Ford's near future plans

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by csv8

FG 2 needs to be really, really good to get Fords goolies out of the fire. ie it must stand out on the road, not blend in with the traffic.It must be a car that stops people in their tracks and say "whats that" to continue to be"plain jane" isn't going to work. Yeah,I know Holden hasn't changed much past 5 years. But FG2 must be different to save Falcon...

I don't understand why people think FG2 is going to look much different from FG? It is FG2, not FH!! You'll get a bumper here, different colour blinder & a small twick there..

[Bossxr8]

From what i've heard they aren't even going to advertise it, as only fleets buy it. The stupidity is beyond belief.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

I don't understand why people think FG2 is going to look much different from FG? It is FG2, not FH!! You'll get a bumper here, different colour blinder & a small twick there..

I think we could be suprised. Ford got stung by people saying it looked too similar to BF, and more than likely they will want to differentiate it away from FG as much as they can.

Supposed to have a front end more like Territory.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

I don't understand why people think FG2 is going to look much different from FG? It is FG2, not FH!! You'll get a bumper here, different colour blinder & a small twick there..

No one has actually said whether it will be FGII or 'FH'...all Ford has said is 'FG update'. The forum has applied the FGII moniker but this may be incorrect, time will tell.

[jpd80]

Ford builds the ZF6HP under license in the US as the 6R80,
I wonder if FGII will see a running change to this gearbox....

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Ford builds the ZF6HP under license in the US as the 6R80,
I wonder if FGII will see a running change to this gearbox....

I reckon you could be on to something there John.

May even bring the unit vehicle price down a bit?

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I think we could be suprised. Ford got stung by people saying it looked too similar to BF, and more than likely they will want to differentiate it away from FG as much as they can.

Supposed to have a front end more like Territory.

I was under the impression that any external changes, along with interior and systems updates, will take place with Ecoboost next year, and that will mark a new model?

As good as the lpi is I can't see why they'd bother with any Mk2 badges.

We need to remember, Ford are not Holden. Holden put a new badge on with no changes to the car apart from the badges and then call it a Series II, and get away with it.
I'll bet that one day Holden might decontent a car in some way and signify these "changes" with an exciting press release like, "The Alloytec now has less power for better economy" or some other spin like AFM.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I reckon you could be on to something there John.

May even bring the unit vehicle price down a bit?

The difference is that box uses Mercon LV not Mercon SP like the ZF,
Ford USA sells the oil for get this...$5 a quart (litre)

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Ford builds the ZF6HP under license in the US as the 6R80,
I wonder if FGII will see a running change to this gearbox....

From what I've read it's nowhere near as good; Ford's tolerances aren't anywhere near ZF's. It also explains why the 6R80 is heavier than the "identical" ZF6HP.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

I was under the impression that any external changes, along with interior and systems updates, will take place with Ecoboost next year, and that will mark a new model?

As good as the lpi is I can't see why they'd bother with any Mk2 badges.

We need to remember, Ford are not Holden. Holden put a new badge on with no changes to the car apart from the badges and then call it a Series II, and get away with it.
I'll bet that one day Holden might decontent a car in some way and signify these "changes" with an exciting press release like, "The Alloytec now has less power for better economy" or some other spin like AFM.

I seem to recall a quote from Mr Graziano saying that an FG update is due September/October.

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Ford builds the ZF6HP under license in the US as the 6R80,
I wonder if FGII will see a running change to this gearbox....

I'd doubt this for the simple fact that the Petrol Territory got the ZF. If the 6R80 was to go across the board, the Territory would have gone 6R80 first.

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I seem to recall a quote from Mr Graziano saying that an FG update is due September/October.

Cool. I was under the impression it blew out till next year. The earlier the better.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Paxton

I'd doubt this for the simple fact that the Petrol Territory got the ZF. If the 6R80 was to go across the board, the Territory would have gone 6R80 first.

I agree, I don't think Ford would bother unless they would have to.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Paxton

I'd doubt this for the simple fact that the Petrol Territory got the ZF. If the 6R80 was to go across the board, the Territory would have gone 6R80 first.

