Ford Falcon (FG)

Introduction and changes

The FG series Falcon was first previewed at a press event on 17 February 2008 and sold until October 2014.

To make a fresh start, Ford Australia decided to revolutionize the designation of all models within the range. In particular, the long-standing 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. The FG was superseded in December 2014, by the FG X series.

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 3250 rpm. 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 mpg_‑imp; 22 mpg_‑US) for the equivalent utility variants. The high-performance turbocharged version of the in-line-six produces 305 kW (409 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. The Turbo variant makes as much as 480Nm of torque at just 1500 rpm.

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 (209 hp) to 198 kW (266 hp) at 5000 rpm and torque has risen 10% from 374 N·m (276 lb·ft) to 409 N·m (302 lb·ft) at 3250 rpm. These figures virtually 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% while moreover the peak power of 198 kW is reached at just 5000rpm, versus 6000rpm for the faster revving, therefore a faster, when on RON95-98, petrol variant. The petrol variant, however, starts to produce just over 200kW at 5000rpm when ran on RON98, peaking at 212kW at 6000rpm. 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.

Ford introduced the 2.0L Ecoboost engine in 2012 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 179 kW (240 hp) and 353 N·m (260 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). The Falcon will be the first rear drive application using the Ecoboost engine, however, not capable of matching 370Nm of torque available at as low as 1500 rpm on the 4.0L petrol version.

The FG range 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.

Model range

The Ford FG Falcon comprised 7 different trim levels, divided into 3 three distinct groups:

The specific models included the Falcon XT, the luxury G6, G6E, G6E Turbo, and the sports XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8. The ute variants included the base Falcon Ute, R6, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8.

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, 202 kW / 409Nm of torque is available with RON95 fuel. These figures further rise to 212 kW (279 hp) and 420 N·m (310 lb·ft) on premium 98 octane fuel. The 6000rpm peak power band allows for faster pick-up acceleration, better overtaking acceleration and overall engine's willingness to accelerate compared to more hesitant BA/BF variants.

The naturally aspirated XT engine specification is identical to the non-turbo XR6, G6, G6E and Utility vehicle variants powered by the 4.0L engine. At launch, the standard transmission was a new 5-speed auto, replacing the previous Australian designed and made 4-speed. The ZF 6-speed auto was optional from the launch in 2008, and has a slightly however insignificantly quicker performance in gears above the second gear as compared to the French designed 5 speed and slightly better fuel economy due to slightly quicker shifts in third, fourth, fifth and sixth gears; and more regularly engaging clutch lock-up. This is primarily due to the software the operates the ZF unit but also the unit's inherit mechanical shift quality. In July 2010, the 6-speed was made standard. Both the 5- and the 6- speed retain the 3.73:1 final open differential ratio with LSD optional on XR6 models. During numerous tests a standard 5- or 6- speed FG XT 4.0L petrol is capable of outrunning all previous generations of non-turbo Falcons as well as some previous generation V8 models; thus exhibiting quicker performance than for example any variant of a 5.4L 3V Falcon of the sixth generation.

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 (0.14 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 This replaced the standard 16" x 6.5" steel wheels that used plastic wheel covers or center hub caps.

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-inch 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. Both having slightly quicker acceleration than the manual variant. As of July 2010, the 5-speed automatic is no longer available.

The Turbo model of the XR6 comes with all of the features of the standard XR6 plus 18 x 8-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, limited slip differential, and upgraded front brakes (322mm rotors instead of the standard 298mm). It uses the same 4.0L I6 Turbo engine that is found in the G6E Turbo. The six-speed automatic transmission used in turbocharged models is the 6HP26 which is rated to handle more torque than the 6HP21 used in non-turbo models. Performance wise, it is considered the fastest model in the FG Falcon range capable of 0–100 km/hr in 4.8s (Reality), excluding the Falcon-based FPV models from Ford Australia's performance vehicle partner Ford Performance Vehicles. The inline-six turbocharged engine has a maximum power of 305 kW (409 hp) and maximum torque of 533 N·m (393 lb·ft). The I6 engine has the ability to provide the driver with an overboost feature which engages temporarily when the throttle is fully depressed at speed, the peak power will remain constant however the torque will increase to provide the driver with 586 N·m (432 lb·ft).

