Melbourne Motor Show: Ford
February 29, 2008 by rjw
After months of prowling Australian roads under a variety of disguises Ford’s FG Falcon makes its debut at the Melbourne Motor Show.
Ford’s new Australian boss Bill Osborne says the FG range is 90 per cent new, with revisions to the engines, transmission, front suspension, body styling and interior.
Standard safety equipment on all petrol-engined Falcon sedans will include driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags, driver and front passenger seat belt reminder, electronic stability control, traction control and ABS with brake assist.
Side curtain airbags are standard on premium sedan Falcons and optional on other sedan models.
LPG engined Falcons miss out on stability and traction control because the electronic systems can’t be coordinated with the LPG system.
The 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine now makes 195kW, the turbo six has 270kW and the 5.4-litre V8 has 290kW. The gas-engined version, a favourite with fleets and governments remains at 156kW.
A US-designed, French-built five-speed automatic replaces the Australian-made four-speed on all but LPG-engined models. The German ZF 6HP26 six-speed auto remains on high series models.
Fuel consumption for the non-turbo six with the six-speed ZF automatic is 10.1 litres per 100 km, better than a Holden Commodore V6’s figure of 10.9 l/100km. But this was also true of the BF and wasn’t enough to save Falcon from disastrous sales of 34,000 last year. Will a new look do the trick for the Falcon?
New titles are part of the makeover. You’ll look in vain for Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia models on the Ford stand. Those long-running names have been replaced by G6 and G6E.
The Melbourne Motor Show opens to the public at 5pm on February 29 and runs until March 10. If you’ve been to the show and seen the FG for yourself let us know what you think.
Print it: 
WOW the FG is the lead story at the MMS!!!
Then came the Coupe60…
Looking good. I can’t wait to see them at the Ford dealers! :mrgreen:
I really like what they’ve done with the intercooler on the Turbo – centre aligned!!
That green XR ute looks so damn good, it doesn’t look heaps different but those suttle bulges over the rear wheel arch make it look fantastic
“Will a new look do the trick for the Falcon?”
New look??
I find new Falcon an incredible yawn…
You should have said:
“Will same-old same-old do the trick for the Falcon?”
Good on ya Roddy, very clever post…
IDIOT.
roddy….are you blind? i know you are a holden wanker but geez mate…………the falcon looks great, smooth and modern without horrible bulging front guards…….it fits fits perfectly with Fiesta, Focus and Modeo.
can you believe HSV ? 7 Litre V8 with only 370kw!!!!! ahhhh yes, the inefficiency of the dinosaur pushrod V8. Whats next? 8 litre V8 with 400kw……..i can get that with a chip mod in my XR6 Turbo…….
lol I’d expect tasteful feedback from the Ford brigade, which seem to loiter on this site for some reason.
Fact is…Ford went for evolution, Holden went for revolution.
Time will tell which of these two approaches will ensure long term viability for these two car companies.
I know where my money would lie…
Ford brigade member here……mmmmm seems I can find something good to say about Holden even though my hearts with Ford,you however sir won’t give credit where credit is due. Remember the BA was already Fords revolutionary new style,that was 6 years ago.How much different do you think the new VE replacement will be?
I, Sir, will give credit to Ford that the interior of the Falcon is indeed quite nice.
The exterior, however, as you stated, looks like an facelift of a 6 year old car. Yawn
Time will tell how different the VE replacement (do you mean replacement or facelift?) will be, but that’s not exactly imminent and is irrelevant in the here and now, yes?
Here and now Ford can’t afford to drop the ball on this vehicle…to me it’s a huge letdown. Were I laying money down on a new Ford, this consumer would buy a Mondeo over the new Falcon, every time.
Roddy, you just ain’t a Ford fan and you have bad wishes for Ford Australia because you don’t like them.
I really don’t understand what people want to see.
If it’s too different it’s not good enough, if it’s too similar it’s not good enough. Example of being too different: AU Falcon..
wowowee!
but $18 for entry!!!! thats robbery! does anyone have those free vouchers from shop a dockets?
I just need invisible powers! :mrgreen: LOL!
First id like to say im a true blue ford nut , love all fords right back to the model t, but i dont understand all this blue vs red shit , i love fords , only buy and drive fords , but i dont hate GM , infact i dont even have an opinion on them, my point is fords rule but i dont compare them to anything else. Stop the fighting.
Roddy,
as already stated fords “revolutionary” thing came with the BA falcon and isnt due again until 2010 (or is it 2012?)
anyway the VE platform will still be around when ford does the new platform thing. the manufacturers are out of sync when it comes to updating their models.
either way you look at it the falcon still holds more than its own against the “revolutionary” VE.
I am currently studying transportation design at university and am really shocked to read and hear people talk about the FG as if it were “same-old same-old.” After going to the motor show last night and seeing it in the flesh, it is increadibly different, althought maintaining the same appeal of the BF/BA models.
