Ford Falcon (FG)
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1925 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Automobiles, including Ford Falcon (FG) |
The Ford Falcon (FG) represents a full-size automobile manufactured by Ford Australia between 2008 and 2014. This model marked the initial release of the seventh and final generation of the Falcon line. Notably, the longstanding Fairmont luxury trim was discontinued and succeeded by the newly introduced G Series.
Introduction and updates
Launched on 17 February 2008, the FG Falcon remained in production until October 2014.
- Model lineup revisions
Ford Australia updated its lineup nomenclature by replacing the well-known Futura, Fairmont, and Fairmont Ghia trims with the modern G6 and G6 E variants. The FG designation pays homage to the retired Fairmont Ghia. The FG series was eventually followed by the FG X model range in December 2014.
- Engine options
The standard FG Falcon came equipped with a 24-valve, 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder (I6) engine featuring variable cam timing, producing power at 6000 rpm and torque at 3250 rpm when running on regular 91-octane petrol. When fueled with 98-octane petrol, output increased to 210 kW and 422 N⋅m of torque. Starting July 2010, all I6 engines—except the E-Gas variant—complied with Euro 4 emission regulations. An optional ZF six-speed automatic transmission enhanced fuel economy to for sedans and for utility models. The turbocharged I6 engine delivered power at 5250 rpm and torque from 1950 rpm, available in XR6 Turbo and G6 E Turbo trims; it featured a temporary over-boost function lasting ten seconds that elevated torque to 640 Nm and power to 324 kW.
In 2011, Ford introduced the "EcoLPI" LPG system incorporating liquid fuel injection, lightweight pistons, increased compression ratio (12.0:1), and other refinements that raised power by 27% to at 5000 rpm and torque by 10% to at 3250 rpm—matching petrol equivalents running on 95 octane fuel. This system reduced fuel consumption by approximately 15%, came standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, and was offered as an option on naturally aspirated I6 models starting July 2011.
The debut of the 2.0L Ecoboost engine in 2012 provided around power and torque figures while delivering roughly 20% better fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions compared to the larger 4.0L engine. Estimated consumption stood at . This engine marked Ford’s first rear-wheel-drive deployment of Ecoboost technology.
- Safety features
The FG Falcon earned a five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), becoming the first Australian-manufactured vehicle to achieve this distinction, with an overall score of 35.6 out of a possible 37 points.
Model lineup
The FG Falcon was available in seven trim levels organized into three main categories:
- Entry-level - Falcon
- Premium - G6 series
- Performance - XR
Available variants included the Falcon XT; luxury-oriented G6, G6E, and G6E Turbo; as well as sporty XR6, XR6 Turbo, and XR8 models. Utility versions comprised the base Falcon Ute alongside R6, XR6, XR6 Turbo, and XR8 trims.
- Falcon XT
Serving as the entry-level FG Falcon, the XT featured standard suspension components—Control Blade independent rear suspension and virtual pivot link front suspension—and retained braking hardware from the BF Falcon generation. It housed an updated version of the 4.0L I6 Barra engine delivering power at 6000 rpm alongside its torque rating. Initially paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, an optional ZF six-speed automatic became available from late 2008 and was made standard in July 2010. Both transmissions utilized a final drive ratio of 2.73:1; limited-slip differentials were optional on XR6 variants.
The exterior adopted Ford Europe's kinetic design language while interior enhancements included a raised center console that improved cabin spaciousness. Standard equipment featured an MP3-compatible CD player, auxiliary audio input, single-zone climate control, cruise control, split-fold rear seats, power windows, four airbags, dynamic stability control with emergency brake assist, plus driver fatigue monitoring. Alloy wheels replaced steel rims with hubcaps as standard from September 2008 onward.
- Falcon XR6
The base performance model retained the naturally aspirated 4.0L I6 engine but benefited from a sport-tuned ECU calibration. Transmission choices included five- or six-speed automatics or a six-speed manual gearbox. Equipment highlights encompassed standard 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (with optional upgrades to 18- or 19-inch sizes), sport-tuned Control Blade suspension, sports body kit featuring side skirts and rear bumper extensions, rear spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, optional Bluetooth connectivity, alloy pedal covers, and cloth sports seats. From mid-2010 onwards all models were upgraded to include the ZF six-speed automatic transmission.
- Falcon XR6 Turbo
Building upon XR6 specifications, this variant added larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential for improved traction, and enhanced front brakes featuring larger 322 mm rotors. Its turbocharged version of the same 4.0L I6 engine used in the G6E Turbo generated power along with corresponding torque figures. The ZF six-speed automatic transmission (modelled as the 6HP26) was engineered to handle increased torque output. Performance metrics included acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.8 seconds (excluding FPV derivatives). A unique “over-boost” feature temporarily increased boost pressure up to 12 psi under specific conditions to raise power output further.
Optional packages such as the "XR Luxury Pack" included sports leather seating surfaces, carbon-finish trim inserts, dual-zone climate control system, upgraded nineteen-inch wheels, and premium audio upgrades. The "Tech Pack" provided Bluetooth functionality alongside iPod integration; both packages incorporated most features found on G6E models except for reversing cameras and advanced airbag systems.
