Merc1

We Don't Slow Down Much in Australia

Even these bold, baboon-butt Brembo brakes don't deliver fully on their promise. While pedal modulation feels great, the Falcon GT came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet, 5 feet longer than the stop recorded by the Holden Commodore SS we tested on the same day. It seems like a disappointing performance from such an expensive brake package with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rears.

Slightly oversensitive calibration of the ABS also flusters braking performance over road ripples, making apex-picking a challenge during press-on, open-road punting.

Well, all of that's true in Australia, anyway. Our roads vary from divided highways to wandering tracks across the Outback, so it's easy to turn up the compromises that must be built into a platform that must be sufficiently tough for daily dirt-road use, yet sophisticated enough to aspire to the performance of a European sport sedan.

You know what it is? The Falcon GT's shortcomings are the things that make it feel to Australian drivers as if it's a bit, well, American.

Winging Its Way to Where?

The Aussie Falcon's future has been debated for about as long as Dearborn has lacked a decent platform for a large rear-drive sedan.

It seems that each new generation of the Falcon is predicted to be its last, as smaller international platforms (like the DEW98 platform beneath the current Lincoln MKZ and Jaguar S-Type) are constantly tipped to replace this Aussie-engineered production, which is as old as grandfather's axe.

Next to the VE Commodore, however, the Falcon does feel a generation older. That's why a substantial revision of the Falcon platform is due next year, we're told. Apparently Ford will address the Falcon's dull feel from the front tires with a stronger front subframe, new lower wishbones for the front suspension and a new steering system.

Almost certainly, however, this new car will be the last unique, all-Aussie Falcon. The next-generation platform, due around 2012, will be shared with Ford's rear-drive U.S. models. If we're lucky, Dearborn will have learned a few things from the Aussies by then.

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Wasn't sure where to put this one????

M

Curb Zone

 

ateekt

This is the Ford, that car "save" Ford in America ...!

BMW_Owner

I owned one great, fantastic car

Mirage77

Why all of a sudden we're getting a flurry of Aussie performance cars? Did the US relax rules or something?

Beemer B773ER

Huh?? ... the Ford Falcon FPV GT has never been sold in the States.


I don't think there are any plans to take the FPV GT over to the States either...


Notice that the car in the photos is a right-hand-drive car, so it definately cannot be a US version. I think Edmunds just decided to do a feature on an Aussie car..... and I have to say it's a true-blue Aussir brute!! Looks menacing as hell... only one of a handful of cars that looks great with that huge wing planted on the rear deck! Under the bonnet it only gets better!! ..But as the article states, the new Holden VE Commodore (subsidiary of GM) will outclass the Falcon. In fact, a local motoring magazine did a comparo of the Holden Commodore, MB E-class, and BMW 5er... and stated that the Holden had better steering and handling than the 5er .. but umm, I find that hard to believe. A case of patriotism gone too far there!

Monster

The FPV GT is an ok car. it is getting way too old though, the basic design dates back to 1997, but the car received a significant upgrade in 2002 but it wasn't enough. The engine is the significant factor that contributes to the car's relatively blunt handling abilities. The Ford GT was not design to fit this engine originally but the engineers managed to do so back in 2002, however the engine sit too much forward in the chassie and it is too high in the car. thus that bulge on the bonnet is really necessary.

Monster

Put this here http://www.germancarzone.com/pit-gen...ance-cars.html

I saw this article last week but i thought nobody will be interested so i didn't bother to post it up, since my thread Aussie Performance Cars have gone cold, check out the road test of the HSV R8 clubsport from autocar. The guys from Edmunds should try the FPV Ford F6, that car is more focused, lighter weight, 4.0L turbo inline 6, with torque than the V8.

More like the US has finally discover how well engineered the Aussie performance cars are compare to what they have over there.

Mirage77

Hmm well whatever it is, I think Aussie performance cars are hot.

Beemer B773ER

And also the fact that they're scratching their heads trying to find a way to pick up their sales! The Americans and their love for powerful cars is never-ending (regardless of fuel prices)... so it's a good sign of respect and acknowledgement that the Yanks' are focusing their binoculars across the Pacific to see what we Aussie folks are creating in our own backyard!!

Monster

As i have said before, the Commodore is designed by local engineers for local conditions, i have no doubt it excels on the road in Australia, if not they really should be fired. Wheels never liked the active steering in the 5er, which comes standard for the Australian market, so it is not that hard to believe the Holden has better steering than the 5er. I don't think they say the Holden handle better than the 5er. I have the article at home, will scan or take photo of it once i am free.

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