Photos: First look at the FG Falcon
Ford's revealed its new Falcon, but it won't be on-sale until May. So until then feast your eyes on this.
Ford has revealed its new Falcon, but it won't be on sale until May. Until then -- feast your eyes on this photo gallery.
Falcon XR8
The new Falcon's look is an evolution of the current Falcon. Some hallmarks of Ford's "kinetic" design theme, such as fast-looking, oddly shaped lights and subtle surfacing cues -- all implying speed and movement -- are seen on the new Falcon. Others, such as the new Mondeo's prominently flared wheel arches, miss the cut and lend the new Falcon a more handsome, if somewhat sombre, look than recent European Fords. Ford Australia is probably still highly scarred by the "New Edge" Falcon fiasco of the late '90s.
Falcon XR6 interior
All the new Falcon models feature a larger LCD screen on the dashboard, as well improved menus and more colourful graphics, for controlling major in-car functions. Ford dubs this setup the Interior Command Centre which, unfortunately, makes us think of think of men in khaki commanding a small war from the comfort of their army-supplied vehicle.
Some models, like the top-of-the-line luxury model, the G6E Turbo, boast Bluetooth for hands-free mobile phone operation, as well as full iPod integration.
Is that a bulge in your bonnet?
Like before, all V8 Falcon models get a massive bulge in the bonnet. Ostensibly, this is to accommodate the taller engine, but we all know that it's meant to shout "take me on at your peril" at traffic light derbies.
Continuing the Falcon's Euro-theme, the XR8 runs on wheels that are a similar design to those used on the Focus XR5 Turbo and Mondeo XR5 Turbo.
The Miranda act
If you've ever stepped into the back of a Falcon taxi and had a case of neck cramp, rejoice now. The rear door, and its accompanying aperture, on 1998 to 2008 Falcons is highly curved making entry and exit troublesome for most of us -- with the new FG Falcon, Ford has cured this major bugbear.
Get used to this sight
If taxi drivers and law enforcement officials take to the new Falcon like they've done in the past, then get used to seeing this visage as you tootle around this big brown land.
Falcon Ute
A new Falcon means another new sedan-based ute. More work focussed than Holden's offering, the new Falcon Ute once again offers the choice of style-side tray (like that featured above) or a cab-chassis, which allows the fitment of all manner of load-lugging odds and sods, from basic trays to paddy wagon cells.
FPV Falcon GT
An official rendering of what the new FPV Falcon GT will look like. It's taken a while, but Ford has cracked the secret to HSV's muscle car success -- big cars with big engines and even bigger looks.