Ford Falcon (FG X)

Ford Falcon (FG X)
Ford Falcon (FG X) G6E Turbo sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Australia
Production	20 October 2014[1] – October 2016
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Falcon (FG)

The Ford Falcon (FG X) is a full-size car that has been produced by Ford Australia since 2014. It is a significantly restyled second and final iteration of the seventh and last generation of this Australian-made model, whose production will cease along with that of the related Ford Territory in October 2016.

Naming

Internally known as project 201X, Ford Australia revealed its last Falcon in August 2014 and explained that its series code, "FG X", was chosen following significant feedback from key enthusiasts. The new code, like the preceding FG, pays homage to the Fairmont Ghia nameplates of past generations whereas the X alludes to Falcon's most popular series, from the XR to the XF.^[2][3]

Model range

Ford Falcon (FG X) G6E

Ford Falcon (FG X) XR6 Turbo utility

The FG X was officially launched in December 2014 and is offered in both sedan and utility body styles.

The sedan is sold in eight variants comprising:

• Falcon
• Falcon G6E
• Falcon G6E Turbo
• Falcon XR6
• Falcon XR6 Turbo
• Falcon XR8
• Falcon XR6 Sprint
• Falcon XR8 Sprint

The latter nameplate returned after being absent from the Falcon range since June 2010. In this final iteration, the is based on a FPV drivetrain, which includes the locally developed "Miami" variant of the Coyote supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 335 kW (449 hp) and 570 N·m (420 lb·ft) of torque. All variants have the option of manual or automatic transmissions, with the exception of the G6E/G6E Turbo which come as automatic only.

The utility range includes the base Ute (replacing the previous XL), XR6 and XR6 Turbo only. They come with the option of cab chassis or style side box.^[4]

The G6, which was introduced with the FG series in 2008 to replace the Futura badge, was discontinued and, unlike past series, the XR8 sedan was not completmented by a utility version.

This Falcon range is the first Australian-made vehicle to feature Wi-Fi connectivity and DAB+ radio courtesy of its upgraded in-car entertainment and command system, now marketed as "SYNC2". The system also features voice control and emergency call functionality.^[5]

Successor

Come October 2016, due to Ford Motor Company's "One Ford" product development plan introduced in 2008^[6] to rationalise its global range, the Falcon will not be directly replaced by a similarly sized vehicle, such as the much-speculated North American Taurus. Instead, Ford Australia will offer the fourth-generation Mondeo from Europe and the sixth-generation Mustang, the latter as part of Ford's efforts to boost sales of the Mustang brand worldwide and still give Ford Australia a halo car to replace the Falcon XR and Falcon GT V8 range.^[7]

References

1. Berry, Richard (21 October 2014). "Production starts on Ford’s final Falcon". GoAuto. Retrieved 2015-11-30.
2. Stevens, Mike (2014-08-14). "2015 Ford Falcon: ‘FG X’ Model Code Confirmed For New Range". The Motor Report.
3. "Last Ford Falcon model to be known as FG X". The Chronicle. 2014-08-14.
4. Smy, Damion (2014-09-11). "Ford unveils last ever Falcon Ute". Wheels.
5. Stevens, Mike (2014-09-25). "2015 Ford Falcon: Price And Features For FGX Sedan Range". The Motor Report. Retrieved 2015-06-17.
6. "Speedy Delivery–Global Product Development System Defines Ford". Ford Motor Company. Retrieved 2014-11-21.
7. "Ford Mustang returns to Australia after almost 50 years". News Limited. 2013-07-14. Retrieved 2013-10-22.

External links

Ford Australia