My Three Hours With A Fg

[commonkiller]

Hey guys

Yesterday I went to my local ford dealer where I purchased my BA T from with the intentions of convincing myself I don’t need a FG T. After a short test drive yesterday I rung him this morning asking if I could have an extended test drive, he said sure come in at 3 and bring it back at 6. This is what I found,

Looks

For me the front end of the new falcon is quite reserved and not as in your face as the B series was. Although the back end is pure sports car. The car I drove was in bionic ( I think it has a new name ) and I thought overall it is a good progression from the b series. The car I had was also fitted with the 19's rims and they are way to reserved not at all sporty.

Interior

The new interior I don’t think is quite the leap forward it should be. The whole centre console is noticeably higher than the B series and the drivers seat seems to have a bit more of a cockpit feel to it, hugging the driver almost. the car I had was optioned with leather and these seats are great definitely a big improvement. Just from looking I do think there is less room in the back seat area than before. The new lcd has an attractive interface and is quite detailed, but there is toooo many buttons I believe. I personally love the new steering wheel small and comftable to the hand.

And to the important bit the drive,

First impressions for me was the steering is much lighter than B series and the acceleration is brutal, instant torque available almost everywhere. Right from take off the turbo is working its balls off and doesn’t stop! These cars need to be driven with traction control on at most times as the rear end kicks out for jokes.

Driven normally though and the car is just has happy to cruise along at normal speeds. The engine sound of the new car I think has more of a skyline/ Japanese car sound to it, with popping coming from the exhaust on accelerator lift off. The steering was quite neutral with a good amount of feedback, the front end also understeers notably less than the B series. For me though the brakes are underdone big time, these cars are just as fast if not faster than BF Typhoons and they came standard with brembos, this is something ford should look at with the MK2 versions.

In conclusion I think these are a great update of are beloved B series turbos, they have improved the handling, engine performance and arguably the looks as well.

I hope people find this review helpful some parts may be not as accurate seeing as iam only 18.

I know iam going to cop a flogging for what I just said. But I have raced go karts/ cars for the last 8 years of my life with my dad being a long time car racer so I do have more of an education in motoring than most 18 year olds.

Thanks again

[Benny]

Mate good write up and well said. With words like that your age means nothing. Thanks for your opinion, good work.

So when are you getting one?

Edited 25/09/08 10:29 AM by Benny

[commonkiller]

I don’t no man I should be happy with my BA xr lol but I think within the next 3 - 4 months when some higher kay demos come through, because I defiantly love them.

I cant begin to imagine what a f series phoon is like

[commonkiller]

Also another quick question. I have heard the FG's have launch control and possibly overboost or somthing like this, if so how do you activate it as I could not find any switches etc, and the salesmen had no idea ( I dont think he even knew it was a turbo )

[Mat]

When I was getting some warranty work done at Nuford (dealer in Ozzy Park) couple of weeks ago, I was having a chat to the boy's about launch control. They reckon it works well but their words were "L/C is designed to stop people doing skids". Dont know how it all goes together (??) but I also asked about warranty work if things break during use of LC and apparently it will be a case by case thing. That said, im sure its how they warranty stuff like engines and drivetrain issues.

Surely not a "feature" most of us would use daily? Might have to go take one for a test and see how it goes!

[senna_T]

Launch Control is pretty cool, its only in the Manuals. Basically put the car in first, obviously with your foot on the clutch , then put your foot flat on the accelerator and the revs will bounce at around 3500rpm. This build boost and lets you get off the line quicker.

[Azzman460]

This is a very cool feature, it gives you maximum grip without wheel spin, but the launch control, paired with traction control, sure its quick, but it takes the fun out of driving haha. Very good feature though IMO

[senna_T]

If you turn traction control off, I beleive the L/C gets turned off too

[Azzman460]

aahhh ok then I didnt think you could turn launch control off at all. I must give it a try one day.

[Mat]

Launch Control is pretty cool, its only in the Manuals. Basically put the car in first, obviously with your foot on the clutch , then put your foot flat on the accelerator and the revs will bounce at around 3500rpm. This build boost and lets you get off the line quicker.

Sounds fairly straight forward! I youtubed it and came across a green FG from the eastern states and it seemed to get off the line cleanly!

Certainly a step in the right direction from Fords POV I think. Big turbos, solid engines, boxes and launch control. Now just make the cars 13-1400kgs and it'd be great!

Do the F6's and 8's get it (in manual of course)?