2014 Falcon features, tech and upgrades

[F6E]

Originally Posted by flappist

The XR8 was $45k in 2009-2010 which was EXACTLY the same price as the XR6T and withing a couple of hundred dollars of the SS. It hardly sold
....

That's because, by this stage, the V8 buying public were awake to the fact that the "Boss" V8 was, is and always will be a boat mooring ....

I expect to see

- auto headlights off ( '80's tec)
- electric pax seat, w' memory ( 80's )
- auto all windows ( again '80's )
- keyless entry & go on up spec models ( make proper use of the "button") and it would be one up on the VF
- staggered wheel/ tyre fitment STD on sports and optionable on other models
- more cohesive interior trim options
- more "options" in general
- a few new colours
- little change to power plants , because they are already a model cycle ahead
of VF..... I6t, scV8, ecoboost 4..... No competition!
- the usual minor panel and garnish fluff
- possibly a true quality "premium" entertainment offering ( a bit hopeful I know and it won't sell cars either ).

The Ford product still has the better " bones " it just needs to jump into 2015 and offer the equipment ( even if it's tech fluff ) to get the 'mum 'n' dad' punters back! We enthusiasts are and always will be the fringe minority.

[Thunder]

Originally Posted by UberKnee

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."

Fair enough, my appologies.

But the attitudes on this forum like "pointless" are very negative. The australian car manufacturing industry needs all the help it can get to match/compete with global manufacturers. As an example, the current Ford Falcon has been widely praised as competing internationally in terms of quality, design, engineering and performance...............and is only missing "pointless aids" to truely being world class.

[DeKa]

Originally Posted by 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?

If you have an iPhone or android download the Pandora Radio app and give it a go. It's free, although with 1 ad every 5 min or so. $36pa for no ads and higher quality. Usage is about 30MB/hr over 3G.

You can also try it out in your browser at www.pandora.com

The concept is like radio.. You pick a song or artist you like (eg if you like Pearl Jam you may like Triple M). Once you pick a song, artist or genre Pandora makes a 'station' for you. If you dislike something you can skip it.

My guess is GM/GMH may have done a deal to waive the $36pa fee.

I don't see it as that exciting a feature in a car as if you have a smartphone and Bluetooth you can already play it through the car stereo anyway (like I do in my Focus).

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by fou_bleu

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.

Wow... you really are crazy blue. This is a Forum, where others will have different opinions to you, and they will share them, with or without your approval. Coming in to defend the honour of technology is just... sad. I personally am a nerd. I build my own computers. But the technology wars of motor vehicles these days is ridiculous. And as you can see, my comment meant something to other people in this thread. So while you have your own opinion.. don't go on a campaign to smash down anything you didn't agree with, that's just childish.

Originally Posted by fou_bleu

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.

1) I live in the South West of WA... our winters are just as long. And anyone who's been here knows it gets bloody cold. It can even snow on rare occasion further south.

2) The time it takes for those electrics to heat your seat, your body warmth would have almost done already, and because it's winter, you'd dress appropriately anyway would you not? And after having the heater on for a few minutes you should be more than comfortable already, one could presume.

3) With the exception of New Zealand, and maybe Tasmania there's no real need for heated seats or heated steering wheels outside the Northern Hemisphere.

4) Petite people may find it harder to generate sufficient body heat in those colder months... so I can't speak for everyone of course. But I find it hard to believe it necessary in Australian climes.

IMHO of course.

As regards sensors, and park assistance technologies... they detract from the drivers judgement. If you can't park a car, you probably shouldn't be driving one. Again... IMHO

[F6E]

m5 had heated and cooled seats , never used the heat feature ( Briz ) but the vented, cooled ( a/c pumped into yr butt and back ) got a real workout, a much more practical ( for Australia ) feature IMO.

But I think we are moving toward the " wish list " ?

Will it help sales volume ? Its all an equation of ROI for Ford ( & GM, etc ).

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by F6E

m5 had heated and cooled seats , never used the heat feature ( Briz ) but the vented, cooled ( a/c pumped into yr butt and back ) got a real workout, a much more practical ( for Australia ) feature IMO.

But I think we are moving toward the " wish list " ?

Will it help sales volume ? Its all an equation of ROI for Ford ( & GM, etc ).

Leather seats in the summer. I can see the need for AC seats.

