2014 Falcon features, tech and upgrades

[csv8]

http://www.chrysler.com.au/features-...s/300-interior G6E is povo pack in comparison and more expensive !!! FORD must up the spec in the update model and keep the price reasonable.....

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by csv8

http://www.chrysler.com.au/features-...s/300-interior G6E is povo pack in comparison and more expensive !!! FORD must up the spec in the update model and keep the price reasonable.....

Unfortunately for Chrysler, sales have been disappointingly slow...go figure hey.

[csv8]

Ford does have aluminium body experience http://wardsauto.com/auto-makers/for...aluminum-f-150

[FGII-XR6]

this thread was started to discuss FALCON UPGRADES not Fusion if you want to discuss this off topic car start a thread on that topic

Originally Posted by jpd80

Away from Falcon at the moment, how about Fusion built in Australia as a 1.6 Ecoboost
in manual and auto, and available with AWD.. Ambiente, Zetec and Titanium.

At under $30 K for an Ambiente, 6.8 and 7.2 l/100 km is hard to beat for that price...

Give the market a car they may be interested in buying to stabilize production and
then Falcon can be more of the car it was always intended to be, sporty and luxurious.

[FGII-XR6]

of course it would cost a lot more we are talking about a well engineered performance supercharged engine. performance like that costs money. yes you can buy an SS cheaply but they are hardly high tech with their push rod tractor engine

Originally Posted by R-Design

2009-10 XR8 didn't sell as everyone was waiting on the new 5.0 V8, then it came out at a vastly higher price point and everyone said WTF. People who wanted a cheap performance Ford went the XR6T everyone else went elsewhere.

Consumers don't care if Ford made a mistake on their V8 pricing model, they only care about what they can afford within their budget. Ford blew it and now they're suffering the consequences, its that simple.

[ryeman]

More stuff to de-skill us distract us and fail regularly enough after 3 years to keep making profits long after its out of production.

[Luke Plaizier]

Unless we see the local interior swapped out for something imported from Fusion or Focus, I'll not be holding my breath. Local suppliers can't afford the huge R&D cost to get new features in the Falcon.

With the introduction of the LIN bus in the FG BEM it was feasible to have auto up/down in the windows, like the Focus, but no, LIN was used just for the Alarm and nothing else. Oh so close.

For the new Falcon, if it's not a complete interior and loom re-fit for overseas tech, then forget about any new features at all. In a pinch you might get EPAS if they have solved the space issue on the front of the I6 Falcons. You might get Lane Change Blind Spot assist if they can afford to buy that from the mirror suppliers. At a pinch they might buy the latest Bosch upgrades to get that emergency braking feature and front parking sensors.

But Auto Parking would require local development - so cut that out. No Sync- the ICC would stay. Heated/Cooled seats would take a whole lot of plumbing and redesign of the seats, so that's out, as would tri-zone - which territory BADLY needs.

I suspect we'll only see sheet metal changes and the results of the govt co-investment in the form of economy improvements. But in this world of new iPods every 6 to 12 months, that isn't going to keep the current ADHD generation's attention for more than a few minutes.

The new styling had better be good.


Lukeyson

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

this thread was started to discuss FALCON UPGRADES not Fusion if you want to discuss this off topic car start a thread on that topic

Pfft, 20 posts ago, everyone else has moved on, suggest you do to...

[roberts]

Originally Posted by XWGT

Well you have already nailed most of it but I will add upgraded media systems and sound systems,

"its a communication device" no its a mode of transport.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by csv8

http://www.chrysler.com.au/features-...s/300-interior G6E is povo pack in comparison and more expensive !!! FORD must up the spec in the update model and keep the price reasonable.....

Proving looks are subjective. I look at the 300 interior and think, that's dated and dark. One good thing is within the Ford empire all these features are available and the local line was upgraded to calibrate the installation of them, the one hurdle is the accountants. Because if you make the car look different enought to its predecessor and fit far more tech, keep prices similar .... and it doesn't sell enough to make you a reasonable profit then what's left. The VF will show us if it this works and for how long?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Luke Plaizier

Unless we see the local interior swapped out for something imported from Fusion or Focus, I'll not be holding my breath. Local suppliers can't afford the huge R&D cost to get new features in the Falcon.

With the introduction of the LIN bus in the FG BEM it was feasible to have auto up/down in the windows, like the Focus, but no, LIN was used just for the Alarm and nothing else. Oh so close.

For the new Falcon, if it's not a complete interior and loom re-fit for overseas tech, then forget about any new features at all. In a pinch you might get EPAS if they have solved the space issue on the front of the I6 Falcons. You might get Lane Change Blind Spot assist if they can afford to buy that from the mirror suppliers. At a pinch they might buy the latest Bosch upgrades to get that emergency braking feature and front parking sensors.

