The Next Ford Falcon

[EgoFG]

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I don't understand why Ford is late again. The FG update will be released 12 months after the VE update. Why give the opposition a head start?

It is all a matter of perspective.

The VF is Holden's late answer to the FG.

[dimka100]

Well depending when the 2014 Falcon is released the difference can be anything from 8 to 20 months, hopefully they release it earlier in the year than later

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I don't understand why Ford is late again. The FG update will be released 12 months after the VE update. Why give the opposition a head start?

[4.0i_SiX]

IMO the driveline is perfect the way it is. I agree they need to overcome the diff bush issues though. They should upgrade the styling and ( as much as I hate to say it ) add a bunch more tech like rain sensing wipers that everyone seems to want? Also I think they will really concentrate on raising the overall quality, making it a true world class car.

[FPV GTHO]

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I don't understand why Ford is late again. The FG update will be released 12 months after the VE update. Why give the opposition a head start?

There's no golden rule saying Ford and Holden have to release key models together. VY/BA launching within a couple of months is probably the only time it's happened in recent memory.

But to entertain the thought, next Falcon is pushed back because FG was also pushed back as well as having its own delays. FG was pushed back because Ford spent so much on BA. Ford spent so much on BA because AU tanked etc etc.

[Luke Plaizier]

Who is this guy? Is this an Indian website?

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-taurus-report

Doesn't seem to be any new news here - was this a result of some sort of media release? Are there any merits to his XR8 rumour?


Lukeyson

[FPV GTHO]

Some weird comments there. New Taurus dur end of year? I don't think so. FG shares bits with AU? Don't think so either. It would share bits with BA, but those bits would be stuff like rear end which weren't carried over from AU anyway.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Some weird comments there. New Taurus dur end of year? I don't think so. FG shares bits with AU? Don't think so either. It would share bits with BA, but those bits would be stuff like rear end which weren't carried over from AU anyway.

This is an example of a well meaning but misinformed journalist, sourcing info through net surfing.
Falcon is planned to arrive late in 2014 and the Taurus slightly after that in early 2015 as a 2016 US Year model.

[Motorbreath310]

Okay thinking about it, I used to complain about the lack of features in FG's. But seriously, what are they lacking? What more do other cars have? If they fitted a better stereo plus lane departure/blind spot assist. Maybe heated seats for luxo variants? Would that be enough?

I'd rather they place more emphasis on build quality and using higher grade materials inside (especially the $5 handbag leather they use now) get rid of the creaks and rattles. And try to minimise driveline clunks. And black headlining.

The driveline side of things is A1. Holden only gives you the option of a thirsty V8, or two of the worst V6's currently available.

And what of the platform? It's had major revisions and still performs well. Unless they're going to go to Aluminium or a different manufacturing or fastening method, a new platform isn't really warranted. No one complained when VZ's were still an Opel. Nobody seems to care that the Chrysler 300 is a W210 E-class underneath. But E8 is a four-legged wheelbarrow of a thing.

[Motorbreath310]

*rant mode engaged*

These journos that whinge about the FG's high seating position, ergonomic woes, and cheap interior feel. Have they driven a VE lately? From what I've personally found;

- seating position is higher than FG.
- seats are hard for no good reason.
- window switch location isn't the best
- ignition barrel harder to find
- high friction point for clutch. No feel.
- steering not that great
- gear shift sucks nuts (haven't driven a manual FG)
- interior made of recycled tackle boxes. Though it is pretty solid and doesn't rattle and creak at all from what I've found.

[dimka100]

I personally find the seating position to be to high for the XR models and the seats to lack the proper support for spirited driving, that's not saying however that they are bad for a normal family vehicle that is, I just find them lacking for the sports oriented XR models and FPV especially!

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

*rant mode engaged*

These journos that whinge about the FG's high seating position, ergonomic woes ...

[Motorbreath310]

Originally Posted by dimka100

I personally find the seating position to be to high for the XR models and the seats to lack the proper support for spirited driving, that's not saying however that they are bad for a normal family vehicle that is, I just find them lacking for the sports oriented XR models and FPV especially!

Yeah that's the thing. The sport models aren't exactly 'sporting'. But the VE seats (in leather) don't support you much either. Cloth is alright but.

What I'm getting at is you kinda sit 'on' instead of 'in' them.

