Anyone else losing faith in Ford Aus?

[HenryV8]

Originally Posted by BadMac

Not losing faith, but starting to worry that Ford Aus might be following Mitsi out of Aus (too many corners cut on FG for my liking). If they had gone more Iosis less BF then they would have kept me interested (however I will still wait till I see it in person before passing final judgement).

All new exterior

All new interior

New front steering/suspension

Modified rear steering/suspension

Upgraded engines

Mostly new transmissions


So what corners have they cut?

[Falcon Coupe]

Originally Posted by BadMac

Not losing faith, but starting to worry that Ford Aus might be following Mitsi out of Aus (too many corners cut on FG for my liking). If they had gone more Iosis less BF then they would have kept me interested (however I will still wait till I see it in person before passing final judgement).

FG and BF have no interchangeable panels, that makes them a totally new car.

If Ford had developed a platform with no resemblance to the previous model everyone would be crying " It's the AU all over again".

[BadMac]

Originally Posted by HenryV8

All new exterior

All new interior

New front steering/suspension

Modified rear steering/suspension

Upgraded engines

Mostly new transmissions


So what corners have they cut?

Looks like a BF. Not that thats bad, but the BF looks like the BA and hence the car already looks 6 years old. BUT I still hope that in the flesh it looks way better than Fords PATHETIC release photos.

[RG]

ea90gl have you actually seen an FG in person yet?

[HenryV8]

Originally Posted by BadMac

Looks like a BF. Not that thats bad, but the BF looks like the BA and hence the car already looks 6 years old. BUT I still hope that in the flesh it looks way better than Fords PATHETIC release photos.

It's got similar lines in the front bumper and grille, because Ford wanted continuity.

Oh, and it's also got 4 wheels. Visually, they are pretty much the only similarities I can see.

Its got a different side profile, different rear, different roofline, different doors, different bloody-everything.

I agree we'll have to wait and see it in the metal to make a conclusive judgement, but from the pics released so far, apart from a traceable geneology, I see a lot more diferences than similarities.

I reckon the so-called similarities are pretty much overblown. It looks like a brand new model to me.

[Edit]

I mean, here is a BF Ghia



And here is a G6E:



Apart from the similar theme to the grille and bumper geometrics, I just don't see too much in common.

[Mighty Reds]

Honestly how much better does the G6E look compared to the Ghia, it looks really stylish.

[RPO83]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

FG and BF have no interchangeable panels, that makes them a totally new car.

If Ford had developed a platform with no resemblance to the previous model everyone would be crying " It's the AU all over again".

There's evolution and then there's treading water, it looks as though some out there view the FG as a mild reskin akin to a series update only and it appears to be giving the perception that Ford didn't try hard enough.

The Falcon has gone through many major design updates, XY/XA, XC/XD, XF/EA and they were all no less dramatic than the AU and they all performed well in the market, it was the pursuit of other demographics that hurt the AU, not the departure in design.

It is a shame that people are dismissing the car without looking at the vast amount of improvements that are not carry overs. Attention must be paid in regards to marketing and the Ford/Prodrive venture.

[Laminge]

Yeah Gods not another thread......

[SVR73]

I won't be buying a new car, the AU XR is my cup of tea and you know it's an AU when you see one even at a distance.I like that
Sure going down to a dealer and having a look inside and a test drive is on the cards
Its all possible that the AU will still be the most aerodynamic falcon

It will be interesting to see the different models in the flesh, especially since I have not been following the Orion and hardly seen any photos

With the way the world is heading, having Ford make cars in Thailand or somewhere around there is highly likely in the next decade
Bloody asians and their cheap labour

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by HenryV8

It's got similar lines in the front bumper and grille, because Ford wanted continuity.

I mean, here is a BF Ghia

.

Have to stop looking at the G6ET .... As a new car buyer soon its exactly what I have been waiting for and agree. It IS a different look but still maintains the FORD look! TO think I would buy this over a GT? Will see~!

No, I am not loosing faith at the moment, in fact way better now than before. The lacklustre updates on the BA to BF was scary but hopefully now on track!

Have a sticky at the Mondeo and Focus and see the direction FORD are going!!! Brilliant stuff!

