First drive - Ecoboost!!

[Cobramad]

Gover has always been, and will always remain, a tool.
Gives decent motoring journos a bad name.

[HULK EF]

PG's copping a pounding. - much like a great dane mounting a "tea cup chiwauwa". -spelling?
Hope the media outlet question his work ethics on this article.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by HULK EF

PG's copping a pounding. - much like a great dane mounting a "tea cup chiwauwa". -spelling?
Hope the media outlet question his work ethics on this article.

Problem being he is their number one guy! Take that as you like

[Sprint XR8]

Gover's latest Falcon Ecoboost article is headed with a picture of the 1lt three cylinder ecoboost motor.

Ford won another $103 million at the start of the year to continue improvements on the Falcon through to 2016, but it still amounts to another appeal for a car that's sitting on death row.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and...ve_ford_falcon

[prydey]

Originally Posted by CoupeXB

Gover's latest Falcon Ecoboost article is headed with a picture of the 1lt three cylinder ecoboost motor.


http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and...ve_ford_falcon

seriously how hard would it have been to a picture of the correct engine at the top of the article. Is he trying to make people believe its an east-west engine and that ecoboost falcon it FWD??

As for the 'post 2016' comments... give it a rest already.

[barra240t]

added my comment too.

[Sprint XR8]

They just changed the picture.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by CoupeXB

They just changed the picture.

good job, but seriously, how does this get through in its original form?

[flappist]

Slightly off topic but there is an easy way to sort Gover out.

You and as many people as you can find either write to, email or phone any company that advertises on any page which features his articles citing that they are supporting lies and misinformation.

The important thing is to make sure that LOTS of people do this not just a couple.

The advertisers will first just ignore it but if it continues will put pressure on the newspaper to shut Gover down.

Despite all the posturing by the journalists all media is run by the accountants and the money comes from advertising so anyone who is negatively affecting advertising is "dealt with".

A group I once belonged to used this methodology to shut John Laws down on one of his pet hate subjects in the 1990s by pressuring Toyota.

[barra240t]

Originally Posted by barra240t

Thanks for the info, will be calling carsales now.

This problem should be fixed soon on carsales and more should appear.

[Joe5619]

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2579EA00001C19


I'm a little disappoint Ford are only setting the sales bar at 2000 over the next 7 months.. Come on Ford, set the bar higher & go for it!!

[jpd80]

Ford is talking "niche buyers" as if people aren't seriously looking at ditching the I-6 for something more economical..
The problem for Ford is that a very successful Ecoboost campaign will mean an inevitable swing away from the I-6..

However, Ms Phipps said EcoLPi sales are currently running at around
20 per cent, with most sales for the ute rather than the sedan.

My guess is around a combined 350/month of ecoLPI sedan/ute....

[Mr Hardware]

now all we need is a RWD cortina sedan sized in between the focus and the falcon to slot the EB motor into. 1400kgs, 179kw, 7.0L/100klms? yes please.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by flappist

Slightly off topic but there is an easy way to sort Gover out.

You and as many people as you can find either write to, email or phone any company that advertises on any page which features his articles citing that they are supporting lies and misinformation.

The important thing is to make sure that LOTS of people do this not just a couple.

The advertisers will first just ignore it but if it continues will put pressure on the newspaper to shut Gover down.

Despite all the posturing by the journalists all media is run by the accountants and the money comes from advertising so anyone who is negatively affecting advertising is "dealt with".

A group I once belonged to used this methodology to shut John Laws down on one of his pet hate subjects in the 1990s by pressuring Toyota.

GOVER 2012?

[burnz]

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

now all we need is a RWD cortina sedan sized in between the focus and the falcon to slot the EB motor into. 1400kgs, 179kw, 7.0L/100klms? yes please.

no no no... cortina gets the I6.
the escort gets the EB2.0..

[Silver Ghia]

Found this road test in the Bigpond home website, not sure where the writeup originates, but obviously the writer loves the car. And interesting considering he tested it in hilly Tasmania:

2012 Ford Falcon EcoBoost Review and First Drive
by Brad Leach - 24/04/12

OUR VERDICT: 4 PRICE RANGE: $37,235* PROS: Fuel-sipping European turbocharged engine and Aussie engineering, nearly $3k cheaper than Commodore CONS: A bit more support for the front seats would be in keeping with the sporty drive resulting from exce Safety Rating: Green Rating: Fuel Consumption: 8.1L/100kmWrite your own review

Locate a Dealer: go
Book a Test Drive Download a Brochure Locate a Dealer Not so long ago, full-size Aussie sedans followed the American pickup-truck philosophy: “There’s no replacement for displacement,”…but no more. Ford’s new EcoBoost Falcon – the world’s first rear-wheel-drive application of Ford’s 2.0-litre I-4 GTDi engine – while delivering 179kw/353Nm (63Nm more than Holden’s 3.0-litre V6) and 8.1l/100kms fuel consumption, is powerful, fast and refined while retaining Ford Falcon’s standout qualities like interior space and cargo capacity.