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

Okay thinking about it, I used to complain about the lack of features in FG's. But seriously, what are they lacking? What more do other cars have?

Adaptive cruise control
Auto parking
Front parking sensors
Rain sensing wipers
Keyless entry/start
Voice controlled bluetooth/climate control
Dual zone climate control in lower models
Auto up/down all windows
Blind spot detection system
Heated/ventilated seats

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

These journos that whinge about the FG's high seating position, ergonomic woes, and cheap interior feel. Have they driven a VE lately?

I've not driven the VE, but I prefer the driving position in my BF than the FG (too high in the FG). I find the B-Series as a whole is more user friendly than the FG, partly because the tiny climate control and radio buttons are rather fiddly.

I agree the FG has a fantastic drivetrain and build quality, but I don't find the FG's interior to be all that great. I hope the next Falcon will have a completely redesigned interior.

[Luke Plaizier]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

Okay thinking about it, I used to complain about the lack of features in FG's. But seriously, what are they lacking? What more do other cars have? If they fitted a better stereo plus lane departure/blind spot assist. Maybe heated seats for luxo variants? Would that be enough?

Society today tends to buy things based on their newness and gadgetry. There's no real reason to buy an iPhone 5 over an iPhone 4, but people are. Even the original Samsung Galaxy S is a tidy little phone, but people dropped it quick smart in favour of an SII or SIII.

What people see in the Falcon is an old phone, a model that just doesn't change enough just for the sake of change. That's why people perceive it is a dinosaur - not because it really is, but because people just don't see it changing very often.


Lukeyson

[Bobman]

One thing they really need to do is put an LED centre stop light in on the non-spoiler models.

Driving behind a G6ET the other night where the globe had dimmed just made it look cheap and tacky. Not to mention that they still have the heat issue where the plastic will start to melt around the globe holder.

[Bonn]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

*rant mode engaged*

These journos that whinge about the FG's high seating position, ergonomic woes, and cheap interior feel. Have they driven a VE lately? From what I've personally found;

- seating position is higher than FG.
- seats are hard for no good reason.
- window switch location isn't the best
- ignition barrel harder to find
- high friction point for clutch. No feel.
- steering not that great
- gear shift sucks nuts (haven't driven a manual FG)
- interior made of recycled tackle boxes. Though it is pretty solid and doesn't rattle and creak at all from what I've found.

Couldn't agree more - FG is a modern masterpiece. They (Ford) have effectively made a car that is longer, wider, (with a wider track) and is easier to get into and out of, than a BA/BF, yet it looks smaller. Genius.

The engines are more powerful and less thirsty (our Boss 290 recently averaged 10L/100 on a 1200km journey!) and the heater/air/radio ICC is straightforward enough when in hire-car mode.
Only additions could be a diesel variant and the much lamented wagon.

IMO, other creature comforts are really jast a 'nice-to-have and one of the reasons buyers are gravitating toward Jap & Korean soft-roaders.
Maybe if the XT had even more of these sort of features, EcoBoost might get a 'boost' in sales. Agree an XR Ecoboost would be a logical step, given the vast number of XR6s getting around....... rant mode off. Out.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

The FG interior fit is first class, it seems you are looking at BA's and earlier Falcons.

IMO the next Falcon will get 2014 Mondeo Styling, SYNC, and lots of the tech features available in the new Fusion / Mondeo.

Its meant to look like another model but not the Mondeo.

Originally Posted by Luke Plaizier

Who is this guy? Is this an Indian website?

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-taurus-report

Doesn't seem to be any new news here - was this a result of some sort of media release? Are there any merits to his XR8 rumour?

There is rumblings about the XR8 but nothing really to say it will come back. But maybe with FPV back at Ford the GS could get dropped and rebadged as an XR8. But this is all speculation.

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Its meant to look like another model but not the Mondeo.



There is rumblings about the XR8 but nothing really to say it will come back. But maybe with FPV back at Ford the GS could get dropped and rebadged as an XR8. But this is all speculation.

It will look more like Mondeo in the front end than Mustang.

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by Bonn

Couldn't agree more - FG is a modern masterpiece. They (Ford) have effectively made a car that is longer, wider, (with a wider track) and is easier to get into and out of, than a BA/BF, yet it looks smaller. Genius.

