LAST HULK FRIDAY 2014: is FGX the Falcosaurus?

[HULK_I6T]

Now that the FGX falcon has been revealed is it enough to send off the ford falcon ? Will it be remembered as the Falcosaurus? Brutal performance in a bare bones package?

We know the xr6t and xr8 offer brutal performance but it's also unchanged from fg... (GT / xr6t / xt)

The FGX is a pretty decent looking car but isn't it just a fg in a new frock? The interior looks pretty much the same as fg

It seems that FGX is more about value for money rather than anything new to chew on. Obviously the xr8 is a cracker of a car for the money but it's just really all the leftover GT bits from fg at a bargain price.

Many of the reviews say its a cracking car for the money but it's low on gadgets and modern comforts that other car makers boast about.

I've even read the term Falcosaurus a few times. It's almost like the FGX falcon is a muscle car, big performance and bare bones equipment (relative to other new cars).

Has the falcon always been behind on technology? Is the last car actually consistent with the flavour of the falcon of years past? Big rugged powerful car, spacious, good value, reliable but nothing innovative or revolutionary?

Is the term Falcosaurus appropriate?

[LoudPipes]

I like it.

And I'll remember it as the last Aussie Falcon, nothing more, nothing less.

[Itsme]

Well I will bite on this one, did you actually think it was going to be a completely new revamped model?
I think FGX designation tells the story.

[blueoval]

Another **** stirring thread

[MITCHAY]

The XR8 has delivered a knock out punch in the bang for buck department that is unlikely to be matched ever again.

It might be because FPV shut up shop but I doubt anybody would complain about getting pretty much a GT for XR8 price.

Only the the sales figures will tell, but surely they could only go up. The question is by how much.

[arronm]

Hulk , you got it in one.

But raw power is nice. And as you know we can never have to much of that....

[LightningStrike]

I'm just glad it's here at all.

[Road_Warrior]

The only time I've seen it called "Falcosaurus" on AFF is when you have said it so you can stop with the BS.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

The only time I've seen it called "Falcosaurus" on AFF is when you have said it so you can stop with the BS.

Fordzilla Falcosaurus

[Falcon Coupe]

We know the xr6t and xr8 offer brutal performance but it's also unchanged from fg... (GT / xr6t / xt)
Will it be remembered as the Falcosaurus? Brutal performance in a bare bones package?

Yep no changes and all bones...

As part of the upgrades across the Falcon range, Ford has responded to feedback and added new customer-focused content:
 Emergency Assistance (all models)
 Front and rear parking sensors (all sedan models)
 Rear reversing camera (all sedan models)
 Rain-sensing wipers (G6E, XR series)
 SYNC2 with 8’’ integrated colour touch screen (all models)
 Voice control system developed in partnership with Nuance (all models)
 Digital Radio (DAB+) (all models)
 Dual antenna system (all models)
 Wi Fi hot spot (all models)
 New alloys (all models

• New front fascia featuring the Ford signature trapezoidal grille moved high up on the front end with chrome detailing on the outer bezel and bars (G6E)
• New headlamps
• Unique G6E fog lamp bezels
• Distinctive ‘laser-cut’ slim headlamps featuring technical graphics and finishes as well as unique signature lighting for G6E models
• All new rear fascia with split tail lamps featuring LED technology and new sculpted deck lid with integrated rear spoiler
• New 16-inch alloy wheels on Falcon as standard
• New 18-inch alloy wheels on Falcon G6E as standard
• New exterior colour: Fine Alloy option for G6E

Rear Camera with Overlays
A reversing camera is now standard on all Falcon sedans

