2008 Ford Falcon – Codename “Orion”
April 10, 2007 by Paul Maric
Ford is keen – make that desperate – to get back into the large car segment with arms swinging.
Holden’s VE Commodore, although not ‘better’ in most regards than the BF Falcon is currently leading the sales race. Holden’s revitalised Commodore has seen a refresh of interior styling, along with a raft of suspension, transmission and safety changes.
With that said, CarAdvice has obtained some information from inside sources that suggest the new Falcon could be heading overseas.
According to CarAdvice sources, the new Falcon (codenamed “Orion”) has a new and streamlined style. The new Falcon now conforms with Mitsubishi’s 380, along with Holden’s Commodore whereby the side profile slopes upward toward the rear, creating a higher boot-line and easier flowing shape.
“Orion” has also seen a shift in the positioning of the fuel tank (closer to the centre of the vehicle) to comply with U.S standards – hinting at a possible export deal with Ford America (although we’ve been informed this has already been done on the BF model).
Other changes include a changed front-end, including curved headlights and pedestrian friendly impact protection. The interior remains similar to the current Falcon, changes include a greater defined centre shaft between the driver and front passenger. This could also possibly include a rework of the speedometer/tachometer cluster to include a small LCD display.
Inside sources have also hinted at Diesel technology for the upcoming model. Such an engine could be sourced from Jaguar in the way of a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 unit, currently also used in some Peugeot models. This would be a big boost for Ford sales and would force Holden to counter the move.
Safety features will include the introduction of an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Dynamic Stability Program (DSC) – same thing, different name – across the range, matching Holden’s current offering.
We will keep you up to date with spy photos and additional news as they come to hand.If you have any spy photos of vehicles that you have spotted, please send them in to CarAdvice. Photos will be credited to the source.
Print it: 
Sorry, but that below photo is NOT the new Falcon.
Don’t know where you get your news from – that photo is about a month old. Not to mention the ‘news’ from the ‘inside sources’ is also rather old.
Thanks Deadman, its hard to say what it is or it isn’t. It was confirmed to be the new falcon by a Ford Employee, perhaps Ford is keeping the secret so tight that even their employees are confused.
Sir, that picture of the car in a zebra coat is NOT a falcon. The car was being driven by a couple of asain chaps and it had stickers with asian writing on it. It was also left hand drive. How do i know all this? I took the photo!! You have been mis informed. God forbid that ford Australia should ever build a car as ugly as that!!
Best regards OBJ.
Thanks outback jack
I have updated the post to reflect your comment.
Appreciate the feedback!
Photo removed until we confirm
Car you removed was a Roewe 450 look closely and you can see the wheels are from a Roewe 750 the 450’s larger brother. Check MG forums for more info this photo has been around for months and has been dicredited more times than can be counted great work.
Seen plenty of development-hacks Orions [Wheels COTY 2008] around the Campbellfield area.
Unfortunatly they are black and covered in [well looks like it] anti-rader stealth body car-bras.
Wont be long and we shall see 10’s if not 100’s of them being tested on the roads.
I am sure good photos will be taken soon
PS Wheels and other media outlets will pay top-dollar for exclusive photos, what about caradvice?
O/A
We can’t pay the amount Wheels pays,
but we can guarantee u it wont end up in wheels :D
that should be payment enough ;)
It is common knowledge that the VE Commodore is not relly better than the BF Falcon in most areas. So why was it given car of the year? It was always going to win car of the year because it was better than the old VZ but the fact is VE is overall just an average car. One billion dollars and thats the drivetrain they came up with????? I admit it is a nice car to drive. I drove an SS-V then drove an XR6 Turbo. That Turbo 6 is a great engine and kills the old pushrod V8 in NVH and driveability. If you are in the market for a sports sedan drive both of these and you will buy the Ford.
Doesnt matter where you go you still read BS.
There are 3 areas the BD has any advantage over the VE, And that is.
At base model Power and economy.
Fuel Economy across the range.
And the ZF 6 speed auto.
The closest the BF comes to the VE is SV6 below in the range. Above say good night Gracie.
It won wheels car of the year as a range not a model remember that.
Yes…and we all know how good Wheels is…*sigh*
I have 11 clear photos of the 2008 Orion Falcon which are from Ford themselves. If you would like to have a look, please email :bobdbgd@yahoo.com
What makes this a falcon? Just because it’s cover’d over does’t mean any thing.
I LOLoud when someone thought a Roewe was a Ford Falcon… :D
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I looked up Roewe in Google and found out what a Roewe was. A Roewe go mistakin as a Falcon, NOW THATS A CLASSIC! LOL!