Ford FG Falcon
Encyclopedia
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 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
.
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.
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 at 6000 rpm and 391 newton metre 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 (0.137795275590551 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.
. The Inline 6 Turbo engine has a maximum power of 270 kW and maximum torque of 533 newton metre.
The Falcon XR8 was discontinued in June 2010 although it is expected to be re-introduced with the 5.0 litre "Coyote"
engine used in the Ford Mustang GT during 2011.
. 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.
. 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
.
Improved safety features on the MkII include Six airbags (dual front, side and curtains) will be standard on all sedan models, the 'Generation 9.0’ Dynamic Stability Control system is standard across the range and rear parking sensors are now standard.
The MkII goes on sale late 2011 with ecoboost engines expected in early 2012.
; which produces peak power of 195 kW at 6000 rpm and class-leading peak torque of 391 newton metre at just 3250 rpm. These figures rise to 208 kW and 420 newton metre 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 for all entry level naturally aspirated petrol sedans and 10.7 L/100 km for the equivalent utility variants. The high-performance turbocharged version of the in-line-six produces 270 kW at 5250 rpm and 533 newton metre 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 opposed 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 to 198 kW at 5000rpm and torque has risen 10% from 374 newton metre to 409 newton metre 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.
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 at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 565 newton metre across the range from 1,950 to 5,200 rpm. All other models have a 5.4L Boss V8 engine, which produces 315 kW at 6,500 rpm and 551 newton metre 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 version for the FPV GS model (which replaces the defunct XR8 model) and 335 kW for the FPV GT model.
Full-size car
A full-size car is a marketing term used in North America for an automobile larger than a mid-size car. In the United States, the EPA uses "large car" to denote full-size cars....
produced by the Ford Motor Company of Australia since 2008. The FG series is the current model of the Ford Falcon
Ford Falcon (Australia)
The Ford Falcon is a full-size car which has been manufactured by Ford Australia since 1960. Each model from the XA series of 1972 onward has been designed, developed and built in Australia and/or New Zealand, following the phasing out of the American Falcon of 1960–71 which had been re-engineered...
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 ANCAP
Australasian New Car Assessment Program
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program is an automobile organisation operated by the governments and motoring organisations of Australia and New Zealand to give consumers coherent results on the protection given by vehicles in front and side impact collisions...
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
Ford Futura
The Ford Futura is a large car made by Ford Australia between 1962 and 2008. Although the last Futura was part of the BF Series Ford Falcon range it was badged and marketed as the 'Ford Futura' rather than the 'Ford Falcon Futura'. Ford Australia first used the Futura name on the Ford Falcon 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
Ford Fairmont (Australia)
The Ford Fairmont is a full-size car which was built by Ford Australia as a more upmarket version of the Ford Falcon from 1965 to 2008. It was available as a 4-door sedan throughout its life, as a five door station wagon from its introduction through to 2002 and as a two door hardtop from 1972 to...
.
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
Australasian New Car Assessment Program
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program is an automobile organisation operated by the governments and motoring organisations of Australia and New Zealand to give consumers coherent results on the protection given by vehicles in front and side impact collisions...
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
Ford BF Falcon
The Ford BF Falcon was a full-size car that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in Victoria, Australia. The BF Falcon started production in October 2005 and a MkII update was released in October 2006...
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
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
mobile phone integration and iPod integration as standard equipment.
Falcon XT
Ford Territory
The Ford Territory is a crossover SUV built by Ford Australia and based on the EA169 platform of the Ford BA Falcon. It was released in April 2004. Its code name inside Ford was E265. It won the 2004 Wheels Car of the Year award, the reviewers praising car-like handling and practicality as reasons...
. The brakes are carried over from the BF Falcon. The engine is the revised I6 Barra Engine which now produces 195 kW at 6000 rpm and 391 newton metre 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 Kinetic Design
Kinetic Design is the name given to a style of automobile design used by Ford Motor Company for many of its passenger vehicles in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It replaced New Edge, and was first shown in 2005 with the SAV concept...
Ford Europe
Ford Europe
-History:Ford of Europe was founded in 1967 on the merger of the British and German divisions of the Ford Motor Company. The original Ford Transit range of panel vans launched in 1965, was the first formal co-operation between the two entities, simultaneously developed to replace the German Ford...
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 (0.137795275590551 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
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency Brake Assist is a safety system in motor vehicles designed to ensure maximum braking power is used in an emergency stop situation...