Which is odd...why do the copy for just the TDi when they could have done it across the board...couldnt be that many more "unique" parts for the petrol version. bell housing and a couple of things perhaps? Although the bellhousing points must be close the the ZF...dont know.

They installed that trans for what, 12,000 units per annum? ~1000 TDi's per month would be around their target I would have thought.

The frog 5 speeder now completely gone?

I reckon FG2 will be here in September'ish...with new centre console, front and tweaked rear.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

Cool. I was under the impression it blew out till next year. The earlier the better.

Here 'tis.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2011...in-march-24336

Meanwhile, the four-cylinder Falcon has been delayed until 2012 because it won't be ready in time for the October facelift.

"Rather than launch it very late in the year, we decided to hold it back until the start of next year so we can get the most attention on that vehicle," Graziano said.

Notice how he said "that vehicle" as opposed to that engine in the Falcon, or words to that effect. Hmmm...

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Paxton

I'd doubt this for the simple fact that the Petrol Territory got the ZF. If the 6R80 was to go across the board, the Territory would have gone 6R80 first.

Don't get me wrong here, the ZF is a great move across the board and kudos to Ford for signing up
I suspect they have a long contract with ZF, either time or gearbox number but either way the engineering
is all done the boxes work fine and a later fine tune might be changing to a a Ford copy of the same box.

Don't know when but maybe when it suits Ford to switch all the I-6 gearboxes at the same time....

[csv8]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

I don't understand why people think FG2 is going to look much different from FG? It is FG2, not FH!! You'll get a bumper here, different colour blinder & a small twick there..

IF !! Ford want to save the Falcon..it needs more than mild face lift. It needs to be very different or there will be no FH!!!!

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I think we could be suprised. Ford got stung by people saying it looked too similar to BF, and more than likely they will want to differentiate it away from FG as much as they can.

Supposed to have a front end more like Territory.

Unless there is metal changes (which I've read nothing about) I can't see how plastic bumper changes can make it look much different to what we already have??

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Unless there is metal changes (which I've read nothing about) I can't see how plastic bumper changes can make it look much different to what we already have??

Take a look at the Camry and Aurion then...they share the same platform, passenger cell and hanging panels. Yet they look different because they have manipulated the looks via changing the cheap and easy stuff (the bumpers and lights) to achieve a different look.

[HaLLiS]

Originally Posted by csv8

IF !! Ford want to save the Falcon..it needs more than mild face lift. It needs to be very different or there will be no FH!!!!

IMHO there is nothing wrong with the current FG falcon in terms of looks, most people who own one will agree.

But in saying that im holding out for FG2 fpv. Cant wait.

[dimka100]

Hope they bring on a bit more power and economy for the I6 a bit less weight at the front like the Terri update would be great too and finally fit proper 275 tyres for all performance models …

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Take a look at the Camry and Aurion then...they share the same platform, passenger cell and hanging panels. Yet they look different because they have manipulated the looks via changing the cheap and easy stuff (the bumpers and lights) to achieve a different look.

Agreed, but light shapes are totally different on those cars & to do that on FG would required metal change.. Not going to happen, so light shapes will stay the same. We might get a different desgin colour pattern, maybe. I'm happy for FG2 to look different, just dont think people should except much.

Does the Camry & Aurion have the same doors, qtr pannel too, bonnet, boot?? Don't know that one.

[Polyal]

Joe surely the FG2 will fall in line with the Tez and use that style front end..

The interior wont stay the same, again drop the Tez style in.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Joe surely the FG2 will fall in line with the Tez and use that style front end..

The interior wont stay the same, again drop the Tez style in.

hearing you.. but, let me put it this way.. The Tez got a totally new front from front window forward & totally different rear end lights & eveyone still says it looks like the old one.. FG2 is not going to get anywhere near this amount of change..

[Polyal]

Anyone that says the new tez looks anything like the old one needs to see spec savers.

