Australian Car Advice has the goods on the upcoming new Falcon: http://www.caradvice.com.au/3720/ford-falcon-spyshots-overview/
Lots of spy pics in that article - which of course we always like :-)
But -
I'll have to say that I am not impressed. Sorry, but look at the tiny wheels and brakes... and even worse the long nose. This means a poor weight balance. Compare and contrast to the Holden Commodore - aka the Pontiac G8. Holden has announced a quote "near 50/50" fr/rr balance. The minimal front overhang on the Commodore clearly indicates the engine is moved far back in the car, and other announced features include a battery in the trunk and extensive use of aluminum in the suspension. That's part of what makes the Commodore worthy to be a "world car" - one that will be used on other products (such as the upcoming 2009 Camaro).
The jury is out as to whether or not the new Falcon is intended to be a world car.. if it was planned to be or if it's even capable. The jury is also out as to whether Ford of North America needs a large rear-wheel drive car in the lineup - given the 35 MPG fleet average fuel economy discussions (probably reduced to 32 by the time it goes thru Congress), is there room for a large RWD car powered by a fuel-inefficient 3-valve 5.4 liter V-8? Competitively, is there a need (or an opening - the Impala is staying FWD and the 300/Magnum/Charger sales have slowed considerably)? Doesn't the Taurus have this size vehicle covered, with better efficiency, traction, safety, and an already world-class chassis (shared with Volvo)? And wouldn't a Twin-Force powered SHO model cover the performance market?
And now the big question: do we want this car to be the basis for a new-generation Mustang? I don't think so - the size of the wheels and rediculous front overhand brings the SN95 Mustang to mind (in fact, this car looks to be more of an update of the existing Falcon architecture than an all-new generation). And a 2-dr coupe based on a 4-door architecture will be heavier than it needs to be.
So, Ford, lets not go in this direction for the new Mustang.