Key contributors to the fuel efficiency improvements are aero gains and a new, lighter and more fuel efficient six-speed ZF automatic transmission, which has been adopted on I6 petrol models, including the EcoLPi.
Apart from the new aero pack, Australia’s ultimate entry Falcon sedan model also benefits from 16-inch Michelin low rolling-resistance tyres.
The aerodynamic pack from the Falcon EcoBoost has now been adopted across the entire Falcon sedan range, except XR8. New front and rear bumper designs also contribute to improved aerodynamic performance.
As well as the fuel efficiency improvements, the Falcon suspension has been harmonised across models, to provide the driver with a more connected, sportier driving experience without compromising ride comfort.
The Falcon gains a modified FG MkII G6 petrol suspension package and the Falcon EcoLPi gains the XR6 EcoLPi suspension package. Compared to the current entry Falcon FG MkII this means:
 Larger diameter front stabiliser bar, from 31 mm to 32 mm
 Retuned front and rear springs and dampers
 Front suspension geometry adjusted to complement new Michelin tyre

The FGX is a pretty decent looking car but isn't it just a fg in a new frock? The interior looks pretty much the same as fg

Didn't you just ask that?...Do you actually read anything here other than your own ill informed threads?

Obviously the xr8 is a cracker of a car for the money but it's just really all the leftover GT bits from fg at a bargain price.

Thanks Captain obvious.

Many of the reviews say its a cracking car for the money but it's low on gadgets and modern comforts that other car makers boast about

Many of the reviewers wouldn't know if they were Arthur or Martha.

It's almost like the FGX falcon is a muscle car, big performance and bare bones equipment (relative to other new cars).

Arthur and Martha say this on many reviews, drive one and find out.

Has the falcon always been behind on technology?

What exactly is it behind on...lack of push-rods?

All Falcon models are also fitted with an 8" colour touch screen, a traditional HMI button interface and voice control to access systems such as:
• Entertainment system controls
• Climate control settings
• Phone information
• Satellite navigation with Traffic Message Channel (standard G6E, XR8)^
SYNC2 offers multiple audio options including:
 Radio DAB+, FM, FMAS, AM & AMAS
 Audio files/music streaming from compatible smartphones via USB or Bluetooth®*
 Audio files from connected USB devices including memory sticks, flash drives, external self-powered hard drives
 SD card slot: Play and browse audio files from SD cards (note: SD slot in Titanium is used for Satellite Navigation software)
 CD/MP3/WMA: Play and browse the contents of an MP3/WMA CD or CD
 Auxiliary input: Play audio from a connected MP3/other audio devices
iPhone and iPod Integration
There is a fully integrated interface between the iPod unit and the vehicle’s audio system on all Falcon models.
It allows the user to control the iPod player through SYNC2, HMI buttons or steering wheel mounted buttons and through voice control.

And lets not forget: 5-Star Crash Safety Score

I've even read the term Falcosaurus a few times. It's almost like the FGX falcon is a muscle car, big performance and bare bones equipment (relative to other new cars)

If EcoLPi and EcoBoost are muscle car engines?

Is the term Falcosaurus appropriate?

It just may be in time? So best to not buy one in case this happens, can't have everyone looking down and judging you.

[Lunch]

I guess some fish bite harder than others

[commodorenutt]

Each to their own. That's what the new car market is all about - CHOICE.

If you don't like it, walk away, and let someone else enjoy their new FGX.

I'm sick of seeing all the posts saying "VF SS does this" and "Euros do that" when comparing the FGX - how many of those keyboard critics have actually gone out & bought one of the cars that they bagged out the FGX against? How many have even taken a test drive of one? How many of these critics are even in a position to buy one? I'm guessing very few.

It's all too easy to bag out a car when you're not in the market for a new one.

Me personally, Ford got it pretty right with the FG. The FGX is even better. Sure, there are some issues, but no car is perfect for everybody. It's all about the minimum of compromises, and what YOU are happy with. The technology the FGX has is more than enough for me.

I may never own a Miami, but Ford have got some good bread'n'butter options in the FGX range, and IMO the 4.0L is more than a match to the V6 Commodore, and I actually prefer it's power & torque delivery. The economy savings, with no loss of power & torque in LPi seals the deal - it's miles ahead of any other large car engine, and on-par with real $ diesel economy.

