FG X, The Last EVER Falcon - Picture & Discussion Thread

[sxckevo]

Originally Posted by The Eagle

Our roads are among the worst in the world and i believe we need Australian DESIGNED cars for our pathetic roads

You're an extreme sort of guy.. Take a breath, exhaleeeee. Now follow this procedure for a healthy life.

I just come back from a trip driving from Las Vegas to LA. Have you driven on those roads before? I'd have a good guess and say no because they are easily the worst excuse of roads i have ever seen in my life. I now have nothing bad to say about any road i have driven on throughout Australia. We practically drive on the equivalent of the German Autobarn.

And on the note of the 2014 Falcon, i'm going to be a laughing mess on the floor if these picture from all these magazines end up being so far off the mark of the final release. They drag all you guys in so easily with their drivel. Not to mention somehow knowing the specs of a car that has not had any hard data quoted by it's manufacture yet.

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by damo6

Saw a highway patrol stormtrooper today sitting in a xr turbo which was a chocolate brown colour? Never seen that colour before. Maybe a test colour for the FH? I know Holden do that with their outgoing models to gauge opinion,do ford do the same?

Next generation colours have been applied on outgoing models of Falcons/Commodores for a long time (I'm sure other manufacturers do the same)

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by The Eagle

Our roads are among the worst in the world and i believe we need Australian DESIGNED cars for our pathetic roads

Proof you need to fill your passport with many more stamps...

What rot. In fact, if there was ever a ratio that took road distances and population into consideration I would argue that we have some of the best roads in the world with the limited population we have to help pay for it all.

[Bucknaked]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Wow, struggling to comprehend so much stupid in one post. Nearly crashed the internetz

My 1.8 litre Focus I used to have pulled my 9x5 trailer full of garden soil. mulch etc etc. I admit, not great up hills, but no problem in towing. It was easily upto the task

[BadMax]

Originally Posted by sxckevo

I just come back from a trip driving from Las Vegas to LA. Have you driven on those roads before?

I don't know what road you took, but I drove 2000 miles in the US in 2012 and I have actually drive from LA to LV and the road is far, far better than our equivalent interstate.

[stevefreestyle]

Originally Posted by xr6turbo270kw

FH XR8 will get brembos all the mules build so far have brembos fitted
Not sure if it's an option or standard.

Interesting, Is this on good authority - a reliable source, and how many XR8 mules are there ?

Any other info......KW... ?????

[stevefreestyle]

Originally Posted by martinijosh

I put a deposit on a new Ford yesterday and bought another new Ford in 2012...

Australian Fords I hope !

[martinijosh]

Originally Posted by stevefreestyle

Australian Fords I hope !

Nope... 1 built in Thailand and the other built in Germany.

I've loved both my Falcons, but for the money they just aren't built well enough compared to cars that cost half as much.

I've driven some FG's and they do feel better built than the B series, I will admit.

[stevefreestyle]

Originally Posted by martinijosh

Nope... 1 built in Thailand and the other built in Germany.

I've loved both my Falcons, but for the money they just aren't built well enough compared to cars that cost half as much.

I've driven some FG's and they do feel better built than the B series, I will admit.

That's disappointing. By what objective quantum & criteria do you assess "Better Built" ....a rigorous comparative assessment evaluating driving dynamics - in all driving conditions, engine power and torque delivery, driving & handling dynamics, panel alignment and pain quality etc or....is it based on simply (subjective) "Feel" (as you state), a perception that Falcons are gouache or unfashionable, a preconceived perception filtered and "informed" by prejudiced anti-Ford Bias from Motoring "Journalists" who are generally die-hard GMH stalwarts ? Few cars could hold a candle to a Falcon in that price range - on any objective analysis - unless you judge a car not on how it actually drives, but on how many blutooth devices you can run, whilst on Feacesbook.......

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by stevefreestyle

That's disappointing. By what objective quantum & criteria do you assess "Better Built" ....a rigorous comparative assessment evaluating driving dynamics - in all driving conditions, engine power and torque delivery, driving & handling dynamics, panel alignment and pain quality etc or....is it based on simply (subjective) "Feel" (as you state), a perception that Falcons are gouache or unfashionable, a preconceived perception filtered and "informed" by prejudiced anti-Ford Bias from Motoring "Journalists" who are generally die-hard GMH stalwarts ? Few cars could hold a candle to a Falcon in that price range - on any objective analysis - unless you judge a car not on how it actually drives, but on how many blutooth devices you can run, whilst on Feacesbook.......

So he didnt buy a falcon? Seems your sad about that eh? Ive owned 2 german fords and from where I sit the quality is brilliant.
I think my car is well built, does that make me wrong?
Lots of generaliastions in your post aswell.