Subtle changes on almost every panel, interior overhaul and quality of materials on the interior make what the cars image is. The attention to finer details create the appeal of the FG and it certainly does appeal.
I do have to ask Roddy and the other posters if hey have sat in the new falcon? because after playing with the buttons on the centre console and on the steering wheel i found the material quality alot higher then in competing models eg. calais and sv6/ss/v I was particularly impressed with main volume knob’s tactile rubber surface and the way in which it rotated, it felt very soled and would feel at home in a up market european interior.
I also have to say before criticizing, or gloating for that matter, people really do have to go and have a GOOD look at the car and appreciate the finer details, like fitment and subtle panel details, because you really cant appreciate a cars image unless you have a propper look.
does anyone know when us QLD’rs can get a look at the new range?
when do test drives start?
Hey Andrew why don’t you PM Phoonman…hes up your way!
I assume us QLDers will be able to drive it when it goes on sale. Look, I really don’t know, take BM’s advice and contact Phoonman!!!!! :D
i did a while ago about viewings etc but i havent seen him round here for a while……….
Holden REVOLUTION??
what a long nosed pudgy asses large astra with daewoo quality interior?
cmon roddy!
open a glovebox in a VE and u feel like u are going to rip it off…. oh and u have to love all the glass in them… MADE IN CHINA… yeah the real aussie.
just wait till FG hits the road, and we put one beside a VE and then the VE will look like it was actually designes with a pencil and a ruler. The americans even got the VE front better on their G8. front on VE looks like a rodeo.
VE has seen its time.
The falcon looks similar to the BF due to the fact, if u had asked anyone what they liked about ba/ bfs and theyd tell you…. THE LOOK, and the colours!!
many holden people ( or is that kids? ) told me they hated fords BUT loved the look of the Ba’s
From what i can tell… the FG interior is lightyears ahead of the VE, i hope it is in quality too?? have to wait n see.
I looked at the top pcture for a few secs and thought, thats the old BF! and i looked closer and closer till my head hit the screen and i thought i know there is a few minor changes! HA!
These FG XR6 looks so much nicer than my 2003 BA XR6. Anybody in here interested in buyin my XR6 with 5 speed manual and only 56,000km. I accept best offer only.
Sorry BK, the only XR6 Falcon I’d buy would be an FG XR6…SORRY! :)
i didnt pay 40 grand for my BA XR6. Got it for 24 grand
Why is there no pics of the G6E Turbo? The one shown at the unveiling with its massive rims looked friggin awesome. Is ford hiding the pretty one? By far the best looking FG is the G6E.
Yeah, I like the look of the G-Series. Hard to believe there’s not photos of it.
I finished watching the unveiling video,(AGAIN). I love that G6E Turbo come down from the lift and the FPV’s stop next to it.
Night OZ…..sweet dreams babe!
Early night tonight?
Naaaaa,just wanted to talk to the love of my life…..2 hours later I’m back!
Good for you Missile, being a Missile no use firing blanks when dead end! Its like the Falcon, a newer model is better the older one hey!
The new falcon looks emaculate in the pictures and I’m sure will impress once it hits the showrooms. The actual quater mile and gear shift times will be really interesting in comparison to the VE and Aurion. I think the XR6 Turbo and G6E Turbo will be the main attraction for Ford as these are Fords strongest front and they have a lot of the work done to the engines compared to the V8. Although nothing really beats the sound and uplifting performance of a V8 and the XR8 has got its share of upgrades too, especially that SAM in the muffler – will sound pretty awesome I reckkon. Can’t wait for April and June gonna be the best months of 2008. I still find it interesting that FPV are hiding the Power figures on their new models, kinda makes you think that they were waiting for HSV to release their new models. I think where gonna be in for quite a surprise in terms of Power figures from FPV. The 320 or 310 for the GT is just speculation, but I think FPV has something special in store for HSV.
Cheers
Prim
Roddy,
Holdens VE, although a good car, is an evolution of what the BA and SX/SY Territories would have looked like if they were mashed together. Take the badges off the VE and sit it beside these two fords, and many people would have said they were from the same company!!
Take it from me the Falcon is doomed!
It really has nothing new, and does not even look bang-up-to-date fresh or exciting.
The Commodore and even Aurion have it all over this.
Countdown to shut-down is away and ticking….
NOT WORTH COTY IN ANY SHAPE-WAY-OR-FORM!
Cheers
F-0
Frugal One,
After seeing the car in the metal at the motor show, my opinion has changed SUBSTANTIALLY.
It is extremely well finished,
Extremely comfortable,
Extremely roomy,
the leather on the G6E Turbo was some of the best leather I have seen/felt on a car at that price,
It looked modern and a whole lot better in the metal than in any of the magazine pictures I have seen.
In fact after sitting in almost every car at the motor show, the Falcon interior really SHAMED many MUCH more expensive cars.
Frugal One, part 2!!
Its comments like yours that really give local cars the uphill battle.
