V6 For Falcon

[Dagabond]

20 July 2007

Would you be prepared in 2010 to pay an extra $2000 for a Falcon because its engine is made in Geelong? No? Ford didn't think you would either which is why it was forced to tell everyone this week that it won't be wasting grants from Aussie taxpayer funds trying to build one.

Fckin horse shit.

If it was to keep 600 aussie workers employed I wouldnt even sniff at an extra 2000 dollars.

Who wrote that propogandic crap?

WEDNESDAY 05 NOVEMBER 2003:

$400 MILLION ENGINE PLANT POWERS HOLDEN'S GLOBAL DRIVE

General Motors today opened its largest single investment in Australia in more than 20 years - Holden's $400 million global V6 engine plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria.

The plant will generate up to 900 engines a day or 240,000 engines a year, with capacity to expand to 300,000 engines a year, which will ultimately create more than 500 jobs.

The Port Melbourne facility is Holden's first new engine plant in 22 years and will deliver fully locally produced six-cylinder engines for the first time since 1986.

Holden expects to generate up to $450 million a year in V6 engine exports, boosting the company's contribution to balance of trade to more than $1.5 billion a year.

The global V6 engine family will be exported to GM brands around the world and power future Holdens for domestic and overseas markets.

GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rick Wagoner, today joined senior representatives of Holden, the Federal and State Governments and industry unions to inaugurate the new plant, situated to the west of Holden's facilities in Port Melbourne.

Mr Wagoner was joined by Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Peter Hanenberger; the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Steve Bracks; Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Hon. Ian Macfarlane; and ACTU President Sharan Burrow,

More than 2000 Holden employees were invited to the event, celebrating the most significant development for Holden since it invested $300 million in a high-volume four-cylinder engine plant and foundry which opened at Fishermans Bend in 1981 and remains an integral part of Holden's operations.

The Port Melbourne facility is the second GM operation to manufacture the global V6 engine.

Holden will share this responsibility with the GM of Canada plant in St Catharines, Ontario, which commenced production in March 2003. St Catharines also produces the Generation III 5.7 litre V8 engine for Holden and Holden Special Vehicles cars.

The first engines from the Port Melbourne plant are destined for GM de Mexico, where they will be installed into the 2004 model Buick Rendezvous crossover vehicle.

These engines will power future Holdens from 2004 and plans are being developed to export to other markets in the United States, Europe and Asia.

The global V6 engine family was developed by GM Powertrain, which has a mission to develop the world's best powertrains. The engine boasts all-aluminium construction and comes in three displacement sizes - 2.8 litre, 3.2 litre and 3.6 litre - with the capacity to be expanded to 3.8 litre.

The all-aluminium construction offers features such as dual overhead camshafts, 24-valve per engine and continuously variable cam phasing. The engines can be used for front, rear or all wheel drive vehicles and are compatible with hybrid electric applications.

Holden 'Centre of Expertise'

Mr Wagoner today said the plant was further indication that Holden was becoming a centre of expertise within the GM family, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

He said the V6 engine exports added to Holden's contribution to developing large rear wheel drive vehicles, including the Pontiac GTO coupe based on the Holden Monaro.

Mr Wagoner praised Holden for its "one company" focus, its ability to deliver strong results and its "sense of urgency" and speed to market.

"Holden is very much part of GM's bigger plans for the long term," Mr Wagoner said.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Peter Hanenberger, said the Port Melbourne facility was a major part of Holden's strategy to become a niche global manufacturer servicing a range of GM markets.

"This engine plant will take Australian skills and products to the world," Mr Hanenberger said.

"It is the strongest possible endorsement by General Motors of Holden's future as an increasingly significant part of its international operations.

"This helps to drive Holden's ambitions to become a niche global manufacturer, using speed and agility to take advantage of markets to build a critical mass of vehicle and engine production capability in Australia.

"Holden has been one of Australia's big growth stories of the past few years and we intend to remain on this growth path, delivering increased benefits to General Motors markets round the world.

"The V6 engine plant introduces a fully localised six-cylinder powertrain for the first time since 1986 and reinforces Holden's position as Australia's own car company.

"In turn, Holden can build on these strengths to offer more options for GM product and powertrains in global markets.

"It is an extremely exciting role for Holden and rewarding to see the faith being placed by GM in our capability."

Mr Hanenberger said the project had strong involvement from the Federal and State Governments as well as the union movement, which had ensured the construction phase was completed without a day lost through site-specific action.

"This project has been delivered with many hands at the wheel," he said.

"There is no question that the participation and policy settings of the Federal Government and Victorian Government were primary factors in Australia securing this plant.

"The Federal Government's Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme had an important role in ensuring the business case, while the Victorian Government was actively involved in securing the plant for Australia."