NOW have a look where Holden are heading? A mish mash of Daewoo's and a multitude of COmmodores there direction LONG TERM is totally blurred. It is not as healthy as it looks! In the long run who will win? TOYOTA!!!!

Why is this fixation on GM vs Ford? I understand it as its been here since whenever but TOYOTA is number 1 and they are the ones to market against and win. If its so damn important to spend so much on KW's, 120k coupe s that may or may not make the prod line ..... .Why the hell do TOYOTA sell so many boring lack lustre cars? Wheres Corolla on the list of cars sold? Got me beat why but I have faith in FORD that they know ..... and I know they know. Let FPV (fingers crossed) get things moving and can keep up for the SMALL part of the less profitable HP cars!



| [/url] |

[schnoods]

I wouldnt say losing faith, but Im a bit dissapointed in the V8 side of things.

Was contemplating a new XR8 but when It came out with the 290 it was a bit rude to the people who shelled out for a GT-P or GT. It basically said The guys that bought the GTP that what they had wasnt something special, it was just a top of the line model then and now we're moving on as a company So your going have to take one for the team and share it with lesser, newer cars.

When HSV came out with the Senator 300 (near on 80k new) it took them 3 models of vehicle and it took em to the VE before the broke the 300 kw mark. People that own a senator 300 know about the one off Callaway C4B donk and it still holds its value, its about the same price as a 2nd hand GT-P now and its a 7 year old car.

Same with the 4v 351 clevo, that gave the GT owners something to brag about, Even years later with the 351 powered XD it was still nothing like the old 4v's.

I know its about cost cutting, but im sure if the GT-P owners knew, they woulda waited. Honestly a top of the line big power and luxury V8 powered vehicle should at least hold its power for one model.

[Gobes32]

Ford and GM/Holden are heading in two very different directions. Ford seem to have a kinetic design flowing throughout the entire Ford range whereas no two Holden/GM cars look the same. It also appears that Ford are focusing on well engineered cars throughout the range. Did anyone watch the Top Gear episode where the guys tested a Vauxhall Vectra and a Focus ST ( XR5 ). The Vauxhall was a torque steering pile of junk but they praised the Focus for its great handling and feel. I feel the FG range will be fantastic cars to drive thanks to the many engineering changes taken place between BF and FG. Also, with the next Focus being built in Australia you can guarantee it will be the best small car built to our conditions. Alan Mulally may not know much about cars ( he may? ) but what he does know is how to rebuild a company into an image that represents quality and high end engineering. His work at Boeing was phenomenal and he turned a wreck of a company into a highly profitable business within a short period. There are positive directions that Ford are taking to suggest we should maintain our faith in the company and we should at least wait until 2012 before we judge the Mulally experience. As for Ford Australia, Tom Gorman was a lackey sent down here to make some unpopular decisions and was essentially a fall guy. Whether we look back on Mr Osbournes tenure with FoA as a success or a failure remains to be seen however the tough decisions have been made and the plans are now in progress to ensure that we all can be proud to be ford fans.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by schnoods

Honestly a top of the line big power and luxury V8 powered vehicle should at least hold its power for one model.

The GT\GTPs were 290kw from 03 right throught to BF2 07. The last of them were 302kw. I think its been long enough I dont think GT owners will mind. Look at the EL GT. Its almost out powered by 6 cylinder XT but that doesnt stop it from being a special car.

Anyway, I cant really see why people are losing faith in Ford. For a Ford fan this is one of the best times to be alive. Turbo 6s, v8s pumping out over 300kw, quality small cars etc Who cares if HSV has released a 7 litre commodore.

[sleekism]

Why, why, why did Ford even mention that it was not 100% all new????

I mean they could have just called it all new and got away with it. I'm sure the FG is just as all-new as the VE Commodore seeing as the VE had the carryover 4 speed auto.

The FG is a great car-no bones about it. The biggest question is whether Ford marketing will let it down.

I am begging Ford to release decent commercials. Not overtly bogan ones but a simple statement of facts that the Falcon is faster, safer, handles better and is more economic than the Holden Commodore.

Holden and Toyota have no gripes about slandering Ford so it is time to take it back to them. Advertise the Falcon as THE BEST offering superior torque, handling, fuel economy safety etc.