But Auto Parking would require local development - so cut that out. No Sync- the ICC would stay. Heated/Cooled seats would take a whole lot of plumbing and redesign of the seats, so that's out, as would tri-zone - which territory BADLY needs.

I suspect we'll only see sheet metal changes and the results of the govt co-investment in the form of economy improvements. But in this world of new iPods every 6 to 12 months, that isn't going to keep the current ADHD generation's attention for more than a few minutes.

The new styling had better be good.


Lukeyson

I think you'll find that content from local suppliers will be alarmingly less than what it is now. Most of the tech/gadgetry items would come from offshore suppliers that supply Ford for other models - this is how they save money. And as for the mirrors, the FG uses EUCD mirrors as it is, which are probably sourced offshore (being a Volvo part it's highly likely)

[DoreSlamR]

Well the VF specs are out now, Ford would do well to try and better the "world class" Commodore.

...Probably not...

But I digress, here's whats new on the VF:

Self-parking technology on all models
Forward collision warning in low-speed traffic
Lane-departure warning
Blind-spot alert
Heads-up display
Internet music radio service Pandora
Large infotainment touch screen
Sensor key with push button start
Electronic park brake
Two 12V power sockets instead of one
Cruise control switch moves to the steering wheel
Other menu controls move to the indicator/wiper stalks
Aluminium boot, bonnet and underpinnings
About 40kg less weight overall

[roberts]

Self-parking technology on all models

I love it you cant use a phone while driving, but you can take your hands of the wheel to park

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

Well the VF specs are out now, Ford would do well to try and better the "world class" Commodore.

...Probably not...

But I digress, here's whats new on the VF:

Self-parking technology on all models
Forward collision warning in low-speed traffic
Lane-departure warning
Blind-spot alert
Heads-up display
Internet music radio service Pandora
Large infotainment touch screen
Sensor key with push button start
Electronic park brake
Two 12V power sockets instead of one
Cruise control switch moves to the steering wheel
Other menu controls move to the indicator/wiper stalks
Aluminium boot, bonnet and underpinnings
About 40kg less weight overall

In all seriousness, apart from the HUD, electric park brake and the aluminium panels there is no reason why all that stuff can't appear on the '14 Falcon. The Falcon already has a large touchscreen multimedia system in it, they would simply evolve that or use Sync, and they've had the cruise buttons on the steering wheel since Adam was a boy.

[DoreSlamR]

That's what I was thinking too.

Australian cars severely lacked all this kind of fruit when compared to Euro and Japanese cars.

[Brazen]

How does Internet Pandora radio work? Is it a variety of stations or can I just pick an artist or album and it plays?

[deadfish2]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

of course it would cost a lot more we are talking about a well engineered performance supercharged engine. performance like that costs money. yes you can buy an SS cheaply but they are hardly high tech with their push rod tractor engine

high tech dosnt always mean better, the L series motor do quite well in the power stakes without using all the high tech gear, so how is it that bad?

[AG3]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

And as for the mirrors, the FG uses EUCD mirrors as it is, which are probably sourced offshore (being a Volvo part it's highly likely)

(Version without integrated indicators)


Funny thing is, Ford's own EUCD model (Mondeo) didn't use those mirrors.

Based on the photos, it looks like it was Ford's former Premier Automotive Group models that used them...
The EUCD-based S80

Jaguar (both the facelifted X-Type and the last classic-body XJ)

Aston Martin

[jpd80]

Or perhaps Ford Aust sourced the other design look so that Falcon wouldn't look like it pinched Mondeo's mirrors?

[dimka100]

Just looking at my FGII limited edition leather wrapped interior and then comparing them to the VF pictures or even 300C, it becomes instantly obvious how far both have models evolved. Forgetting the massive technological advantage these models possess. Their interior layout, presentation, and ergonomics makes the Falcon look very dated. After all these two new cars have been designed for 2012/13 rather than 2008 so it’s inevitable they will be much better!

I really hope the 2014 Falcon brings the new Fusion/Mondeo interior. I just can’t see how the local development teams would have anywhere near the budget to design class leading or at equalling interior with the tiny budget that has been allocated to the 2014 car - it’s like 2.5 times less than the VF?

I also wanted to point it out that while some of you might think the new VF feature are gimmicks, if you carefully study the images you may note that there might be additional small “features” that do not make the features list. E.g. Automatic windows, yes nobody bothers listing up/down auto functions anymore yet the Falcon has none of it.

[usernametaken]

and heated seats...

[FPV GTHO]

I don't think anyone knows the true development figure for FH. The ~$100m figure given to the media was said to go towards efficiency improvements. There's been no further comment from Ford other than a teaser video making it clear the upgrade will be about more than efficiency improvements.

[Road_Warrior]

The teaser vid and comments to GoAuto and Carpoint along the lines of "we've spent too much and its too good for only 2 years" imply that it it much more substantial than just efficiency upgrades.

