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17/04/2011
REVIEW By DEREK OGDEN
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The hero of the sports luxury Ford Falcon line-up, the G6E Turbo, is differentiated from the G6E by a range of performance-oriented features, including the I6 Turbo engine that produces 270 kW of power and 533 Nm of torque, mated with a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.
Aussie designed and built, the G6E Turbo has drawn high praise, with industry judges here putting it on equal terms with some of the best to come out of Europe and Japan.
For reasons best known to themselves, the folk at Ford Australia abandoned the names Fairlane and LTD for their limo line models some time ago – a pity because the name Falcon G6E does not have the same cache.
Exotic name or not, the FG Falcon G6E Turbo definitely deserves a spot on the limousine ladder. Leg room in the back is enough to accommodate the most voluminous wedding dress and the wide opening rear doors allow for a dignified entrance and exit.
Ford says designers deliberately set out to produce a performance/luxury European feel with the lower radiator grille opening making a bold and assertive statement while swept-back headlights and purposeful upper and lower grilles combining to differentiate the G Series from other Falcons.
Inside, fabric-wrapped lower door trims and iPod Integration with the vehicle's audio system set the car apart from lesser siblings.
Ornamentation in the Falcon G6E is given full rein with chrome surrounds on the upper and lower grilles, both incorporating silver crosshatch mesh with a larger lower graphic having a chrome surround. The unique rear includes tail lamps with a clear outer lens and a red interior lens.
Ford engineers have mustered up major mumbo from the I6 turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine. Maximum power is up by 5 kW to 270 kW at 5250 rpm, while peak torque has increased by 53 Nm to 533 Nm (up more than 11 per cent) available from 2000 rpm to 4750 rpm. Eighty per cent of the latter is on tap between 1250 rpm and 5750 rpm.
A ZF six-speed automatic with sequential sports shift sends power to the rear wheels.
While the engine has been calibrated to improve fuel economy, it also incorporates a part-time over-boost feature in which the engine can over boost by up to 10 per cent for several seconds, increasing engine torque for improved performance during such things as overtaking.
The Dual Independent Variable Camshaft Timing system on the engine has been updated to improve turbo responsiveness (less lag) with two separate cam timing strategies.
Ford’s rigorous safety regime has been applied to the whole FG Falcon range with the sedan achieving a five-star ANCAP safety rating and incorporating head protecting side airbags on every model for the first time.
Curtain and side thorax airbags are standard on G6E and G6E Turbo and available as a $300 option on all other models. Head/thorax side airbags for front seat occupants are standard across the rest of the range. A dual-stage driver airbag and front passenger airbag are also standard.
For the first time in an Australian vehicle, a front passenger seatbelt alert system – the Beltminder - is standard on all FG Falcon sedans. Incorporating weight and seat belt buckle sensors it detects if a passenger is using the front seat and not wearing a seatbelt.
The Beltminder alarm peals out and a dash warning light flashes when the vehicle speed exceeds 5km/h. The chime and warning light repeats every 30 seconds for approximately five minutes.
Active safety is in the hands of Dynamic Stability Control recalibrated to match the new engine, transmission and suspension.
A reversing camera is available on Falcon for the first time. Activated when reverse gear is selected, the fisheye lens is capable of providing a 130 degree wide angle view up to 10m behind the vehicle. It comes standard on G6E and G6E Turbo.
This is in addition to FG Falcon's reverse sensing system, which helps drivers reverse parking by warning them of obstacles near the rear of the vehicle. On the road, after continuous periods of driving, a fatigue warning sounds to remind the driver to rest. The warning is generally set at two hours but can be modified to suit.
The G6E Turbo interior is put up as the ultimate in sports luxury in the FG Falcon range, offering quality and luxury while retaining a spirited and sporty nature.
Trim and finish are outstanding and instruments and controls are clear and easy to get on with. It may not be NASA Mission Control but the G6E Turbo Interior Command Centre takes in a wide range of vehicle functions, including audio system controls and climate control, as well as providing the interface for features such as the Bluetooth mobile phone module, reverse sensing system, reverse camera and satellite navigation.
It also provides the opportunity for vehicle personalisation information, including locking, alarm/security settings and interior illumination.
The G6E Turbo provides a 535-litre capacity boot with lid hinges that do not impinge on the load area. A handy 60/40 split-fold rear seat adds to cargo carrying flexibility.
The G6E Turbo has high-end performance, mixing it with some of the best sports cars around.
And it does all this with the demeanour of a country seat butler – there’s the aristocratic bearing of those upstairs with a touch of cheekiness of the staff downstairs.
There are no turbo tantrums, just smooth and almost silent delivery of power, together with a ride that Pullman himself would be proud of. It’s that good.
PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS
Ford FG Falcon G6E Turbo $59,447 (manufacturer’s list price)
SPECIFICATIONS (Ford Falcon G6E Turbo)
ENGINE:
Type: 4.0-litre turbocharged
Cylinders: Six cylinders in line
No of valves: 24
Compression ratio: 8.8:1
Engine management: Powertrain control module incorporating electronic throttle control
Fuel system: Sequential multi-point electronic injection
Fuel: Unleaded or Premium unleaded; E10 compatible
Maximum power: 270 kW @ 5250 rpm
Maximum torque: 533 Nm @ 2000-4750rpm
Transmission: ZF six-speed automatic with sequential sports shift, rear-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4067mm
Overall width: 1868mm
Overall height: 1433mm
Kerb weight: 1704kg
Boot capacity: 535 litres
Tank capacity: 68 litres
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration N/A
Top speed: N/A
Fuel consumption, combined cycle: 11.7 litres/100km.
RUNNING GEAR
Front: Virtual pivot control link suspension.
Rear: Control blade independent suspension
Brakes: Ventilated discs with twin piston caliper (performance), front; Solid discs with single piston caliper, rear. 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.
Dynamic Stability Control: Traction Control System
Steering: Forward mounted power assisted rack and pinion
Turning circle: 11 metres
Towing (max): 2300 kg (braked)
Wheels: 18-inch G Series seven-spoke alloy; 17-inch temporary spare
Tyres: 245/40 R18 |
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