The last-ever Australian-built Ford Falcon will be known as the FG X – the FG denoting the current car’s model code and the X a tribute to the original 1960 Falcon, the XK, among others.
The FG X is therefore a refreshed version of the Falcon that has been on sale since 2008. No surprises there – Ford was hardly going to give its final Falcon a lavish makeover as it prepares to shut down production across the ditch in 2016, ending around 90 years of Ford manufacturing in Australia.
The FG X is expected to go on sale in New Zealand next January, although Ford here might have some examples doing the rounds before Christmas. The carmaker is drip-feeding details of the sedan as it counts down to the launch in Australia towards the end of November.
The latest picture shows the rear of the final Falcon, highlighted by a chrome strip and tail-lights similar in design to those of the Jaguar XF. The XR6 (top) gets a chrome-finished exhaust tip, while the G6E has a hidden tailpipe. The front end is expected to echo Ford’s global design DNA.
Ford says it arrived at the FG X model code after significant feedback from key enthusiasts as well as its product development and marketing teams.?The FG prefix salutes the “strong heritage of the long-running Fairmont and Ghia nameplates that have featured on previous prestige Falcon models”, while the X represents Falcon’s history, including the XK original and others like the XR, XY, XD and XF.
Ford Australia president and CEO Bob Graziano said Ford wanted to “make sure this celebration Falcon was worthy of the FG X name”.?? He added: “Falcon is a significant part of the fabric of the Australian cultural landscape. The FG X carries this on and will be recognised as one of the best Falcons ever.
“Falcon fans have quickly endorsed the styling of the 2014 Falcon and, moving forward, it provides a strong visual link to our future, which will include cars like the refreshed Focus, all-new Mustang and all-new Mondeo, as well as the Australian designed and engineered Everest SUV.”