would you buy a g8e

[ltd]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I wouldn't buy any new Falcon unless they fix up the issue with the seat and steering wheel.

The seat is too damn high, the steering wheel is too low, and ain't nobody got time fo' dat.

Big Damo, just how Big are you?

[mcnews]

A G8E, a bit like this....

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by ltd

Big Damo, just how Big are you?

185cm and 120kg

I just don't fit in B series and onwards Falcons, with the steering wheel at max height its awkward to get in as my thigh hits on the steering wheel and the seat just doesn't feel comfortable.

AFAIK these cars were supposed to be made for fat ****** like me, but my Fiesta and Focus are much more comfortable with lots of adjustment up/down on the seat and in/out/up/down on the steering wheel.

I make sure my seat is close enough to have a slight bend in my knee when the clutch is all the way in, thats how I set up my seat.

My EL Fairmont Ghia is fine though, haven't sat in an AU so I wouldn't know.

B series and onwards Falcons, I just can't get comfortable in the drivers seat.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

185cm and 120kg

I just don't fit in B series and onwards Falcons, with the steering wheel at max height its awkward to get in as my thigh hits on the steering wheel and the seat just doesn't feel comfortable.

AFAIK these cars were supposed to be made for fat ****** like me, but my Fiesta and Focus are much more comfortable with lots of adjustment up/down on the seat and in/out/up/down on the steering wheel.

My EL Fairmont Ghia is fine though, haven't sat in an AU so I wouldn't know.

Weird? Mate has now moved into the Falcon from the Commodore cos he had trouble fitting in and finds the Falcon much better! He is taller than you and about the same size.

[tranquilized]

Some good points being made in this thread. I agree that right now it would be impossible to make a valid business case for a G8E, or an XR8.

Two main reasons that I can see;

The brilliance of the I6T - its difficult to market a car with a larger and thirstier engine that costs more to register than its underling, but is actually slower. That's the reason the B series V8 Ghias didn't sell - the 3V V8 was basically a boat anchor that was slaughtered by the turbo 6. The G8E and XR8 would at least need the 315kw engine from the GS.

The other big reason I can see is the success, or lack of it, of FPV. What would need to happen is the G8E and XR8 get the 315kw engine from the GS, then the GS and GT's would need to move up a notch with more power, more performance orientated features, and generally more bling. Its a simple arrangement that Holden and HSV have implemented very effectively. But the concern would be that the G8E and XR8 would eat into the FPV sales due to FPV's lack of standing in the market compared to HSV, and jeopardise the amortisation of the $40million that was spent developing the V8 in the first place.

So in summary the issues ruling out the G8E are; The I6T is too good, and too much was spent on making the S/C V8 too good.

First world problems hey...

[Chrisosicko]

I bought a gt and never looked back. And I would not buy a g8e

[mcnews]

But see there's the difference in consumer. I would buy a G6ET over a GT as they are povvo pack for the money and far from appealing to me. If I hadn't come from two F6s and wanted a change from the turbo six I would have bought a G6ET instead of GT-E, it would have had slippery diff and brakes before leaving the dealer though... The GT never got a look in, it was only GT-P and GT-E, I really wanted a manual, but in the end still went the GT-E as I like the interior and look so much better than the GT-P. A manual GT-E would be my perfect scenario, but they won't make you one.

[jpd80]

So in my mind, a G8E would be a GS with a toned down body kit and fitted with the G6ET interior, kind of like a GS-E?
I have a strong suspicion that FPV looked at this business case and felt it too close to G6ET, no doubt Ford felt the same way...

The problem I have is that you couldn't offer a NA 5.0 as a no cost option on a G6ET, it defeats the whole purpose of the car.
and offering the 315 engine on a G6ET package equates to the GS-E I described above, a car that would probably cost
way more than $60,000, more like $68,000 or $70,000...

[jamies]

As much as they are a nice car, I just couldn't justify the money. Its not all about the luxuries for me. They look to refined I like the aggressive look of the Gt's and Fpv utes.

[Elks]

Originally Posted by mcnews

A G8E, a bit like this....
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Damn that looks fantastic trev. Although I may be more than a bit biased.

[FTE]

There are many reasons why a V8 of any brand won't sell, we know that. What we need is someone at Ford to make one of the reasons why it will work and make it happen.

The way I see it is the Ford Falcon is dying but we still have it. So rather than wait until its dead then whinge that it's gone forever maybe build the best cars in both performance 6 and 8 Ford Australia has ever seen, then and go out on a high.
Until the last nail has been hit into the Ford Falcon coffin I think Ford should use what they have. If a G8E had a better package at a cheaper price than GT-E then lift the quality of GT-E, don't compromise quality of a G8E as it would sell very well at Calais V price.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by mcnews

A G8E, a bit like this....
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Needs stripes ...... and a bigger spoiler!

