drive.com.au tests new Ecoboost Falcon!

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by Jake F6

Question is why have Ford Aus developed the EcoBoost-4 and the LPI-6 when they both have very simmilar performance and running cost characteristics?

That doesn't seem like very smart economies of scale...

I feel exactly the same way.

Though I highly doubt an ecoboost will reach 800,000km like many I6's have done.
Plus there is the reduced towing.
And still the LPi would be cheaper to run and probably to service.

These points probably mean nothing to most new car buyers, but are SOME of the reasons why I'm not convinced on ecoboost.

Oh, and as mentioned, some will buy the 4 cylinder because it will give them that warm fuzzy feeling of driving a 4 cylinder.

[nstg8a]

not to mention its gives ford a crack at all those fleet sales that dictate 4 cylinder only...
and yup, given the 'importance' placed on consumption these days, rather than actual cost of running i think its a smart move.

its ecolpi where ford dropped the ball a bit. it was simply too late imo, if it had been released with fg back in '08 then the timing would have been perfect.

[Road_Warrior]

IMO this engine is going to replace the I6 in all Falcons bar the turbo variants and a few select orders where people specifically want the I6.

If the Ecoboost Falcon fires in the sales charts like it should, then this will become the volume seller.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

Though I highly doubt an ecoboost will reach 800,000km like many I6's have done.

Plus there is the reduced towing.

And still the LPi would be cheaper to run and probably to service.

1. Most people think of anything between 150-200,000k's high...not like many cars will reach 800,000 anyway...so thats redundant.

2. People won't be buying it to tow caravans, you can still pull a box trailer behind it

3. Clutching at straws here, as both work out around the same

[Romulus]

Government looks at vehicles with a sub 200g/km CO2 output, placing Falcon Ecoboost on the list of eligible vehicles.

Fleet and Govco are the target audience for Ecoboost Falcon.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

IMO this engine is going to replace the I6 in all Falcons bar the turbo variants and a few select orders where people specifically want the I6.

If the Ecoboost Falcon fires in the sales charts like it should, then this will become the volume seller.

This and TDI Tez will put a hole in the I6 numbers for sure.

Im ok with EB4 being in the falcon if they bring in the coyote and revive the XR8.

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by Nikked

1. Most people think of anything between 150-200,000k's high...not like many cars will reach 800,000 anyway...so thats redundant.

2. People won't be buying it to tow caravans, you can still pull a box trailer behind it

3. Clutching at straws here, as both work out around the same

That's why I said it doesn't matter to most new buyers, but for me it does.

1. I do high kilometers, 150-200km is just run in to me. Ok 800k is stretching it a bit. But 500km is well within the I6's capabilities. (my old mans egas AUII is a prime example, still looks good and goes great at 550k)

2. I tow a caravan, and a trailer. Though still within the 1,600kg of the EB, would just be nicer in the 6

3. If the LPi is cheaper on fuel, even if only by a fraction, that's a bonus.
Though I don't think it's roughly the same. If the EB does 8.5l/100km that means at $1.45 for petrol it costs $12.30 to do 100km. If ECOlpi does 12.5l/100km at 79c for LPG that's $9.87 per 100km. That's 20% lower fuel costs.


Yes I acknowledge the benefits of ford making fleet sales and "greeny" sales.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Polyal

This and TDI Tez will put a hole in the I6 numbers for sure.

Im ok with EB4 being in the falcon if they bring in the coyote and revive the XR8.

As much as I love the I6, the writing is on the wall. TDCi Territory has taken a significant chunk of volume from the I6, and if Ecoboost goes according to plan, this will further weaken its position. Add this to the fact that regardless of what form the post-2016 Falcon takes, that car will have corporate 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines, and you can see we're in the faithful I6's twilight years.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by F6 Concorde

Government looks at vehicles with a sub 200g/km CO2 output, placing Falcon Ecoboost on the list of eligible vehicles.

Fleet and Govco are the target audience for Ecoboost Falcon.