The engines are more powerful and less thirsty (our Boss 290 recently averaged 10L/100 on a 1200km journey!) and the heater/air/radio ICC is straightforward enough when in hire-car mode.
Only additions could be a diesel variant and the much lamented wagon.

IMO, other creature comforts are really jast a 'nice-to-have and one of the reasons buyers are gravitating toward Jap & Korean soft-roaders.
Maybe if the XT had even more of these sort of features, EcoBoost might get a 'boost' in sales. Agree an XR Ecoboost would be a logical step, given the vast number of XR6s getting around....... rant mode off. Out.

That was a rant??

[Tim9]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

*rant mode engaged*

These journos that whinge about the FG's high seating position, ergonomic woes, and cheap interior feel. Have they driven a VE lately? From what I've personally found;

- seating position is higher than FG.
- seats are hard for no good reason.
- window switch location isn't the best
- ignition barrel harder to find
- high friction point for clutch. No feel.
- steering not that great
- gear shift sucks nuts (haven't driven a manual FG)
- interior made of recycled tackle boxes. Though it is pretty solid and doesn't rattle and creak at all from what I've found.

I agree, the recycled tacklebox comment is heaps funny an so true!

[mike_nofx]

I think they need less bland styling in the base models. FG XT is a boring car to look at, but add some cheap extras (like the XR6) and it looks 10x better.

[Bonn]

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

That was a rant??

mmmm....maybe not

[GT014]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

*rant mode engaged*

These journos that whinge about the FG's high seating position, ergonomic woes, and cheap interior feel. Have they driven a VE lately? From what I've personally found;

- seating position is higher than FG.
- seats are hard for no good reason.
- window switch location isn't the best
- ignition barrel harder to find
- high friction point for clutch. No feel.
- steering not that great
- gear shift sucks nuts (haven't driven a manual FG)
- interior made of recycled tackle boxes. Though it is pretty solid and doesn't rattle and creak at all from what I've found.

Not to mention that huge uncomfortable steering wheel, dangerously thick A pillars. Only thing the commodore has going for it is the aggressive look of the sv6/ss although starting to date a bit now

[4.0i_SiX]

Originally Posted by Luke Plaizier

Society today tends to buy things based on their newness and gadgetry. There's no real reason to buy an iPhone 5 over an iPhone 4, but people are. Even the original Samsung Galaxy S is a tidy little phone, but people dropped it quick smart in favour of an SII or SIII.

What people see in the Falcon is an old phone, a model that just doesn't change enough just for the sake of change. That's why people perceive it is a dinosaur - not because it really is, but because people just don't see it changing very often.


Lukeyson

Give this man a beer! Hit the nail square on the head, dead centre!

People want all of these whizz bang features, but after the novelty has worn off, what are you left with? The realisation that you bought a gutless piece of korean crap ( just an example )

[LAW388]

So they can one up the opposition

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

It will look more like Mondeo in the front end than Mustang.

I never said it would look like a mustang.

[ED Classic]

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I don't understand why Ford is late again. The FG update will be released 12 months after the VE update. Why give the opposition a head start?

Yep every time without fail, and gets murdered sales wise every time without fail in that year. Yes yes i know the comes later but better line etc etc but if anyone cares to tell me what technology it will have 1 year later thats not around 1 year earlier i will love to hear?

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Luke Plaizier

Who is this guy? Is this an Indian website?

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-taurus-report

Doesn't seem to be any new news here - was this a result of some sort of media release? Are there any merits to his XR8 rumour?


Lukeyson

We he is Indian so he probably spends more time in Falcon's than we do. I jest

It's an American site, so while it seems he has some well meaning interest there, he's short on where to get the proper facts.

[joeyy17]

i hope they stay with something closer to the front xr6 fg design and do a little tweaking at the back. If you look closely, the taillights of the FG Falcon are designed to look like the beak/nose of the falcon bird. The continuing stripe on the side of the FG stops at the bottom and continues under the side skirts. Ford have really put so much thought into the current Falcon model, and i hope they do it again with the next one. Simply outstanding if you ask me. This is one of the main reasons why i prefer Ford over Holden. inb4 ford vs holden

[bigwil]

With the FU falcon due next year, how long before we start seeing prototypes driven on the road?

[The Stylist]

Originally Posted by bigwil

With the FU falcon due next year, how long before we start seeing prototypes driven on the road?

Hopefully not too long; I'd certainly be keeping an open eye from now until it's launch.