With the introduction of the XR6T, Ford seems to have opened up a whole new segment for the Australian car industry. Where 5-10 years ago everyone's dream was a big V8 such as what is found in the T Series or XR8, it seems now more and more are turning towards the option of Turbos to give the V8's a run for their money.
So, this raises a few points. Now that turbos are becoming increasingly common, can we expect to see them on cars like Fairmont Ghias or Calais' at some stage? Should they be there, or should they be more sports orientated models?
And what about insurance? For years now, a turbo has been the underbonnet equivalent of a direct line from the insurance company to your wallet. Now that they're being found under more bonnets, can we expect to see insurance premiums for Turbo owners go down, or will they go up because more of them are on the road?
We're now also seeing after market tuning houses like APS and CAPA really come into their element. Whereas before you might have been lucky to see a CAPA car at a car show, it's now very possible that the XR6T that just passed you has a Phase 2/3 kit on it. Is this a good thing, or a bad thing?
And of course, what happens with the high-end performance sector such as FPV and HSV? Do we still expect to see them using large V8's, or do we want Turbos to start appearing on 6's under the bonnet of HSV's and FPV's? The introduction of the Typhoon will no doubt prove interesting - not just for the vehicle itself, but moreso to see how other manufacturers react and believe the market is moving toward.
Back in Tickford days wasn't it all about wanting (but maybe not having the backup from Ford) to be all about the future and technology ?
Bring it on I say. If forced induction is what's getting these cars moving then lets do it.
Look at the jap cars. Skylines, impreza's, liberty b4 etc. These cars are snatched up by the younger enthusiasts. It wouldn't do Ford any harm to have a younger fan base. Remember the people that can't afford the turbo models may very well buy the non turbo model. Its getting the people in the brand.
The potential of the turbo car is huge. The phase 4 APS from memory clocked in at 417rwkw if I remember correctly. Their opinion is that the next thing holding them back is the turbo. A bigger one will fix that problem.
As for insurance I think the overall combo of turbo + performance car will still keep prices high for people.
__________________
Proud TQE Operator
1999 Black Manual AU XR6HP
Unichip equipped by Autotech Engineering, Granville
Cam install by Crescent Motorsport, Liverpool
We dont want to lose our V8 culture and new V8 models
Especially since Ford has such a proud history of it
Ford needs to spend money developing the V8 models
not just the turbo.
Also agreed but how long is it before we have a new v8 ? The all alloy 6.2L Ford lightning engine won't be in the states til 2005-6(?). Then lets add time for it to trickle down to us.
Also a boss edit doesn't seem to be coming anytime soon.
If we could trim down the car's weight maybe ? Still, that would affect the turbo's performance...
How much more is in the Ford V8 engine ???
__________________
Proud TQE Operator
1999 Black Manual AU XR6HP
Unichip equipped by Autotech Engineering, Granville
Cam install by Crescent Motorsport, Liverpool
hmmm a TTXR8...i think so..only if it is done right
Would a TTxr8 be accepted by the traditionalists ? The people that by the v8 no matter what ?
__________________
Proud TQE Operator
1999 Black Manual AU XR6HP
Unichip equipped by Autotech Engineering, Granville
Cam install by Crescent Motorsport, Liverpool
Wait a tick, you can't really give the reward to the Xr6T for bringing forced induction to Australian sedans - surely the Supercharger Honeymoon that Holden had, first with the XU6, then some Calais variants deserves a mention.
Also, sure, you can compare what Ford has done to Japanese forced induction - but it doesn't really fit the bill - Japanese Forced cars tend to be smaller in displacement and power more coupes, medium sized sedans and hatches. If anything, falcon would share more with the forced German sedans - pity it lacks the build quality and drivetrain to match.
And also IMHO I don't think there would be a sustainable market for an Xr8TT - look at the way fuel prices are going - just think how much fuel that would consume, as well as the required strengthening and reinforcement of the driveline and investment in engineering knowledge. It would cost $85000 + easy.
Wait a tick, you can't really give the reward to the Xr6T for bringing forced induction to Australian sedans - surely the Supercharger Honeymoon that Holden had, first with the XU6, then some Calais variants deserves a mention.
Also, sure, you can compare what Ford has done to Japanese forced induction - but it doesn't really fit the bill - Japanese Forced cars tend to be smaller in displacement and power more coupes, medium sized sedans and hatches. If anything, falcon would share more with the forced German sedans - pity it lacks the build quality and drivetrain to match.
And also IMHO I don't think there would be a sustainable market for an Xr8TT - look at the way fuel prices are going - just think how much fuel that would consume, as well as the required strengthening and reinforcement of the driveline and investment in engineering knowledge. It would cost $85000 + easy.
Weren't those Holdens packing a massive 171kw!, the XR6t is the first true forced 6 MADE by an Australian manufacturer, with the power and punch to match the status of being called FORCED INDUCTION.
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