One of the main arguments for dredging Port Philip Bay is to prevent Melbourne becoming a ‘Backwater’, however, I think there is a greater chance of this great city becoming a backwater if Ford was to close down and put all their componant suppliers and employees out of business!!
From what I have seen, this car is every bit as good as its competitors!!
*IF* i was in the market for a large car it would be last of my choices.
1st. would be VE 2nd. the Aurion.
In any case like most of the other punters not interested in a large-gas-guzzler with applaing buld quality and resale.
Cheers
F-0
Frugal every one is entitled to their opinion but in what way don’t you think this measures up.Fine for you to make that comment but what are you backing it up with?
Seems to me the finish is getting better on all fronts in Australian manufacturing.Try being a little more positive.
Ive always thought Fords product was better finished off than Holdens .But hey that’s my opinion! Sort of like BMW and Merc, Merc just that bit better. Thats coming from a Bavarian Junkie!
The House of Representatives -
Resolution 269
Cheers
F-0
Let’s face it. Come May when the FG hits the streets it will cause the VE to age overnight. Holden needs a Series II real quick. Plus it needs a Fiesta challenger. And a Astra replacment. Not to mention that Epica thing has to go. The new Territory is 12 months off but still streets ahead of Captiva. Ford is in good shape. Although the loss of Fairlane and LTD is an unforgiveable stuff up on Ford’s part. As is not having a wagon in the new model. Ford says the BF MkIII will continue for fleet purposes only. The truth is Ford thought the Territory would hurt the wagon hence no upgrade was planned. Hindsight is a wonderful thing Ford.
Frugal One, go away, just because you don’t like it means your alone. Everyone else thinks it’s good. Keep your anti-Aussie comments to your self
Rick, Holden do not need to replace the astra! I’ll agree with you that they definetly have to replace the epica, though, propably with that Isingia. Yes i hope they replace the barina with the european Corsa! And HOLDEN probaly will bring out a series 11 Commy when the FG Falcon comes out.
Duck, Point taken. I agree with you on the Astra. Having said that I was dissapointed to see the Vectra go. Holden must be concerned though? Ford has had it tough for sometime but finally appear to be prepared for real battle. I hope they find a way to bring back the long wheel base sedans especially seeing that it was Ford who first kicked off ther trend to stretch the base model 40 years ago. And whatever the reasons are behind the wagon, if only they took a leaf out of Holden’s book and catered for both the fleet and the private buyer.
If holden dont need to replace the astra, they DO need to fix all of its failings!
does it still require timingbelt changes every 50 thou to be safe??
What Holden needs is the Chevy Malibu and simply replace the cross insignia with the round lion. It’s a real contender from GM once and for all, and with the new Accord and 6 on the way, they need more than twice the Epica’s worth.
I;d like to see Holden import the new Chevy HHR panelvan as it would make a perfect “Retro-Tech” Sandman
However; isn;t this blog about the new Ford Falcon?
Stop being a tease…….
Rick,
QUOTE…………
“The truth is Ford thought the Territory would hurt the wagon hence no upgrade was planned. Hindsight is a wonderful thing Ford.”
well actually in terms of a business sense i think ford have played it well.
i mean they already know 99.9% of their wagons get sold to fleets at discounted prices so why invest in a product that is already sewn into contracts?
and since 99.9% of the current wagons do go to fleets i would actually say the territory “has hurt” the wagon.
and if you were a private buyer why wouldnt you opt for the similarly priced territory? i know i shore would.
but i agree with everything else you said
the fairlanes departure was purely because they didnt have fleet sales sewn up because lets face it, bugger all in the private sector need to go the LWB option anymore as you can get it all in the lower spec cars now.
holden can justify their statesman range to continue as they have plenty of fleets tied in. i betya if holden lost all its government contracts etc they too would be investigating its viability.
the chrysler 300c sells in the same numbers as the statesman last time i checked and im guessing it would be like 90% private sales for the 300c
Hi Andrew, The biggest disspointment for me when the BA Fairlane/LTD was released in 2002 was that it shared way too many Falcon parts. It simply did not look like it was 20k to 30k more the car. Remember the EL/EF series? The LWB stood alone entirely. Holden learnt and did well to ensure the two had seperate identites. Even the interior of the Fairlane was Fairmont Ghia. Also I think Ford missed the boat – literally with exports. Holden do not just produce the Statesman with the Oz market in mind but as much with the Middle East. If you have been there you would have noticed the Chevvy badged LWB everywhere. I am sure its not for the lack of wanting on Ford’s part, but makes you wonder just how much of a stumbling block Detriot is? We have the best rear wheel drive platform in the Ford world here in Australia. Pity we can’t share it. Imagine how good it would be for us to supply the States for the Crown Victoria replacement? Our biggest problem would be our capactity to reach demand. I am sure Geelong would benefit more with extra Falcon manufacturing than with South African bound Focus?
Then again, who knows what goes on in the corridors of power??