New model preview for 2008
November 8, 2007 by Matt Brogan
Knowing what’s just around the corner is important, particularly if you’re buying a new car. So with that in mind, here’s a brief overview of some key new models due for release in 2008.
Due for release in March, the new Ford Falcon (code named Orion) will be the last in a long line of Ford’s popular family sedans to sport the 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine produced in Geelong, Victoria for over forty years.
From 2010 the next generation Falcon may be powered by a 3.5-litre US sourced V6 engine and could yet become front wheel drive. Until then Orion will fill the void and although we only have computer-generated and spy pictures so far, a large departure from the current BF series shape is not expected for at least two more years.
Coinciding with Ford’s March release is Holden’s final VE variant, the Sportwagon. In what’s seen as a departure from the norm, Sportwagon will be based on the VE Ute platform instead of the longer Statesman platform as used in previous Commodore models dating back to the 1997 VT.
This means a slightly reduced cargo area, but as I’m sure you’ll agree, this is counter acted by the stylish looks Sportwagon presents. Powertrain options and model line up are expected to remain unchanged from the VE sedan range.
Honda is set to replace its Accord within the first quarter of the year with a model that has seen extensive testing in Alaska, US, this year.
The new Accord is powered by a choice of 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol or 3.5-litre V6 (petrol) and will be available standard with cylinder deactivation technology (as seen in Chrysler’s 300C) to reduce fuel consumption when cruising. Pricing, although not yet confirmed, will not deviate greatly from the existing model.
Not to be outdone, Mazda’s direct rival to the Accord, the Mazda6, will also be updated in teh first half of next year.
Sharing its platform with Ford’s Mondeo, the new Mazda6 will be powered a 2.5-litre engine. US models will also receive a 3.5-litre V6 (186kW/325nM), but this is not expected to be made available in Australian models.
Subaru will release their second generation Tribeca after the questionable styling of its predecessor saw slower than expected sales through the 2006-07 period.
Sharing its styling with co-developer SAAB, the new Tribeca will go on sale from April with pricing and specification details as yet unconfirmed. Subaru has however confirmed that Tribeca will feature its all new 3.6-litre Boxer engine.
Honda’s pint-sized Jazz (sold a Fit in Japan) will receive a long overdue, but relatively minor, facelift in April. Growing slightly (52mm longer) the new Jazz is expected to maintain the excellent value for money and brilliant fuel economy of the model it replaces.
Powered exclusively this time round by a 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine (the 1.3-litre engine will be retired) full pricing and specification details are not yet known.
Towards the end of the 2008, Nissan hopes to release its Skyline model after a two decade absence. Hardly the base model sedan seen here in the late 1980’s, new Skyline is a luxury vehicle pegged at taking on the likes of Honda’s Legend.
Nissan’s luxury arm Infiniti may also allow Nissan Australia badging rights over a coupe version (sold in Japan and the US as Infiniti G35) to be marketed here along side the sedan. This is purely speculation at this point with more details to follow mid 2008.
We’ll keep you posted on any news as it becomes available, and look forward to your comments and any rumours you may have heard about other upcoming models. As always, spy pics are very welcome.
Print it: 
I’m sorry but from reading lots of other forums, I was under the impression that the new Mazda 6 does not essentially share the same platform as the Mondeo. From what I know, correct me if I’m wrong, whilst the two platforms are similar, Mazdas platform has been extensively reworked and modified to suit the new 6? Also, I though the Mondeo had a 2.3L engine :S
But anyway, keep the good news up!
“Falcon may be powered by a 3.5 litre US sourced V6 engine and could yet become front wheel drive” this would well and truly kill the Falcon badge, the falcon isnt just a big car – its the whole package, front drive just doesnt cut it.
Just in the article about future models for 2008, where it is stated that: “In what’s seen as a departure from the norm, Sportwagon will be based on the VE Ute platform instead of the Statesman platform…” The VE ute actually shares the same 3009mm wheelbase as the Statesman/Caprice. From what I’ve read from other sources the VE Sportwagon will share the same wheel base as the VE sedan.
Thanks Bob – all fixed.
With the Skyline you mean they’re releasing it locally right?
Because the Sedan has been going on in Japan most recently in various guises of the V35 onwards form. Also I don’t think that sedan pictured is the V36 series sedan, I think it’s an M series (M45) Infiniti?
Also if the Orion actually turns out looking like that…I might have to buy!
I agree with concerns raised with regards to the falcon. It will destroy its image and driving experience and leave FPV up the lurch if they move to FWD. Look at TRDs difficulties in transforming the Aurion to a perfomance car. Ford would be ill advised to make such a significant change, lets face it aussie cars are loved because they have big engines and RWD!
I was under the impression mazda 6 would be getting 2.5litre four rather than 2.3litre this time around.
And i hope that accord pictured is the replacement for the Accord and not the Accord Euro as stated. It looks to me to be the replacement for the non-euro accord! If that replaced the euro that would again be a mess up on their behalf – euro looks great, that car looks bland like current non-euro accord!
Cheers Scott – my facts were several weeks old. I’ve re-checked these and you’re right. Thanks for the heads up.
the honda is a replacement for the non euro models
No! The Falcon WILL NOT come in front wheel drive thank you!
that new v6 is designed for a rear driv car, i doubt the front whell drive thing will happen!!!
Let’s all hope the FWD thing doesn’t eventuate. I for one love the RWD dynamics of Falcon & Commodore.