The XR8 may be the hero in the FGX line-up, but not everyone wants an XR8 either.
The rest of the FGX range has other options for the vast majority of the population who couldn't care less about a performance car, and have other priorities like running costs. For years the Falcon's traditional market was fleet sales. Very few fleets would allow a Miami, but for those who have some choice, it's easy to win over a fleet manager with the real data on the LPi & Ecoboost economy advantages.

If I did <5000km/year like my wife, I'd seriously consider an XR8. But 40,000km a year is what I do, as well as some heavy towing on weekends and in holidays.
Being realistic, the LPi is the best choice for me - more than enough grunt to tow, and the running costs of a corolla. There are really no compromises with it, but there will always be detractors saying "oh the boot is too small now" and other crap - but live with one in the real world and that "reason" is something that is meaningless in reality.

I think Ford have done a fantastic job with the FGX, and if people took a proper, objective look at it, instead of being quick to jump on the bandwagon & run it down, then maybe Ford Australia wouldn't be in the position they are now.

[arronm]

Originally Posted by commodorenutt

Each to their own. That's what the new car market is all about - CHOICE.

If you don't like it, walk away, and let someone else enjoy their new FGX.

I'm sick of seeing all the posts saying "VF SS does this" and "Euros do that" when comparing the FGX - how many of those keyboard critics have actually gone out & bought one of the cars that they bagged out the FGX against? How many have even taken a test drive of one? How many of these critics are even in a position to buy one? I'm guessing very few.

It's all too easy to bag out a car when you're not in the market for a new one.

Me personally, Ford got it pretty right with the FG. The FGX is even better. Sure, there are some issues, but no car is perfect for everybody. It's all about the minimum of compromises, and what YOU are happy with. The technology the FGX has is more than enough for me.

I may never own a Miami, but Ford have got some good bread'n'butter options in the FGX range, and IMO the 4.0L is more than a match to the V6 Commodore, and I actually prefer it's power & torque delivery. The economy savings, with no loss of power & torque in LPi seals the deal - it's miles ahead of any other large car engine, and on-par with real $ diesel economy.

The XR8 may be the hero in the FGX line-up, but not everyone wants an XR8 either.
The rest of the FGX range has other options for the vast majority of the population who couldn't care less about a performance car, and have other priorities like running costs. For years the Falcon's traditional market was fleet sales. Very few fleets would allow a Miami, but for those who have some choice, it's easy to win over a fleet manager with the real data on the LPi & Ecoboost economy advantages.

If I did <5000km/year like my wife, I'd seriously consider an XR8. But 40,000km a year is what I do, as well as some heavy towing on weekends and in holidays.
Being realistic, the LPi is the best choice for me - more than enough grunt to tow, and the running costs of a corolla. There are really no compromises with it, but there will always be detractors saying "oh the boot is too small now" and other crap - but live with one in the real world and that "reason" is something that is meaningless in reality.

I think Ford have done a fantastic job with the FGX, and if people took a proper, objective look at it, instead of being quick to jump on the bandwagon & run it down, then maybe Ford Australia wouldn't be in the position they are now.

I think it's just the opposite. Once you take the V8 out of the equation and people are looking for a family 6cyl car. Drive the ford and commodore back to back and unfortunatly there is quite a difference

[MrEL]

Wait a tick.
So this is the last Hulk thread for 2014?
It really is Christmas!

[HULK_I6T]

Comment made about the FGx XR8 in a review.

"Perhaps its biggest boon, however, is value. Although it breaks Falcon ranks by being pricier than the model it replaces and lacks the refinement and technology of its direct Holden competitor, the XR8 delivers FPV and HSV performance for the same price as Holden's top-shelf Commodore SS."

So it brings about the brutal performance of the GT but lags behind in refinement and technology.. It depends if buyers value brutal performance or gizmos - comfort/refinement.

Im not bagging the car out as I value its performance, dont really need all the tech stuff myself, but gotta concede its the falcosaurus amongst other cars available for purchase.

[jpblue1000]

In this day and age does it really offer Brutal performance? when many 'lesser' cars offer similar performance at less money or even cheap second hand saloons for much less money offering similar 'fast' acceleration.

