Ford Australia has released the first teaser video of its born-again XR8 sedan, which goes on sale as part of the facelifted 2014 Falcon line-up on December 1.
No new information has been released in the official YouTube film, in which prototype build co-ordinator Neil Trickey explains the lengths to which Ford's camouflage team went to disguise the upcoming sports sedan.
However, many visual details can be seen for the first time in close-up images of the vehicle without its front and rear Lycra masks, including the large new honeycomb upper grille, bonnet bulge and wheels first revealed in spy shots last month.
The video also shows more details of the new-look XR8 badge, headlights and tail-lights seen in official teaser images released in recent weeks.
It also confirms the 2014 Falcon makeover – the last before the long-running Blue Oval model is axed forever when Ford Australia shuts its Victorian factory doors by October 2016 – will bring only front and rear sheetmetal changes to a basic bodyshell design that dates back to the 1998 AU Falcon.
But while the new-look front- and rear-ends will inject much-need visual impact to Ford's once-popular large car, changes will be less extensive inside, where Ford Sync infotainment system is expected to be the most significant upgrade.
Meantime, the final XR8 sedan – the first V8-powered Falcon in three years – is expected to be powered by the same 335kW/570Nm supercharged 5.0-litre V8 as the outgoing FPV GT, making it 45kW more powerful than the last naturally aspirated XR8 sold in 2011.
As seen behind its new black-painted alloy wheels, Ford's direct response to Holden's popular Commodore SS should also feature large cross-drilled brake discs with Brembo callipers, plus sports suspension and a keener body kit shared with the updated XR6.
In lieu of any FPV models from 2015, the final XR8 will be Ford Australia’s hero car until the arrival of Ford's 324kW/542Nm Mustang GT in the second half of next year.
The revitalised Falcon range will be joined by a similarly upgraded Territory line-up – which will likewise be effectively replaced by Ford's imported 2016 Edge when Territory production ceases that year – also due on sale in December.
Expect more details of the 2014 Falcon range – including Ford's reborn XR8 flagship – to be released in the lead-up to a full reveal within a few months.