[mik]

Originally Posted by mcnews

A G8E, a bit like this....
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if a G8E was like that Trev, i certainly would`nt mind one, very very nice mate.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by mik

if a G8E was like that Trev, i certainly would`nt mind one, very very nice mate.

Could buy 1 and change the badge .......

[jmac]

There is a reason the NA V8 doesnt exist anymore.
No one bought it because the 6T was cheaper, faster and uses less fuel.
Buy a G6ET or a GTE, both bases are already covered.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[STINKY NINJA]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

185cm and 120kg

I just don't fit in B series and onwards Falcons, with the steering wheel at max height its awkward to get in as my thigh hits on the steering wheel and the seat just doesn't feel comfortable.

AFAIK these cars were supposed to be made for fat ****** like me, but my Fiesta and Focus are much more comfortable with lots of adjustment up/down on the seat and in/out/up/down on the steering wheel.

I make sure my seat is close enough to have a slight bend in my knee when the clutch is all the way in, thats how I set up my seat.

My EL Fairmont Ghia is fine though, haven't sat in an AU so I wouldn't know.

B series and onwards Falcons, I just can't get comfortable in the drivers seat.

I am the same height as you,7kg heavier and i fit in my 2012 fg ute no worries.Only issue i think is the steering wheel doesnt line up with the centre of the seat and feels weird being off centre,my au has plenty of room and also my eb ghia,they are perfect for my size imo.
Mind you my ute is manual and if i have the seat set up to suit my driving style i have a little trouble getting in especially when wearing shoes(normally drive in thongs) easier to get in if the seat is right back.
They did stuff up the falcon seating position in the fg!

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by jmac

There is a reason the NA V8 doesnt exist anymore.
No one bought it because the 6T was cheaper, faster and uses less fuel.
Buy a G6ET or a GTE, both bases are already covered.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Coyote N/A is a different kettle of fish though compared to the 5.4 ........ doing good in the states. Does well against the 3.5 EcoBoost

[ltd]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

185cm and 120kg

I just don't fit in B series and onwards Falcons, with the steering wheel at max height its awkward to get in as my thigh hits on the steering wheel and the seat just doesn't feel comfortable.

AFAIK these cars were supposed to be made for fat ****** like me, but my Fiesta and Focus are much more comfortable with lots of adjustment up/down on the seat and in/out/up/down on the steering wheel.

I make sure my seat is close enough to have a slight bend in my knee when the clutch is all the way in, thats how I set up my seat.

My EL Fairmont Ghia is fine though, haven't sat in an AU so I wouldn't know.

B series and onwards Falcons, I just can't get comfortable in the drivers seat.

Thanks for elaborating on that, it's a valid point you make.

I think from BA onwards Ford started putting airbags in the seats for the higher end models; fairlanes LTD's G6E's etc. I know when I have to clean under the seats with a vacuum cleaner there's quite a bit of gear under there; also the seat base motors too.

From my experience in the BA's and BF's, the seat is a lot higher than the FG's.

[ltd]

Originally Posted by mcnews

A G8E, a bit like this....
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I love your car. That thing is really special.

Not overstated with stickers and the like, subtle and beautiful. Not such a fan of the rubber floor mat though, the ford carpet ones are only $95.00 for a set of 4 and if they get old and ugly, buy a new set.

[mcnews]

There are the proper FPV floormats underneath those big 4wd mats, they are so handy for when I get in and out of the car with muddy boots or whatever, these are dished so all the crud is contained in the mats and can be easily pulled out and emptied. It is not a town car. Half an hour before that shot there were used tyres in the back seats, lol. Thanks for the nice comments, should have took the mats out for the inside shots I guess, but it was not prepped for a shoot as such, just threw the camera in the car after giving it a quick wipe over after the new rear shoes went on, went for a swim then took those happy snaps.

[chopstar87]

I personally never got the issue with this the seating position is too high in the falcons thing??

I own a BA XR6 at the moment and i find the seating position fine... not worst then any other car that i have sat in... sayin that i am property use to been a bit cramped in all cars not just the falcon, so i dont really feel the affect maybe??

Side note: i dont ever sit in the back of cars, i am always front seat as my head always basically rests against the roof in the back seat and there is not enough leg room unless the person in the front seat is really short, in the falcons any ways.

I am 197cms (135kgs) - rugby league player build (prop)


would i buy a G8E?? YES YES YES.... I was seriously considering a G6E turbo there for a while before deciding to go with a new Chrysler 300c luxury. The Features outweighed the XR6 Turbo Performance... but a V8 in a Luxury cruiser would have outweighed the features in the 300, nothing beats the sounds and grumble of a V8... I love the GTE, beautiful car and my Ideal car, but it was just outside of my price for this time for purchasing a new car.

[Agent86]

Would i buy one? No

Simply because i am planning on building one when we replace the mrs g6et.
I have been looking at crate engines from the states. Would make a great luxo barge for the buisness when i need to travel interstate.

