Ford G6
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 1925 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Automobiles, including Ford Falcon (FG) |
The Ford Falcon (FG) is a full-size automobile manufactured by Ford Australia between 2008 and 2014. This model marks the initial release of the seventh and final generation of the Falcon, introducing the modern G Series in place of the previous Fairmont luxury designation.
Introduction and updates
Revealed on 17 February 2008, the FG Falcon continued production until October 2014.
- Model lineup revision
Ford Australia updated its naming conventions, substituting traditional titles such as Futura, Fairmont, and Fairmont Ghia with contemporary G6 and G6 E badges. The FG code is a nod to the discontinued Fairmont Ghia. This series was succeeded by the FG X lineup in December 2014.
- Engine options
The base FG Falcon is powered by a 24-valve, 4.0-litre inline-six engine equipped with variable cam timing, generating a maximum output of at 6000 rpm and torque of at 3250 rpm when running on standard 91-octane petrol. Utilizing premium 98-octane fuel elevates power to 210 kW and torque to 422 N⋅m. Starting July 2010, all inline-six engines, except E-Gas variants, meet Euro 4 emission standards. The XR6 model comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission, while an optional ZF six-speed automatic improves fuel economy to for sedans and for utility vehicles.
The turbocharged inline-six delivers at 5250 rpm and torque from 1950 rpm, available in XR6 Turbo and G6 E Turbo trims. It features a temporary over-boost capability lasting ten seconds, which raises torque to 640 Nm and power output to 324 kW. Peak torque is accessible as low as 1250 rpm.
In 2011, Ford launched the "EcoLPI" LPG system featuring liquid injection instead of the former vapour method. This upgrade included lighter pistons, a higher compression ratio of 12.0:1, and other adjustments that increased power by 27% to at 5000 rpm and torque by 10% to at 3250 rpm. Fuel consumption improved by roughly 15%, with a six-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard. This LPG system became an option for naturally aspirated inline-six models from July that year.
The introduction of the 2.0L Ecoboost engine occurred in 2012, delivering at least and , with torque accessible between 2,000 and 5,500 rpm. It offered approximately better fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions compared to the larger displacement engine. The Falcon was notable as the first rear-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with Ecoboost technology but did not match the low-end torque of petrol engines featuring twin independent variable cam timing.
- Safety features
The FG series achieved a five-star safety rating from the ANCAP, becoming the first Australian-manufactured vehicle to do so, earning a score of 35.6 out of a possible 37 points.
Available models
The Ford FG Falcon was available in seven trims categorized into three main groups:
- Entry-level - Falcon
- Premium - G6 series
- Performance - XR
The lineup consisted of Falcon XT; luxury-oriented G6, G6E, and G6E Turbo; alongside sport-focused XR6, XR6 Turbo, and XR8 variants. Utility versions included base Falcon Ute, R6, XR6, XR6 Turbo, and XR8.
- Falcon XT
Serving as the FG Falcon’s entry model, the XT incorporates Ford’s Control Blade independent rear suspension paired with virtual pivot link front suspension. It houses an updated 4.0 L inline-six Barra engine producing power at 6000 rpm along with torque figures. Initially mated to a new five-speed automatic gearbox replacing the former four-speed unit, an optional ZF six-speed automatic transmission was offered from launch in 2008 and became standard in July 2010. Both transmissions maintain a final drive ratio of 2.73:1; limited-slip differentials are optional on XR6 variants.
Styling embraces Ford Europe’s kinetic design philosophy. Interior enhancements include an elevated center console enhancing both luxury feel and space utilization, easier passenger ingress/egress, MP3-compatible CD player, auxiliary audio input port, single-zone climate control system, cruise control functionality, split-fold rear seats, power windows on all doors, four airbags for occupant protection, dynamic stability control with emergency brake assist, plus driver fatigue detection. From September 2008 onwards alloy wheels replaced steel wheels with covers as standard equipment.
- Falcon XR6
Sharing the same naturally aspirated 4.0 L inline-six engine as the XT but tuned for sportier performance via an ECU recalibration, the XR6 offers transmission choices between a six-speed manual or ZF six-speed automatic (the five-speed auto was discontinued in mid-2010). Additional features include standard 17-inch alloy wheels (with optional upgrades to either 18- or 19-inch sizes), sports-tuned suspension setup, aerodynamic body kit comprising side skirts and rear bumper extensions, rear spoiler addition, front fog lights for improved visibility, leather-wrapped steering wheel equipped with audio controls, optional Bluetooth connectivity, alloy pedal covers for enhanced aesthetics, and cloth sports seats designed for better support.
- Falcon XR6 Turbo
Building upon the XR6 foundation but adding turbocharging technology under its hood along with performance enhancements such as larger (18-inch) alloy wheels and limited-slip differential for improved traction. Front brakes were upgraded to larger rotors measuring 322 mm diameter. The turbocharged inline-six engine also powers the G6E Turbo variant. The ZF six-speed automatic transmission (modelled as ZF 6HP26) accommodates increased torque loads efficiently. Performance figures include acceleration from zero to one hundred km/h in approximately 4.8 seconds (excluding FPV models), delivering power output alongside significant torque levels. An "over-boost" function temporarily raises boost pressure under certain conditions to push power close to .
Optional "XR Luxury Pack" upgrades add sports leather upholstery seats with carbon-fiber style trim inserts on interior surfaces; dual-zone climate control replaces single-zone units; larger (19-inch) wheels enhance stance; premium audio system improves sound quality. The "Tech Pack" includes Bluetooth hands-free communication plus iPod connectivity features; both packages incorporate many amenities found in G6E models except reversing camera functionality and some advanced airbag systems.