Yes its not a drastic change, but the front is heaps different.

The falcon is going to look like an orphan (perhaps a precursor) as the Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo, Ranger and Tez will all wear the corporate look.

Its going to be a tragedy if the FG2 isnt tarted up a bit, because regardless of the LiLPG, EcoBoost etc etc if it looks old then it will struggle.

The only thing that goes against my theory is the Commy..it still sells and it looks old. But there are so many other reasons why that is so too.

Ah..very frustrating.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Agreed, but light shapes are totally different on those cars & to do that on FG would required metal change.. Not going to happen, so light shapes will stay the same. We might get a different desgin colour pattern, maybe. I'm happy for FG2 to look different, just dont think people should except much.

Does the Camry & Aurion have the same doors, qtr pannel too, bonnet, boot?? Don't know that one.

Yes, the lights are totally different shapes, but next time you see a current model Camry or Aurion, look real close at the shape of the shutlines in the bodywork and where the lights meet. Particularly in relation to the back end of the cars - follow the Z-shaped shutline around the bumper and tail lights:





Essentially it's a smoke and mirrors trick to give the impression that they are 2 different cars whilst being not that different at all. IMO its a great idea to save costs when bringing a new model to the market (or a facelift) as it can save having to change sheetmetal which costs a bomb with having to change dies etc. Although I think the Aurion may have a different bonnet.

As for the references to the SZ Territory styling, I seem to recall that it was Ford's new global design theme for SUV's - not sedans or cars. It may not make an appearance. In fact, I seem to recall the 2013 Taurus styling to have been mentioned for the FG facelift??

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by csv8

FG 2 needs to be really, really good to get Fords goolies out of the fire. ie it must stand out on the road, not blend in with the traffic.It must be a car that stops people in their tracks and say "whats that" to continue to be"plain jane" isn't going to work. Yeah,I know Holden hasn't changed much past 5 years. But FG2 must be different to save Falcon...

It must also work and if it doesn't work it should be recalled and fixed properly. Not on a case by case basis or when the media make it too hard to ignore. Standing by their local products and issueing recalls when needed is something Ford have never done in the past and have been paying the price for with each successive local model as it underperforms in the market next to its competitors. They always grossly underestimate the harm that approach causes the brand.

The main risk to Falcon and Territorys future is Ford and how they treat their customers. If that doesn't change, no amount or marketing, sheet metal changes or tech will help. At best it will just delay the inevitable.

That said FGII needs to be a winner on all fronts as they are the underdog and need to start acting like they are. They aren't a niche player, as some on here like to explain away their failings in the market, they are a mass production car company that keeps screwing up and loosing customers. Time is well overdue they changed their attitude towards product and customers.

Terri pricing suggests they haven't realised that yet.

[MONSOON]

the delay on the ecoboost Falcon is not good, many fleets have a 4cyl only policy, which puts falcon off the list, I don't know if it would fit but maybe the tezza's diesel should be considered for the the falcon too as diesel cars are popular these days.
Having seen the new focus on ford's website, I don't think it will sell any better than the current outdated car, it really looks crook IMO

I do beleive the hanging panels are different between camry and aurion

[Smoke Pursuit]

Ford really needs to sort out its customer service and build quality..

The last 7 - 8 years Ford has had a terrible reputation for building cars that are troublesome, and having representative dealers who don't give a damn!! I've been to hell and back with Ford and one dealer with some major issues on one of my cars, to the point where I'd rather drive a Holden then buy another Ford product no matter how much I like them!! They would have to be the most unhelpful bunch of individuals I have ever dealt with in my entire life.. Everythings the customers problem, they do as little as possible to help you so you just give up and walk away, when theres an issue you have to prove to them its an issue at your own cost.

Then they wonder why they are losing customers. No good having all these beaut cars with no customers because they simply won't buy your product anymore! How can you strive to survive in a tough market where you can't even look after the customers you have, let alone try and market to new ones is beyond me!

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Those pics are interesting... I didn't realise just how much these 2 cars a the same...