Also allude to the fact that Falcon has been around longer and is more Australian than the Commodore. Ford needs a knock out punch there is too much misconception working against Ford.

[T-BOOST]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

I'll stick my neck out and agree with ea90gl. Ford is burying their heads in the sand. They may not want to compete with Holden on the power front, but guess what their customers compare their cars to when it comes to performance?

Holden is giving their customers what they want.... Ford are hanging onto the faith of the die hards.... I'm afraid that is not sustainable.

A 300kw inline 6cyl is quite alot of power compared to what holden have on offer with there V6 range.

[atec77]

Originally Posted by HenryV8

It's got similar lines in the front bumper and grille, because Ford wanted continuity.

Oh, and it's also got 4 wheels. Visually, they are pretty much the only similarities I can see.

Its got a different side profile, different rear, different roofline, different doors, different bloody-everything.

I agree we'll have to wait and see it in the metal to make a conclusive judgement, but from the pics released so far, apart from a traceable geneology, I see a lot more diferences than similarities.

I reckon the so-called similarities are pretty much overblown. It looks like a brand new model to me.

[Edit]

I mean, here is a BF Ghia



And here is a G6E:



Apart from the similar theme to the grille and bumper geometrics, I just don't see too much in common.

A commonality across the brands now perhaps due to economy or wind testing ?
anyway it's large Camry time

[imugli]

I'm on the "It's an exciting time" side of the fence... From the bottom of the range things are on the up for Ford Oz. Fiesta and focus sales are on the up, with a focus update due next year and production to start here in 2011 and the new Fiesta due in a couple of years, if not beforehand. All the Mondeo needs is a decent marketing campaign (a case of deja vu, perhaps???), Ford Oz are developing the new global light truck (Ranger), they developed the Fiesta sedan for India, they will get the green light for development of the next GRWD platform (they'll do a better job for less than the yanks, Mullaly LOVES the FG and he's not a "car" man, so doesn't care about the politics - just do it well and do it cheap). On the Falcon front, look UNDERNEATH the car - front steering/suspension setup to rival a Beemer for sake! Holden spent a billion dollars developing a platform that only just caught up to BF and IMO is pig ugly - and now it's going to be well and truly overtaken by a more powerful, more economical, classier looking package that cost a whole lot less to develop...

Ford now understand that there's not point in selling cars for no margin. That's why they've stuck to the Euro message. Not only are holden not selling any Korean built cars - they're not making any margin on the ones they do sell...

Oh, and let's not forget GMs 42b loss last year.

To coin a phrase - I'M EXCITED!

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by ea90gl

Well what can I say, even as a long time ford supporter over the past weeks I'm starting to lose my faith in the Australian Ford company. The introduction of the BA showed us that Ford was starting to lift its game again and the offerering from FPV were promising in many ways. But slowly we have seen the FG which to me is a slack attempt at a new car having design cues from the BF, we've seen the last Fairlane released as some bog stocker with nothing special and even though FPV havn't released any official figures for the FG based models I mean what can we expect, small power increases and stripes? All this while we see Holden coming out with nice models that even the biggest Ford fans are giving great credit to. This has all been dissapointing to me and I hope Ford is doing this for a real surprise down the track but if things keep going like they are I'll probably be saying stuff Ford soon. All opinions welcome

Cash strapped Ford isn't as much of a bling-bling enthusiast company as Holden (somewhat to it's own detriment unofrtunately) it isn't as exciting a brand for fanboys (no offense meant to anyone), but the Falcon is a very well engineered car, and so the FG will be. Unification with the US, and gloabalized Euro models coming our way mean a brighter future for the Oz arm of the company.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by The_Fantastic_Ford

Cash strapped Ford isn't as much of a bling-bling enthusiast company as Holden (somewhat to it's own detriment unofrtunately) it isn't as exciting a brand for fanboys (no offense meant to anyone), but the Falcon is a very well engineered car, and so the FG will be. Unification with the US, and gloabalized Euro models coming our way mean a brighter future for the Oz arm of the company.

Exaclty... Ford have allways been concervative and more "mature". Holden have been the "fanboy" favourites since the Brock era and HDT, HSV have far more freedom than FPV.
Ford have some excellent product that cater to 99% of the general buying public, but if it wasnt for Bill Bourke pushing the limit and them some in the late 60's early 70's for Ford's Performance range..... well i hate to think where we'd be today.