Holden confirmed Fishermans Bend in December 2000 as the site for the new plant. Premier Bracks and Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Resources, the Hon. Senator Nick Minchin, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony in April 2001 and the handover event after construction was completed in October 2002.

High-Tech Manufacturing Facility

The Port Melbourne facility's contribution to Australia runs far beyond the initial investment of $400 million.

The ultimate commitment, with supplier investment, is estimated to grow to $700 million by mid-decade and stimulate further investment in the process. As an example, Ion Automotive announced in October 2002 that it would supply engine blocks from 2006.

The 32,000 square metre facility was constructed and designed by Baulderstone Hornibrook and Connell Wagner. Marubeni Corporation led a consortium to manage the design, development, construction and installation of high-tech machinery manufactured largely in Japan.

The plant has three machining and sub-assembly lines for the engine's block, crankshaft and cylinder heads. The engines are then built on a common assembly line before being sent to domestic or export customers. The layout allows for the removal of internal forklift usage, an important employee safety initiative.

Holden has employed leading environmental practices, including regulated temperature control and mist extraction for employees as well as modern recycling techniques.

Access Economics estimated in 2001 that the engine plant would add $5.2 billion to Australia's total economic benefit over the life of the program, as well as a total of 8000 flow-on jobs throughout the community.

The $400 million investment is part of Holden's $2 billion capital program in Australia between 2001 and 2006. It also includes a range of upgrades totalling $408 million in the general assembly area of Holden's vehicle manufacturing operations in Elizabeth, South Australia.

Holden also hired 1000 new employees at Elizabeth to introduce a third shift in June, increasing the company's overall workforce to about 9000.

"The Port Melbourne V6 plant spearheads a five-year investment initiative to cement Holden's future in Australia and the ASEAN region," Mr Hanenberger said.

"These investments allow us to continue to develop as a participant in GM's global product development processes and help fill niche gaps within portfolios in the GM family.

"The GM decision to source the reborn Pontiac GTO from Australia, based on the Holden Monaro, is a perfect example of how this can work.

"In addition, providing the global V6 engine for other GM vehicles around the world reinforces Holden's ability to build on it existing strengths and make a real contribution to other markets."

Holden to build donks for China

April 12, 2007

GM HOLDEN's engine plant at Fishermans Bend, Victoria, has won a timely export contract to supply 2.8 and 3.6 litre V6 engines to the Shanghai General Motors joint venture.

The engines will be used in a Chinese-built version of the Holden Statesman, the Buick Park Avenue, unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show yesterday.

The engine supply contract comes only days after GMH was awarded a contract to supply a special version of its long-wheelbase Caprice model to the GM Daewoo operation in Korea starting next year.

It has also come at the right time for the Fishermans Bend plant, which has been flagging lately, due in part to disappointing - but improving - sales of the new VE Commodore.

Late last year GMH cut the workforce at the plant from 1230 to 1030 in line with sharply reduced export orders for the four-cylinder Family Two engine from GM Daewoo.

There not angels either but atleast they've had the guts to invest in the future of Australia.

[f-wolf]

Fckin horse sh*t.

If it was to keep 600 aussie workers employed I wouldnt even sniff at an extra 2000 dollars.

Who wrote that propogandic crap?

http://editorial.carsales.com.au/car-review/2747626.aspx

[The Unforgiven]

Very sad news indeed for both enthusiests and the 600 workers who will lose their job. I'm going to miss the trusty I6 engine. This new V6 might be a brilliantly engineered thing, it might make more peak power and rev silky smooth, but ultimately it will be down on torque, and more importantly low down torque.

One of the things I love about the I6 is that they just feel like they has character. Compared to an Sv6, those engines rev hard and make decent power up top when you wring their necks, but nothing short of very short gearig will get them off the line fast, or pull a big load effortlessly between gears.

I hope the twin force does NOT have a big turbo/small turbo feature. I think two medium sized turbos will suffice, with short plubing and a decent intake setup, it should be a good thing. I hope it an be rebuilt though, unlike what another member suggested, that these engines can not be re sleaved, honed out ect.

My Final concern is about the transmissions. From what I've read, a 6 speed trans has been built in conjuction with this engine. To me, that means no ZF for us. The trans is supposed to have been built by getrag, another german company with a good reputation, so it might not be too bad. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Guys, get yourself a runout BFII Typhoon with a ZF trans. Get Nizpro or whoever to turn up the wick on this bad boy. Just incase this new engine will be a flop, you'll have something out the back in the form of therapy to reminise about when times were better.

Edited 21/07/07 12:09 AM by Strangled Cat

[tab]

There's still another model to be released before all this happens dude.

[DBOSS]

Just get rid of 6 cylinders all together there such a waste of good fuel

"BUMP"

[bloosted]

"BUMP"

Then what would you have to chase

[The Unforgiven]

There's still another model to be released before all this happens dude.

