The development boss of the farewell FG X Falcon has today ruled out releasing a version powered by the 351kW Miami V8. But he refused to be as emphatic when it comes to the 310kW F6 turbo six-cylinder engine that also featured in the now defunct Ford Performance Vehicles range.
The FG X launches this week with a 335kW version of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 in the reborn XR8, while the XR6 Turbo and G6E Turbo both come with the unchanged 270kW turbo I6 from the FG II range. The 351kW V8 featured in the GT-F swansong editon of the FPV performance range, while the 310kW F6 was a regular member of the lineup.
David Wilkinson, Ford Australia's vehicle line director for the E8 platform (Falcon and Territory), ruled out the 351kW's return in an XR8 but was not as certain about the powered up turbo six.
During the first leg of Ford's launch of the new FG X Falcon and Territory SZ II models in north eastern Victoria today, Wilkinson told motoring.com.au there was no "present plan" to offer the more highly boosted engine in the FG X turbocharged six-cylinder models, but shied away from a blanket rejection.
"[F6] was with the FPV range and we have no present plans to do anything with it," Wilkinson told motoring.com.au.
"We always say that. We are not talking about our future models unless it suits us."
Wilkinson was also less than definite when asked about the prospect of special Falcon editons between now and the scheduled end of its production in October 2016.
"I dont want to talk about that. We obviously continue to look at the market and any opportunities."
Wilkinson made it clear, however, that the 351kW engine was reserved for the GT-F.
"That is it," he said.
"Very consciously and purposely we said that is it. So people who have bought the 351 know that they have the 351 and we are not going to dribble it into something else. So that was the last GT, and 351 went with it.
"Those people made a commitment to that car and 351 for us goes with the GT and we just think that is the right thing to do."
Wilkinson said the announcement in May 2013 Ford's Australian production plants would close in 2016 had deepened the resolve of the E8 team to make the FG X the best car they possibly could.
"I guess we hope it is really seen as the best Falcon ever," said Wilkinson.
"That is an easy thing to say. That it is a really enjoyable value car that people are proud to own; that it has good fuel consumption; that they are proud to park it in their drive and they want to show it to their friends.
"Not that it becomes a collectors' edition, but that people do want to buy it for its attributes.
"Falcon is what Ford Australia has been about for many years. There is a lot of pride in the car but also clearly a lot of attention directed towards moving the company to a different product range and customer set than we have," Wilkinson stated.
351 a no-go for FG-X XR8
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Originally Posted by Carroll Shelby
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