Falcon EcoBoost Heads 2012 Ford Line-Up

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - 05 Decr, 2011: Ford Australia will continue its product-led advancement in 2012 with the arrival of the impressive new FG Falcon MkII with EcoBoost technology.

The FG Falcon MkII EcoBoost is one of several key new models Ford Australia will release over the next 12 months.

The others include the new compact Ford Kuga SUV and stylish performance Focus ST hatch. The exciting new Ranger line-up will also be enhanced with the arrival of several exciting new variants, including the sports-oriented Wildtrak.

More than three years in local development, EcoBoost in Falcon is the first global application of Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine in a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

“This technology will provide Falcon customers with even more choice and complement our excellent in-line six cylinder engines,” according to Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano.

EcoBoost technology will be available in the Falcon XT, G6 and G6E models and will offer an optimum balance between fuel efficiency and power. Details of the FG Falcon EcoBoost’s power and torque will be available closer to launch in the second quarter of 2012.

“During 2011, we clearly focused on our customers with the refreshed Fiesta, all-new Focus and Ranger, MC Mondeo, SZ Territory,” Graziano said. “In 2012 we’re continuing to concentrate on delivering compelling Ford products with the revised FG Falcon MkII line-up, which includes EcoBoost, the Ford Kuga, Focus ST and an upgraded engine for the Transit one-tonne van. Each of these vehicles will appeal to a different type of customer.”

The global EcoBoost engine family is the cornerstone of Ford’s near-term sustainability strategy to deliver high-volume, affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles that customers want and value. The technology is already available in a number of Ford vehicles around the world and by 2013 more than 80 per cent of the company’s global nameplates will be available with EcoBoost.

Combined with advanced transmissions and aerodynamic improvements, EcoBoost technology will help Ford respond to some of the world’s energy challenges without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

EcoBoost features direct petrol injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to maximise combustion efficiency, which delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and responsive power.

Compact Ford Kuga SUV
The Ford Kuga is a keenly awaited addition to Ford’s lifestyle portfolio, which currently includes the Territory SUV and the soon-to-arrive, sports-oriented Ranger Wildtrak.

As the compact off-road segment continues to grow, Ford Kuga is poised to deliver contemporary styling, safety and practicality in the compact off-road segment. It also marks a change in nameplate from the Escape.

“The Escape has been a compelling vehicle for our customers for many years,” Graziano said. “We are looking forward to demonstrating the Ford Kuga and its new technology, safety features and contemporary ‘kinetic’ design to our existing customers and potential new customers.

“The Ford Kuga also promises a blend of rewarding on-road driving quality and surprising off-road capability.”

The all-wheel drive Ford Kuga SUV will be available in two models - Trend or the sports-oriented Titanium. Both will be powered by Ford’s 2.5-litre Duratec turbo petrol engine mated to a five-speed automatic and an intelligent Haldex all-wheel drive system.

The 2.5-litre Duratec turbo petrol I5 engine develops 147 kW at 6000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1600-4000 rpm.

Visually the Ford Kuga is handsome and sporty, demonstrating how the company’s flexible “kinetic design” form language can be applied successfully to the crossover genre.

Well balanced and with good proportions, the dynamic Ford Kuga provides a spacious cabin for driver and passengers, despite being based on a compact footprint. Like the Territory, Ford Kuga will feature a split tailgate that offers separate access via micro switches to either the upper glass tailgate section only or both sections simultaneously.

The Ford Kuga arrives in showrooms in March. Manufacturer’s List Pricing and full specifications will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch.

Smart technologies in FG Falcon MkII
The new FG Falcon MkII range features the latest smart technologies, an enhanced safety package, new exterior design appointments and improved vehicle refinement.

It showcases the best of Ford Australia’s design, engineering and technological expertise, from the new 8.0-inch colour touch screen to the integrated audio, phone and navigation functions, and the comprehensive occupant protection package.

The 8.0-inch colour touch screen will be fitted as standard equipment on all Falcon sedan models except for the entry-level Falcon XT, where it will be available as an option. On Falcon Ute it will be standard equipment on XR6 and XR6 Turbo models, and offered as an option on the entry-level XL model. On high series G6E and G6E Turbo models, the 8.0-inch colour touch screen will also feature an integrated satellite navigation system with Traffic Message Channel (TMC)1 as standard equipment.

All audio systems – base, prestige and premium – have been upgraded with the inclusion of a new USB input facility to play MP3 audio files. In USB mode, the user can play and browse all MP3 files through the audio system.

The new FG Falcon MkII range improves upon Falcon’s existing first-class safety package even further, with the addition of side curtain airbags as standard equipment across the entire sedan range and head/thorax-protecting side airbags as standard equipment across the full Falcon Ute line-up.

Rear parking sensors will also be fitted to all Falcon sedan models as part of the FG Falcon MkII program. Already standard equipment on the luxury G Series range, the reverse sensing system will bolster the extensive list of standard features on Falcon XT, XR6 and XR6 Turbo models.

FG Falcon MkII also heralds the arrival of EcoBoost engine technology to the Falcon sedan range, marking another major milestone in Ford Australia’s plan to bring a range of sustainability initiatives to market.

Performance Focus ST
The all-new Ford Focus ST brings the Sport Technologies badge to customers worldwide for the first time, offering a blend of refinement and performance for which ST is renowned.

The ST will arrive in Ford showrooms late in 2012.

This performance hatch will be powered by a 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, which offers an uncompromising mix of performance and efficiency.

Ford’s lightweight, all-aluminium EcoBoost engines provide the power of a larger engine in a fuel-efficient smaller displacement design, leveraging three key technologies - high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to create an advanced combustion system that brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency.

Apart from its sporty exterior, the ST will boast Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (ETVC), a tuned version of the Torque Vectoring Control fitted to other Focus models, as well as an upgraded sports suspension.

In keeping with its sporty character, the Focus ST gains visual cues like iconic 18-inch alloys that complement a subtle body kit, optimised rear spoiler and sports interior featuring supportive Recaro sports seats.

The ST Manufactuer’s List Pricing and full specifications will be released closer to launch.

Expanded Ranger Line-up
After its successful debut in Australia in 2011, the new Ranger range will be expanded with the addition of several new variants - Single Cab, Super Cab, 4x2, 4x2 Hi-Rider and the luxuriously equipped, sports-oriented Wildtrak.

The Ranger engine line-up will also be enhanced with the availability of the 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre turbo diesel engines to complement the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel.

Engine Upgrade for Transit
From January, the popular Ford Transit 280S will offer one-tonne van customers unsurpassed fuel economy thanks to a new 2.2 four-cylinder TDCi engine to be introduced across the model range.

This new engine will give customers not only significantly improved fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions but also increases in maximum power and torque.

This new 2.2 TDCi turbo-diesel engine will be fitted to the 2012 Transit range in two states of tune: 92kW / 330Nm (front-wheel drive) and 114kW / 385Nm (rear-wheel drive, where it will replace the current 2.4-litre power unit).

Customers will benefit greatly from improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 tailpipe emissions. In the case of the Transit 280S, combined-cycle fuel consumption improves by 11 per cent to 7.2L/100km with CO2 a class-leading 189g/km.

Focus move to Thailand
Like the Fiesta sedan and hatch, Focus manufacturing will move from Europe to Thailand in 2012.

The Focus is currently made at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany but from the mid-2012 will transfer to the company’s state-of-the-art Rayong plant in Thailand.