NEW FALCON: More on Falcon Utes

The new FG Falcon Ute range was unveiled today in Melbourne alongside its sedan counterparts. In addition to the standard workhorse Ute -- in both cab-chassis and Styleside variants -- there will also be sports-oriented R6, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 variants. Enough to stage a Ute Muster all on their own!

The base model Ute does away with the XL badge, but remains the working man's Falcon. Standard powertrain specification is the I6 petrol engine, producing 195kW of power and 391Nm of torque, matched to a new six-speed manual transmission, while the new five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS) is available as an option.  Also optional is the E-Gas dedicated LPG engine, which is coupled to the carry-over four-speed automatic transmission with SSS.

Other features include cloth trim, a single CD audio system with a new, larger Interior Command Centre (ICC) LCD screen, cruise control, four-way power driver's seat, power mirrors and windows, and steering wheel mounted controls for the audio and cruise control systems.

Safety items include driver and passenger airbags, driver and passenger Beltminder system, and ABS with EBD, while side head/thorax airbags are available as part of an optional Safety Pack that also includes a perimeter alarm system.

The new Falcon R6 is a new name for what was effectively the old Falcon XLS, but with closer links to the overtly sporty XR line-up.

With sports suspension, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, XR rockers and rear bumper, and a new, flush-fitting tonneau cover (on the Styleside Box model), the R6 bridges the gap between base model and XR6.

Inside, the R6 features sports bucket seats with unique seat trim, passenger seat lumbar adjustment and a leather-bound steering wheel.

Over the R6 specification, the XR6 -- available in both cab chassis and 'styleside' bodies -- can be ordered with the I6 petrol engine and six-speed manual or five speed automatic transmissions, or the I6 E-Gas with four speed automatic transmission.

Specific exterior details for the XR6 include: the XR 'double-drop lens' frontal styling, XR front bumper and grille, front fog lights, unique 17-inch alloy wheels and Traction Control (TC).

Interior features for the XR6 Ute include: a sports instrument cluster, sports seats, alloy pedal covers and an aluminium gear shifter on manual transmission models, along with automatic climate control and a sports leather steering wheel.

Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, iPod Integration and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as part of an optional XR Sports Pack.

Like its sedan equivalent, the XR6 Turbo Ute now matches the XR8's specification, with the main difference between the two models being the engines.

The FG Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute builds on the equipment levels of the XR6 with the 270 kW / 533 Nm I6 Turbo engine, limited slip differential, upgraded front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels.  The ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

By comparison with the XR6 Turbo Ute, the XR8 comes equipped with the Boss 290 5.4-litre four-valve V8, and signature bonnet bulge.

245/35 ZR19 tyres on 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels are available as a stand-alone option on all XR Ute models or as part of the XR Luxury Pack, which also includes premium sports interior, leather seat trim, premium audio system and dual zone climate control.