So your the CEO: what would you change with Falcon? - Page 8

**Polyal** · 09-09-2011, 01:42 PM

For me I think the Falcon sadly is becoming more obsolete with the rise of SUV's and even to a smaller extent dual cab pickups that are becoming more and more like multi task vehicles when you look at the upper ends of the range.

The Mondeo represents a problem in that it basically does everything the falcon does and better in most cases.

Also the Falcon needs more volume, even at figures the commy sells Im sure the case gets harder and harder each evolution to justify its existence; One Ford will do no favours for that.

So, in saying that all is not lost. What the falcon does deliver on is performance through RWD. For me it would be a two pronged approach. Have a luxury line, two spec models, and a performance line, with two spec models. Or even just two different styles and you option what pack you want.

So the Luxury car would be styled differently to the rest of the range, why have a Falcon looking like a Focus/Mondeo, makes no sense. Something like what Chrysler has done with the 300C. Out there but not too crazy. Then you can option one of the following engines, I4T, TDI, 6, 6LPG or V8.

With Performance you would keep the XR range and offer only XR6T (V6 or I6, whatever) and a V8. Have two trim levels, basic or Luxury which would be the same as the base luxury above..if you want a full luxury with a XR bad luck, get a full spec Luxury car. Then the XR would be styled more aggressively as it is now.

Then FPV stays the same, using the XR models as the base and they continue with Miami and the F6.

No more XT, want povo then get a base mondeo. Have the Luxury base model not to overly price in order for it to take the sales volume, even if the margin is small, try and make it up via upgrades.

I dont think blending the Falcon into a global look is going to help its cause much.

Id probably drop the ute while I was at it and make the ranger more attractive, and FFS make a V8 ranger.

XRDeeze · 09-09-2011, 06:46 PM

get rid of the Taurus

FalconXV · 09-09-2011, 08:13 PM

After the Ecoboost model has run it's course and desensitized large car buyers on the 4 cyl issue, bring out a lower tier model with an engine made in Geelong.
a half barra. 2.0 inline 3 with same bore/stroke ratio as 6, higher comp ratio afforded by iron block, and offset crank to keep it smooth. Turbo and LPG variants. Variable valve lift.
Turbo running much smaller turbo at higher boost than XR6T, should yield around 170kW. Less rotating mass means higher redline too.
Torque would be adequate, lighter steering, gearbox and driveline components would be added for better feel .
'Half barra' engine could open the range, and the whole engine would sit behind the front axle line. Keeps a link to Falcon past while adapting to the future.
Also, revive Falcon wagon and fit 4.0 to Ranger.

v6 Focus, Fiesta with Miami engine behind drivers seat, Dual Engine Territory; Diesel under bonnet with I6 behind second row. 6/10ths scale Falcon sedan that conforms to Japanese kei car regulations. Ford definitely needs to hire me ;) .

Franco Cozzo · 09-09-2011, 08:21 PM

Look into bringing the F250 over at around $55-$60K.

cedric · 09-09-2011, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Look into bringing the F250 over at around $55-$60K.

i will second that but 35-40 like they pay.
and BIGGER WHEELS on the falcon, it is the only full sized performance car in the world with small profile tyres, ie 245/35 19 when camaro,ve,mustang,300c,charger,most if not all the euro's have the looks of 19's-20's but still have decent sidewalls you can then have good looks and good ride