[KBBossedXR]

Originally Posted by Russell

ea90gl have you actually seen an FG in person yet?

We have all seen photos of what the cars look like at this stage and its amazing how many people get offended by someone that doesnt like the look of the car, if you can see enough from the photos that you like the car then obviously you can see enough that you dont like it.
I remeber seeing the photos of the BA when that was leading up to being released and i didnt have any queries about that at all but thats not the case this time, i am having to actually wait to see it in the flesh as there are a couple of things i want to see but overall i do like the look but as i have mentioned before a few of my mates are unsure and they love the BA/BF

[LeadFoot81]

Theres always a period of adjustment when a new model comes in. When the BA came out I thought it was very bland, too boxy and not 'new' enough. After a while I got used to and realized it was a (pretty) good design. Once you all adjust you'll be able to look at the car on it's own merits

[70caprigt3k]

Nope, from what i have seen of the new FG i have a feeling its going to be nothing short of epic. Can't wait to see/drive one.

[LTDHO]

Without starting an arguement, this is my thoughts (as little as they may be)

Ford seem to be making their move after someone had already done it. Play it very safe and nothing seems new when another manufacturer has already done it.
Which is a shame, I have been a massive Ford fan from my early teens. Very loyal and purchase many fine examples. Recently however it seems the care (from them) has dropped and lost intest. Unfortunately, my care and intrest has dropped.

I haven't seen a new Ford in a long time anf though OMFG, I wish I could own that. Unlike their competitor..

[Wretched]

A little, the FG has made some ground up but it should have been the BF.
Ford are heading in a better direction, maybe a little too safe for the Falcon.
after seeing the FG in the flesh, I can't say I was overly impressed, it didn't make me think, wow I would like that.
As for their other products, they're on a winner, the Mondeo, Focus and Fiesta are good cars.
FPV? I am not sure they know what they're doing.

[T3ts50]

Originally Posted by LTDHO

I haven't seen a new Ford in a long time anf though OMFG, I wish I could own that. Unlike their competitor..

Gotta agree with you on that one. Even though I love the current FPVs, I find the current HSVs espicially Senator highley desirable.

[BHDOGS]

The fact is the most cars ford will sell will be to people who dont give a crap much about it will just drive base model xts and waste there lives away playing tennis and drinking martinis our tiny consumer market or opinon means little to ford as they cant sell cars custom made to everybody so they do what everybody else does and make it so it appeals to the most people if you all love holdens so much buy one in the end nobody else really gives a crap what you own but yourself.

[xygthop3]

as the guy above me said correct
u dont by a car because your best mate wants one u get something you want to be yours
i find the new gts absoloutly stunning even tho i am a full on ford boy thier nice.
holden cars sounds tuff espicially nice worked ls2 they sound way better then fords but i still wouldnt own one...
holden has alot of things over ford but thier a tru blu aussie car that is good for burnouts and to show off to your mates in
a ford has a lil class where holden is bold and burnoutworthy...
when u see a nice holden u always want it to be clutched and thrown into a donut..
but u always desire the nice ford next to it that does nothing..
its weird tho
thats how i see it neway
=D

[Franky]

I honestly like the new range of falcons even if the XR's don't look all that different overall from the BF ones. I am however dumbfounded at how unprepared they are, on launch day the official Ford site had nothing about it till at least 4 hours after the photos were released online. At the MMS the 3 FPV vechicles on display were all the exact same colour with same colour stripe packages... they also had no XT on display. I was also stunned at how bad the mechandise stand was there, even the Kia stand had more on offer. Online Ford have a 43 page brocure and a 13 page FPV one and at the show there was what a keyring, couple of shirts and a jacket... ?

I also agree it was better looking in the flesh and the new ute is just awesome, I also loved the Mondeo wagon

[lukep]

i like the new ford,people respect and like powerfull cars i would like to see ford supercharge the 5.4 so its something like the american gt and absolutly smash holden this will give ford more fans and better sales.

[Electric]

I was thinking today....almost every Taxi in the county is a Falcon.

Where would Ford be in the sales chart if they didn't sell so many Taxis?