Falcon deserved better

[johnydep]

Pretty accurate article. Especially about the smothered export opportunity of the Falcon & Territory. I believed that the case in 2005 & posted about it many times

FORD Australia’s announcement last week that the Falcon’s final fling before it reaches the end of the road in 2016 will carry the X model designation is entirely appropriate. However, given the car’s pathetic sales performance in recent years, a “Y” badge would have been equally apt.

The car that dominated the Australian market during the 1980s is now an irrelevance. In July, Ford sold a mere 493 Falcons, for a year-to-date total of just over 4000. In its heyday, that would have been a couple of weeks’ worth of sales.

If the Falcon hadn’t been on taxpayer-funded life support, production would have ceased 10 years ago.

The car itself deserved a better fate. Throughout the noughties, the BA/BF Falcons were arguably the best large sedans in Ford’s entire global model portfolio. However, as with the similarly capable Territory SUV, Ford Australia was denied export opportunities by its US parent, a stance that, sooner or later, was always going to guarantee its demise as a manufacturer.

So as the once- mighty Falcon heads for that great wreckers yard in the sky, there to sit proudly alongside the Kingswood, Valiant and P76, we can look forward to a final burst of sentimental marketing spin when the FG-X model is launched in November, accompanied by more “collector’s editions” than you can count and some absurd prices being paid by opportunists and ignorant speculators who fail to appreciate the fact a car is only collectable if it’s very highly regarded in the first place.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case with most late-model V8 Falcons, even the venerable GT.
If we’re talking 21st century reality rather than 20th century reputation, only the rare and sporadic R-Spec variants, with decent chassis hardware and wide rubber, are truly worthy of the Falcon GT moniker. The last run of Falcon GTs, 550 cars with the R-Spec package fitted, has already sold out.

Ford Australia is resurrecting the XR8 moniker for a last go-round on the FG-X, with the 335kW 5.0-litre supercharged V8 inherited from the GT. It launches the Falcon towards the horizon with undeniably brutish vigour, but if previous models are an indication it’s also far too much engine for the car. Falcon V8s are extremely nose heavy, usually responding to your entreaties to turn with the same alacrity as the Titanic. Most are also underbraked and undertyred, which further adds to the terror and effort required when cornering.

If you’re after a Falcon to put in the pool room, a model with six cylinders will be a much more rewarding, enjoyable and potentially collectable option.

The XR6 Turbo and its FPV F6 Turbo derivative (the latter in FG specification, from 2008 to the present) are arguably the best sorted performance cars Ford Australia has produced. Their 4.0-litre turbo straight six with 270kW in the XR6 Turbo and 310kW in the F6, is a 100 per cent Ford Australia powerplant (codenamed “Barra”) that redefines the meaning of mid-range grunt and, in the F6, is quicker than the GT V8. Although similarly undertyred and underbraked to the V8s, the Falcon turbo sixes are noticeably lighter, more responsive and better balanced.

Then there’s the rarity factor. You can walk across the road to a Holden dealer and buy a VF Commodore V8, or an HSV derivative if it’s serious muscle you desire, but the Falcon XR6 Turbo, currently priced from $46,235, and F6, from $64,390, are wonderful drives and genuine bespoke examples of Australian automotive engineering, the likes of which we won’t see again.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/exec...-1227039102273

[Rob1964]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

That is a urine take, its from a headline generator site

Bang on about the F6 being more Australian than anything else

[malazn mafia]

Don't know if I will ever forgive Ford USA for not giving Falc and Terry a proper chance. There isnt much in the Ford lineup I want to own post 2016 and the dealerships's overall mentality of "they all do that" (is this a global ford thing?), makes it that bit harder to consider a Ford vehicle post 2016. Mustang should stay a niche low volume gray import seller. Wouldnt mind forking out that extra for having a niche vehicle the neighbour won't easily obtain. The moment it becomes a volume seller and common as a 3 series or FT86 it will lose all its charisma and wow factor.

[ford man xf]

The XR6 Turbo and its FPV F6 Turbo derivative (the latter in FG specification, from 2008 to the present) are arguably the best sorted performance cars Ford Australia has produced.

Notice the author just can't quite bring themselves to admit that it's arguably the best sorted performance cars produced in Australia (in other words Holden has a better offering)

[Dr Smith]

Doesn't sound like the author has driven a recent Miami GT.

[mik]

This ******** is talking like the current and recent models have drum brakes and handle like a 1970 falcon, nothing could be further from the truth.

