Ford Falcon (FG X)
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1925 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
The Ford Falcon (FG X) is a full-size car manufactured by Ford Australia between 2014 and 2016. This model serves as the final and redesigned version of the seventh-generation Falcon FG, incorporating major updates to its exterior design and drivetrain, while maintaining the interior layout from the 2008–2014 FG series. It also marks the conclusion of Ford Australia's domestic vehicle production.
Naming
Known internally as project 201X, Ford Australia revealed the FG X in August 2014. The designation "FG X" pays tribute to the Fairmont and Ghia nameplates from earlier Falcons, with the X symbolizing the most beloved Falcon series ranging from the XK through to the XH, reflecting strong influence from enthusiast feedback on its branding.
Model range
Released in December 2014, the FG X was offered in both sedan and utility configurations.
The sedan lineup included eight versions:
- Falcon
- Falcon G6E
- Falcon G6E Turbo
- Falcon XR6
- Falcon XR6 Turbo
- Falcon XR6 Sprint
- Falcon XR8
- Falcon XR8 Sprint
After a four-year hiatus, the XR8 badge made a comeback, equipped with an FPV-derived drivetrain featuring the locally engineered "Miami" supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine producing and torque. All XR variants (except for the XR6 Sprint, which was available only with an automatic transmission) provided both manual and automatic gearbox options. The base Falcon and G6E/G6ET models were fitted exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The utility range comprised the base Ute (which replaced the XL), alongside the XR6 and XR6 Turbo trims, offered as either cab chassis or traditional utility body styles. Production of the Falcon utility concluded on 29 July 2016.
The G6 series, which had replaced the Fairmont badge in 2008, was discontinued with this generation. Unlike prior models, there was no utility version of the XR8 sedan.
Significantly, this Falcon generation was Australia's first domestically produced vehicle to feature Wi-Fi connectivity and DAB+ radio through its enhanced infotainment system called "SYNC2", which also includes voice recognition and emergency call capabilities.
Engines
The engine options available for the Ford Falcon FG X include:
- 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four:
- 4.0-litre inline-six:
- 4.0-litre inline-six LPG (EcoLPI):
- 4.0-litre turbocharged inline-six: or for the Sprint variant
- 5.0-litre supercharged V8: or for the Sprint variant
Successor
In October 2016, adhering to Ford Motor Company's global "One Ford" strategy, production of the Falcon ended without a direct successor. Instead, Ford Australia introduced the fourth-generation European Mondeo and sixth-generation Mustang to its product range. The Mustang acts as a flagship model replacing both the Falcon XR and GT V8 variants, while the Mondeo targets buyers in the mid-size segment.
Former CEO Bob Graziano described the Falcon as being "inextricably linked to Australian heritage." Despite incorporating imported models like the Mustang and Mondeo into its lineup, Ford concluded Falcon manufacturing after a 56-year run, making it one of Ford's longest-standing nameplates alongside iconic models such as the Mustang and F-series trucks.
Sales
The FG X Falcon debuted in December 2014, achieving monthly sales exceeding 700 units by March 2015. Production spanned from October 2014 until Ford ceased local manufacturing in October 2016, with just over 11,100 sedans sold during that period. When including utility versions, total FG X Falcon sales reached around 16,100 units.
Six-cylinder Falcons were briefly utilized by Western Australian police for general duty purposes.
| Year | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 578 | 11,166 |
| 2015 | 5,938 | |
| 2016 | 4,434 | |
| 2017 | 210 | |
| 2018 | 60 |