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

[Alan D Segal]

FGX MkII GT - the last Falcon GT and most high performance falcon - Limited run of 250?

[Hawkeye84]

Originally Posted by Alan D Segal

FGX MkII GT - the last Falcon GT and most high performance falcon - Limited run of 250?

I would love to see a FORD Falcon GT, but i dont think there will be many happy FPV owners/Scalpers out there if it happened.

Perhaps a Limited edition run of the Cobra model to see out the Falcon?

[Bonn]

From V8SC website ( http://www.v8supercars.com/view/phot...491D276332A166 )

[superfly]

Originally Posted by Bobman

The old models had styling and cred. The new ones are just more American garbage that we saw in the 1980s Mustang (one of which I drove extensively).
.

Sorry but I think the old models are just that, old. I think the new Mustang looks sweeet! I would get it with the 4 cyl engine as well. But I have a family to cart around so for now I need to stick with a 4 door.

Originally Posted by Bobman

While the American cars are getting a little better since the 80s/90s, they're still pretty poor quality compared to Australian, Japanese and miles behind German stuff. Would be foolish to choose a Mustang over an XR8 IMHO.

I don't think anyone who buys a Mustang over a XR8 is foolish. I don't know about build quality and will need to see it for myself and compare it to my XR50 but I can't see the build quality being any worse than my XR50.

[Bossxr8]

Build quality issues from US built Fords are a fairytale now. If you look at the JD Power rankings Ford have been, I think, top 5 for a few years now.

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by Alan D Segal

FGX MkII GT - the last Falcon GT and most high performance falcon - Limited run of 250?

Nope.

Won't happen .....

[Adamz Ghia]

Has this been missed or posted somewhere else...?? Best news we've had in months...!!

From GoAuto,

Blue Oval to boost Falcon production

Hanging out: Ford’s new flagship XR8 joined 80 other Falcons belonging to ‘Falcon fanatics’ in an aircraft hangar as part of an elaborate publicity film.

IN A twist of irony, Ford is scrambling to boost production of its swansong Falcon, after an “incredible” public response to the final Australian-made sedan sparked an unprecedented surge in demand.

Downsizing has already started in the run up to the end of Australian Ford production in 2016, but following the unexpected reception, Ford is now faced with the prospect of increasing Falcon manufacture by approximately 30 to 40 per cent to meet demand.

The facelifted Falcon broke cover just three months ago but has already cemented its place in the hearts of loyal followers with almost exclusively positive feedback directed at dealers, says Ford.

Speaking at the shoot of a promotional film, Ford Australia marketing manager David Katic told GoAuto that Falcon production may have to as much as double to satisfy the market.

“We haven't even launched the product yet and we've been literally bowled over with the amount of interest,” he said.

“The dealers are telling us they need more XR8s than what we have allocated them, which is a great problem to have and we are trying to work out how we can build more of them.

“Our challenge on Falcon, particularly XR8, is how do we expand production because the feedback has been absolutely incredible.

“Probably a 30 to 40 per cent [increase] will meet the demand in the market and I'm probably being conservative.”

As part of an ongoing and aggressive publicity campaign, Ford invited 400 'Falcon fanatics' to take part in a filmed event where XR8 Falcons negotiated a track marked out by the fans.

It took place at Melbourne's Avalon Airport where 80 of the enthusiast's cars filled a hangar, with the new XR8 taking centre stage.

“One of the great things as a marketer is having customers who are really passionate about your brand. We asked for 300 to 400 fanatics to come here and we had 800 in 48 hours,” said Mr Katic.

“Since the day we released the photos, the public feedback we've got on the car has been absolutely incredible”.

Despite the unprecedented interest in the final Falcon, Mr Katic said that a u-turn on production shutdown or a temporary extension was not a possibility.

“The reality is, all of the factors that drove us to the decision we made, they're still relevant, but our job and what we are focusing on is making sure we let Falcon go with style, and thankfully it looks like we have the opportunity to do that.”

There may be more treats before Ford finally pulls up stumps however. Mr Katic said if more capacity can be found to produce the required numbers of Falcon, special editions could follow the initial seven sedan and five Ute range.

“Our fans are screaming for them and so we might look at those, but we have to make sure we can build the right amount. It's no use doing a special edition if you can't build enough standard cars,” he said.

Last week Holden announced a special Bathurst/Craig Lowndes celebratory version of its Falcon-rivaling Commodore, and Ford won’t want to miss an opportunity to cash-in on its racing heritage in a similar way.

In June, Ford let 72 staff go from its Geelong engine plant with another 127 sacked from the Broadmeadows factory after a call for voluntary redundancies was largely ignored.