- Falcon XR8
Sharing many attributes with the XR6 Turbo but powered by a V8 engine tuned similarly to Boss 290 variants from BA-BF FPV models—producing power and torque—the XR8 featured distinctive styling cues such as a bulging bonnet and side emblems. Its semi-active muffler system opened above approximately 2800 rpm for enhanced exhaust sound but resulted in less nimble handling due to added front-end weight. Despite these characteristics, sales favored the XR6 Turbo over this V8-powered version.
Discontinued in June 2010 because its larger displacement five-point-four-litre engine failed to meet Euro IV emission standards—which would have necessitated performance-reducing modifications and expensive development—the XR8 returned in the FG-X series launched in 2014 equipped with a supercharged five-litre "Miami" V8 unit.
- G Series
Replacing the Futura as Ford’s luxury entry-level trim, the G6 utilized the same naturally aspirated four-litre inline-six engine initially paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that was upgraded to a ZF six-speed unit in mid-2010. Suspension tuning favored sport-luxury characteristics while equipment upgrades included front fog lamps, leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, rear parking sensors, sports body kit with side skirts plus rear bumper accents, along with seventeen-inch alloy wheels.
A limited edition of the G6 model consisting of fifteen hundred units featured Shadow-colored leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod integration capabilities, unique fog lamp bezels along with grille inserts, side-curtain airbags for added safety protection—and eighteen-inch alloy wheels.
The G6E trim replaced Fairmont Ghia positioning itself higher in luxury content by adding ZF six-speed automatic transmission as standard; dual-zone climate control system; premium sound system; leather seating surfaces; Bluetooth integration; reversing camera functionality; curtain plus side thorax airbags; eight-way power-adjustable driver seat; seventeen-by-eight inch alloy wheels; illuminated scuff plates; overhead sunglass holder console; plus Mercedes-style mirror indicators.
The G6E Turbo mirrored its non-turbo counterpart while incorporating a turbocharged inline-six engine identical to that found in XR6 Turbo models alongside eighteen-inch seven-spoke alloys, lowered suspension setup for enhanced handling dynamics, piano black interior console trim accents, turbo decals on exterior panels as well as iPod integration features plus rear spoiler enhancement.
From April 2009 onwards improvements focused on better fuel economy across I6-powered variants equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions. LPG E-Gas models attained five-star safety ratings following introduction of electronic stability control (ESC), which also became standard equipment on petrol sedans during this period. ESC availability extended to utility versions starting May of that year except for base XL and R6 Utes where it remained optional. By June 2010 Bluetooth connectivity along with iPod integration had become standard across all sedan models.
FG II
Launched in 2011, the FG II represented the first significant exterior redesign of the FG Falcon since 2008. This update introduced a front-end styling influenced by the SZ Ford Territory, characterized by a reduced upper grille and a larger, octagonal lower grille, along with refreshed headlight and fog lamp configurations. LED daytime running lights became standard equipment on G6E and G6E turbo variants. The majority of new trim levels—excluding XT and XL—were equipped with the Interior Command Centre, featuring an integrated 8-inch touchscreen that offered 2D/3D navigation, SUNA traffic information, speed camera warnings, and street number display functionality.
Safety enhancements encompassed six standard airbags (including dual front, side, and curtain airbags) across all sedan models, Generation 9.0 dynamic stability control throughout the lineup, and rear parking sensors as standard fitment. The MkII was introduced in late 2011, with an additional turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine option becoming available in early 2012.
FPV range
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) maintained production of high-performance FG Falcon variants, offering F6 and V8-powered models such as the GT, GT-P, and GT E sedans; alongside F6 Ute and V8 Pursuit and Super Pursuit utility vehicles. The F6 variants were powered by a 4.0 L turbocharged DOHC inline-six engine generating 310 kW at 5,500 rpm and 565 Nm of torque between 1,950 and 5,200 rpm. V8-powered models utilized a 5.4 L Boss engine delivering 315 kW at 6,500 rpm and 551 Nm at 4,750 rpm.
In October 2009, FPV unveiled the luxury-oriented F6-E model (combining the F6 engine with GT E features) alongside a limited-run GS edition (250 sedans and 75 utilities) featuring a detuned V8 from the GT range. This reintroduced the iconic GS badge with distinctive decals and dark argent wheels.
October 2010 marked the debut of a supercharged all-aluminium DOHC 5.0 L Coyote V8 engine that replaced the previous Boss unit. The FPV GS utilized a 315 kW version of this engine, while the GT, GT E, and GT-P models received an enhanced 335 kW variant.
Several limited editions were released including the Fifth-Anniversary GT, GT "Black," GT "R-Spec," and notably the GT F "351." These editions boasted increased power outputs—335 kW for both the Fifth-Anniversary and Black editions, and an impressive 351 kW at 6,000 rpm with 570 Nm torque for the GT F—along with wider nine-inch rear wheels enhancing handling on R-Spec and "351" models. Dynamometer testing revealed actual power figures surpassing official ratings significantly (ranging from 380 to 400 kW at the rear wheels). Additionally, launch control technology was introduced with these special editions. The "351" emblem on the GT F serves as a tribute both to its power output in kilowatts and to the original Falcon GT’s cubic-inch engine displacement, signifying it as the final Falcon GT iteration.