Falcon's Range-Topper Specs-Up For Enthusiasts
When it comes to specifications for the high-performance Falcon XR8, the team at Ford didn't leave too much in the cupboard; Falcon's range-topper has the lot, delivers a breathtaking drive…and looks the part too.
Some critics have shown a preference for the turbocharged Falcon XR6, but after a week in an XR8, the Car Showroom team was unanimous that this was a muscle car we'd happily have in our garage and drive 365 per year.
What You Get
Like its rival from Holden, the SS Commodore, Ford's Falcon XR8 is targeted squarely at the male high performance sedan buyer demographic and clearly delivers what this group demands - bright paintwork, bulging bonnet to accommodate the sensational 5.4-litre V8 engine and aggressive rubber (18' wheels standard or optional 19')…the XR8 ain't no shrinking violet.
Drive is to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission although our test car was fitted with the optional six-speed sequential automatic gearbox sourced from ZF.
Being a Falcon, there's lots of interior space for Aussie families. Being the latest FG model, the interior is beautifully designed, functional, has all the latest gadgets and is superbly screwed together and tight.
Under The Hood
The XR8 delivers 290kW and 520Nm from that wonderfully-raucous 'Boss' DOHC 5.4-litre V8.
For their part, some critics reckon the 270kW/533Nm Falcon XR6 turbo is a better beast…well you can call us Dinosaurs, but we reckon there is something magical about a rip-snorting V8-powered high performance sedan - be it a local star like the XR8 or even a similar vehicle from Germany or North America.
Standing-start acceleration is eyeball-popping and even snicking down a cog or two for brisk freeway overtaking induces some neck strain.
Ford says fuel consumption (combined cycle) for the manual XR8 is 14.6l/100kms so the auto is bound to be a little north of that figure.
The Interior
The last time we drove a car with pedals that adjust electronically for height, it was in Europe and the vehicle was a supercar costing about a million bucks …but the XR8 delivers optional electronic adjustable pedals (automatic models only) plus a great sports steering wheel that adjusts for height and reach and superb sports seats (leather optional).
Also on the options list are:
- Premium audio system with 7' colour display, six-disc in-dash CD with eight speakers
- Satellite Navigation with Suna Traffic Channel
- Technology Pack with iPod and Bluetooth mobile integration
- Reverse Sensing System with reversing camera.
The dashboard design is well done - two nice, large pods with logical layouts and easy to use controls for audio and climate controls. Storage bins and cupholders are plentiful and handily located.
Ford paid particular attention to delivering enhanced leg, head and elbow room in the FG Falcon lineup and this is noticeable immediately.
When riding in the rear seat we were especially impressed by the very low levels of noise transmitted - we'd venture to suggest Ford Australia has achieved a world-class standard there.
Exterior & Styling
The XR8 is the range-topper of the FG range - unquestionably the smartest-looking Falcon lineup ever
We like the modern headlights which have been blended nicely with the Ford 'family' front grille. Same at the rear where the blend of curved rear panels and contemporary tail-lights is rather avant-garde - and that's not a comment which could apply to many previous Falcon designs.
From the side, the XR8's aggressive rubber and wheels give the almost wedge-shape profile an extra sharpness and the large glass area makes this Falcon distinctly fresh and free-flowing.
On The Road
We couldn't wait to get the XR8 onto our mountain roads test route, but first we had to endure Melbourne's peak-hour traffic snarls compounded by some heavy rain.
To be honest, the XR8 handled the gridlock quite easily - in fact with a lot less aggravation than some other high performance sedans we have tested. However after an hour of crawling the XR8 (and its driver!) was noticeably more at home gathering some pace on those twists and dives.
The aluminium front suspension design is similar to Ford's highly-praised Territory SUV, while the rear is a development of Ford's Control Blade independent design with dampers sourced from Sachs in Germany.
Combine that technology with the standard limited-slip differential, nicely-weighted power steering and sure-footed stopping power and the result is a high-performance sedan up there with the best of them.
Ford has wisely configured the traction control to favour high-performance driving, however some of our female drivers commented that the XR8's rear end was at times a little unsettled on the greasy city roads.
NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels are ridiculously low and even those secondary country roads with less-than-ideal surfaces did not unsettle the XR8's poise - or transmit unacceptable extra noise to the cabin.
Overall, we take our hats off to the Ford engineers - we reckon the XR8 is superbly balanced and pin-sharp.
Challenges
As standard, the XR8 is certainly comprehensively equipped. Even so, we reckon it deserves a re-think on the options packs.
Ideally the Safety Enhancement Pack (adjustable pedals, curtain airbags and front seat side thorax airbags) should be standard. And maybe also throw-in the Technology Pack (iPod and Bluetooth integration).
Verdict
By any measure, the XR8 is a brilliant machine. Throw-in its price tag of around $48K (for the auto) and you have a knock-out punch. We asked Ford if the XR8 we had was a 'keeper'…but alas, we had to return it.
The Competition
Of course this is the Bathurst 1000 being replayed on the showroom floor and the XR8's direct and probably only rival is the SS Commodore. While the Falcon has an edge on RRP, we suspect things might get a little tighter when you're in the showroom and negotiating with a salesperson.
From left field we would introduce the SRT8 version of the Chrysler 300C. Okay its RRP is a bit higher than the Falcon or the Commodore…but again you might be surprised what the 'real' price gets down to once you start haggling.