[Ford_convert]

Originally Posted by Agent86

Would i buy one? No

Simply because i am planning on building one when we replace the mrs g6et.
I have been looking at crate engines from the states. Would make a great luxo barge for the buisness when i need to travel interstate.

I came across a Coyote with 9,000 kms on the clock the other day in FTG.

[Rodge]

I'm liking all the big boys putting in their personal spec's into this thread, makes me feel part of the club

G6ET and GT-E have the G8E thing allready covered and any attempt to fit a naturally aspirated coyote into a G8E would be silly because it would struggle against the cheaper and lighter G6ET.

Just buy a G6ET, throw some proper brakes and a spoiler on to it and you're on to a winner !
Gotta have the go fast spoiler, they look too conservative without it

[pottery beige]

hahaha on the seating and access.. I'm a johnny short ***.. the seat is that far forward it does makes it awkward getting in....

[mr smith]

Originally Posted by mcnews

A G8E, a bit like this....

Bar the poxxy "E" badge that looks like a ricer add-on thats a real nice car.

[Ben73]

At the dealership with me own money It would be a tough choice deciding between the g6et and a g8e. But in the end I would buy the 8 since I'm a big v8 fan.

[jpd80]

Has anyone noticed the dead zone in Falcon's price range?
There seems to be a no man's land between the Sub $40K buyers and then the +$48K buyer wanting high series vehicles.

What is frustrating to me is the two speed Falcon sales,
1) Sub $40 K which is either a Value pack XR6 or G6 chock full of extras for $36,990
2) The second wave at + $48K where buyers know what they want and are prepared to pay for it.

Anything Ford has tried in the past in the forbidden zone seems to be discounted XR6Ts and discounted G6E,
not that much, slim pickings for a continuous product line, how about a permanent 4.0 litre G8, XR8 and G8E...
Ford could always offer the 5.0 and the S/C 5.0 as options over the top as other high range or existing FPV models..

Previously, I have suggested a 4.0 V8 to replace the 4.0 I-6 as a global local engine with balls and 10 l/100 km.
The 4.0 V8 suggestion was a devilish plan to offer a new vehicle range XR8 and G8 in that +$40K to $48K range,
a 250 Kw 4.0 that gets 10 l/100 km - something to confound Holden, there's still the 2.0 Ecoboost models for good economy.

Kind of a way to "fill the dead air" between the $40K to $48K price - not to replace 5.0 and I-6T
but to offer and engine that gives way more than the poor old NA I-6 can deliver.....

[yanknbank]

After driving the G6ET for the last five years (nearly), I wouldn't make the swap to a G8E. It would more than likely be slower, use more fuel around town and probably wouldn't handle as well with the extra weight of the V8 hanging over the front end of the car.
Now waiting for the 2014 G6ET.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Has anyone noticed the dead zone in Falcon's price range?
There seems to be a no man's land between the Sub $40K buyers and then the +$48K buyer wanting high series vehicles.

What is frustrating to me is the two speed Falcon sales,
1) Sub $40 K which is either a Value pack XR6 or G6 chock full of extras for $36,990
2) The second wave at + $48K where buyers know what they want and are prepared to pay for it.

Anything Ford has tried in the past in the forbidden zone seems to be discounted XR6Ts and discounted G6E,
not that much, slim pickings for a continuous product line, how about a permanent 4.0 litre G8, XR8 and G8E...
Ford could always offer the 5.0 and the S/C 5.0 as options over the top as other high range or existing FPV models..

Previously, I have suggested a 4.0 V8 to replace the 4.0 I-6 as a global local engine with balls and 10 l/100 km.
The 4.0 V8 suggestion was a devilish plan to offer a new vehicle range XR8 and G8 in that +$40K to $48K range,
a 250 Kw 4.0 that gets 10 l/100 km - something to confound Holden, there's still the 2.0 Ecoboost models for good economy.

Kind of a way to "fill the dead air" between the $40K to $48K price - not to replace 5.0 and I-6T
but to offer and engine that gives way more than the poor old NA I-6 can deliver.....

You have to realise that you are on a hiding to nothing when even the most rabid V8 zealots aren't backing up your idea.

It is very obvious that you are just thrashing around trying to find anything that might be a possible place for your "super engine".

In October 2003 I was drinking beer with the Ford engineering team doing testing and certification on the Orion project at the Blue Motel in Tennant Creek. It was just an accidental meeting as I was on holidays playing go fast GT-P in the open zones.

They asked me a lot of questions about my GT-P which at the time did not make much sense but subsequently showed that they know much more about their cars than they let on. (e.g. diff getting hot, issues with fuel).

Among other things I asked the senior engineer why they used the cast iron 5.4 instead of the alloy 4.6 from the current Mustang and his reply was that a small V8 did not suit Australian conditions as they found that they have little torque down low and have to be revved excessively to match even the performance of the I6 let alone the 5.4 and had no chance against the T6.

This was what they ACTUALLY found from research and development, not some theory.