critical words.
“IF its marketed well”
no matter how good the car is if they dont pick up their marketing game it wont receive the sales it deserves
ditto. shame about e gas and wagon. Perhaps the wagon will play catchup later.
Looks like they have improved on what already was a good thing with the sedan. I hope this translates into more private sales for them. Injected gas option with all the good bits would have been a winner given petrol prices what they are.
Interiors look schmick even in the XT. Exterior style is familiar but better with subtle styling changes and rear door improvement.
That command centre system looks impressive.
It will handle better than commodre with the new virtual pivot point suspention in the front
There is some great tech in there. The key fob storing different drivers preferences is a new one for Oz?
I’m glad their C D players are m p 3 compatible, even on the base models. I was hoping for D V D too, but driver distraction might have become an issue.
Yeah she will handle real sweet now! Heaps better!
My BAXR6 looks like plain jane compared to these . This car looks awsome and with all this technology no other car in OZ comes close. Lets maul holden like Ford has done for decades
Oh, all the pics made me go crazy!
Holden have had smart settings for multiple drivers since te VT Calais and now even the Base Commodore has had it for years so how is Fords system is new for OZ. Also no auto headlights on even the upper level or rain sensing wipers. Comeon Ford its the 21st Century and not even Auto Headlights. Even the Base model VE Omega has that.
As I expected all along, not even a fraction of change compared to VE. Frosty brought up a good point which even I didnt think of. No Auto headlights like all VE’s on even the top of range or rain sensing wipers as found on the Calais V. Place pictures of a BF II up against a FG and you tel me there is more difference in styling than what Holden had from VZ to VE. Fords AU failure will cost Ford for many years to come yet.
Are you sure Frosty?? I jumped in a BF MkII XLS ute not a couple days ago and it definately had auto sensing headlights so I don’t see why the FG wouldn’t have them.
Actually, looking at that last pic of the instrument cluster, you can see on the indicator lever the word ‘auto’ which is the setting that allows for the auto headlight activation.
As mentioned, they have the car, now lets see the marketing to back it up!
Havent Holden made a loss for 2 years straight with there VE. Looks like there goin for 3 in a row. Sendin the car to USA to become a pontiac is a better idea. Give it a few more years commodore will not be seen here in OZ as a commodore. Ford falcon will be in USA as a Falcon. SMart thinkin by Ford keepin the name and brand. People are buyin smaller fuel efficient cars now in OZ so commodore will be dead soon.
Well it doesnt even mention it in the specs sheet ford have supplied s we will wait and see. Also the ommodore is guaranteed in Ausralia’s future. The Falcon is not after 2012. The reason the Commodore is namd ifferently in various overseas markets is for the same reason the Camry V6 is kown as Aurium here. Different name for differnt markets and chev has been part of the Middle eastern scene for decades so its for familiarity reasons and with the G8, dont forget Pontiachas had te G5 ad G6 now fr a few year. The oommodore is secure in Australia fo many years ahead.
Sorry as I said, with GM USA acknoledging Holden as the jewel in the GMempires crown, you will see that Holdnhav the power thn only Ford OZ could dream of. If the U.S. say Falcon is going to be exported to OZ then Ford OZ will have no choice to oblidge. Holden has the bigger of the 2 in Australias futre.
I rather see a falcon badge on a ford which will stay rather than a pontiac badge on something thats meant to be Holden or is it hyndai or watever brand it is. Commodore for not much longer here.
Frosty, FordOZ is also being recognised as the future RWD engineering centre for the parent company. It’s hard to make business sense of exporting now the Oz dollar is so strong, which was after the VE export deal was signed. They are still making a profit, but tiny compared to what they expected thanks to the strong Aussie dollar. It is hurting Holden a bit at the moment.
If you’ll open your eyes and look closer I worded the key fob memory remark as a question .ie. with a question mark, because I wasn’t sure on that one.