[Focused]

Originally Posted by stevefreestyle

That's disappointing. By what objective quantum & criteria do you assess "Better Built" ....a rigorous comparative assessment evaluating driving dynamics - in all driving conditions, engine power and torque delivery, driving & handling dynamics, panel alignment and pain quality etc or....is it based on simply (subjective) "Feel" (as you state), a perception that Falcons are gouache or unfashionable, a preconceived perception filtered and "informed" by prejudiced anti-Ford Bias from Motoring "Journalists" who are generally die-hard GMH stalwarts ? Few cars could hold a candle to a Falcon in that price range - on any objective analysis - unless you judge a car not on how it actually drives, but on how many blutooth devices you can run, whilst on Feacesbook.......

Rather harsh comments directed towards martinijosh don't you think?
I've owned Falcons, Mondeos and Focis (multiple Falcons and Focis in the extended family) and I'd definitely be of the opinion that the Falcon's build quality is rather average. And yes, I'm being subjective.
Unfortunately some dismiss criticisms of quality by referring to towing capacity, 0-100 times or "RWD handling" amongst other excuses, but in the end of the day, and it pains me to say this, the Falcon is not a well built car. That's the public perception, and it ain't far from the truth.

[buggo]

Originally Posted by stevefreestyle

is it based on simply (subjective) "Feel"

I deleted the rest of your post because other than this it was just fluff.

Since when isn't buying a car subjective? There's no way I'd base my car on the objections of others.
If he says the quality wasn't up to his standard, than it wasn't up to his standard. He bought one that met the criteria instead - which was a Ford as well.
I'm battling to understand your point

[Polyal]

Things seemed to go downhill after AU quality wise (yes I am a little biased), all these stories of rust etc on a car less than 5 years old shouldnt exist.

I cross my fingers that more care or whatever is taken with the last, but logic would dictate that not much will change. Thankgod they have weapon grade drivelines..LOL..just get a transcooler for that ZF once your warranty is up.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Things seemed to go downhill after AU quality wise (yes I am a little biased), all these stories of rust etc on a car less than 5 years old shouldnt exist.

I cross my fingers that more care or whatever is taken with the last, but logic would dictate that not much will change. Thankgod they have weapon grade drivelines..LOL..just get a transcooler for that ZF once your warranty is up.

AU's were where the rust started!!! eeeeeeeeek.

[MercurySilver]

I thought they started rusting at xb's....

[prydey]

i wonder how many people that whinge about falcon build quality own an FG? also, being a mass produced vehicle, there will always be, with all mass produced vehicles, good ones and bad ones.

i've owned every model falcon since XF and every model has been an improvement on the last, bar none. the FG (mine is one of the earliest builds) is a big step up. mine is 08 model and now has 105k on the clock and is still faultless. untouched zf as well.

i'm not about to say it is better than euro models though. i just don't think its badly put together. don't confuse quality of materials used, with poor build quality. falcon, now more than ever, is on a very tight budget and i'd be surprised if it would be any different with focus etc if they had the same hinderances.

my wife drives an 06 focus (80000km) and it is very tight, but i think small cars will always feel tighter than large cars. these days, i would say both are built very well but the haters (of each) will always find something to pick on, and usually they aren't owners of the models they are picking on.

[Polyal]

You dont need to own one to see the pics here of rust, thin paint, stuffed bushes, milkshaked trans, ball joints (granted that seems to be sorted)..need we go on? All that with cars within their warranty period..

They can use any excuse they want to but its pretty common, which sucks because they are good cars but it must really take the shine of a new car experience; and the experience of owning a Ford as you then have to deal with Dealership/CRC etc

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by prydey

i wonder how many people that whinge about falcon build quality own an FG? also, being a mass produced vehicle, there will always be, with all mass produced vehicles, good ones and bad ones.

i've owned every model falcon since XF and every model has been an improvement on the last, bar none. the FG (mine is one of the earliest builds) is a big step up. mine is 08 model and now has 105k on the clock and is still faultless. untouched zf as well.

i'm not about to say it is better than euro models though. i just don't think its badly put together. don't confuse quality of materials used, with poor build quality. falcon, now more than ever, is on a very tight budget and i'd be surprised if it would be any different with focus etc if they had the same hinderances.

my wife drives an 06 focus (80000km) and it is very tight, but i think small cars will always feel tighter than large cars. these days, i would say both are built very well but the haters (of each) will always find something to pick on, and usually they aren't owners of the models they are picking on.

Ive had 3 brand new FG Falcons... I no longer own one! But they all had problems... My SZ Territory odly enough has been okay (same factory) but my PX Ranger leaves the Falcons for dead as far as build quality. Not bad for something made in Thailand????

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Polyal

You dont need to own one to see the pics here of rust, thin paint, stuffed bushes, milkshaked trans, ball joints (granted that seems to be sorted)..need we go on? All that with cars within their warranty period..

They can use any excuse they want to but its pretty common, which sucks because they are good cars but it must really take the shine of a new car experience; and the experience of owning a Ford as you then have to deal with Dealership/CRC etc

this is pretty much a falcon based forum so you won't get much feedback of any other models. yes, there is sections for other models, but the participation is much lower in those areas.