The cull followed an announcement in February that 300 jobs would go from the Blue Oval workforce, and the most recent cuts coincided with vehicle production being slashed from 133 to 83 per day.

With an increase to output now required to meet new Falcon demand, Ford may be considering adding to its recently depleted manufacturing staff, or a redeployment of resources from other areas to the large sedan line.

The new simplified Falcon sedan range starts with the entry-level and simply named Falcon priced at $35,900 before on-road costs, and tops out with flagship 5.0-litre supercharged XR8 with a price tag of $52,490.

Tradie-friendly Utes kick off from $29,390 for the cab chassis with the range capping off with the $39,910 XR6 Turbo. An XR8 version of the Ute has not been announced.

[LASTXR]

So Ford are saying if they sell enough falcons
they might make a limited edition. If people
knew there was a limited edition coming
wouldn't sales drop due to people holding
out for the last one

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

Nope.

Won't happen .....

And do you why I think it won't, even if there was a business case. Ford made such a hooplah about the GTF...priced it right for the fans, and there is some bloke that dropped $200k on one for it to be the LAST.

If ford back flipped and I was him I'd drive #500 straight through the HQ reception area and burn it.

Respect is the reason why there will be no more GT. If we were talking GMH we'll that's another ball game, they would have more comebacks than Johnny Farnham if they could.

[FGX-302]

GT won't happen.. XR8 sprint maybe? All I could see a sprint having over a normal XR8 would be the name, a stripe package and possibly a 351kw tune (doubtful) with a premium price tag.
Would I buy one? Definetely. Would I hold off a FGX XR8 just in case? Nope.
Good news to hear that XR8 production may increase to demand though. A ford fan should never miss out on purchasing the last falcon V8.. Period...

[nstg8a]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Build quality issues from US built Fords are a fairytale now. If you look at the JD Power rankings Ford have been, I think, top 5 for a few years now.

Plus nearly every YouTube review I've seen about the 2015 mustang has mentioned the big improvement in fit and finish, particularly the interiors.

I have a sneaking suspicion mustang is gonna surprise a few with it's quality feel.

[LoudPipes]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Build quality issues from US built Fords are a fairytale now. If you look at the JD Power rankings Ford have been, I think, top 5 for a few years now.

If you check JD Power’s website:

Ford came 28th out of 34 manufacturers in JD Power’s Initial Quality Study for 2013 which was below the industry average.

And so far Ford are currently 16 out of 33 manufacturers for the 2014 Initial Quality Study which is equal to the industry average. Therefore 2014 has seen an improvement.

Apart from that Ford are also performing way down the lists and below the industry average in the Dependability Study and the Customer Satisfaction Study.

Having lived in the USA for 26 years my assessment of Ford was they produced reasonable cars for the price but always lagged behind in build quality.
I’m happy to be proven wrong but I can’t see the new Mustang being any different, which unless they put in a special effort for the local delivered car, most will likely find it to be a little below the quality they are used to with the Aussie product.

[Snowdoggydogg]

You will note though that Ford in North America offered several 'premium' brands above the blue oval just like Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti, Honda/Acura, etc.
Having been a Ford family growing up about half way between the famed Windsor plant and Oakville manufacturing line we've driving a lot of their offerings over the 25 years I lived in Canada and I can vouch for the conclusion below.
However, the Lincoln (premium Ford brand) LS V8 and Aviator that we owned were class vehicles for their time. I'd liken the same to the Fg G6eT when it arrived in 2008 - hell of a beautiful car in its day.

[Luke Plaizier]

Wow. 2 of Callums predictions have been reported in the media and possibly being true. Who would have thought that, what with all the Bullies going hard at him in here.


Lukeyson

[SensationFG8]

When you throw enough stuff out there some of it is bound to be close to true, that's how psychics work. I don't believe a word they say until it's confirmed either.

Right now ford have said they are trying to, not they have succeeded. I believe the exact prediction of callum was they will use a different gearbox. Let's see if that is true...

[commodorenutt]

With all the development & calibration required to introduce a new gearbox, I highly doubt that would happen for a couple of thousand possible cars - but I guess people who have worked in and around the auto industry for 20+ years already know that....

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

I posted this in the "FG X pricing" thread, but thought it worth repeating here given the current discussion.

I spent the weekend at Bathurst with a current Ford employee. I talked to him about my situation in that I wanted an auto XR8 but not until my current ST comes off lease around the end of July/start of august next year. Discussed the situation wrt gearboxes and potential lack thereof. With out going into details, what he did advise me is that he is in a similar position to me in terms of timing and wanting an auto, and he is not looking at securing his car until towards the end of the first quarter 2015.

