KEY POINTS:
An engine that will be on the scrapheap two years from now has received a big-budget, g-whizz boost as a final farewell. The turbocharged version of the dated inline six-cylinder engine in Ford's FG Falcon range, which is being launched on June 1, has even more torque than
the outgoing Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) Boss V8, and is thriftier.
Powering the XR6 turbo and a new sports-luxury model called the GSE turbo, it's a different engine from that developed by FPV several years ago for the F6 Typhoon, even though the outputs are almost identical.
Ford's version has a revised intake system, a new cylinder head and different turbocharger, and more advanced electronics.
Ford won't say how much it spent on developing the engine or, indeed, the whole car - $915m is rumoured - but it could not have been that cheap.
Since the "Barra" six will be dropped in 2010 and replaced by a brand-new V6 designed and built in America, some might wonder why it bothered to invest such significant time and money.
But Ford obviously reckons the G6E Turbo will be popular enough to pay its way, to the point where it's tipping a shift from the XR sports models that have accounted for up to 50 per cent of past sales in New Zealand.
The car is pack leader among three six-cylinder G-Series models that are repositioned replacements for the now-departed Futura, Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia, and place a greater emphasis on mixing sports and luxury.
"We think it will attract not only some XR buyers but also new customers who want the performance but also like the technology side of the turbo, plus the luxury enhancements," said Ford's marketing head, Barbara MacGregor. "The traditionalists like the V8, but it's the younger techies who go for the turbo."
Power has jumped 10.2 per cent to 270kW, 20kW down on the Boss V8.
Torque is also boosted to 533Nm, a 13kW advantage and also an 11 per cent improve- ment over the turbo six in the old BF range.
Eighty per cent of torque comes at just 1200rpm, one reason economy is down to a claimed 11.7 litres per 100km.
Its reign at the top will last only until FPV releases its own product. It's thought the next FPVs - three V8s and a new F6 - will have 300kW-plus, but Ford is keeping mum until June 1.
Expectation is that the FG will lift the Falcon out of a sales doldrum. While still our favourite Ford car last year, the big Aussie sustained a 31 per cent slump in sales in 2006.
Australia recorded a 21 per cent decline and January was the car's worst month in more than 40 years.
Industry commentators are suggesting that if sales of the FG fail to fly, Australia's oldest-surviving auto nameplate will be finished.
The FG enhancements affect the sedan and ute, but not the station wagon. The Territory is unchanged until next year.
New nose and tail treatments turn heads, but the sedan's big in-the-metal alteration is an overdue reshape of the rear door to improve access. As a result, no panels or glass from the old car fit the new, and weight is up by 10kg.
A remodelled interior, and new front suspension similar to that of the Territory, are also delivered for what's claimed to be a sharper drive. The car is quieter, too.
Stability control, front and side-front airbags are stand- ard with Falcon sedans and only the entry XT misses out on curtain airbags.
Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and a rear-view camera are on most models and every version can take integrated satellite navigation.
The standard 4.0-litre six is now married to a five-speed auto. It produces 5kW more power (now 195kW) and 391Nm of torque, 8Nm more than before, on 91 octane and 198kW/409Nm on 95.
It averages 10.5 litres per 100km against 10.7l/100km from the old four-stage, still used by the LPG variant. The thriftiest FG of all remains the XR6 six-speed auto (10.1 litres now, 10.2 before), while the thirstiest is the XR8.
Largely handmade, the Boss engine is tweaked to give it more character and a better sound. Ford engineers have added a unique exhaust system and semi-active muffler in which a valve is designed to change the sound of the engine at higher revs for a louder and more aggressive V8 roar.
The FG is the last update for the current Falcon platform, an orphan in the Ford world. It's thought the next Falcon could come as early as 2012 and be based on a new global rear-wheel drive architecture, also earmarked for the next Mustang, among others.
The platform might be developed by Ford Australia but there's no decision whether the resultant Falcon will be built there or in the US.
