FPV GT to be killed off early

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by darkside

not sure if its been mentioned but no falcon .....does that mean we are to lose the falcon ute as well?? never mind the v8 super pursuite which is duobbbley sad ...guess if thats so then the ute racing will do to the dodo as well...bigger loss than the current v8 s/car .....doc

Ute will go with the sedan. The Brute Utes will update to Rangers/Colorados etc on a V8 Supercar style chassis.

[bigwil]

Originally Posted by darkside

not sure if its been mentioned but no falcon .....does that mean we are to lose the falcon ute as well?? never mind the v8 super pursuite which is duobbbley sad ...guess if thats so then the ute racing will do to the dodo as well...bigger loss than the current v8 s/car .....doc

No falcon, no utes and no territory.

[darkside]

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

Ute will go with the sedan. The Brute Utes will update to Rangers/Colorados etc on a V8 Supercar style chassis.

yep something very wrong with that picture plastered on my retnas..racing bricks.. will be keeping my bf s/p ute me thinks....doc

[Eaturbo]

Seams Like there is more talk about them killing off FPV and bringing back the XR8 and a Hi Po XR6 Turbo
http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2013...-mustang-37758

While it would be a sad end to the GT name it would be a fitting End for what is no doubt the most successful models of the modern day Falcon the XR8 and XR6

Some of Ford Australia’s ill-fated Falcon will live on within the Blue Oval’s sixth-generation Mustang, which will next month be confirmed for local release in 2015.

The return of Ford’s famed Pony Car to Australia for the first time since 2003, when Ford sold the last of less than 400 Tickford-converted examples (pictured), has been anticipated since Ford confirmed its new flagship coupe will be also be produced in right-hand drive form.

But speculation shifted into top gear after Ford announced it will disclose a number of new models for Australia in Sydney on August 13 as part of a commitment to expand its current model portfolio by 30 per cent by 2016, when it will kill off the Falcon and cease local manufacturing after more than 90 years.

Motoring can confirm Ford Australia President Bob Graziano and Ford Motor Company Executive Vice-President of Global Marketing, Sales & Service and Lincoln, Jim Farley, will use the ‘Go Further: A Vision for Australia’ function to confirm the Mk6 Mustang for Australia.

Ford has already announced a December release for its all-new EcoSport compact SUV, and we understand the all-new seven-seat off-road wagon developed by Ford Australia from the Melbourne-designed Ranger ute will bring to at least three the number of additional Ford models to be launched here within three years.

Another new nameplate will be XR8, which will be revived as part of the FH Falcon range due in the second half of next year. As expected, the 2014 XR8 sedan will essentially be a rebadged, new-look version of FPV’s slow-selling supercharged 335kW GT sports sedan.

According to a Fairfax report, the born-again XR8 will become Ford Australia’s performance flagship in about 12 months when Ford, which assumed full control of FPV in February, will close the doors of its performance brand and kill off its Falcon-based GS, GT and F6 sedan and ute models – rather than develop upgraded FH versions of them.

The XR8’s top-shelf status will be short-lived, however, with the first factory Mustang to be sold in Australia since the late 1960s set to replace it as Ford’s finest performance model here in early 2015, before the Falcon is retired after more than 56 years in October 2016.

While that will leave Ford without a direct competitor for HSV and its ballistic 430kW GTS flagship, it also opens up the prospect of a 335kW/575Nm Ford XR8 to rival Holden’s new 270kW/530Nm Commodore SS and, perhaps a 310kW/565Nm XR6 – both priced under $50,000.

Expect the latter to effectively be replaced by a twin-turbo V6-powered version of the next-generation Taurus that will emerge before the Falcon is retired in October 2016, while a new Explorer should similarly replace the Territory in the latter half of this decade.

By then, the Mustang is likely to form the basis of Ford’s V8 touring car contender, if a proposal by V8 Supercars board member and Red Bull Racing Australia owner Roland Dane to allow two-door coupes to compete with four-door sedans is approved.