I have no doubt its a great car for the value, but Brutal is not a word that comes to mind when describing an Australian family saloon car, especially in 2014.

Brutal is an adjective id apply to todays hypercars and race cars, not mass produced road cars.
Hell even the new range rover is claimed to match the FGX 0-100.

JP

[chopstar87]

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

In this day and age does it really offer Brutal performance? when many 'lesser' cars offer similar performance at less money or even cheap second hand saloons for much less money offering similar 'fast' acceleration.

I have no doubt its a great car for the value, but Brutal is not a word that comes to mind when describing an Australian family saloon car, especially in 2014.

Brutal is an adjective id apply to todays hypercars and race cars, not mass produced road cars.
Hell even the new range rover is claimed to match the FGX 0-100.

JP

Ford FGX XR8 = Fast
Hellcat Challenger/charger = Brutal
Veyron/P1/918 = Hyper

[DJM83]

You cant own one, cause you cant fit a superior centri blower

Falcosaurus, what your smoking i want some.

[Ibanezteve]

If I could afford one I'd buy one... Today.
The left overs theory is very reminiscent of the old "phase 4" cars, and they are worth a lot of coin these days!

[Vanish335]

The talk is strong .blue blood brothers .at one stage in life I owned a xa gt pro 83 loved it .now ford give us a chance .once again to have a run out tuff part car it's the ford FGX xr8 love it or leave . I feel that this being the last grunt falcon ever .that the FGX xr8 will hold strong with true blue blood. Not being a gt gives day to day blokes a chance to experience one last muscle machine .

[auxr]

Falcosaurus hulkasaurus - one is the last, the other saurus - meh - possibly should be extinct.

However, brutal is not a word that comes to mind in regard to the xr8 power wise - *********exhilerating is the word that comes to mind.

[HULK_I6T]

For a $55-60k car that has a full manufacturers warranty and offers 300+rwkw? and it carries 5 people, the performance is brutal.. they had to cut somewhere... the tech stuff.

A few years back, After market performance shops were throwing all their tricks at the older falcodores to get performance anywhere near that. Then it would result in a car with no warranty, stinkin of fuel and hardly roadworthy

[FG50T]

Originally Posted by HULK_I6T

For a $55-60k car that has a full manufacturers warranty and offers 300+rwkw? and it carries 5 people, the performance is brutal.. they had to cut somewhere... the tech stuff.

What tech stuff is it missing that you want?

[Smoke Pursuit]

You do know there's one Friday left in 2014?????

They havent taken anything out tech wise you know. It still has aircon and a radio....

#Brightsparkawardforever

[Vanish335]

So true. Chew on the last post negative people .Vanish xr8 orderd in build

[arronm]

I drove one and wouldn't describe it as brutal. It drove nice' torquey and the blower whined. Not sure if I liked that or not

Brutal is turning the Tyres at 100 ks in third gear

[SensationFG8]

Originally Posted by arronm

I drove one and wouldn't describe it as brutal. It drove nice' torquey and the blower whined. Not sure if I liked that or not

Brutal is turning the Tyres at 100 ks in third gear

Does turning the tyres in 4th at 100 count?

[Falcon Coupe]

Originally Posted by SensationFG8

Does turning the tyres in 4th at 100 count?

Speaking from experience?


The manual one I drove had traction control looking like a strobe light in 3rd from 70 to 100.
It also went through a roundabout almost from a stop in 4th. Love that torque.

[SensationFG8]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

Speaking from experience?


The manual one I drove had traction control looking like a strobe light in 3rd from 70 to 100.
It also went through a roundabout almost from a stop in 4th. Love that torque.

I could neither confirm nor deny if that is something I have experienced

Let's just say it would seem some perhaps didn't really give it the berries if it held traction in 3rd...

[arronm]

Originally Posted by SensationFG8

Does turning the tyres in 4th at 100 count?

Sure, but a stock XR8 wont do that. The GT 335 I drove wouldn't even do it in second. To put it bluntly I was unimpressed with the power.