Ford FG Falcon

For a complete overview of all Falcon models, see Ford Falcon (Australia).

Ford FG Falcon

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company of Australia
Parent company	Ford Motor Company
Production	2008–present
Assembly	Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia
Predecessor	Ford BF Falcon
Class	Full-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 2-door coupé utility
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine(s)	Straight-six 4.0 L Barra 4.0 L Barra E-Gas 4.0 L Barra Turbo V8 5.4 L BOSS
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 6-speed ZF automatic
Wheelbase	2,838 mm (111.7 in)
Length	4,955 mm (195.1 in) (XT)
Width	1,868 mm (73.5 in)
Height	1,453 mm (57.2 in)
Curb weight	1,704 kg (3,760 lb) (XT)

The Ford FG Falcon is a full-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company of Australia since 2008. The FG series is the current model of the Ford Falcon and is the seventh generation of the car. It was first previewed at a press event on February 17, 2008.

The FG Falcon has achieved an Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) five star safety rating, being the first Australian manufactured car to do so, achieving a score of 34.6 out of 37.

As part of the FG-Falcon update the longstanding Futura, Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia models were replaced by the more contemporary G6 and G6E models respectively. The FG moniker references the now discontinued Fairmont Ghia.

Specification levels

The Ford FG Falcon is sold in 7 different trim levels. There are three distinct groups. The base, G Series and XR. The G Series represents the premium luxury variants and the XRs are the sport variants. The models are XT, G6, G6E, G6E Turbo, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8. The ute variants include the base Falcon Ute, the R6, XR6, XR6 Turbo, and XR8.

From April 2009 production, a second update was introduced. This involved an improvement in fuel consumption on six-cylinder models fitted with the optional six-speed automatic. It was also announced that the LPG E-Gas models, like the petrol-powered versions of the FG sedan range, had been awarded the full five-stars in the ANCAP crash safety test. The five-star rating, up from four, was not due to any structural changes to the FG, but by the introduction of ESC which was previously only fitted to petrol-powered FG sedans. ESC was also made standard on the previous E-Gas BF III Falcon wagons still in production (previously unavailable). ESC fitment will be extended to the utility body styles from May 2009, excluding the base XL and R6 Ute, where it will be optional. From June 2010, all sedan models received Bluetooth mobile phone integration and iPod integration as standard equipment.

Falcon XT

Ford FG Falcon XT

The XT is the base model of the FG Falcon range. The XT has a business class suspension tune: the rear suspension is Ford's Control Blade IRS, and the front suspension is virtual pivot link, the same architecture as found in the Territory. The brakes are carried over from the BF Falcon. The engine is the revised I6 Barra Engine which now produces 195 kW (261 hp) at 6000 rpm and 391 N·m (288 lb·ft) of torque. At launch, the standard transmission was a new 5-speed auto, replacing the previous 4-speed. The ZF 6-speed auto was optional, and has quicker performance and slightly better fuel economy. In July 2010, the 6-speed was made standard.

The new styling is based around the kinetic design Ford Europe uses for their cars. The interior has been improved from the previous model. The centre console has been lifted to make for a more luxurious and spacious feeling. The interior is more roomy and has better entry and exit for front and rear passengers. The XT is now better equipped, it has a MP3 compatible CD player, 3.5 mm (0.1 in) auxiliary audio input jack, single zone automatic climate control, cruise control, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat back, front and rear power windows, four airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Emergency Brake Assist and a driver fatigue warning system. From 1 September 2008, all XT models have been specified with alloy wheels as standard equipment, previously an extra-cost option.

Falcon XR

Falcon XR6

Ford FG Falcon XR6

The base model in the XR range, which features the same 4.0L I6 engine found in the XT, G6 and G6E. It has the same features as the XT, plus a 6-Speed manual transmission, 17 x 8 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, Sports Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), Sports body kit with side skirts and rear bumper, rear spoiler, front fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, alloy pedal covers and cloth sports seats. It can also be had with an automatic transmission, with a choice of 5- or 6-speed. The latter having slightly quicker acceleration potential than the manual. As of July 2010, the 5-speed automatic is no longer available.

Falcon XR6 Turbo

The Turbo model of the XR6 comes with all of the features of the standard XR6 plus 18 x 8 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, limited slip differential, and upgraded front brakes. It uses the same 4.0L I6 Turbo engine that is found in the G6E Turbo. Performance wise, it is considered the fastest model in the FG Falcon range, excluding the Falcon based FPV models from Ford Australia's performance vehicle partner Ford Performance Vehicles. The Inline 6 Turbo engine has a maximum power of 270 kW (362 hp) and maximum torque of 533 N·m (393 lb·ft).

Falcon XR8

Ford FG Falcon XR8 Styleside Ute

The XR8 has the same features that are found in the XR6 Turbo. The bulging hood and supporting emblems on the side skirts differentiate it from other XR models. The V8 is taken directly out of the previous model FPV GT, with a maximum power of 290 kW (389 hp) and a maximum torque of 520 N·m (380 lb·ft); however its performance figures are somewhat less impressive than that of the XR6 Turbo despite having a 20 kW (27 hp) advantage. It is also less agile through corners due to the heavier front end. Although less powerful, less economical and more expensive than its XR6 Turbo counterpart, it is considered more popular amongst the more traditional Falcon enthusiasts who prefer the naturally aspirated V8 over the Inline 6 Turbo. However, the XR8 sells poorly compared to the XR6 Turbo with the majority of volume being in utility sales.

The Falcon XR8 was discontinued in June 2010 although it is expected to be re-introduced with the 5.0 litre "Mustang" engine during 2011.