Which is why I think Ford should have tried just a bit hard to make G6 under 200 & not 201 we end up with. Hopefully they'll be happy with XT model?

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

6.7ish for EcoBoost and LPG??

That's ridiculously quick!!

How fast are XR6/G6E Turbo's again? And how about Clubbies and GT's?

The turbos and V8s are getting down to low 5s. HSVs not too far off either.

Whats is funny, is all the people that were saying how could a 4 cylinder work in a Falcon but it will flog everything pre AU even though it weighs more. Its the economy model too.

[Resurrection]

I would like to see a comparison of:
FG EcoBoost XT
FG EcoLPI XT
FG petrol XT
VE 3.0 petrol Omega
VE 3.6 LPG Omega
VE 3.6 petrol Omega

Such a test would show how the new low-fuel cost models compare. Which would be lowest lowest cents per kilometer for fuel cost?

[Auslandau]

In Tassie now with Ford, Ecoboost and a handful of journos. Have completed a 350 km drive with the XT, G6, G6E including some great fun around the track and some VERY impressive figures.

Will fill you in when I get back but suffice to say ..... To say there is a lag in boost, the Ecoboost is a waste of investment and a 4 has no place in the Falcon line up need to get there bums in one. From a die hard V8 fan .... Things are getting serious!

To give a hint of how things go ..... Best 100 k in the 6 cylinder was 7.64. Best in the Ecoboost? 7.69 (was wet and had wheels spinning). Best time for the day before the rain? 6.71 secs to 100 k's.

Do not judge a book by its cover or you could embarrass yourself

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Which is why I think Ford should have tried just a bit hard to make G6 under 200 & not 201 we end up with. Hopefully they'll be happy with XT model?

XT is fine for general duties use, I work for a govt department and all we have in our department fleet is base spec cars. Only directors and the director-general get something classier and they get to choose from a different list with higher CO2 rated vehicles anyway

I can't speak for other states and the Feds though

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Resurrection

I would like to see a comparison of:
FG EcoBoost XT
FG EcoLPI XT
FG petrol XT
VE 3.0 petrol Omega
VE 3.6 LPG Omega
VE 3.6 petrol Omega

Such a test would show how the new low-fuel cost models compare. Which would be lowest lowest cents per kilometer for fuel cost?

also be interesting to see how it performs up against cars like hyundai i45.

[flooded one]

those figures are just bloody amazing!!!! I want too drive one!!! who ever thought a 4 cylinder falcon!!! gosh i hope it sells!!! if it does this is defently the future for the falcon!! ford advertise it!!!

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Nikked

I bet 70% of Australia would not know a 4cly falcon exist.

i don't think they need to know. just market ecoboost.

[Auslandau]

Many departments will not allow a 6 cyl hence the 4 comes into play. Having the option of a G6 and the G6E also gives More flexibility on what they offer. Once the engine was engineered for one, it is easy to place it in other models. While the 4 will have a following for fleets, those in areas where you pay per cylinder will also be advantaged

EcoLpi is to fill the gap for retail as it is still more popular in this segment

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by prydey

i don't think they need to know. just market ecoboost.

That is a very major point. The name G6 will be staying. No mention of 4 anywhere. It is all about 'Ecoboost' in different variations

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

In Tassie now with Ford, Ecoboost and a handful of journos.

Is Hagon/Gover/Dowling there? I'll give you $50 for each one you manage to punch in the nurries.

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Is Hagon/Gover/Dowling there? I'll give you $50 for each one you manage to punch in the nurries.

Roady, you are so funny I'll match you dollar for dollar though

[Auslandau]

. No unfortunately. Would have enjoyed a chat with them

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Is Hagon/Gover/Dowling there? I'll give you $50 for each one you manage to punch in the nurries.

start passing the hat round. $50 from me too.

[washoutbeach]

Camry has a massive 40% share of the medium car market and the EB is primed to chip away.

The Camry market is built around the dull but reliable, so if we can offer some excitement and reliable, we have a winner. It seems that way.

