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Marton Pettendy25 Jul 2014
NEWS

Ford Falcon XR8 reincarnated

First official images of Ford's born-again XR8 sports sedan emerge

Ford Australia has lifted the lid on its first XR8 since 2010, revealing its new performance flagship in its entirety for the first time overnight.

No technical information accompanies these two official images, which show the 2014 XR8 and XR6 and follow a series of teaser shots and, earlier this week, a promo video.

As suggested by previous spy shots, the reborn XR8 sedan, which will spearhead Ford's final, facelifted Falcon sedan and ute range from December, wears Ford's latest global design language, at least at the front-end.

Both new-look XRs wear fresh slimline headlights featuring a split-level lower edge but, for the first time, their trademark scalloped shape is replaced by distinctive inbuilt 'hockey stick' style LED daytime running lamps that mimic the twin-beam designs of past XRs.

Borrowing styling cues from the new Mondeo due on sale here next year, the aggressive new wrap-around headlights flank a large new trapezoidal upper grille positioned above a narrower lower grille, both with dark mesh honeycomb inserts.

Both XRs also feature prominent foglights with a black bezel and chromed diagonal surround that echoes the grille surrounds, plus front quarter panel vents and identical sports side skirts and rear wings.

However, they wear different alloy wheels designs (although both appear to be at least 18-inch) and the XR8 ups the ante with wing mirror-mounted side repeaters and its signature 'power dome' bonnet bulge that now extends all the way to the windscreen, like the 2015 Mustang.

It is expected to house the same 335kW supercharged 5.0-litre V8 as the outgoing FPV GT.

A previous teaser image shows the 2014 Falcon will also wear wrap-around LED tail-lights with a jewelled split design, and now Ford has confirmed the XR8's rear-end will be punctuated by a bespoke lower diffuser houses round quad exhaust outlets.

Interior changes may be limited to the addition of Ford's SYNC multimedia and connectivity system.

Ford claims the new XR8 will be the best Falcon ever, featuring improved design, technology and performance, but will not reveal further details – including pricing and specifications – until closer to launch.

“The challenge was delivering a powerful, yet premium look for the 2014 car,” said Falcon Exterior Design Manager, Nima Nourian.

“I’m proud of the fact that the new Falcon XR builds on an already distinctive design and yet delivers a whole new personality.

“The Falcon is acknowledged as being one of the most iconic Australian sedans available but the 2014 Falcon pushes this theme further forward. Our customers will easily identify the new Falcon by its premium look.

“With the XR6 and XR8 the front end is not only sporty but has a premium look, which will also be apparent across the Falcon range.

“We did that by implementing the signature Ford trapezoidal grille shape high on the front end to provide a more purposeful look which is a signature look on most of our vehicles globally.

“This new layout is further enhanced by the slim head-lamps flanking either side of the grille. The headlamps have distinct technical graphics and detailing inside as well as clever use of materials and finishes.

“On the XR series, we wanted a three-dimensional honeycomb grille mesh, which visually demonstrates the sporty nature of the car. The power dome on the XR8 also further enhances this look. The power dome expresses the car’s intention and for our XR8 customers, will be an instantly recognisable difference.

“For customers, the exterior of the 2014 Falcon – particularly the XR models – is distinctive and the rear of the car takes on a wider stance. It will stand out from the crowd,” Nourian said.

Said Ford President and CEO, Bob Graziano: “We’re very excited by the return of the XR8, as this badge has not been seen on a Falcon since 2010.

“Our enthusiasts have been asking for it so we’ve purposely revealed the Falcon XR6 and XR8 first.”

Graziano said the first V8 Falcon in more than four years will make the Falcon the only Australian-made large sedan available with the choice of three engines -- EcoBoost turbo-four, inline six (atmo, LPG and turbo) and V8.

“Four, six, or eight; our customers will have more choice,” he said. “To enhance the choice too, our six cylinder customers will also be able to choose between the locally developed EcoLPi engine or Turbo six-cylinder, as well as the naturally aspirated six.”

“Quite simply, we think this is the best Falcon ever. I just couldn’t be more pleased with what the talented local team’s been able to accomplish, I’m really proud of them.

"When you look at cars like the new Falcon, it’s easy to understand why we are now leading global projects such as the new Everest which is designed and engineered in Australia for the world.”

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