As well as undercutting Holden’s 3.0-litre Commodore on running costs (fuel consumption 8.1l/100kms to 8.9l/100kms), Ford’s EcoBoost Falcon also requires less coin to buy (starting price $37,235 for the XT Falcon to $39,990 for the Commodore Omega).

Best of all, smart engineering by Ford Australia – revised suspension for the 74kgs weight reduction, better 56/54 front-rear weight distribution and a new ZF six-speed automatic transmission – means there’s no compromise on driving dynamics and the Ford Falcon EcoBoost with strong, smooth, linear acceleration and hallmark refinement matches the six-cylinder Falcons and in some areas is better.

Ford Falcon EcoBoost Overview

The three-model Ford Falcon EcoBoost range mirrors the six-cylinder lineup – entry-level XT, mid-grade G6 and range-topping G6E (no XR6 variants for the 2.0-litre GTDi Falcon).
The full range is:
XT $37,235
G6 $40,835
G6E $46,735

Ford Falcon EcoBoost Engine

‘EcoBoost’ is Ford technology being rolled-out globally for passenger cars and trucks. The three keys are direct petrol injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to provide six or eight-cylinder performance from a four-cylinder engine.





More than 90 per cent of Ford’s worldwide model range will have EcoBoost powerplants available by the end of next year. The 2.0-litre GTDi engines fitted to the local Ford Falcon EcoBoost come from Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain.

The key to EcoBoost’s success is the combination of the three technologies – for example the twin variable camshafts provide maximum overlap under hard acceleration for maximum air induction which in turn allows a smaller capacity Borg-Warner turbocharger.

The stats are impressive. Maximum power is 179kW at 5500rpm and peak torque of 353Nm arrives from 2000rpm. But again there’s technology at play here with Ford’s 2.0-litre delivering more torque and a flatter torque curve that Holden’s naturally aspirated 3,0-litre six-cylinder.





Fuel consumption is rated at 8.1l/100kms for the Falcon EcoBoost XT and 8.5l/100kms for the G6 and G6E models. Exhaust emissions score 192g/km and 201g/km.

Drive is to the rear wheels via a new, lighter version of ZF’s six-speed automatic transmission.

But a Falcon isn’t a Falcon if its performance is accompanied by a lot of fuss, popping, banging and screaming revs, so an important aspect of the EcoBoost driveline is its refinement...this thing feels just like the silky-smooth 4.0-litre, six-cylinder Falcons.

Ford Falcon EcoBoost The Interior

No changes inside for the EcoBoost models, however underneath are extensive additions to the soundproofing including double thickness insulation around the dashboard.



Ford Falcon EcoBoost Exterior & Styling

Likewise on the outside apart from the lower ride height (hard to pick) and ‘EcoBoost’ badge on the rear (you have to look for it). Again, underneath there are some changes with EcoBoost Falcons running aerodynamic under-panels.

Ford Falcon Eco Boost On The Road

We drove both entry-level XT and mid-grade G6 versions of the Ford Falcon EcoBoost over a variety of excellent roads from Hobart and through central Tasmania. Showing real confidence in the EcoBoost Falcon’s capabilities, Ford didn’t shy away from performance-type roads familiar to competitors in the Targa Tasmania rally (which finished just hours before we hit the road).





Ford reckons ‘fun-to-drive’ is part of its DNA, so local engineers drew-up a job list to ensure the Falcon Ecoboost delivered - basically it is lower, firmer and lighter. Weighing-in 74kgs lighter than a six-cylinder Falcon, the EcoBoost models are better balanced with a 56/54 front-rear weight distribution, run a ride height reduced by 13mm and sit on low rolling resistance 16-inch Goodyear tyres, re-tuned shock absorbers and thicker 32mm anti-roll bars, revised suspension geometry and new-rate springs (rears are 40 per cent stiffer than six-cylinder models).

So over the twists and curves of Tasmania the Ford Falcon EcoBoost was delightfully responsive, refined (acoustic windscreen and extensive extra sound-deadening) and balanced. This matched the goal of Ford engineers for the EcoBoost to deliver NVH and performance equivalent to six-cylinder models in the light throttle/mid-range area (most used by everyday drivers).