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Ive had 3 brand new FG Falcons... I no longer own one! But they all had problems... My SZ Territory odly enough has been okay (same factory) but my PX Ranger leaves the Falcons for dead as far as build quality. Not bad for something made in Thailand????

like i said, all models will have bad ones. also, i've never considered an enthusiast forum an accurate cross section of the true picture. its the same with just about any product you can think of. look up a review site and bad reviews are nearly always dominant because normally people only bother to leave feedback when they are having grief with the product.

falcon isn't perfect. not saying it is but in its defence, it has a tiny budget in comparison to almost every other model car on the market and performs ok considering.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Polyal

You dont need to own one to see the pics here of rust, thin paint, stuffed bushes, milkshaked trans, ball joints (granted that seems to be sorted)..need we go on?

FGs aren't perfect, although I think it's a bit of a lottery. Two of my FGs went back to Ford fairly consistently between services for warranty issues (one of them was an early build so you can forgive it for having teething issues I guess). Both of those FGs are now gone. The one remaining is a naturally aspirated XR6 and it's been fantastic in comparison, hardly any issues to report. I think the NA XR6s are the pick of the Falcon range- the motor and driveline are bullet proof and they are very well balanced.

To replicate the Falcon fundamentals (large, RWD, high powered) but in a higher quality package you would really have to look closely at imported German saloons which are ridiculously expensive here for what they are.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

FGs aren't perfect, although I think it's a bit of a lottery. Two of my FGs went back to Ford fairly consistently between services for warranty issues (one of them was an early build so you can forgive it for having teething issues I guess). Both of those FGs are now gone. The one remaining is a naturally aspirated XR6 and it's been fantastic in comparison, hardly any issues to report. I think the NA XR6s are the pick of the Falcon range- the motor and driveline are bullet proof and they are very well balanced.

To replicate the Falcon fundamentals (large, RWD, high powered) but in a higher quality package you would really have to look closely at imported German saloons which are ridiculously expensive here for what they are.

Yeah fully agree, although the EU cars are painted differently here because of primarily (I believe) the way in which they are taxed. Wonder in a few years now that the Gov has let the auto industry go that they will lower the taxes so we dont pay through the nose anymore...lower taxes

Prydey you are right the budget difference is the main driver, and thats where the Germans (and any other car sold globally) does well, they need volume to compete. Can you image if Ford did a GRWD platform? I think it will happen one day, but it will be to late to save the Falcon as thats the only thing that would have kept it alive.

But at the end of the day the consumer doesnt buy on pity for dev budgets, they buy on value and perceived quality and because the local cars have been hit with that dwindling over the years we have this situation, which sucks, because it deserves better.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Ive had 3 brand new FG Falcons... I no longer own one! But they all had problems... My SZ Territory odly enough has been okay (same factory) but my PX Ranger leaves the Falcons for dead as far as build quality. Not bad for something made in Thailand????

See this is where some (not you Dash) get it wrong. Quality starts with design and in the case of Ranger it had a bigger budget then any Falcon program could have dreamed about so it should have better quality. Some teams worked on both, just one model had more to spend, greater sales volume to recoup those costs from and a more modern plant to be built within. Imagine a Falcon with Ranger budgets...it would shame a 5 series BMW...or conversely give Bavarian engineers a Falcon budget and watch them cry...

At least the last Falcon will look hot.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

At least the last Falcon will look hot.

And generally spank the entire range in mumbo.worst case keep line ball.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

So........

Any more sneak peek pics yet......????

Craig H

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by stevefreestyle

That's disappointing. By what objective quantum & criteria do you assess "Better Built" ....a rigorous comparative assessment evaluating driving dynamics - in all driving conditions, engine power and torque delivery, driving & handling dynamics, panel alignment and pain quality etc or....

Ford Australia's build quality down right sucks, and you can't deny it, from the quality of the plastics used to the lack of equipment on the inside.

Ford Thailand and South Africa are also on the crappier side, I've got a South African Focus and a German Fiesta, the Fiesta ***** on the Focus, put together really well.

LV Focus rattles, poor fitting trims etc.

I'm not a fan of Ford Thailand after seeing what they did to the Fiesta when it went from German WS to Thailand WT.

[mattrobbo26]

Think this thread has gone off topic just a little.

[HULK EF]

Am i in the wrong thread for FH rumours/spy pics?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by HULK EF

Am i in the wrong thread for FH rumours/spy pics?

Looks that way, the Falcon hate squad can't contain themselves.

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Ford Australia's build quality down right sucks, and you can't deny it, from the quality of the plastics used to the lack of equipment on the inside.

Lack of equipment has nothing to do with build quality, lack of equipment has everything to do with FoA being tight and the bean counters being let loose on cars to save $1.50 on a widget

Agree with the Thailand spec cars too, look at the issues people are having with the Ranger.

[Chopped]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

It's not a good career move to take photo's "factory side".

What career....

[Nikked]

The FG's quality was remarkable, compared to the BA...much more engineering on all the parts, panel gaps and general taughtnes is quite acceptable IMO, up there with any euro/thai designed/built model.