Yes, Orion series 1. Series 2 Orion should see the V6 and new BOSS (Hurricane) V8s. So I'd be getting a runout BFII or series 1 Orion Typhoon. I think come December 2009 someone looking for a Typhoon xmas present might have all their xmas' come at once with the discounting I assume they'll be doing.

[Evil F6]

Twin Turbo 3.5L V6 - 309kW 575Nm, not bad IMO and there is a 3.7l version available

[f-wolf]

Ford's plans to end local engine production heralds a new era for the maker Down Under. So should Aussies buy now or wait for the new generation?

Today's Falcon/Territory engine is the current six-cylinder petrol engine benchmark for large family cars and SUVs with its balance of longevity, ease of repair, fuel efficiency, towing power, LPG-compatibility and refinement. It won't be an easy act to follow, so should Aussie buyers snap up the last of them over the next three years or wait?

When the CarSales Network asked local Ford President Mr Tom Gorman whether Ford Australia had enough influence over Ford US to produce 50-70,000 engines suitable for Australia in a one million annual production run, he referred the question to his engineers.

The answer was an unconditional yes. In fact, local Ford engineers claimed that its 2010 Duratec replacement would not go backwards on any score.

This is a big claim when the current Falcon six has received 47 years of continuous development, a period exceeded only by Chevrolet's small block V8 and Bentley's aluminium V8 (once a Rolls Royce powerplant) and only approached by the Porsche 911 flat six.

If such a claim was made for any of today's global engines, it simply would not be true. All of the global engines under the bonnets of today's locally manufactured Mitsubishi 380, Toyota Aurion and Expensive Daewoo VE Late model camira have been designed with front-wheel drive in mind.

Because front-drive engines sit across the front axle, they must be more compact and lighter than a typical rear-wheel drive engine. If installed in a heavier car and forced to work hard, they can become harsh and thirsty. Typically they also lack low speed pulling power.

Both Mitsubishi and Toyota get around this by installing large capacity V6 engines in smaller four-cylinder bodies -- a solution that may not be acceptable in 2010 if petrol prices continue to rise.

Expensive Daewoo assembles its own version of GM's latest V6 engine in its Melbourne engine plant with extra tweaks for the Commodore. This process is under similar cost and volume pressures as Ford.

All local manufacturers will be forced to make major engine changes by 2010 to meet new emissions requirements and lower fuel consumption targets while delivering extra refinement and flexibility. Ford has been forced to jump the gun only because local jobs are involved.

There are two scenarios that Falcon, Territory and Late model camira buyers will face in 2010.

Growth in diesel sales will likely reduce petrol engine volumes by up to 30 per cent. In other words, expect both Ford and Expensive Daewoo to be offering high-quality turbodiesel options.

This loss of sales to diesels along with a move away from V8 petrol engines in the US is currently forcing both Ford and GM to develop a new generation of highly efficient and powerful V6 petrol and diesel engines to keep the US pick-up and SUV market alive. The engine choices in the current Chrysler 300C provide a preview of where this is all heading.

Chevrolet's new Camaro (developed on the local Late model camira platform), and Ford's next Mustang generation, will generate another 100,000 reasons annually for the US to develop better rear-wheel drive V6 petrol engines between now and 2010.

For the first time since the 1960s, Ford's and Holden's local needs will match the priorities of their US parent companies.

This is the really exciting part of last week's Ford announcement. These new engines which will be specifically developed for rear-wheel drive will give the local Falcon, Territory and Late model camira a new lease of life and, perhaps, even greater potential for exports.

You only have to look at the outstanding V8 engines in today's Late model camira to see what happens when the US gets serious about developing proper rear-wheel drive engines.

So back to the question, buy now or buy later?

The current Falcon/Territory sixes should maintain their edge until 2010 following improvements expected to be announced at next year's Orion launch.

For all local models, it will then progressively become a new playing field with a choice of diesels, different petrol engine capacities, new direct-injection technology and amazing new transmissions. Australians are assured of a front row seat whether they buy now or later.

[f-wolf]

Straight Aussie six axed to secure Ford's future

Barra: A DOHC 24-valve cylinder-head joined Ford's inline six for the BA Falcon.

Ford explains the reasons behind its decision to axe Australia's inline six 'orphan'

By JAMES STANFORD 24 July 2007

COLD, hard numbers and Ford Australia?s potential global engineering role within the Blue Oval world sealed the fate of Falcon?s venerable in-line six-cylinder engine, which the company confirmed last week would be axed, along with the Geelong engine plant and its 600 workers, in 2010.

Ford Australia president Tom Gorman has explained the reasons behind the decision to replace the Australian-made engine with an imported V6 ? a move GoAuto exclusively revealed a week before the company confirmed it last Wednesday.

