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Ford's Falcon ute range is bigger and more powerful than ever.
Ford has unveiled its most powerful ute range yet in the form of the heavily revised FG Falcon-based line-up.Five rear-drive models will be available in New Zealand, priced between $33,490 and $49,390.Each one offers a host of improvements, including new front suspension
borrowed from the Territory SUV, a double-wishbone layout with two lower balljoints, and improved power and torque from the 4-litre straight-six and 5.4-litre V8 engines.
Fuel economy in both units has also improved, says Ford.The FG Falcon Ute sits on a longer
wheelbase than its sedan sibling, which allows for a slightly longer tray length and improved towing stability.Each model offers a braked towing advantage over the rival Holden Commodore VE Ute range, thanks largely to Ford's use of carry-over rear leaf springs.
The Holden has an independent rear.The Falcon ute line-up has changed slightly. The entry-level XL badging has gone, replaced by the Falcon ute moniker on two models, the chassis-cab and wellside.
Both workhorses have fixed centre seats to provide a three-seat capacity and share a 4-litre straight six engine producing 190kW and 391Nm of torque. Transmission is a five-speed column-change automatic.The XR6 uses the same base engine coupled to a floor-mounted five-speed automatic gearbox.
Additional standard features include sports suspension and sports interior, revised front headlights and front fog lamps. Options inside include Bluetooth phone set-up and iPod connection.The XR6 Turbo builds on the equipment levels of the XR6, adding interior specifications and a six-speed gearbox mated to a boosted straight-six engine, delivering 270kW and 533Nm.
The Turbo variant also gets uprated front brakes.The XR8 shares its equipment with the XR6 Turbo, but gets the 5.4-litre V8 engine. This unit produces 290kW and 520Nm and is mated to the ZF six-speed automatic transmission.The FG Ute range gets anti-lock brakes, traction control and dual-front and side (optional) airbags.An electronic stability system (ESC) isn't available.
This will be standard on Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) versions of the FG Ute later in the year.The FG Ute also has an all-new interior which features a new 7-inch dashboard information display.The Falcon FG Ute goes head-to-head with Holden's VE Ute on both sides of the Tasman and beyond.The Holden VE Ute will go on sale in the US badged as the Pontiac G8 ST, an export deal Holden set up with parent General Motors.However, Ford Australia is yet to tie up something similar with HQ in Detroit.
While the FG sedan and Ute were designed with export in mind, both would need to be heavily re-engineered to meet US regulations.This means the 4-litre straight-six engine would be replaced by a cleaner-burning, US-sourced V6 powerplant in 2010.
Ford's Falcon ute range is bigger and more powerful than ever.
Ford has unveiled its most powerful ute range yet in the form of the heavily revised FG Falcon-based line-up.Five rear-drive models will be available in New Zealand, priced between $33,490 and $49,390.Each one offers a host of improvements, including new front suspension
borrowed from the Territory SUV, a double-wishbone layout with two lower balljoints, and improved power and torque from the 4-litre straight-six and 5.4-litre V8 engines.
Fuel economy in both units has also improved, says Ford.The FG Falcon Ute sits on a longer
wheelbase than its sedan sibling, which allows for a slightly longer tray length and improved towing stability.Each model offers a braked towing advantage over the rival Holden Commodore VE Ute range, thanks largely to Ford's use of carry-over rear leaf springs.
The Holden has an independent rear.The Falcon ute line-up has changed slightly. The entry-level XL badging has gone, replaced by the Falcon ute moniker on two models, the chassis-cab and wellside.
Both workhorses have fixed centre seats to provide a three-seat capacity and share a 4-litre straight six engine producing 190kW and 391Nm of torque. Transmission is a five-speed column-change automatic.The XR6 uses the same base engine coupled to a floor-mounted five-speed automatic gearbox.
Additional standard features include sports suspension and sports interior, revised front headlights and front fog lamps. Options inside include Bluetooth phone set-up and iPod connection.The XR6 Turbo builds on the equipment levels of the XR6, adding interior specifications and a six-speed gearbox mated to a boosted straight-six engine, delivering 270kW and 533Nm.
The Turbo variant also gets uprated front brakes.The XR8 shares its equipment with the XR6 Turbo, but gets the 5.4-litre V8 engine. This unit produces 290kW and 520Nm and is mated to the ZF six-speed automatic transmission.The FG Ute range gets anti-lock brakes, traction control and dual-front and side (optional) airbags.An electronic stability system (ESC) isn't available.
This will be standard on Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) versions of the FG Ute later in the year.The FG Ute also has an all-new interior which features a new 7-inch dashboard information display.The Falcon FG Ute goes head-to-head with Holden's VE Ute on both sides of the Tasman and beyond.The Holden VE Ute will go on sale in the US badged as the Pontiac G8 ST, an export deal Holden set up with parent General Motors.However, Ford Australia is yet to tie up something similar with HQ in Detroit.
While the FG sedan and Ute were designed with export in mind, both would need to be heavily re-engineered to meet US regulations.This means the 4-litre straight-six engine would be replaced by a cleaner-burning, US-sourced V6 powerplant in 2010.
Oh My Lanta! They even have an Ipod Connection!
