GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

New models - Ford - Falcon - XR8 sedan

First drive: New Falcon XR8 now the black sheep

Sports sedan: Ford's 290kW/520Nm XR8 is no slouch, but does not better the XR6T's performance.

FG XR8 is the previous FPV GT by another name, but fails to match ripping new XR6T

10 Apr 2008

THE XR8 is no longer the flagship of Ford's Falcon sedan range. That much is clear from the fact that, despite being powered by the previous FPV GT's 290kW V8, the new Falcon XR8 no longer carries a price premium over the XR6 Turbo, which in FG series guise also offers more peak torque.

That's right, while the 30kW more powerful FPV V8 makes the newest XR8 a relative bargain at $45,490, the 270kW XR6T should be every bit as quick and now comes with an identical pricetag, rather than being positioned $1000 downstream as it was previously. Automatic versions of both models carry a $1500 price premium.

That means the new XR8 manual (and XR6T) carries the same $9000 price premium over the most basic FG Falcon (the XT auto) as before, but is the same price as the auto-only G6E.

The new XR8 is $1500 more expensive than the run-out BFII XR8 it replaces but, more importantly, it's also priced $200 higher than its most direct rival in Holden's Commodore SS, while is powered by a 270kW/530Nm 6.0-litre V8.

Based on the larger, roomier, more refined and safer new FG Falcon sedan, which comes complete with an all-new aluminium front suspension and forward-mounted variable-ratio steering gear, the FG XR8 essentially runs the same powertrain as the FPV GT launched in BF-series guise in 2002 (which has since been upgraded to offer 302kW and 540Nm).

That means the XR8 now runs a 5.4-litre DOHC Boss V8 that delivers 290kW at 5750rpm and 520Nm of torque at 4750rpm, mated to a new six-speed manual or recalibrated ZF six-speed automatic transmission. This compares with the new XR6T’s 270kW at 5250rpm and 533Nm from just 2000rpm.

The XR6T returns a far better combined average fuel consumption of 11.1L/100km, compared to the XR8's 14.0L/100km figure (both in automatic guise).

27 center imageNew-to-XR8 technology includes monotube shock absorbers, an Australian-first self-adjusting parking brake, a flip-out remote key, one-touch starting, automatic instrument cluster illumination, a front passenger Beltminder (in addition to the driver's), rear power windows (in addition to the front), outside temperature display, one-touch indicators (for lane-changing, as on Commodore), digital speed display (like Commodore), auxiliary audio input, multi-function display, set-point cruise control, a larger 5.8-inch LED-backlit LCD display screen and a four-speaker 112-Watt single-CD/MP3 audio system with mid-range sound adjustment (in addition to bass and treble).

Based on the basic XT sedan, apart from its exclusive V8 engine, the FG XR8 adds the availability of a new manual transmission (with 290mm clutch), plus new features like sports-tuned variable-ratio steering gear, unique-lens black-bezel bright ring headlights, unique tail-lights, a sports leather steering wheel, "Attitude" cloth trim with XR logos and the option of "Streetwise" cloth inserts in graphite, dark silver, blue or red colours, a high-output fuel pump, 18-inch alloy wheels with lock nuts, Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres and a unique exhaust system with semi-active muffler (SAM).

Exclusive carryover XR8 features include a unique bonnet power dome, dual horns, high-series brakes, a limited-slip differential, the ZF auto, a turned aluminium manual gearshifter, sports suspension, XR grille, front bumper, foglights, rear bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler, a chromed exhaust outlet, sports front seats, alloy pedal covers, front passenger lumbar adjustment, XR sports instruments with blue illumination and illuminated power window switches.

Unlike the Commodore SS, the XR8 offers climate-control air-conditioning, but lacks side curtain airbags (which are a $300 option) and makes do with twin front and front side/head airbags.

As with all Falcons, the XR8 continues to offer a trip computer, steering wheel audio controls, automatic headlight control, remote central locking, power mirrors, a 60/40-split folding rear seat (unlike Commodore) and four-way power driver's seat adjustment.

Apart from all-new Territory-style alloy front suspension that is claimed to reduce weight by 22kg and a new variable-ratio steering system that requires just 2.6 turns lock-to-lock and returns a class-leading 11.0-metre turning circle, the Falcon XR8 features all-new exterior sheetmetal, a redesigned interior with best-in-class front and rear head and shoulder and hip room (but not legroom).

Ford says the FG Falcon's completely redesigned body structure offers a vastly bigger interior that 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, harshness) and overall refinement.

Combined with a revised version of the previous Falcon’s Control Blade independent rear suspension, plus a one-piece body side and triple-sealed doors, it claims the FG Falcon sets new Australian benchmarks for dynamics and ride quality.

Apart from the ZF auto, XR8 options include prestige paint ($400), a 1600kg tow pack ($495), a reversing camera ($500), reverse parking sensors ($500), 19-inch alloy wheels ($2000), premium sound ($1100), satellite navigation ($2000), leather seat trim ($2100) and, for the first time, a full-size spare wheel/tyre ($100 – as on Commodore).

The XR8 Luxury Pack comprises 19-inch alloys, leather trim, dual-zone climate-control, Premium audio, sports steering wheel and interior highlights for $5000.

Read more:

First drive: FG Falcon sedan stuns at base XT level

First drive: Ford raises its game with new G6

Shooting star

Ford to renew push for Falcon exports


GoAuto can help you buy a new Falcon

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

Ford models

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here