I am a died in the wool Holden fan, but I am big enough to acknowledge the biggest reason the Commodore is such a great car.

The biggest reason is the Ford Falcon. Since the 1960's, when Ford brought out a compact car based on the American Ford Falcon (which regularly broke in two when faced with the ravages of Australian roads, there has been fierce and healthy competition between Ford and Holden.

The latest Falcon is an awesome car, even though it it close to the end of it's model life. Check out the Falcon XR8 - 5.4lt V8

http://images.carsales.com.au/dealer/carsales/6215623.jpg

The only reason I would not own one is the blue oval on the grille. People tell me this is not a rational reason...

Basically each of them raises the bar with the next release - right now it is the Commodore's turn to be king.

So, thanks Ford.

I am a died in the wool Holden fan, but I am big enough to acknowledge the biggest reason the Commodore is such a great car.

The biggest reason is the Ford Falcon. Since the 1960's, when Ford brought out a compact car based on the American Ford Falcon (which regularly broke in two when faced with the ravages of Australian roads, there has been fierce and healthy competition between Ford and Holden.

The latest Falcon is an awesome car, even though it it close to the end of it's model life. Check out the Falcon XR8 - 5.4lt V8

http://images.carsales.com.au/dealer/carsales/6215623.jpg

The only reason I would not own one is the blue oval on the grille. People tell me this is not a rational reason...

Basically each of them raises the bar with the next release - right now it is the Commodore's turn to be king.

So, thanks Ford.

Those are some smart people. :wall:

I do agree with the rest of your statement though- this is definately a case of competition improving the breed. Like the Evo and STi, Accord and Camry, AMG and ///M- the Falcon and Commodore benefit by having a competitor so close you have to be on top of your game with everything you do, because if you put out a bad iteration, or even worse two bad iterations, it might be all over.

The only reason I would not own one is the blue oval on the grille.


The reason I would not own one is I don't want to import it. I wish Ford would bring that and the XR6 turbo to the U.S. If for no other reason than to bring the competition over here and drive down prices a bit.

The reason I would not own one is I don't want to import it. I wish Ford would bring that and the XR6 turbo to the U.S. If for no other reason than to bring the competition over here and drive down prices a bit.

I agree 100%... would be nice to have something to shop the G8 against. As is, it stands alone IMHO.

Have you forgotten the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger cars? They should be enough competition to keep GM honest in pricing.

Or the Taurus/500? I see a SHO version of New Taurus in Ford's future. All they need is a little push.

A Taurus SHO again? Are you kidding? I'm sure even Ford has a long enough memory to recall the sales disaster that was the Taurus SHO.

Now a Ford Interceptor, as shown in Detroit, based on the Mustang architecture that enables V8/RWD? More likely.

Fords equivalent of HSV

http://www.fpv.com.au/index.aspx

Or the Taurus/500? I see a SHO version of New Taurus in Ford's future. All they need is a little push.

It's out based on 2 facts FWD and no V8 version. So no not in the same class....

the 300C and Charger are a better class comparison.

It's out based on 2 facts FWD and no V8 version. So no not in the same class....

the 300C and Charger are a better class comparison.

You can get the 500 in AWD, as for the no V-8, who knows what could fit under there.

C'mon, guys. The "Taurus" FWD/AWD sedan? Competing with 300/Charger/G8? C'mon. No.

C'mon, guys. The "Taurus" FWD/AWD sedan? Competing with 300/Charger/G8? C'mon. No.

Good point. :rolleyes:

Granted, with Ford axing SVT, the SHO making an appearance is pretty slim, but discounting its potential capability "just because" is pretty naive.

Ford is supposed to be looking at something like the Interceptor concept car. But converting the Mustang chassis to an independent rear suspension would be very expensive, even in mass production. So instead Alan Mullaly has looked for the answer down under, the Falcon. Mullaly however doesn't think it is wise to do anything just yet. The "new" Taurus is similar in size to the Falcon, I think. He may try to bring over a few $30-$40 V8 Falcons to test the water, if it can be done reasonably cheap (heard from a local marketing woman).

Much like the Mustang that helped the new Camaro get approved at GM, the G8 could cause Ford to bring over some Falcons from Oz. If the G8 sells well, you can bet on it.

I'd love to see the Falcon come over here but unless they come out with a fresh NEW platform the one they have now is simply not designed for LHD at all. It would be far too expensive a fix for them. Personally, I'd love to see an AWD Taurus SHO with the twin turbo 3.5L DI engine they've been showing off lately. The only thing that makes me sad about it is that there wouldn't be a chance in hell of them making a manual version. Oh well. :)

It has been reported that in the previous few months Faclon's have been test driven in the US. I'm pretty sure that they're getting them ready for the US market with the release of the next gen.

It has been reported that in the previous few months Faclon's have been test driven in the US. I'm pretty sure that they're getting them ready for the US market with the release of the next gen.

They'll have to change the name. People still remember what a ****box the Falcons were in the 60's. Robert McNamara's pride and joy. It's what happens when you put a systems analyst in charge of a car manufacturer.

Bump! (every thread on here is a bump :laugh: )
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/06/05/06falcon1_m_m.jpg

Drive.com.au (http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=40669&vf=2&pg=1)


With rumours abound, it is likely that the next Falcon will be engineered for LHD. Cross your fingers.

Ever since I started watching Australian V8 Supercars in high school about 8 years ago, I've been pissed that the AMERICAN parents, Ford and GM, refused to bring the Aussie RWDs over.

People bitch constantly about the "conservative" and "bland" styling of the Falcon, GTO (Monaro), and even Commodore. I think they all look GREAT, some of the best looking cars in the world just as they are from the factory. I guess what some people consider bland I consider grown-up, clean, and classy.

Good on both Ford and Holden of Australia...shame on Detriot HQ for just now realizing that these cars are so great and that we here in America want them YESTERDAY!!!

A Taurus SHO again? Are you kidding? I'm sure even Ford has a long enough memory to recall the sales disaster that was the Taurus SHO.

Now a Ford Interceptor, as shown in Detroit, based on the Mustang architecture that enables V8/RWD? More likely.

Actually the pre-95 V6 Yamaha versions were quite popular and they have an active community. Many times I have been tempted to plunk down a couple grand for a nice used 5 spd version. They were pretty quick for their time and competition, and the engine itself was durable. It was the rest of the car around it that was sh8t! I know, I owned a Taurus (yes, CMNT admits he owned a ford). They were also a bitch to work on and 60k, 120k maintenance schedules were mandatory. The 95+ V8 versions were the red headed step child and suffered from items such as cam walk and poor dealer support when they did.

As to the current Falcon, it’s amazing how similar in style it is to the Commodore.