Due to make its world debut in concept form at the Detroit motor show in January, before the production version bows at the New York show next April – precisely 50 years after the original appeared there in 1964 – the new Mustang will enter production at the Flat Rock plant in Michigan next July, with right-hand drive production to follow by early 2015.

Key details were revealed by respected Australian journalist Peter Robinson in the latest issue of Wheels magazine, including a starting price of well under $50,000, making the new Mustang far more accessible than the last locally-converted model priced close to $90,000.

Codenamed S550, the 2015 Mustang will ride on an all-new platform and weap dramatic new sheetmetal inspired by the 2011 EVOS concept (pictured).

Initially available only in 2+2 coupe form, it will again be joined by a convertible, with both models available with turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder, twin-turbo 3.7-litre and naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engines.

Ford is unlikely to announce any Australian links, but motoring.com.au sources say the first four-cylinder Mustang will share the most in common with the Falcon; that car's 2.0-litre engine was the first rear-drive, longitudinal application of Ford’s new EcoBoost four-cylinder engine globally.

While the second-generation ‘Nano’ EcoBoost turbo-four will grow to 2.3 litres for the base Mustang (and upcoming Focus RS), development by Australian engineers of the 2.0-litre FG Falcon was a direct precursor for the entry-level Mustang, which will also feature the Falcon’s six-speed 6R80 automatic transmission.

Noise, vibration and harshness lessons learned in adapting the inherently coarser direct-injection engine to the Falcon will also be incorporated into the next Mustang – the iconic American nameplate that has attracted more than 8.5 million sales in 49 years.

However, Ford’s new performance leader will also ride on suspension developed in Australia, including a derivative of the Virtual Pivot alloy front-end engineered for the SZ Territory and FG Falcon and an aluminium version of the Control Blade independent rear suspension developed for the same vehicles.

The shift from a live rear axle to IRS may not please Mustang customers with a penchant for drag racing, but should bring better road holding and ride quality. Unfortunately, while at least three Mustang engineering mules have been spotted featuring the new alloy IRS in Victoria, the more exotic new rear-end will not be seen under next year’s final Falcon, the FH.

[Auslandau]

Gut wrenching ........

[stockFPV6]

We do have one more falcon guys as sad as I am, a 250kg less mustang with supercharged 5.8 litre will sooth the wound

Well let's hope the mustang handles because heaven knows yanks can make a cars corner for crap lol I'm hoping it out performs the corvette

[Anchor]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Is this the last link in the chain laughing at info closer to the source?

Laughing at info? I said it's a good read. We have no idea what's going on, as usual.

Originally Posted by ESP

Just like all those speculative threads that FPV / Prodrive were being sold and premises shutdown and that all the HiPo models were going to be built back at Broady ............

If FoA dont have the balls to come on here and temper our discussion with some facts and "guidance" on the state of affairs.......then speculate and ponder we will......August 13 is a hell of a long way away.....lots of passionate members on here like to "talk" ......and so far.........what i have read on here makes perfect and logical business sense. Do you have something to the contrary.......?

Have........ they........ ever........ come........ on........ here?........ Like,........ FOA........ themselves,........ not........ a........ factory........ worker........ leaking........ some........ info?........


I don't think your writing style suits me. Either way, August 15 isn't that far away. Not like we're speculating about something we won't find out about till 2014.

FPV went downhill the day everything went over the road. In the last few months (locally) falcon sales have slumped. We've been trying our asses off to sell them, have enough in stock. People just don't want that style of vehicle. As i've said, looking forward to what Ford have to offer come August. Drastic changes are needed.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Be great to see the Falcon name plate on the GT!

Cannot see them R & D'ing crate engine for such a short time?

Most of the work was already done 2 or 3 years ago, but they never got a business plan up for it. Not sure how far they got with it though, but the work has already been done in terms of fitting the thing in because of the Miami.

