Ford has announced the specifications for the 2014 Falcon lineup. The Falcon, G and XR Series gain a raft of new features and connectivity and is the only Australian-built large car to be available with four, six and V8 powertrains
Among the new features in the refreshed Falcon lineup are smart technologies such as Ford’s SYNC2 connectivity system with Emergency Assistance and digital radio, which are standard across the range.
There are six sedan models to choose from – Falcon, Falcon G6E, Falcon G6E Turbo, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8. On the utility front, five Ute models are available – Falcon Cab Chassis, Falcon Styleside box, Falcon XR6 Cab Chassis, Falcon XR6 Styleside box and Falcon XR6 Turbo Styleside box.
As part of the upgrades across the Falcon range, Ford has responded to feedback and added new customer-focused content:
- Emergency Assistance (all models)
- Front and rear parking sensors (all sedan models)
- Rear reversing camera (all sedan models)
- Rain-sensing wipers (G6E, XR series)
- SYNC2 with 8’’ integrated colour touch screen (all models)
- Voice control system developed in partnership with Nuance (all models)
- Digital Radio (DAB+) (all models)
- Dual antenna system (all models)
- Wi Fi hot spot (all models)
- New alloys (all models)
Exterior Design
Key design elements on the new Ford Falcon / G6E models include:
- New front fascia featuring the Ford signature trapezoidal grille moved high up on the front end with chrome detailing on the outer bezel and bars (G6E)
- New headlamps
- Unique G6E fog lamp bezels
- Distinctive ‘laser-cut’ slim headlamps featuring technical graphics and finishes as well as unique signature lighting for G6E models
- All new rear fascia with split tail lamps featuring LED technology and new sculpted deck lid with integrated rear spoiler
- New 16-inch alloy wheels on Falcon as standard
- New 18-inch alloy wheels on Falcon G6E as standard
- New exterior colour: Fine Alloy option for G6E
Parking Sensors
All Falcon sedan models now have front and rear parking sensors as standard.
The front sensors can be active when the gearshift is in any position other than Park (P) and the vehicle speed is below 10 km/h. The system is activated by pressing the park aid button on the instrument panel.
The sensors cover an area of up to 70 centimetres from the front of the vehicle and 15 to 35 centimetres to the side of the front end of the vehicle.
The front and rear parking sensors sound an audible warning when obstacles are near either
bumper in the following manner:
- Objects detected by the front sensors are indicated by a high pitched tone from the front radio speakers.
- Objects detected by the rear sensors are indicated by a lower pitched tone from the rear radio speakers.
- The sensing system reports the obstacle that is closest to the front or rear of the vehicle. For example, if an obstacle is 60 centimetres from the front of the vehicle and, at the same time, an obstacle is only 40 centimetres from the rear of the vehicle, the lower pitched tone sounds.
- Alternating warning sounds from the front and rear if there are objects at both bumpers that are closer than 25 centimetres.
Rear Camera with Overlays
A reversing camera is now standard on all Falcon sedans.
The camera system has been enhanced for Falcon and includes three different
guides to help the driver identify what is behind the vehicle:
- Fixed Guidelines show the path of the vehicle while reversing in a straight line, with green, yellow and red distance indication
- Active Guidelines are shown when you steer the steering wheel, showing your intended path. Active guidelines fade out when the steering wheel is straight.
- Centreline helps align the centre of the vehicle with an object such as a trailer
A manual zoom can be activated to provide a closer view of an object behind the vehicle. In
this mode only the centreline is shown.
Human Machine Interface (HMI) with SYNC2
The intuitive HMI layout and design has been improved across the Falcon range.
The revised HMI includes SYNC2 with a new graphic display system utilising layers and colours
to aid navigation of menus and connected functions. The system is easy to use and displays a primary source of information for the vehicle’s comfort and convenience systems.
With a 4 quadrant colour touch screen, it is designed to be both engaging and easy to use. The menu allows customers to adjust and personalise audio, climate, phone and various other settings of the in-car convenience and comfort systems.
All Falcon models are also fitted with an 8″ colour touch screen, a traditional HMI button interface and voice control to access systems such as:
- Entertainment system controls
- Climate control settings
- Phone information
- Satellite navigation with Traffic Message Channel (standard G6E, XR8)^
Audio System
SYNC2 offers multiple audio options including:
- Radio DAB+, FM, FMAS, AM & AMAS
- Audio files/music streaming from compatible smartphones via USB or Bluetooth®
- Audio files from connected USB devices including memory sticks, flash drives, external self-powered hard drives
- SD card slot: Play and browse audio files from SD cards (note: SD slot in Titanium is used for Satellite Navigation software)
- CD/MP3/WMA: Play and browse the contents of an MP3/WMA CD or CD
- Auxiliary input: Play audio from a connected MP3/other audio devices
iPhone and iPod Integration
There is a fully integrated interface between the iPod unit and the vehicle’s audio system on all Falcon models.
