Ford FG Falcon: Model Range

Motoring Channel Staff - 16/April/2008

Melbourne, Australia — Ford's new FG Falcon will arrive in dealerships in early May.

It represents one of the biggest changes to the new Falcon in decades, and after Feann tested the new Falcon during the national media launch, it's clear that the new model is no pretender.

The engineering is world class, with improved suspension, more efficient engines and more interior space.

Ford's new Australian made Falcon is already generating waves in America too, where there's already a lot of interest following positive write-ups and also the recent release of the Pontiac G8 in the States, which is a restyled Holden Commodore.

It's not a small car either, larger in most respects than its precursor: measuring 4955mm it's 25mm longer than the BF Falcon it replaces. 

It's also wider and taller which improves interior space and Ford claims the Falcon is the new class leader in terms of head room. 

The full dimensions of the new FG Falcon are as follows, with the increases over the previous BF Falcon in brackets:

 Length: 4955mm (+25mm)
 Width: 1868mm (+4mm)
 Height: 1453mm (+9mm)
 Wheelbase: 2838mm (+9mm)
 Turning Circle: 11 metres
 Boot Space: 535 litres (+31 litres)

As Ford Australia's design manager, Steve Park, pointed out, "Despite the additional 25mm in overall length, the new rounded nose, raised beltline and boot lid all combine to make the new Falcon look tauter, more athletic and less visually heavy than the previous model."

With more upright doors and windows interior room has improved as well, with more leg, shoulder, hip and head room for rear seat passengers. 

"For the FG Falcon, our team of designers and engineers have created a spacious occupant environment that is supportive, versatile and engaging for the customer," Ford Australia vehicle package and ergonomics supervisor, David Walton said.

Ford will deliver the 2008 Falcon BF MkIII station wagon as a niche model down the track, and for the prices of all Falcon sedan and ute models see this article. 

Here is the full model range including sedans and utes:

 Falcon XT: The entry level model. It features things like a 5-speed automatic transmission as standard, 195kW 6-cylinder engine (or a 156kW E-Gas engine), automatic climate control, CD stereo, a larger LCD screen, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and front and front-side passenger airbags. Curtain airbags will be a $300 option on the this model.

 Falcon G6: The entry-level luxury model features a unique front bumper and grille, front fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels to ensure it has a prestigious look. If it sparkles, you'll find it on the G-Series. Other additions include suede seat bolsters, a rear centre armrest with cup holders and a proximity-based reverse parking system. Uprated luxury-sports suspension is also added.

 Falcon G6E: Building the G6 model, the G6E adds ZF 6-speed automatic transmission (replacing the 5-speed auto). Exterior upgrades include different 17-inch wheels, side indicators integrated into the exterior mirror housing and slightly different grille. 

A Bluetooth mobile phone integration module is also standard, as a premium audio system with 7-inch LCD colour screen, 6-disc in-dash CD player and subwoofer, an electrochromatic rear vision mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats and an eight-way power driver's seat with three-position memory. The G6E model also adds a reverse camera and side curtain airbags as standard equipment.

 Falcon G6E Turbo: This is one of the more exciting new models and will give the V8-powered Holden Calais V something to mull over. Ford is calling it the 'hero' of the luxury line-up, and gets the more powerful turbo engine, hiking power to 270kW. It's also the most expensive model in the new Falcon range and gets leather seats plus reversing camera and proximity sensors.

It gets 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inchers are optional) plus a boot lid spoiler, and on top of the G6E's specifications it adds a fully integrated interface for Apple iPod music players.

 Falcon XR6: The original 6-cylinder sports sedan returns in 2008 with more power and torque and a fresh new look. It gets everything the XT model offers - such as climate control and four airbags - while adding a new Tremec 6-speed manual transmission as standard.

The 5- and 6-speed automatic transmissions are optional extras. Sports suspension is standard, as is the XR body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, XR specific instrument cluster, sports seats, alloy pedal covers and an aluminium gear shifter on manual transmission models. 

All XR models can be optioned with 19-inch alloy wheels as well.

 Falcon XR6 Turbo: For the first time Ford has has specified the XR6 Turbo with the same features as the XR8, with the only differences now being the engines. 18-inch alloy wheels, a limited slip differential and upgraded front brakes make the grade and 6-speed manual gearboxes will be standard equipment.

 Falcon XR8: Almost identical to the XR6 Turbo models in appearance except for the power dome on the bonnet, which has been restyled for the FG Falcon. 

 Falcon Ute: Ford explains that the all-new FG Falcon Ute will go on sale shortly after the mainstream sedan range in May. Interestingly, the entry-level ute model doesn't have a designation any more - it's simply known as the Falcon Ute.

It will be available in both cab chassis or styleside box body styles and comes standard with the 195kW 6-cylinder engine and comes standard with the 6-speed manual transmission. The new five-speed automatic transmission will be optional, as will be the E-Gas dedicated LPG engine (matched to the previous 4-speed auto).

Cloth trim, CD stereo and steering wheel mounted controls for the audio and cruise control systems are standard, as are driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, while side head/thorax airbags are available as part of an optional Safety Pack that also includes a perimeter alarm system.

 Falcon Ute R6: Another new model is the R6 ute, ostensibly replacing the XLS. It gets a sportier look that the entry-level Falcon Ute, sports suspension, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, a flush-fitting tonneau cover (on the Styleside Box model), plus sports bucket seats a leather steering wheel.

 Falcon Ute XR6: The XR6 can be had in either Cab Chassis and Styleside Box formats and gets the XR body kit with 'double-drop' headlights, sports front apron and grille, front fog lamps and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. It also adds Traction Control (TC) adds to the list of standard equipment. Bluetooth mobile phone and iPod Integration plus 18-inch alloy wheels are available as part of an optional XR Sports Pack.

 Falcon Ute XR6 Turbo: Like the Falcon G6E Turbo and XR6 Turbo, the Ute packs a serious wallop with 270kW of power and 533Nm of torque. Like the XR8 Ute, it comes standard with upgraded front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels.

 Falcon Ute XR8: Change the turbo six for the 5.4-litre Boss 290 engine with 290kW of power and 520Nm of torque and you've got the XR8 Ute. Options include 19-inch alloy wheels, while an XR Luxury Pack adds a 'premium sports interior' with leather seat trim, premium audio system and dual zone climate control.

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- Ford FG Falcon Launch (2008)
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- Ford Mondeo (Road Test)
- Holden Commodore vs Ford Falcon (Road Test)
- FPV F6 X (2008)
- Ford Fiesta XR4 (Road Test)
- Ford Focus Diesel (Road Test)
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- Next-Gen Ford Falcon in Detroit (2008)
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