And to reinforce the point we wrapped-up by doing some zero to 100km/standing start runs at Baskerville Raceway – where the EcoBoost, six-cylinder EcoLPI and 4.0-litre I6 Falcons were separated by mere tenths of a second.

Make no mistake the Ford Falcon EcoBoost shares the driving dynamics of its six-cylinder stablemates. Strong acceleration (combination of engine performance and gearing) for freeway merging and overtaking and hallmark Falcon chassis dynamics in the twisty stuff means even hard-core six and V8 drivers should consider the EcoBoost – you will be surprised.

Ford Falcon EcoBoost Challenges

Trim materials in the current Ford Falcon range are massively improved – the G6 looks and feels great inside. Now if we could just get a bit more of a supportive shape for the fronts…

Ford Falcon EcoBoost Verdict

Ford says the EcoBoost engine is its vision of a greener future and on the basis of the EcoBoost cars we’ve seen to-date (Mondeo is the other model in ‘Oz with an EcoBoost engine) that’s a future to look forward to. Especially when you consider there’s a 184kW/360Nm version of this engine already fitted to the sporty Ford Focus ST in Europe.





No doubt about it, the Ford Falcon EcoBoost is a brilliant execution of ‘Big Car Space/Small Car Fuel Consumption’. All you ‘Traditional Aussie Six/V8 Buyers’ take note, there isn’t anything to be skeptical about the 2.0-litre GTDi Falcon…in fact this is the future for cars like the Falcon.

Ford Falcon EcoBoost The Competition

Holden Commodore, Toyota Aurion, Honda Accord and Nissan Maxima shape-up on paper but most direct comparisons will square-off Falcon EcoBoost-V-Commodore 3.0-litre.

And in that comparison, Holden is ahead in kilowatts (190kW to 179kW) but behind in torque (353Nm to 290kW) and dollars ($39,990 starting price for the Commodore Omega to $37,235 for the Falcon EcoBoost).

[GTP-03]

Imagine the possibilties, the standard eco boost for the XT, G6, GE. The 184kw eco boost for possibly XR6. Petrol engine 6 cylinder and 6 LPI as an option for all the models. Then you got the deisel v6 which could be reenginered to fit all of the Falcon platform models, not to mention turbo 6 and supercharged v8 in the fpv range, and a slight possibility of a naturally aspirated coyote motor in xr8! Hopefully things will work out for Ford, they have a great engine line up that would suit just about everyones needs

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Found this road test in the Bigpond home website, not sure where the writeup originates, but obviously the writer loves the car. And interesting considering he tested it in hilly Tasmania:

The launch was in Tassie.

Whats with the 54/56 weight distribution comment. Can't the writer add up to 100. Previous stuff i've read says its a near 50/50 split for Ecoboost.

[Joe5619]

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and...t_drive_review

Make sure you are sitting down!! Pual Glover loves the new Falcon Ecoboost & will recommend it to Friends..

[prydey]

Originally Posted by carsguide

But, as a Carguide reader recently told us, the dashboard fits in the Falcon are not as tight - or as consistent - as you would hope and it's definitely not as good as an Aurion on the overall quality front.

apparently reader comments are included in reviews now?? very reliable source

[In Focus]

Originally Posted by prydey

apparently reader comments are included in reviews now?? very reliable source

If enough punters say the same thing, then I'd say their opinion is far more reliable than some of the journalists.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Mr Gover

VERDICT

It's a winner. I would happily welcome an EcoBoost Falcon as my new company car and will recommend it to friends. It's a sweeter car than the Falcon six, more impressive than the 3-litre Commodore Commodore, and finally drives the big Aussie battler out of the rust belt at a time when Ford desperately needs another hero. Take one for a drive and you won't be disappointed.

Wow must say. Don't know why he wrote that other article last week before driving. Again ...... its a case of drive before criticizing. Weird comment about the dashboard though. Don't know where that came from!

[washoutbeach]

After some research, I have estimated that the base model low-tech 4 cylinder 2012 Camry is about 5% more fuel efficient than the Eco-boost 4 which is to say about 7.5 cents a litre. Some figures put the Eco-boost as better on fuel than the new Camry, but I will be conservative and look at "worst case"

So I suppose you need to look at the whole package-design, performance, parts, service, car care, functionality, use and see if its worth the extra $5.00 or so per (Camry-sized) fuel tank.

For me anyway, most of the cars I have owned, seem to retire at about 180,000 kms ( my last Camry, the engine suddenly seized up for no apparent reason and thats all she wrote) thats about 329 total fill ups of a Camry.

