First drive: G6E Turbo kicks V8 into touch

THE G6E Turbo sits at the top of the FG Falcon range and represents a fresh addition to Ford’s large-car range.

The new flagship model technically replaces the Fairmont Ghia V8, which has been dropped from the line-up, but it is a much more potent machine.

Compared with Holden’s VE Commodore line-up, the $54,990 G6E Turbo falls between the Holden Calais V8 at $50,790 and the Calais V V8 at $59,290.

While the now-retired three-valves-per-cylinder 5.4-litre V8 offered in the previous Fairmont Ghia produced 230kW and 500Nm, the turbocharged 4.0-litre G6ET engine – which also powers the sporty XR6 Turbo – pumps out an impressive 270kW at 5250rpm and 533Nm from 2000-4750rpm.

Ford Australia decided against offering the G6E with the 290kW V8 engine offered in the XR8, arguing that the boosted six-cylinder would be better appreciated by the customers who will consider the luxurious G6E.

The turbocharged engine is teamed with the distinguished ZF six-speed automatic transmission the carries over from the BA Falcon, which is also used by BMW, Jaguar and Maserati.

The transmission has been tweaked to work with the heavily revised turbo engine to ensure faster changes.

Fuel consumption for the turbo six has been improved with all the work done for the FG program, resulting in a 4.9 per cent improvement to 11.7L/100km when coupled with the ZF transmission.

Like the other Falcon models, the G6E Turbo picks up all the FG changes including a substantially revised chassis with a new Territory-style Virtual Pivot Control Link front suspension that is claimed to reduce weight by 22kg, a forward-mounted variable-ratio steering rack that requires just 2.6 turns lock-to-lock and returns a class-leading 11.0-metre turning circle, plus an all-new interior and exterior that provides best-in-class front and rear head, shoulder and hip room (but not legroom).

Ford says the FG Falcon's completely redesigned body structure not only offers a vastly bigger interior but is easier to enter and exit thanks to wider door openings and wider-opening doors, as well as bringing big advances in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and overall refinement.

The G6E Turbo comes with all the gear that is standard on the $46,990 G6E non-turbo model, including a six-speed automatic and leather seat trim, unique grille, custom 17-inch alloys, wing mirror-mounted indicators, Bluetooth phone preparation, a 7-inch TFT colour central information screen, premium CD sound with sub-woofer, eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a reversing camera and side curtain airbags.

It also adds the turbo engine, 18-inch alloy wheels (19s can be optioned), a rear pencil spoiler, chrome headlight surrounds, fabric trim for lower door sections and an iPod integration feature.

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