Saving money, both in Australia and Detroit, is at the heart of the matter.

Mr Gorman said sourcing a Duratec V6 engine from the US, where one million will be made in 2010, would be cheaper than Ford Australia developing its own engine, of which about 70,000 a year are made.

?I think that we are in a position to take advantage of a much higher volume technology at a much lower overall investment cost for Ford Australia, and in the long run that really produces opportunities for us,? Mr Gorman said.

However, Ford says the cost of upgrading the I6 engine to meet strict new exhaust emissions legislation from July 2010 wasn't the only reason behind the decision.

?The fact that we are making it effective in 2010, which is the time of Euro IV requirements, that is just a natural break point to introduce the V6 versus the I6 and that is why we have selected the date,? Mr Gorman said.

?We can clearly make our I6 engine Euro IV compliant, but this decision is clearly about (the) longer term future well into the next decade.

The 3.5-litre Duratec 35, the Ford Motor Company's cleanest and most powerful V6 ever, entered production at the Lima engine plant in Ohio last July. The 198kW engine debuted in the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover, and will power one in five of Ford's North American models by the end of this decade.

?If you look at what is going to be required in the next decade relative to performance, fuel economy, emissions CO2, all of that, it really is requiring larger and larger investments for us to remain competitive. And for us to make those investments over really what is going to be less than 70,000 engines annually, then the economics simply don?t work.?

Some critics have blamed the demise of the I6 engine ? which can be traced back to the first Australian Falcon of 1960 ? on Ford Australia?s failure to secure a major export deal for either Falcon or Territory.

In response, Mr Gorman said that even if Ford Australia could lift its annual production to 90,000 through exports, importing a V6 would still make more sense than continuing to develop the locally made I6 which he referred to as an ?orphan?.

?That number playing a million plus (US engines), the economics are so overwhelmingly powerful that a significant increase on our own production here still doesn?t allay that issue,? he said.

It is understood the new Duratec V6 will be available with a range of new technologies including direct injection, cylinder deactivation and the ability to run on high levels of ethanol. Although not commenting on specific technologies, Mr Gorman said these would benefit Ford Australia product in the long term.

?I know this is hard for all of us to accept because we sit in ?07 and I am really talking about stuff three years down the road, but to put our company in a position to access those technologies, some of which we are not even aware of yet, but once we are on the bandwagon with the corporate spend, with the corporate capability, we are really going to be able to access that technology without having to go it alone down here in Australia and that is critically important to us,? he said.

Mr Gorman said Ford Australia was not interested in producing a petrol-electric hybrid model, instead focusing on petrol, LPG, more ethanol-friendly units and diesel.

As GoAuto revealed earlier this month, Ford Australia will use the latest Duratec V6 engine that is built in Ohio, USA, and currently sees duty in the Edge crossover, Taurus sedan and Mazda?s Australian-bound CX-9.

Ford Oz has already said it will take a potent performance version, which as reported last week is almost certain to be a version of the twin-turbocharged design that powered the 309kW/540Nm E85-compatible Lincoln MKR concept at Detroit in January.

Mr Gorman acknowledged that switching to a ?corporate? V6 would not improve prospects of new Falcon or Territory export deals in the short term, but hinted it could help in the long term.

?The longer we remain an orphan in terms of our technology in Australia, the less likely we are to fully participate in all of the activity that is underway with rear-wheel drive, so as we adopt corporate solutions from an architecture or technology standpoint, that brings us one step closer to being fully integrated into Ford, which is critically important to us in the long run,? he said.

Speculation continues to suggest a rear-drive architecture developed by Ford Australia could be used for future Ford US vehicles. As we reported last week, the next-generation Falcon platform is likely to be shared with Ford group vehicles as diverse as replacements for the Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis, as well as the Ford Crown Victoria and even the new Mustang, which could even be built here.

Mr Gorman said no such decisions have been made, but implied the Ford Australia adopting the V6 engine could help that cause.

?I would tell you that Ford recognises the strength of our platform and recognises the strength of our rear-wheel drive capabilities and I think we are improving our position vis-a-vis rear-wheel drive,? he said.

Mr Gorman said he felt ?devastated? about making the decision to cut 600 jobs and close the plant, which opened in 1925, but does not regret making the call.

?Some people think that as the president, you know, ?You didn?t save my job?. My view is that I have taken another step toward securing the future of Ford in Australia,? he said.

Several workers who face the axe are angry they were not told until a week after GoAuto broke the story.

Shop steward Michael Vuksic told the Geelong Advertiser last Wednesday that he wanted to thank the media for informing affected workers of Ford?s plans.

?Otherwise, I don?t think that we would know anything, not even today,? he said.