[Buntz]

I'm sick of this technology rubbish in cars. Unfortunately you need it to make your product appear to have "more" than another product.

Who the hell in Australia needs a heated seat or steering wheel? Harden up people.

Adaptive cruise would be nice, and a better quality sound system... but that is all. other than that, more NVH improvements, improved fit-n-finish, and greater fuel economy and weight reductions. That should be the ultimate goal. And sharpen up the interior and exterior look.


Adaptive suspension with pre-tuned settings would be great for FPV, and luxury models.

[Mighty Reds]

The budget for the Colorado was way more than Ranger and looked how that has turned out.

[fou_bleu]

Originally Posted by Buntz

I'm sick of this technology rubbish in cars. Unfortunately you need it to make your product appear to have "more" than another product.

Who the hell in Australia needs a heated seat or steering wheel? Harden up people.

Adaptive cruise would be nice, and a better quality sound system... but that is all. other than that, more NVH improvements, improved fit-n-finish, and greater fuel economy and weight reductions. That should be the ultimate goal. And sharpen up the interior and exterior look.

Adaptive suspension with pre-tuned settings would be great for FPV, and luxury models.

If you don't like the technology in new cars by all means stick to an older or new car without said tech, no one's forcing you to buy it! Also, complaining about the tech a) means nothing to anyone but yourself and b) doesn't mean car manufacturers will stop trying to develop their products to meet various peoples' needs just because you don't like it.

RE heated seats, believe it or not the whole country doesn't get the pristine hot weather as Wait Awhile - where I live (near Bathurst) we have 4-5 month long winters (autumn what?) and it's pretty cold most mornings - a nice warm seat to drive to work in? Yes please.

[UberKnee]

Originally Posted by Buntz

I'm sick of this technology rubbish in cars. Unfortunately you need it to make your product appear to have "more" than another product.

Who the hell in Australia needs a heated seat or steering wheel? Harden up people.

Adaptive cruise would be nice, and a better quality sound system... but that is all. other than that, more NVH improvements, improved fit-n-finish, and greater fuel economy and weight reductions. That should be the ultimate goal. And sharpen up the interior and exterior look.


Adaptive suspension with pre-tuned settings would be great for FPV, and luxury models.

While there are some good gadgets added every now and then I do agree that alot of the **** is well ****. Heated this and heated that seems pointless and alot of the 'driving aids' just make for lazier drivers.

[Thunder]

Originally Posted by UberKnee

While there are some good gadgets added every now and then I do agree that alot of the **** is well ****. Heated this and heated that seems pointless and alot of the 'driving aids' just make for lazier drivers.

How does " heating" make a "lazy driver"?

I can understand: reverse camera, parking sensors, park-assist, but heated seats? Seriously, features related to comfort ARE a selling tool for most cars these days.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by dimka100

Just looking at my FGII limited edition leather wrapped interior and then comparing them to the VF pictures or even 300C, it becomes instantly obvious how far both have models evolved. Forgetting the massive technological advantage these models possess. Their interior layout, presentation, and ergonomics makes the Falcon look very dated. After all these two new cars have been designed for 2012/13 rather than 2008 so it’s inevitable they will be much better!

I really hope the 2014 Falcon brings the new Fusion/Mondeo interior. I just can’t see how the local development teams would have anywhere near the budget to design class leading or at equalling interior with the tiny budget that has been allocated to the 2014 car - it’s like 2.5 times less than the VF?

I also wanted to point it out that while some of you might think the new VF feature are gimmicks, if you carefully study the images you may note that there might be additional small “features” that do not make the features list. E.g. Automatic windows, yes nobody bothers listing up/down auto functions anymore yet the Falcon has none of it.

Just remember that the VF pictured is a Calais, that's the best that Holden has to offer, not the low spec model most punters will be buying.

The last thing we need is Falcon supporters falling in a heap thinking the worst, that Falcon sales will shrivel up to nothing but I'm here to say that
Falcon will still get its 1300-1500 sales a month regardless of VF's success, VF's success does not translate directly into misfortune for Falcon.

Oh, and by the way, the Chrysler 300 that people are quick to draw into comparisons, is not setting the world on fire with sales, maybe the best
thing we can all do for now is take a breath and see what happens over the next four months before the VF arrives, that awful period for Holden
where VE is in the death throws no matter what Holden does and then, the Falcon has a smidge over 12 months until the 2014 car arrives....

[UberKnee]

Originally Posted by Thunder

How does " heating" make a "lazy driver"?

I can understand: reverse camera, parking sensors, park-assist, but heated seats? Seriously, features related to comfort ARE a selling tool for most cars these days.

I never said heated seats make a lazy driver, I said: "Heated this and heated that seems pointless and alot of the 'driving aids' just make for lazier drivers."