After spending quite a few years in the shadows of Holden and its popular range of Commodore family cars, Ford has struck back with an exciting new range of locally produced Falcon models. The BA model Falcon represents an investment by Ford in the order of $500 million. The new models offer comprehensive styling, powertrain, suspension, interior and safety related changes, and look set to challenge Holden for sales supremacy in the family car class.

The styling of the new Falcon is a big improvement over the superseded AU series; however, perhaps the most significant upgrade has taken place beneath the skin of the Falcon. Ford has introduced a range of new engine options in the Falcon that includes a 4.0 litre double overhead camshaft (DOHC) six cylinder engine, a turbocharged version of the six and a new 5.4 litre V8 engine. The new engines deliver significantly more power and torque, and thereby offering improved performance across the board for all models in the Falcon range.

The new 5.4 litre V8 engine comes from Ford’s Windsor plant in Canada and is available in a number of different configurations. The standard V8 engine is called the Barra 220. It is a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) engine with three valves per cylinder that develops 220 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. The engine that powers the XR8 evaluated for this report is a more potent DOHC unit that features four valves per cylinder. Designated the Boss 260, this engine produces a very healthy 260 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. Ford’s XR range of sporty Falcons now consists of three different variants with the introduction of the turbocharged XR6 that complements its naturally aspirated six cylinder and V8 stablemates.

Pricing for Ford’s sporting XR Falcon range starts at $38,155 for the naturally aspirated XR6, with the XR8 priced from $50,130. A five speed manual transmission is standard on both models, although the new sequential sports shift automatic is available for an extra $920. While Ford’s XR models are easily recognised as a sporting version of the Falcon due to their body enhancements and larger diameter alloy wheels, they are also loaded with a host of additional features that makes them a particularly well equipped vehicle for the money. Some of the XR8’s more notable standard features include power steering, air conditioning, 17 inch alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, sports suspension, limited slip differential, CD stereo, remote central locking.

Download pdf FORD FALCON XR8 manual Road Test Report