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NEWS
Falcon consumption drops nearly 10 per cent
Ford will bring FG X Falcon to market with six-cylinder fuel economy numbers to rival the 3.0-litre Commodore'sNaturally-aspirated six-cylinder Falcons will adopt ZF's HP21 six-speed automatic when the new FG X series goes on sale in December.
The automatic transmission, which is already the default unit for EcoBoost four-cylinder Falcons, has now teamed up with the atmo six for the new model. Turbocharged six-cylinder Falcons and the XR8 will continue with the older and heavier HP26 automatic.
Migrating to the HP21 is one of the key contributors to the FG X Falcon's significantly improved fuel economy, which is now reportedly nine per cent lower for the entry-level model. Most models see a reduction in fuel consumption, but the entry-level car's figure of 9.0L/100km marks a nine per cent adjustment down from the 9.9L/100km figure for the current FG Falcon XT model. The base grade Falcon will now simply be known as 'Falcon', having dropped the 'XT' grade name for the FG X series.
Other changes to bring about this lower fuel consumption include aerodynamic gains and a move to Michelin 16-inch tyres featuring low-rolling resistance properties. These revisions now place the base Falcon within reach of the 8.3L/100km official figure for Holden's VF Commodore Evoke, powered by a 3.0-litre V6.
Naturally-aspirated XR6 (automatic) and G6E models powered by the 4.0-litre six will consume petrol at the rate of 9.5L/100km – a four per cent reduction. As with the base Falcon, the XR6 and G6E will swap from the HP26 to HP21 transmission. XR6 will continue to be available with a Tremec six-speed manual as well. Even EcoLPi (LPG) models will now come with the lighter ZF box.
Ford says that the new models – with the exception of the V8-powered XR8 – will incorporate the aero design package originally developed for the EcoBoost Falcon. And the FG X bumpers, front and rear, have been optimised for reduced aero drag.
The manufacturer has also revealed today that the FG X will ride on recalibrated suspension. At entry level the petrol six will pick up the current G6 suspension tune, while the EcoLPi version will move to current XR6 EcoLPi settings. That means a larger diameter of front anti-roll bar (from 31 to 32mm), different springs/dampers and changes to geometry to complement the new Michelin tyres. The EcoLPi model, with its different weight distribution, is now fitted with a smaller diameter of rear anti-roll bar (18 to 14mm). Ford claims this will improve rear-end grip in the LPG model, thanks to increased compliance.
Likewise, for the four-cylinder EcoBoost Falcon, suspension features new springs/dampers, the smaller diameter anti-roll bar and front geometry to suit the standard Michelins. In combination, these changes improve body control without detriment to ride quality, according to Ford's Falcon and Territory Vehicle Line Director, David Wilkinson.
"In developing the suspension, Ford used various sets of known springs and dampers – both softer and firmer – to ensure the right level of handling was achieved to meet customer expectations," Wilkinson was quoted saying in a press release.
"In the case of the Falcon sedan, we actually ended up staying with the G6 springs and dampers as they best suited the low rolling resistance Michelin tyres. But we still reviewed the tune as part of the on-going testing program to find the right mix for the customer.
"The result is something our customers will appreciate."
While the changes to suspension will no doubt be welcomed, for buyers concerned with running costs the enhanced fuel efficiency of the Falcon update – the last model change prior to the end of Ford's local manufacturing – will presumably strike more of a chord.
"This is a significant story for our customers," Wilkinson declared. "Achieving good fuel efficiency in modern cars is inherently more challenging because of added weight from contributing things like extra features and added safety equipment.
"The extensive use of high-strength light-weight steels in the 2014 Falcon helps but the further refinement of the I6 petrol engine is testament to the continual process of improvement being done here at Ford. The in-line six cylinder engine in the Falcon is recognised as one of the most refined six cylinder engines around with a great balance of smooth power and fuel efficiency."
Not since the change from BA to BF, when the former BTR four-speed automatic transmission was dropped in favour of the then new ZF transmission, has Falcon seen such an improvement in fuel economy. It's a tweak that has paid dividends in the past, with the XD½ Falcon overtaking VC Commodore for sales back in the early 1980s, when its alloy head reduced fuel consumption by around 10 per cent overnight.
Ford will be hoping for lightning to strike twice.
Combined-cycle fuel consumption figures for FG X Falcon:
Falcon – 9.0L/100km
XR6 auto – 9.5L/100km
XR6 manual – 11.1L/100km
G6E – 9.5L/100km
Falcon EcoBoost – 8.0L/100km
Falcon G6E EcoBoost – 8.7L/100km
Falcon EcoLPi – 11.7L/100km
Falcon XR6 EcoLPi – 12.6L/100km
Falcon XR6 Turbo auto – 11.7L/100km
Falcon XR6 Turbo manual – 12.0L/100km
Falcon G6E Turbo – 11.7L/100km
Falcon XR8 auto – 13.7L/100km
Falcon XR8 manual – 13.6L/100km
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