XR8 production to increase

With the closure of Ford's local assembly operations now less than 18 months away, the knowledge that the FG X XR8 will also be the last has resulted in unprecedented demand. This has resulted in the initial production run of 1,200 XR8 sedans now being expanded to 2,800 vehicles.

"We have been buoyed by the amazing customer interest and demand for the XR8," according to Ford General Manager, Marketing, David Katic. "It's been a runaway success and our dealers have been asking for more.

"As a result we've been working closely with our key stakeholders to find a way of increasing production; which we can now confirm."

According to Ford, the FG X XR8 is being praised for the work the Australian-based engineering team has done to deliver the expected ride, handling and stopping power desired in a performance touring sedan.

"We're very proud of the work that's gone into the XR8," Katic said. "It's an important halo to the FG X Falcon range and we wanted to deliver the ultimate handling performance machine for customers and they clearly love it."

Although based on the existing FG II platform, the engineering development team treated the FG X XR8 program as a complete new car. So, rather than just slotting the high performance Boss 5.0-litre, supercharged all-aluminium V8 engine under the bonnet, the new XR8 also gets the suspension upgrades from the FPV GT RSPEC.

Compared to standard GT suspension, the XR8 gains:
_ Retuned rear dampers and springs
_ Larger rear stabiliser bar (up from 18 mm to 19 mm)
_ Retuned front dampers
_ Stiffer front upper spring mounts
_ Stiffer front upper control arm bushing
_ Front and rear suspension geometry adjusted to complement 275 rear tyres

The Boss 5.0-litre, supercharged, 32-valve V8 features maximum power of 335kW at 5,750 rpm and maximum torque of 570Nm at 2,200-5,500 rpm (using premium unleaded fuel).

Other XR8 features include Brembo 4-piston caliper front brakes and rear single-piston caliper brakes, a high-specification cooling fan, limited slip differential, heavy duty battery and sports steering gear.

The exterior of the final XR8 is identified by a performance 'power' bulge on the bonnet, quad-tipped exhaust system, power side repeater mirrors and unique shadow-line 5-spoke 19-inch x 8.0-inch (front) / 19-inch x 9.0-inch (rear) alloy wheels. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard.

Even with this increase in production, the XR8 is expected to be sold well before the final Falcon rolls off the assembly line at Broadmeadows next year. As a piece of Australian motoring history, the FG X XR8 is already a modern collectable. The increase in production numbers shouldn't do anything to change that.