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by ford man xf

Notice the author just can't quite bring themselves to admit that it's arguably the best sorted performance cars produced in Australia (in other words Holden has a better offering)

If he's mentioned that, there'd be a huge mud slinging match. Like this http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11421714

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by mik

This ******** is talking like the current and recent models have drum brakes and handle like a 1970 falcon, nothing could be further from the truth.

I think he's referring to the new model using a chassis that was great 10 years ago, but now the competition has caught up. Making the Falcon's great dynamics OK with present new completion from other brands.

That's the whole point of the article - if Ford USA allowed Ford Oz to export, they'd have the money to build a complete new model from the ground up and be more than competitive with the rest. Hence - Falcon deserved better.

[290GTP]

..."which further adds to the terror and effort required when cornering."...

What a knob! If his terrified when taking a corner in a Falcon, then he is obvously doing something wrong.

[johnydep]

Now I know why Ford Australia are going :-( the majority lost sight of the goals & scored points instead.

[Dr Smith]

Ford Australia needed the factory putting out up to 120,000 units per year for it to survive and work profitably which is still very small by international standards. Lets say they stuck to Falcon and Terry as the two vehicle types. Exporting in our region is near impossible with the different countries trade barriers in the various forms they are applied including when FTA's are in place. In Thailand a Terry sells for BMW X5 price so which would you buy? In America large sedans are not the main passenger car volume sellers, Accord and Camry fight that out and are American built so what volumes would Ford Australia have been able to export to the US.

If they were sold into the Mid-East as Commodore did, well that market dried up after the GFC and Holden sells virtually nothing there now so I cannot see how Falcon, if also sold there at the same time would have miraculously survived when VE stopped. A Terry would have been the better choice for export in the mid-east however once again while US models like Edge and Explorer exist why would Ford US allow another division to eat into it's sales. When I visited the UAE I could easily envisage Terry turbo's tearing up the freeway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Ford US doesn't build a lwb car now and when they did their Crown Vic was the exported RWD car of choice holding back any chance for Fairlane or even Falcon. Remember this, Holden only got into the Mid-east when Chevy stopped building and exporting their rwd vehicles.

I know there are a book full of other reasons and yes Ford US could have probably allowed more if it indeed was a barrier to exports. We will never know if it was Ford Australia's fault that production is ending because of product decisions they made or markets they failed to seek out, or whether their parent held them back when a turf war was likely. Or maybe it's Australia's fault for not being a country of 50-100 Million so that our market is big enough to support more local manufacturing. The discussion/debate will go on for a long time...

[mik]

Originally Posted by johnydep

I think he's referring to the new model using a chassis that was great 10 years ago, but now the competition has caught up. Making the Falcon's great dynamics OK with present new completion from other brands.

That's the whole point of the article - if Ford USA allowed Ford Oz to export, they'd have the money to build a complete new model from the ground up and be more than competitive with the rest. Hence - Falcon deserved better.

Maybe I read it wrong, but I can only remember one road test of any recent falcon where the tester was filling his pants in terror , and that was more about the brutal power delivery in an F6 ute.
year after year fords and holden s have been tit for tat in handling with only a tiny margin between them, though the commy has probably had the edge more often in recent years, the commy considered a decent handler. ...... and if the falcon is close ....... where does the terror come in.
I get your explanation, but this article with his description of falcon handling is way exaggerated imo.

[mik]

Originally Posted by johnydep

I think he's referring to the new model using a chassis that was great 10 years ago, but now the competition has caught up. Making the Falcon's great dynamics OK with present new completion from other brands.

That's the whole point of the article - if Ford USA allowed Ford Oz to export, they'd have the money to build a complete new model from the ground up and be more than competitive with the rest. Hence - Falcon deserved better.

Maybe I read it wrong, but I can only remember one road test of any recent falcon where the tester was filling his pants in terror , and that was more about the brutal power delivery in an F6 ute.
year after year fords and holden s have been tit for tat in handling with only a tiny margin between them, though the commy has probably had the edge more often in recent years, the commy considered a decent handler. ...... and if the falcon is close ....... where does the terror come in.
I get your explanation, but this article with his description of falcon handling is way exaggerated imo.

[EB#]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Doesn't sound like the author has driven a recent Miami GT.

Indeed. It would seem that the author of the article is unaware that the new
5.0 motor is in the order of 47kg lighter than the old Boss 5.4. Although I have
not driven a 5.0, I expect that the so called "entreaties to turn with the same
alacrity as the Titanic" is greatly improved!

[johnydep]

I reckon he loves the turbo 6. And who can argue with that?

The turbo barra is an Aussie motor, it is one of the best 6 cylinder engines in the world. I know, bold statement, but I reckon it is. V6 motors are rubbish.