And why are people expecting Ford to reveal anything regarding FPV come August? They will more than likely say nothing and try to keep it hush, hush. If they do, you know it's already dead. Who knows if the 2014 Falcon will even get a mention, or will they try to just sweep it under the rug and hope no one mentions it, like they have already moved on to their awesome Made in the greatest country on earth USA, so much better than your crap cars.

[Anchor]

Originally Posted by stockFPV6

We do have one more falcon guys as sad as I am, a 250kg less mustang with supercharged 5.8 litre will sooth the wound

Well let's hope the mustang handles because heaven knows yanks can make a cars corner for crap lol I'm hoping it out performs the corvette

I don't think it'll get a charged 8. The mustang that is.

Also, American cars can't handle? Out perform the Vette? I think you're aiming a bit high there.

4. Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR - 7:12.13 - 2010

9. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - 7:19.63 - 2012

10. Dodge Viper ACR - 7:22.10 - 2009

11. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Z07 Package - 7:22.68 - 2011

42. Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1 7:41.27 - 2011

Those are just ring times, few corners on that track. Hopefully it'll be around the ZL-1. Maybe higher with the new IRS. Although if it's coming out NA, it might have a hard time competing. Only time will tell.

[Road_Warrior]

There won't be any FI V8's when Mustang debuts.

[Express]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

There won't be any FI V8's when Mustang debuts.

Why no FI V8s?

I thought forced induction was the future at least in the short term for all manufacturers.

Everything from 4 & 5 through to 8 and on to 10 and 12 cylinders, petrol and diesel.

Easier power less fuel sort of thing.

Have Ford found a better way of doing it?


.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Anchor

L



Have........ they........ ever........ come........ on........ here?........ Like,........ FOA........ themselves,........ not........ a........ factory........ worker........ leaking........ some........ info?........

Yes they do (did) and from Head office. Sinead Phipps (Public Affairs) is a member and has made very regular appearances.

[Anchor]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Yes they do (did) and from Head office. Sinead Phipps (Public Affairs) is a member and has made very regular appearances.

Wonder why they aren't any more? Budget cuts. Lol. What does everyone expect them to say though? If they agree with speculation or rumours, people on here will take it as gospel. If they disagree with the same, people will take it as gospel. Maybe they just need to come in with a few "No comment" remarks.

[tezxr8man]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

I thank Mr Geoff Polites, father of the modern GT and Territory..

much different times now, we are all the much richer for the experience..


http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...256CD8001280B3

its been a hell of a ride..

he is the man that ford aus needed at the helm. An Aussie with heart and pride in the product and some one willing to fight for the product to be right.

He would be turning in his grave over all this bull*#!t in the last little while

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Anchor

Wonder why they aren't any more? Budget cuts. Lol. What does everyone expect them to say though? If they agree with speculation or rumours, people on here will take it as gospel. If they disagree with the same, people will take it as gospel. Maybe they just need to come in with a few "No comment" remarks.

Just to say hello is start ......

It would be nice to have some support? To show they care? That the Falcon is not dead yet? That they are making a concerted effort to do their utmost? To show they haven't deserted the enthusiast? To promote the Falcon (and other cars)? To say that the GT is here till the end? To show some heart and spirit? To show their enthusiasm for the Falcon as much as we show?

They have always been shown respect when they post and have been made very welcome. Why wouldn't they??

[jpd80]

No NA 5.0 V8, that is a red herring - budget does not extend to new engine - DSC calibration changes..

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Just to say hello is start ......

It would be nice to have some support? To show they care? That the Falcon is not dead yet? That they are making a concerted effort to do their utmost? To show they haven't deserted the enthusiast? To promote the Falcon (and other cars)? To say that the GT is here till the end? To show some heart and spirit? To show their enthusiasm for the Falcon as much as we show?

They have always been shown respect when they post and have been made very welcome. Why wouldn't they??

Speculation driving interest in Falcon?
Social media going wild with discussion ahead of Ford's presentation in August,
so why would you tell the public everything now when a major event is planned then?