This is the issue with Leather down under. (did that sound wrong? :P)

[UberKnee]

Originally Posted by F6E

That's because, by this stage, the V8 buying public were awake to the fact that the "Boss" V8 was, is and always will be a boat mooring ....

I expect to see

- auto headlights off ( '80's tec)
- electric pax seat, w' memory ( 80's )
- auto all windows ( again '80's )
- keyless entry & go on up spec models ( make proper use of the "button") and it would be one up on the VF
- staggered wheel/ tyre fitment STD on sports and optionable on other models
- more cohesive interior trim options
- more "options" in general
- a few new colours
- little change to power plants , because they are already a model cycle ahead
of VF..... I6t, scV8, ecoboost 4..... No competition!
- the usual minor panel and garnish fluff
- possibly a true quality "premium" entertainment offering ( a bit hopeful I know and it won't sell cars either ).

The Ford product still has the better " bones " it just needs to jump into 2015 and offer the equipment ( even if it's tech fluff ) to get the 'mum 'n' dad' punters back! We enthusiasts are and always will be the fringe minority.

That all sounds pretty good and yeah the motors are one thing Ford doesn't have to fiddle with. Rebadge the GT's as 350kw cars and maybe retune the Turbo motors to squeeze out a little extra power stock. They can really just focus on other aspects of the car, wheras the FG lineup has been more focused on the motors.

[coupxb]

It will just be a new ICC and that's it. Ford in Australia is over. The VF as did the VE series 2 beats it hands down unfortunately.

[Thunder]

Originally Posted by Buntz

.........,The time it takes for those electrics to heat your seat, your body warmth would have almost done already, and because it's winter, you'd dress appropriately anyway would you not? And after having the heater on for a few minutes you should be more than comfortable already, one could presume.......

Have you tested the operating time of heated seats compared to airconditioning on a cold winters morning in a modern vehicle? My last 2 vehicles: seats heated significantly faster than the time its takes to warm up the engine and thus warm up the aircon.

FYI: 2008 Honda Accord 2 minutes and 30 seconds, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 60 seconds only, talking seats here. I don't bother switching on the air unless i need my windscreen demisted.

[Lardman]

Originally Posted by Thunder

Have you tested the operating time of heated seats compared to airconditioning on a cold winters morning in a modern vehicle? My last 2 vehicles: seats heated significantly faster than the time its takes to warm up the engine and thus warm up the aircon.

FYI: 2008 Honda Accord 2 minutes and 30 seconds, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 60 seconds only, talking seats here. I don't bother switching on the air unless i need my windscreen demisted.

Heated seats takes about 20sec to get to a decent temperature

the only thing I didn't like about em is you flick em on as a passenger and you're fast asleep in not very long

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by coupxb

It will just be a new ICC and that's it. Ford in Australia is over. The VF as did the VE series 2 beats it hands down unfortunately.

I really hope it will be called the FU falcon.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by coupxb

It will just be a new ICC and that's it. Ford in Australia is over. The VF as did the VE series 2 beats it hands down unfortunately.

Joshua is that you?

[Rodge]

Where's the adaptive cruise control on the new VF ?

[Lardman]

Honestly, all the falcon needs is:

• Lighter body panels - Aluminum construction
• Updated ICC to use the same system in the new Focus etc
• Updated interior
• exterior updates, minor
• HIDs as an option
• Auto headlights
• Front park sensors / auto park as an option
• Simplified lineup

Pretty much lands it bang on par with the new VF.

[CSV_LS1]

Does anyone know if the FG currently use a global wiring architecture? If not they'll definitely need it to implement any of the new toys the VF has i imagine.

[bigwil]

Originally Posted by Nikked

I really hope it will be called the FU falcon.

Followed by the FO Falcon.

[Elements]

Originally Posted by coupxb

It will just be a new ICC and that's it. Ford in Australia is over. The VF as did the VE series 2 beats it hands down unfortunately.

Edit: Never mind.

[My poor XF]

Originally Posted by coupxb

It will just be a new ICC and that's it. Ford in Australia is over. The VF as did the VE series 2 beats it hands down unfortunately.

Nice fact based statement here...

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Where's the adaptive cruise control on the new VF ?

QFT, at least Ford already has this available in a car sold locally, the Mondeo so you can assume it should turn up in the FU. I wonder if it will also get the Mondeo's swivelling headlights.

