Ford Falcon (FG X)

Ford Falcon (FG X)
Ford Falcon G6E Turbo sedan
Overview
Manufacturer Ford Australia
Production 20 October 2014[1] – 7 October 2016
Body and chassis
Class Full-size
Body style 4-door sedan
2-door coupé utility
2-door cab chassis utility
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Transmission 6-speed 6HP21 automatic (I4, I6)
6-speed 6HP26 automatic (I6-T, V8)
6-speed TR-6060 manual
Chronology
Predecessor Ford Falcon (FG)

The Ford Falcon (FG X) is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia. Introduced in 2014, it is a restyled second and final iteration of the seventh generation Falcon FG. While external and drive train changes were significant, the interior was carried over from the 2008-2014 FG model.

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

The FG X was officially launched in December 2014 and was 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 XR8 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 included the base Ute (replacing the previous XL), XR6 and XR6 Turbo only—each with the option of cab chassis or utility (style side box) bodies.[4] The Falcon utility ended production on 29 July 2016.[5]

It is rumoured that 1 FG—X turbo sprint Ute to have gotten off the blocks. This was see how the sprint overboost affected the Ute suspension settings. (Note the preproduction sedans have different handling and wheels to the actual numbered sale vehicles. Details of colour, transmission type were not kept, and the Ute sold as officially just an XR6 turbo.

The G6, which was introduced with the FG series in 2008 to replace the Fairmont badge, was discontinued and, unlike past series, the XR8 sedan was not complemented 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.[6]

Engines

The Ford Falcon FG X is available with the following engines:

  • 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged: 180 kW (240 hp)
  • 4.0-litre inline-six: 195 kW (261 hp)
  • 4.0-litre inline-six lpg (EcoLPI): 225 kW (302 hp)
  • 4.0-litre inline-six turbocharged: 270 kW (360 hp) or 325 kW (436 hp) for the Sprint model
  • 5.0-litre V8 supercharged: 335 kW (449 hp) or 345 kW (463 hp) for the Sprint model

Successor

Come October 2016, due to Ford Motor Company's "One Ford" product development plan introduced in 2008[7] 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, due to an unsuccessful previous attempt to sell the third-generation model on the Australian market in the 1990s. 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.[8]

The Ford Falcon was labeled as 'inextricably linked to Australian Heritage' by the former CEO of Ford Australia (Bob Graziano). Although Ford has sourced the Mustang and the Fusion/Mondeo, they have no plans to bring in a direct replacement for the Falcon. Ford retired the Falcon name on 7 October 2016 after 56 years of production, therefore, making it the longest running name plate in the history of Ford.

Sales

Like the SZ II Territory, Sales of the FG X Falcon commenced in December 2014. Sales were initially underperforming, however, in March 2015, it exceeded 700 sales for the first time since May 2014[9][10] By this time, Large Sedans within Australia were not the choice of car as the once were.

With Ford's manufacturing plant shutting down, the FG X was only produced for a little less than two years. As of June 2018, during the models tenure, it has sold over 11,100 vehicles. Including Utility sales made throughout the same duration, this would bring the tally to approximately 16,100.

Year Total
2014 578 11,165
2015 5,938
2016 4,434
2017 210
2018 5

References

  1. ↑ Berry, Richard (21 October 2014). "Production starts on Ford's final Falcon". GoAuto. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
  2. ↑ Stevens, Mike (14 August 2014). "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. 14 August 2014.
  4. ↑ Smy, Damion (11 September 2014). "Ford unveils last ever Falcon Ute". Wheels. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  5. ↑ Costello, Mike (29 July 2016). "Ford Falcon Ute production ended today". CarAdvice. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  6. ↑ Stevens, Mike (25 September 2014). "2015 Ford Falcon: Price And Features For FGX Sedan Range". The Motor Report. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  7. ↑ "Speedy Delivery–Global Product Development System Defines Ford". Ford Motor Company. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  8. ↑ "Ford Mustang returns to Australia after almost 50 years". News Limited. 14 July 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  9. ↑ Davis, Brett (8 April 2015). "Australian vehicle sales for March 2015 – Land Rover takes command". PerformanceDrive. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  10. ↑ Davis, Brett (4 June 2014). "Australian vehicle sales for May 2014 – Toyota in top two". PerformanceDrive. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
Ford Australia automobile timeline, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 012345678
City Ka
Subcompact Festiva Festiva Fiesta Fiesta
Compact Escort Laser Laser Laser Laser Laser Focus Focus Focus
Meteor
Mid-size Cortina Telstar Telstar Taurus
Corsair Mondeo Mondeo Mondeo
Full-size Falcon / Fairmont Falcon / Fairmont Falcon / Fairmont Falcon
Fairlane / LTD Fairlane / LTD Fairlane / LTD
Sports Capri Probe Cougar
Mustang Mustang
Utility F-Series F-Series
Courier Courier Courier Ranger Ranger
Falcon Ute Falcon Ute Falcon Ute
Van Falcon Van
Spectron
Econovan Econovan Econovan Transit Custom
Transit Transit Transit Transit Transit
Subcompact SUV EcoSport
Compact SUV Escape Escape
Kuga/Escape
Mid-size SUV Raider Territory Endura
Bronco Maverick Explorer Explorer Everest
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