What I get from the article is that one of Australia's great sedan had one of Australia's great motors - turbo charged 6. And the V8 doesn't come close to it; being a US import and not doing anything for the cars handling dynamics.

In 50 years time which will be glorified - the Aussie built turbo 6 with huge power & torque figures, or the US built V8?

I love V8's but I also love the barra, add a turbo and... well you know.

[Escort_RPDriver]

Originally Posted by johnydep

I reckon he loves the turbo 6. And who can argue with that?

The turbo barra is an Aussie motor, it is one of the best 6 cylinder engines in the world. I know, bold statement, but I reckon it is. V6 motors are rubbish.

What I get from the article is that one of Australia's great sedan had one of Australia's great motors - turbo charged 6. And the V8 doesn't come close to it; being a US import and not doing anything for the cars handling dynamics.

In 50 years time which will be glorified - the Aussie built turbo 6 with huge power & torque figures, or the US built V8?

I love V8's but I also love the barra, add a turbo and... well you know.

The 6 is an awesome motor no question about that how ever the Aussie 6 is not 100% Aussie built don't it heads come from Mexico.

The V8 and the old Boss we have is hardly a USA built V8 there come as a set of block and heads all the internals are made here and like the 6 there no other Ford that uses them.

As for handling dynamics they were more or less fixed when the current V8 replaced the cast iron Boss.

[Rob1964]

Reminicent of the Aussie Charger, the E-49 6 pack housing the
265 Hemi aussie donk v the E-55 housing the U.S. 340 small block
V8.I admit I own a F6 but if i could i would buy the V8 as well, where
lucky we had a choice!

[Dash_XR]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Don't know if I will ever forgive Ford USA for not giving Falc and Terry a proper chance. There isnt much in the Ford lineup I want to own post 2016 and the dealerships's overall mentality of "they all do that" (is this a global ford thing?), makes it that bit harder to consider a Ford vehicle post 2016. Mustang should stay a niche low volume gray import seller. Wouldnt mind forking out that extra for having a niche vehicle the neighbour won't easily obtain. The moment it becomes a volume seller and common as a 3 series or FT86 it will lose all its charisma and wow factor.

I totally agree with the first part, it's said people so easily forget the Falcon and start raving about the mustang even though its partly responsible for the Falcon's demise.

America's industry was sinking and they didn't even hesitate throwing Ford Aus under a bus to expand their market and save their own skin. American built Fords can suck it.

I'm actually kinda looking forward to when base model mustangs start flooding the market and devaluing the brand, over time well kept Falcons will stand out more and more. Especially FPV's.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by Dash_XR

I totally agree with the first part, it's said people so easily forget the Falcon and start raving about the mustang even though its partly responsible for the Falcon's demise.

America's industry was sinking and they didn't even hesitate throwing Ford Aus under a bus to expand their market and save their own skin. American built Fords can suck it.

I'm actually kinda looking forward to when base model mustangs start flooding the market and devaluing the brand, over time well kept Falcons will stand out more and more. Especially FPV's.

I understand people's annoyance at what's happened with ford aus.... But the reality is, without ford USA doing well then there wouldn't even have been any Aussie fords to stRt with......let alone getting them to the stage of being amoung the very best affordable performance cars in the world.

And I'm quite sure that they did more then hesitate signing the end of the falcon. Haters will just hate.and see the LITTLE picture!

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

I understand people's annoyance at what's happened with ford aus.... But the reality is, without ford USA doing well then there wouldn't even have been any Aussie fords to stRt with......let alone getting them to the stage of being amoung the very best affordable performance cars in the world.

And I'm quite sure that they did more then hesitate signing the end of the falcon. Haters will just hate.and see the LITTLE picture!

If you're going down that road - without Ford USA there'd be no Aussie Ford - then we wouldn't be having the discussion.

The fact is - Ford Australia had two excellent vehicles that had a potential market overseas, that could have ensured increase sale numbers but Ford USA would not let the sales go ahead.

However, I must admit that there were other factors involved. Like a lack of heart and strength from the Ford Australia management to push and fight for increased export share. And a lack of government foresight and courage to link funding to an export plan and layered increase in numbers.

[Escort_RPDriver]

Originally Posted by johnydep

If you're going down that road - without Ford USA there'd be no Aussie Ford - then we wouldn't be having the discussion.

The fact is - Ford Australia had two excellent vehicles that had a potential market overseas, that could have ensured increase sale numbers but Ford USA would not let the sales go ahead.