G Series

Ford FG G6E

Ford FG G6E

Ford FG G6E interior

G6

Up from the XT, this is the base model in the G series. The G6 is the direct replacement for the Futura. It is powered by the same 4.0L engine and was originally mated to the five-speed automatic (upgraded to the ZF six-speed automatic in 2010). Besides the suspension, which is the sport-luxury tune found in the G6E, the drivetrain of the car is the same as the XT. Equipment levels are increased in the G6. It comes with front fog lights, a leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, rear parking sensors, sports body kit with side skirts and rear bumper, 17 inch alloy wheels.

G6 Limited Edition

A limited edition model consisting of just 1500 units, based on the G6. The G6 Limited Edition added leather seats in Shadow, Bluetooth, iPod integration, sports leather wrapped steering wheel, unique fog lamp bezels, unique front grill (upper and lower), a unique rear bumper insert, side curtain airbags and 18" alloy wheels (17" on the E-Gas model).

G6E

The G6E is a step up from the G6, it is the replacement for the old Fairmont Ghia. It includes all of the features of the G6, plus a ZF six-speed automatic transmission, dual zone automatic climate control, a premium audio system, leather seats, Bluetooth mobile phone integration, reversing camera, curtain and side thorax airbags, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, 17 x 8 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, front scuff plates and an overhead sunglass console. It also features Mercedes-Benz styled side indicators on the side mirrors, similar to that on premium European cars.

GPS-equipped Ford Falcons (Ford G Series) can warn of traffic incidents via TMC.

G6E Turbo

The G6E Turbo is the same as the G6E, except it has an I6 turbocharged engine, 18 x 8 inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, iPod integration, turbo decals and a boot mounted spoiler. The engine is the same as that found in the XR6 Turbo, giving it a 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint time of 5.1 seconds.

Powertrains

The standard FG Falcon engine is a 24-Valve 4.0 Litre in-line-six with VCT; which produces peak power of 195 kW (261 hp) at 6000 rpm and class-leading peak torque of 391 N·m (288 lb·ft) at just 3250 rpm. These figures rise to 205 kW (275 hp) and 420 N·m (310 lb·ft) on premium 98 octane fuel. From July 2010 production all I6 engines (excluding E-Gas models) meet Euro 4 emission standards. The ZF six speed auto is the only transmission available (excluding XR models which feature a six-speed manual transmission standard, with the option of the auto). This combined with hardware updates has improved fuel consumption to 9.9 L/100 km (29 mpg_-imp/24 mpg_-US) for all entry level naturally aspirated petrol sedans and 10.7 L/100 km (26.4 mpg_-imp/22.0 mpg_-US) for the equivalent utility variants. The high-performance turbocharged version of the in-line-six produces 270 kW (362 hp) at 5250 rpm and 533 N·m (393 lb·ft) of torque from 1950 rpm; this engine is available in the XR6 Turbo and G6E Turbo.

In 2011 Ford introduced a new LPG system to the Falcon, marketed as "EcoLPI" the system features liquid injection as apposed to the vapour set up used in the previous E-Gas system. The new injection set up is accompanied by new light weight pistons and rings, a higher compression ratio of 12.0:1 and other modifications that improve power and economy. The power has risen 27% from 156 kW (209 hp) to 198 kW (266 hp) at 5000rpm and torque has risen 10% from 374 N·m (276 lb·ft) to 409 N·m (302 lb·ft) at 3250rpm. These figures match the petrol version for power and torque when running on 95 octane fuel. In addition to the power gains, fuel use has dropped by around 15%. In addition to the engine improvements, the new LPG system now features a 6 speed automatic as standard. The new system will be available from July 2011 and be an option on models fitted with the naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine.

Future powertrain plans

Ford will also introduce the 2.0L Ecoboost engine in 2011 which will reputedly use 20 percent less fuel and emit significantly less CO₂ emissions than the current 4.0L engine. The engine will have at least 170 kW (228 hp) and 325 N·m (240 lb·ft), peak torque will be available from 2,000 rpm all the way to 5,500 rpm. The fuel consumption is estimated at roughly 8 L/100 km (29 mpg_-US/35 mpg_-imp). These performance and economy figures are superior to Holden's 3.0 litre SIDI engine. It will be mated with Ford's six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The Falcon will be the first rear drive application using the Ecoboost engine.

FPV variants

Main article: Ford Performance Vehicles

FPV FG GS Ute

FPV FG GT Boss 315

As with the previous Falcon BA & BF series, Ford Performance Vehicles are producing high performance versions of the Falcon FG. They include F6, GT, GT-P and the GT-E variants of the sedan, and F6 Ute, Pursuit and Super Pursuit models based on the Falcon Ute. The F6 models feature a 4.0L turbocharged DOHC 24 valve in-line six cylinder engine, which produces a maximum power of 310 kW (416 hp) at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 565 N·m (417 lb·ft) across the range from 1,950 to 5,200 rpm. All other models have a 5.4L Boss V8 engine, which produces 315 kW (422 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 551 N·m (406 lb·ft) of torque at 4,750 rpm. As of October 2009 FPV have released a luxury F6-E model variant, which is equipped the same as a GT-E but with the F6 engine. Also in October 2009 FPV released a GS model to commemorate the historic GS nameplate from the 1970s, it is based on the XR8 with a slightly detuned V8 from the GT. It is equipped with unique GS decals and dark argent wheels, and is a limited run of 250 sedans and 75 utes.

October 2010 saw the dawning of a new era in the Australian muscle car scene with the release of the supercharged, all alloy, quad cam, 5.0 litre V8 engine (code named Miami). At time of release they are the most powerful production engine built in Australia with a 315 kW (422 hp) version for the FPV GS model (which replaces the defunct XR8 model) and 335 kW (449 hp) for the FPV GT model.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Ford FG Falcon

• Ford Falcon (Australia)
• Ford Performance Vehicles