The new Ford will make the Holden VE look very plain jane, the more I see VE the more I’m bored with the 1 billion dollar project and everything about Holden. C’mon Ford, hurry up I’m desperate to see the new beautiful machine in the flesh..
Also, Ford will not go down the front wheel drive track, unless they want to downsize the Falcon engine and body, you would think a public vote be wise in this case….
The Falcon should have the Duratec 35 or 37 if no I6 after 2010. I think the last Orions should come with the V6 as option.
As for FWD. The Taurus may use it in FWD, but please not the Falcon!
Yes, If the Falcon became FWD, it would have to be down-sized alot and should not be called a Falcon.
I want to see the Orion now, with out the bras on them (want too see it strip)
If the falcon went to fwd goodbuy Ford Australia
Yep, just like seeing a hot grid girl in a bikini, TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF ORION ?!!!!!!!
WHOO! GO FORD!!
LOL
Oh, so thats why its called a “car bra”! :D
Yep, Ford has the potential to steal the show, for best dressed, best personality, best intelligence, thats all the ingredients this baby needs to keep me happy.
It is a picture of the american thai built accord!!.
not the euro the euro replacement is still a little while
off and looks really good from what i have seen..the
american non euro accord has always looked and driven
like crap anyway,…
The VE ute is built on the Statesmans LWB Platform – hence the short rear overhang.. if it used the SWB the wheels would be closer to the middle of the tray.
The VE Sportswagon will be built on the Sedans SWB Platform. As it will be released about the same time as the VE series 2 range expect it to have a V8 with DOD and maybe even a V6 Diesel
The next step is a VE Sandman and of course a Monaro.
The other option for the falcon is the same AWD style platform as the Xtype Jag.
It would also be a huge point of differance with the commodore.
The V8 models would still be RWD.
I’m looking for a new car…
and the G35, I know its out there from importing from Japan… but depending on the features added for the Oz delivery… and pricing… I am highly interested also.
The new Infiniti G35 based coupe here (US) is top gun!.
Holden also have the option of offering AWD.
Because when the Torana Concept Car was unveiled a couple of years ago; Holden designers and engineers illuded to the fact that the Zeta Platform – on which it and the VE Commodore are built; could easily take both AWD and RWD set ups for both large and compact/medium sized cars due to its flexibility
Therefore; I expect that when the Torana is released
[in 2010] Holden will most likely offer AWD on the Torana first before they offer it on the Commodore. They could possibly use an AWD system similar to Subaru.
The thing is how many people would buy an AWD Commodore or Falcon? AWD medium sedans such as the Liberty and Impreza are okay… but you’ve got to remember that alot of Aussies dismiss the Aurion and 380 because they’re FWD
Therefore; its fair to say that there would be some who would do the same if their beloved Falcon or Commodores were to switch from RWD to FWD let alone AWD.
Plus there aren’t many AWD large sedans from other makes if any.
I’d love to know where the rumour that the Falcon my go FWD came from. In every article I’ve read online and in magazines, both based in Aus and overseas, NO ONE has mentioned anything about the possibility of FWD. And given that Ford is investing heavily in a new generation RWD platform to be used globally, the whole FWD rumour strikes me as being extraordinarily baseless.
that duratec v6 they are talking about is designed for RWD and AWD applications only, so i doubt the FWD rumour is true, but agree ive never heard even a whisper of falcon going FWD?
You can already pick up a Nissan/Infiniti Skyline coupe from the Jap importers here in Sydney. They go for around $35,000, quite cheap for such a nice package, the only downside being the lack of warranty and the car being slightly second hand.
big problem with buying a jap import… is they may beven be cheap when you first buy them, but if you go to trade them in there worth zero…. no dealer would want them…. and they do have to include at least 3 months warranty in NSW…. ive seen a couple of these nissans floating around and they look pretty good!!
NEW TRIBECA SHOULD SELL A LOT BETTER WITH LESS CONTROVERSIAL LOOKS,BIGGER MORE POWERFUL ENGINE,AND BETTER
FUEL ECONOMY..EVEN THOUGH I THINK THE CURRENT TRIBECA
LOOKS GOOD WITH OPTIONAL CHROME MESH GRILLE AND DRIVES
VERY SMOOTHLY NEW ONE SHOULD BE EVEN BETTER..
Chris obviously I agree as last model was extremely weird as, all what matters I guess is do the masses forgive and buy. Me thinks they will! Must be priced right but!
ok so where is the substantiated claims for a FWD falcon?
it also means no chance of a falcon ute!!
no way that would work in FWD!!
spoke to someone at ford…. ford oz is working with ford USA to produce a new generation RWD platform for future ford / mercury/ jag ( if they still own them) products….. so i doubt falcon will be fwd…. that would be cutting off there nose despite there face!!
No, No, No….FWD Falcon won’t ever happen – has there been any evidence of it, I doubt it. That’s the Mondeo’s job!
But here is something not right….
“Due for release in March, the new Ford Falcon (code named Orion) will be the last in a long line of Ford’s popular family sedans to sport the 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine produced in Geelong, Victoria for over forty years.”
There was no such thing as a 4.0L 6-cylinder Falcon 40 years ago, it was the SOHC Falcon’s to have a 4.0L. The First Falcon had a 2.4L (144ci) six, later they had a 4.1L (250ci) six. But no 4.0L untill the SOHC.
I think that is just generalised Oz. It is still basically the same inline 6 from way back in 4.1L non X-flow, continually evolved and refined, into todays 4L DOHC 4V/cyl donk we know and love.