- Falcon XR8
Equipped similarly to the XR6 Turbo but powered by a V8 engine akin to FPV's Boss 290 variant producing rated power output and torque figures respectively. Distinctive styling cues include a pronounced bulging bonnet design alongside unique side badges identifying its status. A semi-active muffler system modulates exhaust note volume once engine speed exceeds approximately 2800 rpm for enhanced auditory experience without excessive noise levels. Despite having roughly more power than its XR6 Turbo counterpart, its heavier front-end weight compromises nimbleness somewhat. Market demand favored sales of XR6 Turbo over this V8-powered model.
This version was discontinued in June 2010 due to its larger displacement engine failing to meet Euro IV emission requirements—upgrading it would have negatively impacted performance while incurring high development costs. Although plans existed for reintroduction using a newer five-litre "Coyote" V8 engine in late-2011, it ultimately reappeared only in the FG-X series of late-2014 featuring a supercharged variant of that powerplant.
- G Series
Positioned above the XT model line as an entry-level luxury trim replacing Futura badging is the G6 series powered by the same naturally aspirated four-litre inline-six initially coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission which switched to ZF six-speed units from mid-2010 onwards. Its suspension tuning balances sportiness with comfort derived from higher-spec G6E models while sharing drivetrain components with XT versions.
Standard equipment comprises front fog lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel integrated with audio controls; rear parking sensors aiding maneuvering; sporty body kit including side skirts plus rear bumper extensions; along with stylish seventeen-inch alloy wheels.
A limited-edition run of fifteen hundred G6 units featured Shadow-coloured leather upholstery; Bluetooth connectivity plus iPod integration capabilities; exclusive exterior trim elements such as fog-light surrounds and grille inserts; side-curtain airbags enhancing occupant safety; upgraded alloy wheels completing visual appeal.
The G6E replaces Fairmont Ghia positioning itself as an upscale variant offering additional luxuries: ZF six-speed automatic gearbox standard; dual-zone climate control system enhancing cabin comfort; premium sound system installed; leather seating surfaces included; Bluetooth hands-free communication integrated; reversing camera providing parking assistance; side thorax airbags complementing curtain airbags for better protection; driver’s seat adjustable electrically in eight ways; seventeen-by-eight inch alloy wheels fitted; illuminated scuff plates added for entryways plus overhead sunglass storage console; exterior mirrors equipped with Mercedes-Benz-style integrated indicators.
The turbocharged version named G6E Turbo retains all G6E features but adds forced induction via turbocharged inline-six shared with XR6 Turbo models alongside lowered suspension setup for improved handling dynamics; piano black trim replaces silver on centre console surfaces while turbo decals adorn bodywork along with boot-mounted spoiler enhancing aerodynamics plus larger alloy wheels fitted.
From April 2009 onwards improvements targeted fuel efficiency gains on inline-six variants equipped with six-speed automatics while LPG-powered E-Gas models attained five-star ANCAP safety ratings due to inclusion of electronic stability control (ESC). ESC became standard across petrol sedan variants subsequently extending coverage onto utility models except base XL and R6 Utes where ESC remained optional equipment only. By June 2010 all sedan variants received Bluetooth connectivity plus iPod integration as standard fitment.
FG II
Debuting in 2011, the FG II represented the first significant aesthetic revision of the FG Falcon since 2008. This update introduced a redesigned front end influenced by the SZ Ford Territory, characterized by a reduced upper grille and an enlarged octagonal lower grille, along with refreshed headlight and fog light configurations. The G6E and G6E turbo variants came equipped with standard LED daytime running lights. Except for the XT and XL trims, all new models featured the Interior Command Centre—a fully integrated 8-inch touchscreen offering 2D/3D navigation maps, SUNA traffic information, speed camera alerts, and street house number display.
Safety improvements comprised six standard airbags (dual front, side, and curtain) across all sedan versions, Generation 9.0 dynamic stability control throughout the lineup, and rear parking sensors as standard equipment. The MkII was introduced late in 2011, with an additional turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine option becoming available in early 2012.
FPV range
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) developed high-performance variants of the Falcon FG, including F6 and V8-powered sedans such as the GT, GT-P, and GT E. Their utility lineup featured the F6 Ute alongside V8 Pursuit and Super Pursuit models. 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. Other FPV models utilized a 5.4 L Boss V8 producing 315 kW at 6,500 rpm and 551 Nm at 4,750 rpm.
In October 2009, FPV introduced the upscale F6-E model combining GT E specifications with the F6 engine. Alongside it came the limited-edition GS variant—restricted to 250 sedans and 75 utilities—featuring a detuned V8 from the GT series and distinguished by exclusive "GS" graphics and dark argent wheels.
October 2010 marked the arrival of a supercharged all-aluminum DOHC four-valve-per-cylinder 5.0 L Coyote "Miami" V8 engine that replaced the previous Boss unit. This powerplant delivered a 315 kW output in the FPV GS (which succeeded the XR8), while a higher-output 335 kW version powered the FPV GT, GT E, and GT-P models.
Special editions included the Fifth-Anniversary, GT "Black", GT "R-Spec", and notably the GT F "351". These versions featured more potent engines—335 kW for the initial two editions and an impressive 351 kW at 6,000 rpm with 570 Nm torque for the GT F—alongside upgraded handling setups that incorporated wider nine-inch rear wheels on both "R-Spec" and "351" models. Dynamometer testing revealed actual power outputs surpassing official ratings by up to approximately 380–400 kW at the rear wheels (equating to roughly 450–470 kW at the flywheel). The GT F model introduced launch control technology; its "351" badge paid homage to both its power output and the original Falcon GT’s cubic-inch engine size, signifying it as the final iteration of the GT Falcon.