gadgetman

Can't Get Enough Of This! Another Raving review by an LS1 member!

We have a test loop as part of our vehicle evaluation procedure, and its around 400km in total. A lot of it is particularly heavy on the vehicle, and requires high throttle openings to complete. The interesting part of it is that the XR6T showed relatively decent fuel economy, with an average 18.3 l/100km. To put this into perspective my SS used 21l/100km, and an SV300 25.6 l/100km on the same course.

Expect then to pay less for your 450Nm and 245kw at the bowser, which is to be expected with a relatively high tech, twin cam, 24 valve, turbo engine. Its only the sheer weight of the Ford which stops it from achieving much better numbers. Another interesting subject is traction control....and the Visteon inspired application in the Ford.

Its a whole generation ahead of that we currently have from GM. It doesnt rely on crude throttle cable setups, nor kick back through the pedal, and interestingly enough, isnt an instant 'off' setting when getting into some performance driving. So intelligent is the system that it takes some skilled and practised driving to better it. Left on in the twisties the effect is a subtle misfire on corner exit, and a gentle application of individual wheel braking to stabilise the chassis on initial mash of the pedal. Its light years ahead of anything we have seen here before from a local manufacturer. Its far from the crude joke of a system we have in the Commodore.

Still, the overriding impression of the XR6T engine so far has been one of 'struggling'. When you push the XR6 hard and demand the best out of it, the failsafes and torque managing efforts of the Geelong engine room boys are plain to both feel, and hear. The engine struggles to cope with these restrictions, feeling pinned down at 245kw, literally begging you to unlock the shackles and let it make some more. 270kw would be more in its comfort zone.

The reasoning, as far as I can see it though is one of keeping up with the Jones. Holden release a 235kw VY, let the XR6T be 245kw. Next model iteration sees a 250kw VYII, change the torque cap in the XR6T software to 260kw...and so on. Its a game that I cant see GM really winning, but regardless its a game we should all really love to see them play.

The worst part so far? It sounds like a blower vac.
The best bit? Feels like it has 50% more torque than a Gen III, and at 2500rpm......it does.

Pearly

That was an awsome read gadgeman.
Thanks.

RAPTOR

Growing respect for the XR6T from the most unlikely places, LS1.com.au

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VanGelder

Wow, that's a great review !!!
Don't you just love all this positive publicity ??!! The guy actually pays out GMH and praises Ford. What's next...beerflavoured iceblocks ??

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gadgetman

I think that some of us (including myself) should ease up on holden supporters. Sure there are some morons but a majority of them are pretty cool and we should listen to what some of them say, like for example Street Tuna. We should always listen to what people that have experienced both vehicles have to say because there are a lot of people that talk the talk when they have not got a god damm clue. Cheers everyone.

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BA XR6 Turbo Ute: Citric Acid SSS With Leather, Prestige sound and Sports Steering Wheel.

Road Warrior

Hrrm looks like the VT is gonna have to head to StreetQuick shortly...

Can't be gettin blown off by no Ford:s3

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There are only 2 states to be in:
Western Australia, and pissed.

ls1vx

You may be surprised, but we aren`t all one eyed you know, and that goes for Holden and Ford fans alike.

strife

JL will sort you out

YuGoStaR

Looks like the XR6T is already forming a bit of a reputation.
That is a great start, things can only get better.

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VXLS1

Majority of us over there have respected the new ford product since day 1, doesnt mean we have to prefer it over the holden but we definately know a good car when we see one and so far the XR6T shows all signs of being a great car.