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 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 optional 18" and 19" are available, 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. The XR6 with the French made 5-speed was capable of a 0–100km/h of just 6.2 seconds.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 capable of 0-100km/hr in 5.0s, excluding the Falcon based FPV models from Ford Australia's performance vehicle partner Ford Performance VehiclesFord Performance Vehicles
Ford Performance Vehicles is the Melbourne-based, premium performance vehicle partner of automobile manufacturer Ford Australia. The company, which is as a joint venture between Prodrive and Ford Australia, has produced a range of Ford based models under the FPV brand name since April...
. The Inline 6 Turbo engine has a maximum power of 270 kW and maximum torque of 533 newton metre.
Falcon XR8
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 and a maximum torque of 520 newton metre; however its performance figures are somewhat less impressive than that of the XR6 Turbo despite having a 20 kW 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 "Coyote"
Ford Modular engine
The Ford Modular engine is Ford Motor Company's overhead camshaft V8 and V10 engine family, which has been produced in 4.6L, 5.0L , 5.4L, and 6.8L variations. Contrary to popular belief, the Modular engine did not get its name from its design or sharing of certain parts among the engine family...
engine used in the Ford Mustang GT during 2011.
G Series
G6
Up from the XT, this is the base model in the G series. The G6 is the direct replacement for the FuturaFord Futura
The Ford Futura is a large car made by Ford Australia between 1962 and 2008. Although the last Futura was part of the BF Series Ford Falcon range it was badged and marketed as the 'Ford Futura' rather than the 'Ford Falcon Futura'. Ford Australia first used the Futura name on the Ford Falcon 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 GhiaFord Fairmont (Australia)
The Ford Fairmont is a full-size car which was built by Ford Australia as a more upmarket version of the Ford Falcon from 1965 to 2008. It was available as a 4-door sedan throughout its life, as a five door station wagon from its introduction through to 2002 and as a two door hardtop from 1972 to...
. 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
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
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
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
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
Traffic Message Channel
Traffic Message Channel is a technology for delivering traffic and travel information to drivers. It is typically digitally coded using the FM-RDS system on conventional FM radio broadcasts...
.
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.MkII
MkII is the first major visual upgrade for the FG Falcon since its introduction in 2008. The MkII has a revised front facia similar to that of the SZ Ford Territory, this includes a smaller upper grille and a larger octagonal lower grille, along with revised headlight and fog light assemblies, G6, G6E and G6E turbo models come standard with LED running lights . All new specification levels (except XT and XL) get the ICC (Interior Command Centre) that replaces the old remote control navigation system, the unit is an 8" touch screen with 2D and 3D maps, SUNA traffic updates overspeed and speed camera warnings, street house number display and is fully integrated.Improved safety features on the MkII include Six airbags (dual front, side and curtains) will be standard on all sedan models, the 'Generation 9.0’ Dynamic Stability Control system is standard across the range and rear parking sensors are now standard.
The MkII goes on sale late 2011 with ecoboost engines expected in early 2012.
Powertrains
The standard FG Falcon engine is a 24-Valve 4.0 Litre in-line-six with VCTVariable Cam Timing
Variable Camshaft Timing is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Ford. It uses electronically controlled hydraulic valves that direct high pressure engine oil into the camshaft phaser cavity. These oil control solenoids are bolted into the cylinder heads towards the front of...
; which produces peak power of 195 kW at 6000 rpm and class-leading peak torque of 391 newton metre at just 3250 rpm. These figures rise to 208 kW and 420 newton metre 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 for all entry level naturally aspirated petrol sedans and 10.7 L/100 km for the equivalent utility variants. The high-performance turbocharged version of the in-line-six produces 270 kW at 5250 rpm and 533 newton metre 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 opposed 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 to 198 kW at 5000rpm and torque has risen 10% from 374 newton metre to 409 newton metre 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 and 325 newton metre, 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. 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
As with the previous Falcon BA & BF series, Ford Performance VehiclesFord Performance Vehicles
Ford Performance Vehicles is the Melbourne-based, premium performance vehicle partner of automobile manufacturer Ford Australia. The company, which is as a joint venture between Prodrive and Ford Australia, has produced a range of Ford based models under the FPV brand name since April...
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 at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 565 newton metre across the range from 1,950 to 5,200 rpm. All other models have a 5.4L Boss V8 engine, which produces 315 kW at 6,500 rpm and 551 newton metre 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 version for the FPV GS model (which replaces the defunct XR8 model) and 335 kW for the FPV GT model.