However, I must admit that there were other factors involved. Like a lack of heart and strength from the Ford Australia management to push and fight for increased export share. And a lack of government foresight and courage to link funding to an export plan and layered increase in numbers.

Even if Ford USA had let Ford Australia Ship them Over seas They Made it clear there no money to be made form them because the cars cost to much to make here Ford is a Business not a charity for keeping cars in Australia.

[Dash_XR]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

I understand people's annoyance at what's happened with ford aus.... But the reality is, without ford USA doing well then there wouldn't even have been any Aussie fords to stRt with......let alone getting them to the stage of being amoung the very best affordable performance cars in the world.

And I'm quite sure that they did more then hesitate signing the end of the falcon. Haters will just hate.and see the LITTLE picture!

What is the bigger picture though? Without any domestic competition they can flog us as much junk as they want and most of the money goes back overseas?

Admittedly I've never been a "Ford man" so to speak, I consider myself a "Falcon man" and will probably continue to buy them whether they are making them or not haha.

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by Escort_RPDriver

Even if Ford USA had let Ford Australia Ship them Over seas They Made it clear there no money to be made form them because the cars cost to much to make here Ford is a Business not a charity for keeping cars in Australia.

Business is a numbers game. The more you sell the lower the cost - one filter $10, 6 filters $8, 100 filters $5.

If Ford Australia were allowed/encouraged to sell to various OS markets the increased production numbers would have brought down production cost.

In the end, Ford & Holden are closing they were miles behind the industry minimum vehicle production numbers.

Both Ford and GM will have to overcome some anger from their customers in Australia, but at the end of the day all will be forgotten and everyone will be driving front wheel drive cars :-(

RIP the great Aussie car.

Watch as people start to realise they'll have to buy BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, et al for a car with similar rear drive and feel.

[vbvbvb088]

A country of 23mill - and we think we have a hand in the game. Excellent it lasted as long as it will....

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by Dash_XR

What is the bigger picture though? Without any domestic competition they can flog us as much junk as they want and most of the money goes back overseas?

Admittedly I've never been a "Ford man" so to speak, I consider myself a "Falcon man" and will probably continue to buy them whether they are making them or not haha.

Ok....the bigger picture starts with aus being very small.
Our cars cost a lot to make.
We can't make a lot, fast or cheap.
America allready have certain cars in markets around the world they can't afford to have munched on by the falcon.
Some of those cars are current AND in the loooong term pipeline. For eg ECOBOOST. If a model can't gel perfectly in line with future plans to stay profitable.....it's gotta go!

And they are just a few topics. It's a BIIIG picture. And there's a reason why ford didn't go under in the GFC. Maybe if GM made the falcon we'd still have it. It'd be the vf GTS falcon......but the government would own it(via debt)

But yes falcon certainly deserved better. I LOVE falcon but the real world calls for hard descissions a lot of the time.

[johnydep]

Originally Posted by vbvbvb088

A country of 23mill - and we think we have a hand in the game. Excellent it lasted as long as it will....

Sweden doing ok with 9 million. Scania, SAAB, Volvo.

21st Century - export or die

[malazn mafia]

Will Falcon continue to be a MoFoCo trademark once the model is defunct?

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by johnydep

Sweden doing ok with 9 million. Scania, SAAB, Volvo.

21st Century - export or die

Volvo is owned by Chinese and Saab is broke ...

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by johnydep

I reckon he loves the turbo 6. And who can argue with that?

The turbo barra is an Aussie motor, it is one of the best 6 cylinder engines in the world. I know, bold statement, but I reckon it is. V6 motors are rubbish.

What I get from the article is that one of Australia's great sedan had one of Australia's great motors - turbo charged 6. And the V8 doesn't come close to it; being a US import and not doing anything for the cars handling dynamics.

In 50 years time which will be glorified - the Aussie built turbo 6 with huge power & torque figures, or the US built V8?

I love V8's but I also love the barra, add a turbo and... well you know.

As good as barra 6 is , it's outputs are nowhere near the top world level . Remember it is a 4 litre engine - these days 4cyl 2litres are getting close to its outputs .
It is a bit simplistic to call all V6s "rubbish" - 3.5l Ecoboost was designed to deliver outputs of a 6l V8 with much better fuel economy. Even mighty GTR moved to V6 configuration from a straight six - vr38dett is a pretty impressive effort...

[Ruination]

Originally Posted by johnydep

The fact is - Ford Australia had two excellent vehicles that had a potential market overseas, that could have ensured increase sale numbers but Ford USA would not let the sales go ahead.

If export costs were too great... why didn't they just build them in a factory in the US?

Would that still have been an expensive decision, or could the Falcon have survived if that happened?