I remember you from the Syndey Motor Show posts. You were running around every Ford blog saying “it looks like s*&^, it looks like s*&^” and I insulted you. I apologised very soon after because that was wrong making a personal attack/insult.
However, it seems to me you are only here as a spoiler because we haven’t heard boo from you since then til now.
Wheelnut is a big Holden fan whose opinion/knowledge I respect. His predictions usually come true based in no small part on fact. He thinks Torana(US) will more or less replace Commodore in a few short years. Read into that what you will, but I wouldn’t feel so secure about Commodore. If Falcon does go, Commodore will follow shortly after. I don’t want to see either go, or it’s good bye V8Supercars, our proud muscle car competition/heritage, etc.
I meant Torana(Canada) .ie. Pontiac G6
whos gonna lay down bets of who leaves OZ first. Will it be commodore or the falcon?? At least the falcon stays as a falcon.
Frosty,
you obviously dont know anything outside of your holden mag.
ford has had auto headlights since BAMK11!!!!
also we still have the camry here in OZ. yes its on the same platform the aurion uses but the camry nameplate doesnt make way for the aurion nameplate.
you see not everybody renames vehicles to suit a regin like GM does.
a ford focus is a ford focus no matter where you go.
a ford explorer is a ford explorer no matter where you go
a toyota corolla is a toyota corolla no matter where you go
a toyota camry is a toyota camry no matter where you go
what does holden have that is named the same no matter where you go?
come on tell me what it is every other car manufacturer re names when they switch regins
here come the holden wankers trying to justify to themselves the VE is a better car.
You keep on doing that….
The BA set the technology standard, then Holden had to catch up. Ford have done it again, and Holden are still catching up. The VE has nohing the BA didn’t have. $1Billion my hole.
Actually the BA Mk 1 had the auto headlights to. remember the cant get enough of this ads
Yes I do, those ads made me want a BA Falcon (XR) so bad. I usually pay little heed to any advertising but those really got me. Why can’t FordOZ marketing department get some brains in to do that again?
I remember “Can’t Get Enough Of This” it was done south of New Zealand.
It will be interesting to see if Ford will do an ‘SR’ version right from the start, a bit like what holden had to do with the VE Omega V to make sure they got some volume from the start.
Still don’t agree with a space saver even through all manufacturers seem to be doing it.
Who remarked earlier about auto headlights not standard? – you need to sit down with a nice cup of tea.
Anti spam word is Ford!
Daniel, look at how much Holden got for their billion bucks. Substantial, when you think about it. Did this cost Ford somewhere around 500 to 600 million?
Look at the wagon, and you’ll see why. Look at the XT’s plastic carry-over hubcaps, and you’ll see why. Same platform, same wheelbase. Check.
I don’t dislike this car, but I’m disappointed that it’s the most cautious new Falcon ever.
Golfy vw driver,look how far ford have come on half the budget of holden and thats very good,sure they built a new platform but it sure is ugly.
golfschwein – so your saying Holden spent $1billion to develop a new wagon, because aside from the wagon the new VE pretty much matches the BA/BF in terms of technology.
If Ford spent half the money to build a better car and only made a mistake with some $50 hubcaps, then I’d say thats money well spent.
No, what I meant is this, and I’ll repeat here my comments made on another of these posts.
Holden spent a billion bucks and got themselves a brand new platform, brand new rear suspension, left hand drive marketability and 4 body styles. That’s why I’m saying they got value. Engines and transmissions, as debatable as some of the choices may be, were done in the previous model. Sure, Ford’s one-up in that department, at least as far as the sixes go.
Other bits, such as safety hardware and driver and comfort technology is tit-for-tat.
I was just stating a fact. Rest asured I’m not here to ignite the usual stuff like Holdenwoo, Foulcan, yours is a piece of shyte, VE just acught up with BA etc etc
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
Indeed Frugal One nice car but damn it looks the same mightas well call it a BF MK III >.
Frugal One, you’ve got the wrong page, go to the 380 post.
