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XR8 Review on CarNet

3K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  anakha 
#1 ·
#3 ·
Yeah that was a great article...

"Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers error '80004005'

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D:\WWWCARNET\CARNET\REVIEWS\../../shared_components/s_reviews_article.asp, line 12"

In other words it didnt work! Can someone who can get the article to work maybe cut and paste some of it?
 
#4 ·
Here is the article in question from www.car.net.au

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Falcon XR8 test
Date:29/1/2003 Source:peter Barnwell

FALCON XR8 by Peter Barnwell

The tide is turning fast at Ford with sales of the new BA Falcon increasing rapidly and some models achieving monthly sales records.

The Falcon ute is powering and the new XR6 and XR6 Turbo achieved a record sales month last December.

Buyers of the XR6 Turbo go on a two to three month wait-list and even the ``atmo'' standard XR6 is bolting out dealers doors.

This is before Ford had any XR8s to sell.

They do now, or did have as forward orders for the big banger are pretty strong.

When word gets out about how good they are the XR8 will be really hard to come by I reckon.

Think about it for a minute.

The main competitor, Holden's Commodore SS is totally outgunned. Here is a car that matches HSVs Club Sport in performance and dynamics and is about ten grand less at a whisker over $50 grand for the model out of the box.

Ford has been a bit cunning and offers the XR8 with a costly accessories list to tick bigger wheels and tyres, bigger brakes, leather and so on. But the un- enhanced version is tempting enough for us mere mortals.

The one you want with premium brakes and premium sound will possibly cost 55 big ones _ still good buying in this territory.

It seems Ford Australia has been paying too much attention to BMW marketing.

The XR8 is available with a five speed Tremec manual gearbox from the previous TS50 and other Tickford cars. A four-speed automatic arrives in a couple of months time. The auto is a sequential shifter like other BA Falcon autos but is reinforced to cope with the XR8's 500Nm of torque and 260kW of power.

Power comes from a 32-valve, twin overhead cam V8 of 5.4L.

It is a large lump occupying most of the engine bay with a cast iron block and alloy heads and is from the same family as the single overhead cam 5.4L V8 in lesser Falcons.

Ford Australia is the first branch of the 100 year old Ford Motor Company to use this engine.

It's built on a small assembly line at Ford Performance Vehicles using imported and local components.

Called the Boss 260, the engine forms the basis of the forthcoming 290kw Falcon GT due in a month or so.

The Boss 260 is significantly enhanced for both performance and reliability with components such as a forged steel crankshaft, Cobra R alloy cylinder heads, high performance manifold, direct drive oil pump. It's basically a hand built hotrod engine tuned for civilised and reliable performance if you can call a sub 6.0 second 0-100kmh sprint civilised Like its six cylinder stablemates, the XR8 has had the business done underneath to make it handle.

It has a firm ride through various suspension changes and the brakes are stronger, considerably stronger if you specify the premium brake package with 325mm front and 303mm rear discs. Both the standard brakes and the premium package feature multi-piston calipers.

But the premiums should be standard on a car this weight (1795kg) and with this performance potential.

Safety hasn't been passed over on the XR8 as it sports ABS, traction control and a limited slip differential among its inventory. Side airbags are a $500 option.

On the outside, there's a bit of exclusivity with the XR8 as it has its own distinctive front end treatment, a large power bulge on the bonnet, body aero kit, driving lights and other go-fast goodies.

Inside it's pretty much the same as an XR6 and is specified about the same level as a Futura with a dash of flash in line with the XRs sporty heritage.

The most important thing is how it goes and in this department I can report that it more than delivers.

The thing steers precisely under all conditions, has an excellent ride and goes like the clappers to the accompaniment of a stirring V8 engine note.

On a testing drive route through a burning but mountainous Victoria, the XR8 was one of the more satisfying vehicles I have driven in such a curvaceous environment. The way it steers and corners masks its considerable mass.

And the drive cars, fitted with premium brakes, were simply sensational in this area.

The engine has more than enough go at virtually any engine speed but really hits the button from the mid- range up to redline.

Gearing is spot on for the engine in the five-speed manual. No autos were available for test.

This is not a car for everyone but is a muscle car in the truest Aussie sense.

I can see why Ford is building the GT Falcon but after the XR8, it's hardly necessary. The car is Grand Tourer comfortable, safe and if driven carefully, can even give reasonable fuel economy on its premium diet. It also looks the business - raunch plus.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for posting that Ford Man (FM):s2:
 
#9 ·
FM said:
Here is the article in question from www.car.net.au

----------------------------------------

Falcon XR8 test
Date:29/1/2003 Source:peter Barnwell

The thing steers precisely under all conditions, has an excellent ride and goes like the clappers to the accompaniment of a stirring V8 engine note.

On a testing drive route through a burning but mountainous Victoria, the XR8 was one of the more satisfying vehicles I have driven in such a curvaceous environment. The way it steers and corners masks its considerable mass.
I agree with this particular bit, the engine note is very nice and the quoted 1800kg weight does not reflect on how well it handles on turn-in. IMO it is a very well balanced car
 
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