The new model also picks up a new naming code, in this case FG, and is joined by several luxury and sporty variants including a high-output turbo model. Designers focused on giving the sedan sportier characteristics and more luxury than the previous generation BF model, while at the same time infuse Ford’s European ‘kinetic’ theme. There are now three families of vehicles in the Falcon range – Falcon XT, luxury G Series (incorporating G6, G6E and G6E Turbo) and sporty XR (incorporating XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8).
Ford Australia’s venerable 4.0L inline six-cylinder petrol engine carries over but gets a range of upgrades to improve refinement and emissions and lift power and torque across the range. A new cylinder head, new intake manifold and revised engine calibration sees peak power for the six-cylinder rise to 198kW at 6,000rpm and torque increase to 409Nm at 3,250rpm. For the turbo model, engineers increased boost pressure from 6 to 10psi, which sees output figures leap to 270kW at 5,250rpm and 533Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,750rpm. A new V8 engine has also been added to the lineup. Dubbed the ‘Boss 290,’ it produces 290kW at 5,750rpm and 520Nm peak torque at 4,750rpm.
The 2008 FG Falcon range also introduces two new transmissions, a new six-speed manual and five-speed auto (replacing the previous four-speed auto). ZF’s brilliant six-speed auto remains standard on premium models but is also offered as an option on base cars.
Ford’s in-house tuner FPV has also developed its own high-performance range including a new GT sedan, F6 sedan and Super Pursuit Ute. These models offer more power than the regular factory cars and also come with a range of performance accessories including sporty bodykits and Brembo brakes.
Reader Comments
Sat Feb 16 2008 9:08 PM
Joek says
One more nice car that Ford will never bring to the US. Plus If Ford did they would put the poor look US styling on it.
Sat Feb 16 2008 11:07 PM
bambam says
I don't agree that the US mustang has poor looks, its old but muscular and sporty. This version looks very close to the old falcon. But Aussies never really care about looks when it comes to Ford V8. Everything looks great here but the overall shape is still too close to the old falcons. But it should do the same as there previous version which kick but. However as the previous version is so old and sales has drop. Is it a good idea to get this close to it in looks and style.
Sun Feb 17 2008 7:28 AM
yannos says
The front end looks like the current accord. and the rear quarters, look very similar to Lexus IS200..
It's a bigger car of couurse, but the design elements are not original.
Sun Feb 17 2008 8:22 AM
Alan says
I thought the design looks bit Japanese as well, with bits of BF in it. Hope this will do better than the AU through to BF Falcons as they've being behind Commodore all through their life, and now with small cars like Corolla and Mazda 3 selling so well, it really is going to be tough for Falcon
Sun Feb 17 2008 8:06 PM
Sir Yappie says
it looks like a cross between the Lexus IS and the toyota Camry.
Ford Falcon is a dinosaur, what they should be doing is promoting the Mondeo as that is a much better car and more suited to peoples needs.
Its a good thing that the Focus will be locally produced in 2010 as that will then be the catalyst that Ford Oz needs to be a respected again !
Sun Feb 17 2008 8:23 PM
NaBUru38 says
For those who wondered about the horsepower figures, here you have them:
o- 4.0 NA, 198kW = 266hp = 269PS
o- 4.0 turbo: 270kW = 362hp = 367PS.
o- Boss 290: 290kW = 389hp = 394PS
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