FOOTBALL…no spare change left you stated earlier? At a mooted $700million, there is some $300million left over compared to Holden’s billion dollar baby – the VE Commodore!
As for FO – maybe call yourself Freakshow Orangutang as bizarre comments!
FO….Is that the best GM can do recording record loss during 2007. Dam no one went there before with that giant loss and your on here stating they are way ahead. LOL your funny and fully twisted at times!
Interior looks niiiiiiice on Falcons… pity exterior is like a BF MkIII…. if I had a Falcon I honestly wouldnt see any reason to upgrade, engine only has a measily 5kw more and it looks for all intensive purposes the same. Commodore on the other hand, COMPLETELY different not only externally but beneath the skin.
Interior looks fantastic on Falcons. if I had a Falcon I honestly would upgrade, engine has another 5kw more and it looks excellent. Commondore on the other hand, COMPLETELY the same not only externally but beneath the skin.
Commodore completely the same WTF… what rock have you been under?
TP,
mate even holden uses the same engine in the VE as what they already had in the VZ. perhaps you should ask those owners why they bothered upgrading……
as far as the budget goes, perhaps they did do alright. i assume there a lot of fixed costs associated with a new vehicle.
one major one would be changing the Robots in the factory. and then advertising (if thats included)
the only real thing that holden concentrated on was a new chassis (and it was dearly needed)
they still used the same engine, tranny etc and even “MR Macpherson” remained of front in terms of suspension.
ford spent their dollars differently thats all.
Holden commodore VE is only a 4 star in world class safety. So what the hell did they spend there billion dollars on. There engines are gutless and trannys dont work properly. New FG is allready rated a 5 star in world class safety. Nowonder Ford is the best aussie made car in the world.
BIG BIG BIG STUFF UP FORD. If you are only going to offer the basic aduio & multi-function display system for the XR6 Turbo & XR8, you have just lost 3/4 of your intendend market. The reason for spending $45000+ is that you get the top of the line model with all the features. I’ll spend my money on the series II SS instead. At least you get the top of the line stereo as standard. Ford just will not learn.
How can you afford any new car Diamond Duck, you just turned sixteen the new Falcons are not in full prodution yet, so how do you know what is exactly included in Fords model line up, your SSSSS is a joke very bland interior with crap features…..do you only buy cars with the pocket mum gave you, or if you did have money your Holden must have the best stereo, a real bad excuse to purchase, after market stereo’s are better anyway…..
Read the following quotes from the article,
“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”
“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.”
I have been a Ford person since the days of watching Dick Johnson at Bathurst. Also I am one of many hoping like hell that this Ford is not stuffed up, and my fears are growing that all their eggs are being placed in the G6 models.
Regarding the amount that has and has not changed from BFII, if you visit the official Ford QAustralia site they go into great detail. The list(s) of differences is HUGE. Takes quite a while to read.
How about looking at that before saying its the same underneath fellas?
Watto,
mate did you also read the auto box now has some sort of function that acts like an engine brake?
it senses when the vehicle is accelerating whilst the brake is being pressed and locks down the gears.
Diamond duck,
if they put all the features on the pov model what would be the point of buying the upper spec?
i mean even holden isnt that stupid.
why dont base models usually have colour coded trim?
have you ever thought about why the base model isnt fully optioned?
Andrew.M, there was so much nifty new stuff there I can’t remember half of it and will have to read again. Like the way they reduced the small turbo lag by another 30%, and the way the turbo autos change gears on full throttle, etc, etc.
thats some pretty cleaver sht there… well done ford… not enough change in the xr… but well done on the G6E Turbo (about time) hope theres still a G6E V8 tho…
Diamond Duck what exactly do you think the G6E Turbo is…
top of the line in performance and luxury… the very few people that still want a V8 obviously have some money to spend… thats where FPV come in… XRs are performance cars and thats all
Fords Thoughts – Lets Improve Not Just Change
Holdens Thoughts – Lets win the waist money award (cough cough 4 start)