[tex]

It's not about telling the public everything now, I don't think any of us have suggested that.

Is about having a presence. Ford do have a PR function remaining in the business don't they?

I know I'd appreciate them relating to the public occasionally, is that such a left of field idea? It doesn't have to be about private marketing sessions with non disclosure agreements, or invitation only visits to the proving ground.

If they have a policy of not commenting? It's not a constructive policy in this current climate, on the biggest forum specifically about the brand. It's doing them damage. It's contemptuous. It suggests a complete disregard for the faithful, us folk that represent the brand.

I you see no value at all in public comment by a representative of ford au on this site, in the face of successive years of negative press, bad news, doom and gloom, that's not a position shared by most.

But you've been a staunch defender of anything ford, for whatever reasons, so this comes as no surprise.

I'm not so blind faith filled to the brand. Not anymore, haven't been for quite a long time. For many reasons, ordinary and sometimes bad experiences with the brand over a lot of years has that effect. Not least of which, I now feel abandoned, worthless. Despite years of vocal and fiscal support.

It saddens me greatly that the culmination of that support will be a feeling of having been treated with contempt.

[BDA074]

I personally think its crazy if Ford kill the GT early. It doesn't make financial sense.
They would be able to sell the GT for a 20-25% premium over the XR8 which means they have to sell that many more XR8's just to break even. With all the talk about people wanting a GT before the end of the Falcon there is a massive opportunity lost.
I for one was already preparing for buying a GT in 2016. I won't be buying an XR8...

[stockFPV6]

Wait what no SC mustang 8 I doubt that, if that was the case there is no point talking.

This will be a historic ford forum

Arnt we all speculating not one of us know DIDLY

[stockFPV6]

Originally Posted by BDA074

I personally think its crazy if Ford kill the GT early. It doesn't make financial sense.
They would be able to sell the GT for a 20-25% premium over the XR8 which means they have to sell that many more XR8's just to break even. With all the talk about people wanting a GT before the end of the Falcon there is a massive opportunity lost.
I for one was already preparing for buying a GT in 2016. I won't be buying an XR8...

Agree I won't buy an XR8 either

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by BDA074

I personally think its crazy if Ford kill the GT early. It doesn't make financial sense.
They would be able to sell the GT for a 20-25% premium over the XR8 which means they have to sell that many more XR8's just to break even. With all the talk about people wanting a GT before the end of the Falcon there is a massive opportunity lost.
I for one was already preparing for buying a GT in 2016. I won't be buying an XR8...

Yes they sell the GT at a premium, but how much does it cost to develop unique body kits, wheels, seats, bits of interior trim etc etc. The volume selling XR6s budget would pay for most of the XR8s visuals. All they have to do is drop the R-Spec mechanicals in and you've got a beast.

My question is...will XR8 (or GT) if it hangs around, get a unique bonnet with a bulge?? If I'm not mistaken the supercharged 5.0 doesn't require a taller bonnet.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Speculation driving interest in Falcon?
Social media going wild with discussion ahead of Ford's presentation in August,
so why would you tell the public everything now when a major event is planned then?

Yes. The invitations have been sent out for some to attend. I would have killed to go in August, recieved the invitation but just cannot attend because of work commitments unfortunately. Hopefully all will be revealed then .... But in the meantime, any sort of acknowledgement would be beneficial would be shown as a positive thing!

Speculation is absolutely not driving confidence in the Falcon or GT at the moment. To many on the outside, the Falcon has already been knocked off. That is not a positive thing

[Eaturbo]

There will be plenty of people who will buy a new shape XR8 with blown motor especially if it is around 50k. I for one would love a blown XR8 that was the last of the line.

[au2000]

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

Yes they sell the GT at a premium, but how much does it cost to develop unique body kits, wheels, seats, bits of interior trim etc etc. The volume selling XR6s budget would pay for most of the XR8s visuals. All they have to do is drop the R-Spec mechanicals in and you've got a beast.