It allows the user to control the iPod player through SYNC2, HMI buttons or steering wheel mounted buttons and through voice control.
Voice Control System
All Falcon models now have the convenience of SYNC2’s voice control system as standard.
The in-car functions that can be controlled by voice include entertainment, climate, phone, satellite navigation (Titanium only) and general settings.
Digital Radio (DAB +)
A DAB+ digital radio is standard on all Falcon models. It provides a high quality audio signal due to digital broadcasting, avoiding any of the interference noises typical of a traditional AM/FM radio station.
Passengers can also see more information, via the touch screen, of what the digital radio is playing. It shows the title and artist of the song, the news headlines, or the latest sports results (note: availability of information displayed is dependent on the broadcast).
Complementing the DAB+ radio system is a dual antenna system on all Falcon models, as well as Wi-Fi hot-spot connectivity.
To improve radio reception Ford has fitted an antenna in the roof and another behind the front bumper.
The Wi-Fi capability creates a wireless network hotspot within the vehicle, thereby allowing other devices such as personal computers or games to be operated in the vehicle.
By using the Wi-Fi feature, everyone in the vehicle can access the internet via a mobile broadband connection inside the vehicle, if a mobile phone supports personal area networking, or if the vehicle is parked outside a wireless hotspot.
Series Content
FALCON SEDAN
The Falcon sedan includes the following features:
MECHANICAL
Standard engine:
- 4.0-litre DOHC DI VCT I6 petrol engine (195kW, 391Nm)
Optional engines:
- 2.0-litre 16V TiVCT EcoBoost petrol engine (176kW, 340Nm)
- 4.0-litre EcoLPi DOHC DI VCT I6 LPG engine (198kW, 409Nm)
- 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift
- Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension
EXTERIOR change vs. FG Mk II Falcon
- Michelin low-rolling resistance tyres with improved fuel economy – new
- 16″ x 6.5″ alloy wheels – new design
- LED tail lamps – new
- Projector headlamps – new
- Body coloured bumpers, side mirrors and door handles – new design bumpers
INTERIOR
- Light limestone upper environment – new
- 4-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Single zone automatic climate control
- Power windows and side mirrors
- Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls
- Single CD audio system with 4 speakers
- DAB+ radio – new
- Interior Command Centre with 8″ colour touch screen – new for Falcon sedan
- SYNC 2 with Voice Control and Emergency Assist – new
- iPod integration
- Bluetooth mobile phone integration
- Two USB music ports additional USB port
- SD card slot – new
- 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack
- Dual antenna system – new
- Wi-Fi hot-spot – new
SAFETY
- Front and rear parking sensors – new front sensors
- Rear view camera with overlays – new
- Dynamic Stability Control
- ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Traction Control
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Side Thorax Airbags
- Emergency Brake Assist
- Beltminder™ system (for driver and front passenger)
FALCON G6E SEDAN
The Falcon G6E sedan includes the following features in addition to those of the Falcon sedan:
MECHANICAL
Standard engine:
- 4.0-litre DOHC Di VCT I6 petrol engine (195kW, 391Nm)
Optional engines:
- 2.0-litre 16V TiVCT EcoBoost petrol engine (176kW, 340Nm)
- 4.0-litre DOHC Di VCT Turbo I6 petrol engine (270kW, 533Nm)
- Luxury Sports suspension
EXTERIOR change vs. FG Mk II Falcon
- 18″ x 8.0″ alloy wheels – new design for G6E
- 19″ x 8.0″ alloy wheels – new design for G6E Turbo
- Unique front LED day time running lamps L shape – new
- Fog lamps – new
- Rain sensing wipers – new
- Front fender badge feature – new design
- Unique G6E front bumper
- Front grille with chrome trim
- Power Side Memory mirrors
with integrated turn indicators
INTERIOR
- Light limestone upper environment – new on G6E only
- Perforated Leather wrapped steering wheel, stitching with new accent colour thread
- Black upper environment – new on G6E Turbo only
- Optional tan interior environment
- Electrochromatic rear vision mirror (auto-dimming)
- Premium Sound system with 9 speakers including Amplifier and Subwoofer