Thus relatively the Ecoboost 4 is going to cost me or about $1,600 for the life of the vehicle, say over 9 year life span so thats about $3.40 a week extra on fuel for the pleasure of its company.

I looked at the six cylinder rivals and concluded that financially, the Aurion is no longer in the picture and the once was warrior VE Commodore has taken a massive blow as well. This could well be the start of their demise.

I became interested in the new world fords and apparently the recent models are just the start of an exciting ford future for us.

There is an Eco boost sports ute coming to Australia and its a 1 litre model delivering the services of a 1.6 -and its producing something like 4.8 litres per 100 kms which is a simply astonishing result. Thats not hybrid, not gas, its not plastic or fibreglass. Its just good design and engineering. Amazing really.

Being a gas man, I cant wait to see if the gas this baby up and get me 2 or 3 litres per 100km. Then we can discuss those dinosaur polluting hybrids.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by washoutbeach

There is an Eco boost sports ute coming to Australia and its a 1 litre model delivering the services of a 1.6 -and its producing something like 4.8 litres per 100 kms which is a simply astonishing result. Thats not hybrid, not gas, its not plastic or fibreglass. Its just good design and engineering. Amazing really.

Being a gas man, I cant wait to see if the gas this baby up and get me 2 or 3 litres per 100km. Then we can discuss those dinosaur polluting hybrids.

you'll have to wait for lpg tech to catch up as i believe the tech isn't there to lpg these engines yet. may never get there either.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Wow must say. Don't know why he wrote that other article last week before driving. Again ...... its a case of drive before criticizing. Weird comment about the dashboard though. Don't know where that came from!

Originally Posted by prydey

seriously how hard would it have been to a picture of the correct engine at the top of the article. Is he trying to make people believe its an east-west engine and that ecoboost falcon it FWD??

As for the 'post 2016' comments... give it a rest already.

To say all those good things tasted like vinegar, so he needed something, anything to take the shine off of it.

Him and others like him, a damned disgrace.

[Nikked]

Lol @ the kerion bloke with his comment saying the FG shares the body with the AU.

[blueoval]

Interesting to read his change of tune on the EB. He should have waited to drive the car before mouthing off about any demise of a car company.

[washoutbeach]

Originally Posted by prydey

you'll have to wait for lpg tech to catch up as i believe the tech isn't there to lpg these engines yet. may never get there either.

I never saw a 4 cylinder falcon on on the horizon. Especially one that rips the souls out of the ve and aurion.

I'd have to say that the odds are that we will get our 2/100 LPG in due course
Because the guys at ford have proven their skills and this is just the start.

[4.0i OHC]

Originally Posted by jpd80

New Fusion is available as AWD so they have a powered IRS in the back of it now.
Switch fronts with either Falcon or Mustang and Voila, one RWd sedan..

4.0, why do you continually grizzle and sook about the IRS in Falcon?
I have a couple of friends with new S/C GTs who report the latest version is much better than their previous F6s.
It seems like Ford has made the necessary changes with bushing -something that should have happened years ago..

Yes, it may be an improvement, but it's still not quite up to the standard of the Watts link. The main reason I am so sore about Control Blade IRS is because it was essentially Ford's way of engineering an IRS that they could build on the cheap so that they could fit it to every Falcon sedan for marketing reasons. It was rather uncharacteristic of Ford to do something like this; it's what you'd expect from Holden (who shouted out from the rooftops that their cars had standard IRS, even though the system was far inferior to the Falcon's standard live axle in almost all aspects). As well as this, it tarnished the Falcon's 'unbreakable' image (although other aspects of the BA contributed to this as well). Yes, Control Blade IRS has improved, but it's still not up to the standard of a well sorted live axle in all areas except ride quality (as seen in the 1982-2002 Falcon).

I also tend to repeat myself in posts a lot. I can't help it. I really want a manual Mondeo, I would much rather the Falcon still had a Watts link, I believe the inline six is one of the best engines (if not the best engine) ever fitted to a family car, and I'm still sore about Ford replacing a best in class small car with one which doesn't stand out from the pack.

[drpopper]

I test drove a G6 Limited Edition EcoBoost today and let me say that in practice there is little to no difference in the performance of the car compared to a I6 powered car. In fact the Ecoboost seemed perkier and quicker off the line in traffic and just as keen to accelerate to 100km/h up the hill at the beginning of the Frankston Freeway which is always my test of a cars power delivery. I found the package difficult to fault and I think if people give them a go they could easily outsell the Camry and the torque challenged Holden SIDI 3.0 as roomy cars that use little fuel. It's not quite as fast as the I6 but it's so close and has better low end torque that's its probably the better choice for the city driver.