In a world of bean counters and car wowsers, its a very enterprising and bold move forward by Ford. Shows great faith and passion in their belief that Australians do feel good about their product.

Now I put some LPG into the Falcon BA today, I got a lot of change back and then the needle nearly fell off the gauge. Now Im not used to this, it left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I felt quite pleased with this.

I imagine that if I had an EB4 I would experience this happiness several times over.

Not because I am cheap or mean, I just felt like I had won for a change! No other car has stimulated this almost extinct emotion in me!

Another reason why I am a convert.

[BrisVegas]

So glad to hear the ecoBoost is posting some good numbers and surprising a few people! It should too, it's got a heap of power and torque. Compared to the weezy old starfire 4 Commodore, they're worlds apart...

VH Commodore SLE 1.9
Power: 54kw at 4400rpm
Torque: 138Nm at 2800rpm
1196kg

FGII Falcon XT ecoBoost 2.0
Power: 179kw at 5500pm
Torque: 353Nm at 2000rpm
1648kg

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by washoutbeach

Camry has a massive 40% share of the medium car market and the EB is primed to chip away.

The Camry market is built around the dull but reliable, so if we can offer some excitement and reliable, we have a winner. It seems that way.

The mid sized car segment is around 8% of total cars built where as large car segment has now slipped slightly below that.
If Falcon could straddle the two segments with I-4 EB in Mid size and I-6 in the large then sales will be strengthened.

If however buyers come back and swap allegiances from I-6 to the new Ecoboost I-4 then i think its all over for Geelong engine..
It's still early days yet and Ford is clearly limiting builds of Ecoboost until they have a clear reaction from buyers, interesting times..

Since Mondeo is hard to get in any decent volumes from Europe and Ford has no plans to build Mondeo in Asia,
I think FoA should capitalise on this by either pressing forward with Ecoboost Falcon or introduce Aussie built Mondeo.
Eitherway, Ford has to change with changing customer needs and expectations..

[GTP-03]

What about people who tow caravans and big trailers etc? Theres got to be a market for the 6, even if its in lpi form only.

[smoo]

Geez these things are quick, who would have thought a 4 cylinder Falcon can dust off a BA XR8 lol.
I would like to see an economy test of the big Aussies, EB4, LPi, TD Terry, 3.0 Commodore and 6 cylinder G6E and Calais for good measure.

[Rodge]

Yeah there's lots to like no question. OTOH if the Mondeo Titanium Ecoboost had a a state of tune that wasn't so contrived by Ford Au (149 kw and 300 nm's from the same engine), to make it less attractive... we'd have a level playing field, but one is left to suspect Ford Au don't want that.

A 2013 new model Mondeo Ecoboost Titanium if its allowed to be imported with a proper state of tune will make for an interesting comparison with a G6E Ecoboost.

[mcnews]

A mate of mine in product development for a parts supplier to Ford and they share proving ground time etc. told me over a year ago that the four-pot Falcon was going to surprise people, and that testing had found it too responsive for the target market and that it even had to be detuned a bit... Must be an ace motor using latest tech.

If only they had given us a latest tech diesel in the Territory rather than the old hat stuff they slotted in there...

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by prydey

who'd have thought.

interesting that 0-100 times are only a fraction of a second slower. not that the targeted demographic would probably care about that stat. not many people i know hold their foot flat from 0-100.

what it highlights is that it still will feel like a falcon to drive around. no doubt something ford worked hard at. this means if you don't lift the bonnet, the only time you will notice a difference is when you fill up.

Agreed 100%
Ill be honest when i heard about the EB going into a falcon i was a none believer that it would be anything near good.
Thinking that it wouldnt feel like a falcon, be underpowered, slow and not what the falcon is about.
If ive said anything bad ill retract it at this point. I know its really the first test but it looks promising at this stage hopefully once we see a few on the road and get a real world idea on how the car performs it doesnt change much.

Now FoA needs to ADVERTISE the bloody thing.

Originally Posted by Auslandau

In Tassie now with Ford, Ecoboost and a handful of journos.

Dave i must ask how did you manage to get a drive down there?