- 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 3 position memory
- Puddle/courtesy lamps on inner door trims
- Leather wrapped handbrake handle
- Satellite Navigation with Traffic Message Channel
- Leather trimmed seats
- Cloth Covered Sunvisors
- Dual zone climate control
- Sunglasses holder incorporating map reading lamps
FALCON XR6 SEDAN
The Falcon XR6 sedan includes the following features in addition to those of the Falcon sedan:
MECHANICAL
Standard engine:
- 4.0-litre DOHC Di VCT I6 petrol engine (195kW, 391Nm)
Optional engines:
- 4.0-litre EcoLPi DOHC Di VCT I6 LPG engine (198kW, 409Nm)
- 4.0-litre DOHC Di VCT Turbo I6 petrol engine (270kW, 533Nm)
Standard transmission:
- 6 speed manual transmission (not available with 4.0-litre EcoLPi engine)
Optional transmission:
- 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift
- Sports Suspension
EXTERIOR change vs. FG Mk II Falcon
- 18″ x 8.0″ alloy wheels – new design for XR6
- 19″ x 8.0″ alloy wheels – new design for XR6 Turbo
- Unique front LED day time running lamps W shape – new
- Rain sensing wipers – new
- Unique XR front bumper – new design
- Unique Sports Grilles with accent colour surrounds – new design
- Front fog lamps
INTERIOR
- Black upper environment – new
- Perforated Leather wrapped steering wheel stitching – new colour accent thread
- Prestige six-speaker audio sound system
- Cloth sports seats
- Sports Instrument cluster gauges and blue backlighting
FALCON UTILITY
The Falcon Utility model includes the following features:
MECHANICAL
Standard engine:
- 4.0-litre DOHC Di VCT I6 petrol engine (195kW, 391Nm)
Optional engines:
- 4.0-litre EcoLPi DOHC Di VCT I6 LPG engine (198kW, 409Nm)
- 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift (floor or column shift)
- Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
EXTERIOR change vs. FG Mk II Falcon
- 16″ x 6.5″ steel wheels
- Body coloured front bumper and door handles – new bumper design
INTERIOR
- Single Zone Climate control – now standard
- Interior Command Centre with 8″ TFT screen – new
- SYNC 2 with Voice Control and Emergency Assist – new
- SD card slot – new
- Dual antenna system – new
- 4-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Power windows and side mirrors
- Single CD audio system with 2 speakers
- Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls
- iPod integration
- Bluetooth mobile phone integration
- Two USB music ports
- 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack
SAFETY
- Dynamic Stability Control
- ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Traction Control
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Side Head/Thorax Airbags
- Emergency Brake Assist
- Beltminder™ system (for driver and front passenger)
FALCON XR6 UTILITY
The Falcon XR6 Utility includes the following features in addition to those of the Falcon Utility:
MECHANICAL
Standard engine:
- 4.0-litre DOHC Di VCT I6 petrol engine (195kW, 391Nm)
Optional engines:
- 4.0-litre EcoLPi DOHC Di VCT I6 LPG engine (198kW, 409Nm)
- 4.0-litre DOHC Di VCT Turbo I6 petrol engine (270kW, 533Nm)
Standard transmission:
- 6 speed manual transmission (not available with 4.0-litre EcoLPi engine)
Optional transmission:
- 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift
EXTERIOR change vs. FG Mk II Falcon
- 18″ x 8.0″ alloy wheels – new design for XR6
- 19″ x 8.0″ alloy wheels – new design for XR6 Turbo
- Unique front LED day time running lamps W shape – new
- Rain sensing wipers – new
- Unique XR front bumper – new design
- Unique Sports Grilles with accent colour surrounds –new design
- Front fog lamps
INTERIOR
- Perforated Leather wrapped steering wheel, stitching with new accent colour thread
- Black upper environment – new
- Prestige six-speaker audio sound system
- Cloth sports seats
- Sports Instrument cluster gauges and blue backlighting
SAFETY
- Same as Falcon Utility
Colour Palette
The Falcon and Falcon XR range will be available in 10 colours. All colours except Winter White are prestige paint colours.
| Exterior Body Colour | Falcon | XR6 | G6E | XR8 | Utility | XR6 Utility |
| Winter White (solid paint) | ||||||
| Lightning Strike | ||||||
| Smoke | ||||||
| Vanish | ||||||
| Silhouette | ||||||
| Archon Bronze | ||||||
| Kinetic | ||||||
| Emperor | ||||||
| Fine Alloy | ||||||
| Victory Gold |