EDIT: It should, because the software update at Broady will allow them to calibrate the system on vehicles made there:

http://www.at.ford.com/news/TeamCont...s-Further.aspx

The new system also allows plants to run different calibration tests between facilities, allowing the testing of advanced vehicle features on a controlled level surface, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Aid, and Lane Departure Warning. Combined, these help with the further development of future vehicles.

[tranquilized]

I dont think it'll be as big an update as some here are predicting, more than just a new ICC obviously, but not the kind of update the Commodore has just received. I'd predict the lions share of the budget will go towards economy improvements (due to the government tipping in about half) rather than comfort-improving tech. We already know it'll get new front (and hopefully rear) sheet metal which, according to Ford, looks great.

The XR8 has been discussed here a lot of late. I'd love to see it return, and yes I would buy one if it did, but it would have to be priced as an XR8 - ie, a small step up from XR6T money.

But the GS is obviously the cheapest a V8 Falcon can be sustainably sold for at the moment - that $40 million needs to be recouped. A $57k XR8 wont fly so they just stuck FPV badges and a starter button on an otherwise identical car and the job was done.

Hopefully in the not too distant future Ford might be able to make a business case for a cheaper S/C V8 model. The fact remains now though, that there is a gaping hole in the lineup, and Ford really need a lower-spec V8 for XR8 and G8E duties. They'll never get one now though, that boat has sailed I reckon.

[TC200six]

Originally Posted by coupxb

It will just be a new ICC and that's it. Ford in Australia is over. The VF as did the VE series 2 beats it hands down unfortunately.

So you work in Ford's design department?

[Bossxr8]

Ford definately won't have the money to spend that Holden have, that's for certain. I'm sure Chevrolet chipped in a fair bit of money for the Chev SS version with funding to match, not to mention the other exports to the Middle East etc, that can all share the load of the R&D costs. Ford has none of that, not to mention they sell a lot less Falcons than Commodores.

You might see lane departure warning and blind spot alert but you definately won't see active cruise control or self parking etc. They will do the cheaper, easier stuff. Luckily they will be doing a front and rear so in terms of styling it will match the VF in that area.

[turbodewd]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Ford definately won't have the money to spend that . Luckily they will be doing a front and rear so in terms of styling it will match the VF in that area.

How the thing looks makes a massive difference. the AU was a bomb due to looks, so the opposite must also be true. You make a cool looking car and ppl will buy it either way. How else can anyone explain Alfa Romeos selling?!

[F6E]

Originally Posted by turbodewd

How the thing looks makes a massive difference. the AU was a bomb due to looks, so the opposite must also be true. You make a cool looking car and ppl will buy it either way. How else can anyone explain Alfa Romeos selling?!

Thankfully not for much longer , down to only 2 model offerings now, Mito and Guiletta from memory ? ( Fiat )

Hundreds of tow truck operators will now face going out of business
Our 147 would have contributed admirably to their Super funds...

Hopefully Ford will draw styling cues from the current Mondeo and not do an AU on us...

[NX74205]

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.

The question is not who "needs" heated seats. If we're reducing cars down to the absolute essentials, then we wouldn't have air conditioning, or power steering, or radio ....

The question is who "wants" to have it. Granted, not everybody does, but if these gadgets get more and more people into Falcon, then that's a good thing.

I've never understood the anti-technology attitude. Falcon needs them to keep up. Don't want heated seats? Don't use them. Don't want the car to park itself? Don't use it. Just because a car has those features as standard doesn't mean you have to use it.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

You might see lane departure warning and blind spot alert but you definately won't see active cruise control or self parking etc.

Although the hardware for these items already exists in Australia in the Ford parts bin (EPAS in the SZ Territory and adaptive cruise in the Mondeo) and these bit would be the big ticket items.

[Bossxr8]

Doesn't mean they both don't need significant engineering and dollars to implement them. Space seems to be the issue with EPAS on Falcon too.

[csv8]

F6E Alfa cop car

[Lardman]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Although the hardware for these items already exists in Australia in the Ford parts bin (EPAS in the SZ Territory and adaptive cruise in the Mondeo) and these bit would be the big ticket items.

Costs to adapt them wouldn't be that much, especially adaptive cruise along with front parking sensors.

The Jag XF already has many of these features, even if they're owned by Tata now.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

You might see lane departure warning and blind spot alert .

With the changes to ANCAP safety ratings in the near future, these sort of features are needed to gain the full 5 stars, so Ford will have to add these items if it wants maintain the cars top rating.