My question is...will XR8 (or GT) if it hangs around, get a unique bonnet with a bulge?? If I'm not mistaken the supercharged 5.0 doesn't require a taller bonnet.

Not if the bean counters have a say, if it fits under a normal bonnet they would prob leave it & save the extra cost in producing one, hope I'm wrong though

[Dr Smith]

Maybe a thought, Ford has been selling GT's at FPV pricing yet there is no FPV anymore and their required margins. So maybe Ford not having to pay for updated FH GT body kits et al can offer some/similar mechanicals/powertrain in an XR8-type vehicle and a lower price. It won't be a GT and thus won't destroy GT prices for current owners, shouldn't require any expensive R&D like crash testing or DSC calibrations, the Falcon gains a top of the tree performance 8 in it's last years and is priced far better for more to enjoy. Now a G8E would have me seriously pinching the Terry keys out of my wife's hands.

[XR Martin]

It may 'fit' under the regular bonnet, but is there enough clearance between it and the engine to pass crash safety regs?
I think there has to be 50mm clearance between the bonnet and any solid object underneath.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Yes. The invitations have been sent out for some to attend. I would have killed to go in August, recieved the invitation but just cannot attend because of work commitments unfortunately. Hopefully all will be revealed then .... But in the meantime, any sort of acknowledgement would be beneficial would be shown as a positive thing!

Speculation is absolutely not driving confidence in the Falcon or GT at the moment. To many on the outside, the Falcon has already been knocked off. That is not a positive thing

And yet sales last month increased in the face of the panacea of anger towards Ford Australia,
clearly some people realise and accept that this is a business and Ford is not quitting next year.

Over at Holden, they are seeing huge renewed interest in SS, SS-V and Redline,
that seems to be signalling the direction the market want large cars to head,

Affordable V8s are an opportunity for Ford to grow sales in the $40K-$50K zone,
something Ford successfully did with the diesel Territory. I hope Ford takes on the
importance of an affordable XR6T and XR8 in its 2014 armoury as a proirity and then
considers what to do with GT - if 2014 is basically body style and interior trim with
carryover power train, then why not give the GT one more go around..

[Polyal]

While I do appreciate Sineads efforts in posting, it only came as pretty weak damage control and more often that not was just copy/ pastes of Facebook notices. Not to shoot the messenger but thats not really good enough, and the Facebook comments are generic at best.

If you look back at GP and DF's efforts its chalk and cheese. Mind you the forums have evolved greatly since then too.

[FPV+fteT3]

After listening to media and reading all the BS floating around and the deafening silence from fraud on the issues at hand, I would think it pertinent that anyone contemplating a new GT should buy something now.

My choice if I wait to 2014 going off the information available is most likely to have a 335kw XR8 or a 2013 335kw FPV GT, its a no brainer as to which would be in my garage. I would even add a second hand 2012-2013 GT would be bought over a new XR anything.

So what was it Tickford 10 years and FPV 10 years (approximately), between them they turned out some fine tuned falcons it's a pity the supplier of the basic falcon product does not share the passion that these tuning houses shared for a niche product. The falcon GT has always been the aspirational car for the humble falcon owner, the XR tag just somehow comes up a little short, if ford think adding the XR tag will lead to more sales they may find themselves yet again to be mistaken.
Speaking as an enthusiast if you want a last model performance V8 falcon you;

(a) have the means to support owning the beast
(b) fuel economy is not an issue
(c) you would want the best model available
(d) you would want a GT not an XR8

And lets face it who other than an enthusiast would contemplate buying an expensive, over powered, 4 door sedan that drinks fuel like a drunken sailor just to drive in traffic and at a max speed of 100km per hour? I mean you really dont need a S/C V8 4 door sedan to pick up the kids from school or just do the grocery shopping, hard to put forward a logical business plan for ownership of such a car. If you have to ask why someone owns such a car you wouldn't understand. Ford just dont understand this market at all.