That was enough for me to take the chance and not look until then either.

Take that for what it is worth.

Craig H

PS Got a quote from a dealer yesterday for Kinetic auto, 2015 build, held until I was ready to pick the car up. $59k drive away, no negotiation as the 'special' arrangement for me would not allow it. Have until the end of the year to make a decision, but i think I will play this one out at this stage.....

[MAD]

My brother just got two quotes for XR8 in white, manual with towbar.

One dealer finally managed to budge from 63990 to 63490 with a jacket and a tank of fuel. This was face to face. They also mentioned something about allocations.

The other was over the phone and they went straight up to 58000 with the same thrown in, no questions, no negotiation. Delivery in December. They didn't mention a thing about allocation.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by fgpsi

Yt

Not necessarily, just a different opinion. Not everybody has to like the styling.

[commodorenutt]

That's right, everyone is entitled to their own opinion without belittlement.

Me personally, I like the FG-X a helluva lot. I really do like the FG (pre mark2 front), and it think this is one of few times a relatively minor (as in limited panels & lights being changed) face lift has been done that actually improves the car - almost as significant as XF over XE.

[nstg8a]

Originally Posted by XDV800

Frl.

Lol, while it's a bit harsh I don't disagree.

I think the fg xr50th ones were the high point of fg looks, I just cannot warm to the fgx. Maybe seeing then in the flesh will change that.

[LooLoo18]

Originally Posted by Luke Plaizier

Wow. 2 of Callums predictions have been reported in the media and possibly being true. Who would have thought that, what with all the Bullies going hard at him in here.


Lukeyson

What 2 would that be?

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Not necessarily, just a different opinion. Not everybody has to like the styling.

But has that critic actually seen the car in real life, and spent time with them? If not, I believe he does not qualify to make comment.

After having spent 10 hours with these cars last Friday, I can say as what has been said many times: Photos of the FG X give a false impression of the car, for some reason they do not show the true looks and proportions.

But I do also love the looks of my FG XR50!! Its just that the FGX has more up to date looks.

[Adamz Ghia]

Don't know about others, but at school we were taught how to express opinions and that an opinion should have a basis. Saying the car is ugly and that's it may be your opinion, but it's a child's way of expressing it...

We were in Torquay today and I had a close look at a Victory Gold XR6. While the colour is nice and suits the car I won't be getting it because I feel it will date rather quickly. I was tossing up between getting an FG MkII or waiting for an FGX, and today's look at the latter settled it for me, blue or white FGX XR6 Ute for me

[nstg8a]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

But has that critic actually seen the car in real life, and spent time with them? If not, I believe he does not qualify to make comment.
.

This argument has been trotted out a few times, and to be honest I find it as pathetic as the ones saying people are idiots because of their opinions.

I've never seen Jen Hawkins or gina rinehart in real life but I'm damned sure I know which one is more attractive.

Simple fact is, we can only form an opinion on what we can see, people who have seen them in the flesh have their opinion, doesn't make it any more right than people going off photos, it's just their opinion.

To say people who haven't seen one yet don't qualify to comment is utter bs.

[In Focus]

Originally Posted by nstg8a

This argument has been trotted out a few times, and to be honest I find it as pathetic as the ones saying people are idiots because of their opinions.

I've never seen Jen Hawkins or gina rinehart in real life but I'm damned sure I know which one is more attractive.

Simple fact is, we can only form an opinion on what we can see, people who have seen them in the flesh have their opinion, doesn't make it any more right than people going off photos, it's just their opinion.

To say people who haven't seen one yet don't qualify to comment is utter bs.

I have seen Jen in real life, and the photos don't lie.

[SensationFG8]

You guys know with that Jen vs Gina argument that some people would actually go for Gina... I personally wouldn't but the world is full of all types, never assume your view on beauty is the only one ;)

[baboon]

Originally Posted by SensationFG8

You guys know with that Jen vs Gina argument that some people would actually go for Gina...

Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder!

[turbo4]

Originally Posted by In Focus

I have seen Jen in real life, and the photos don't lie.

lucky bastard

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

Don't know about others, but at school we were taught how to express opinions and that an opinion should have a basis. Saying the car is ugly and that's it may be your opinion, but it's a child's way of expressing it...

Agree .........

Also, while people can offer an opinion, it is the way that opinion is stated that can offend, especially to those who are contemplating buying ...... and there are a HELL of a lot more of those than those who do not like.

There are too many here who can appreciate the last Falcon, whether buying or not, to have 1 thread that doesn't just become a childish bagging of the car.

Not saying you cant not like it ....... just let those who are actually interested in the car enjoy the discussion?