Both the XR6 and XR6 Turbo can be optioned with the "XR Luxury Pack", which adds sports leather seats and black carbon look trim inserts, dual zone climate control, 19x8 inch alloy wheels, and premium sound. The "Tech pack" is also available and adds bluetooth and iPod integration; both option packs add almost all the features from the G6E (minus reversing camera, curtain and side thorax airbags, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat and memory mirrors, overhead sunglasses holder and mirror indicators)

The XR8 had the same features that are found in the XR6 Turbo. The bulging hood and supporting emblems on the side skirts differentiated it from other XR models. The V8 was 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 were somewhat less impressive than that of the XR6 Turbo despite having a 20 kW (27 hp) advantage. This was also evident when compared to a naturally aspirated Barra195 which was a capable performer despite being faced with the 290kW V8 which was lethargic for its power and torque outputs. It was also less agile through corners due to the heavier front end. Although slower, 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 sold poorly compared to the XR6 Turbo with the majority of volume being in utility sales.

The Falcon XR8 was discontinued in June 2010 as a result of its 5.4-litre engine not complying with the Euro IV emissions standard adopted by Australia at that time. Although initially expected to be re-introduced with the 5.0-litre "Coyote" engine used in the Ford Mustang GT during 2011, the model has not returned to the Falcon range,however it is due to return in 2014.

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.

A G6 Limited Edition 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-inch alloy wheels (17-inch on the E-Gas model).

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.

The G6E Turbo is the same as the G6E, except it has an I6 turbocharged engine, 18 x 8-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, lower suspension, piano black centre console rather than silver, iPod integration, turbo decals and a boot mounted spoiler. The engine is the same as that found in the XR6 Turbo.

From April 2009 production, an 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.

MkII

MkII, introduced in 2011, is the first major visual upgrade for the FG Falcon since its introduction in 2008. The MkII has a revised front fascia 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, G6E and G6E turbo models come standard with LED running lights . All new specification levels (except XT and XL) get the new ICC (Interior Command Centre), 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 was placed on sale in late 2011, with a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine option becoming available in early 2012.

FPV range

As with the previous Falcon BA and BF series, Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) produced high-performance versions of the Falcon FG. They included the F6 and V8-powered GT, GT-P and the GT-E variants of the sedan the F6 Ute and V8-powered Pursuit and Super Pursuit models based on the Falcon Ute. The F6 models featured a 4.0L turbocharged DOHC 24-valve in-line six-cylinder engine, which produced 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 were powered by 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 released a luxury F6-E model variant, which was equipped the same as a GT-E but with an F6 engine. Also in October 2009, FPV released a GS model to commemorate the historic GS nameplate from the 1970s, which was sold in lieu of a Falcon XR8. It was limited to 250 sedans and 75 utes, and was powered by a detuned V8 from the GT. Its distinguishing exterior features included unique "GS" decals and dark argent wheels.

In October 2010, FPV introduced a supercharged all-alloy quad cam 5.0-litre V8 engine (codenamed Miami) to replace the older 5.4L Boss unit. A 315 kW (422 hp) version was introduced in the FPV GS model (which replaces the defunct XR8 model) and a 335 kW (449 hp) version was developed for the FPV GT, GT-E, and GT-P models.

Limited editions in this Falcon series included the GT "Black", GT "R-Spec" and, most importantly, the GT-F "351". These cars had more powerful engines (335 kW (449 hp) for the first two and 351 kW (471 hp) for the GT-F) and both the "R-Spec" and "351" also featured an enhanced handling package highlighted by wider 9-inch rear wheels. Furthermore, the dyno testing shows that this engine makes significantly more power than the quoted 315, 335, 345 and 351kW, figures in excess of 380-400 rear wheel kilowatts or ~ 520-550kW at the flywheel. They also introduced launch control and the "351" nomenclature of the GT-F, which has become the "F"inal GT Falcon ever, represents both its engine output but also pays tribute to the original Falcon GT's cubic inch displacement.