Ford XR8 limited editions

Heard some interesting info today - Ford are looking at bringing out 2 limited edition cars soon. Both will go with the name GT-R and, at this stage, will be limited to a total build number of 30ea.

1. This will be something along the lines of a Marcus Ambrose special done in a blue colour similar to his Pirtek Ford; and

2. A Russell Ingall special in a blue-green colour scheme to represent the Valvoline colour scheme.

From what I have been told, they are past the mock-up stage and final decisions on colour schemes are due to be made this week....

Has anyone else heard about these cars? This is all the info I have ATM.

Fascinating.

If it's true, it's actually quite smart to wait until the beginning of the new touring car season.

I doubt this is real, but as a Ford nut it's nice to believe they actually give a shit about (pleasently) suprising their fans for once.

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Originally Posted by Nobby

Fascinating.

If it's true, it's actually quite smart to wait until the beginning of the new touring car season.

I doubt this is real, but as a Ford nut it's nice to believe they actually give a shit about (pleasently) suprising their fans for once.

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My source was working on these cars himself very recently... and yes it's actually a very smart marketing move.

Well, I'll cross my fingers then! :D

I certainly hope they do something special with the cars apperance and not just a XR with a GT kit.... 'cause that would be a GT. :)

With any luck the clutch works. :D

So what does it have over a normal XR8??? More power???? or just a stupid colour and build plate. Any word on price?

If I was gunna have my name on a car I would wanna make shore it's a big improvment then your average model. Will see if these guy's are just sellouts or not!


Yeah where's the money...oh how much...ok use my name.

not being a Ford fan it doesn't really worry me. However, if it was good as DJR's project(?) car then it could be an awesome car

I'm assuming by their name that they'll be based on the GT? or are you positive that they're XR8s?

Sorry guys, that's all the info I have ATM. Hopefully find out more fairly soon.

Wonder if it will have an 'enforcer' badge on it ? :p

Great to see Ford making a few LE vehicles. Will have to be a decent package for Marcus and Russell to agree to it. Just hope that they perform a lot better than the GT-P's that were released.

If it is a Factory release -not aftermarket-it will almost certainly be a very tame ,even stock car stripe package type as it was in the old school way - John Goss falcon style.
Its amazing these type of cars have been missing for so long really - Brabham Torana, Peter Wherritt Sigma , Carla Zampatti Laser ,reebok Pulsar !
The marketing boffins these days are useless !

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Originally Posted by lowriding

If it is a Factory release -not aftermarket-it will almost certainly be a very tame ,even stock car stripe package type as it was in the old school way - John Goss falcon style.
Its amazing these type of cars have been missing for so long really - Brabham Torana, Peter Wherritt Sigma , Carla Zampatti Laser ,reebok Pulsar !
The marketing boffins these days are useless !

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So true they should at least use the recently released Boss edit and tweak the engine a tad for the limited editions. whack on a few new colour schemes and a few race driver squiggles and dump an extra $2000-5000+ or there abouts on the sticker price isn't worth it. Unless I have been proven wrong that is.

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Originally Posted by Danv8

So true they should at least use the recently released Boss edit and tweak the engine a tad for the limited editions.

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I don't think Ford will need an aftermarket program like Boss Edit to tweak the tune :lol: Unless they forgot their password :D

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Originally Posted by Danv8

So true they should at least use the recently released Boss edit and tweak the engine a tad for the limited editions. whack on a few new colour schemes and a few race driver squiggles and dump an extra $2000-5000+ or there abouts on the sticker price isn't worth it. Unless I have been proven wrong that is.

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Considering they (Fpv engineers) constricted the Boss290's in the first place, just look at how its torque curve drops faster then a drunk fly inhaling Mortein, then they wouldn't need Boss edit as they have the original software with all its "torque tags" and all. A new future A6 should remove ALL excuses from a durabilty view point...or it better 'cause some buyers will be mightily pissed off.

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Originally Posted by XLR8 V8

I don't think Ford will need an aftermarket program like Boss Edit to tweak the tune :lol: Unless they forgot their password :D

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:doh: :lol:

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Originally Posted by Animal

Wonder if it will have an 'enforcer' badge on it ? :p

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and after wiping out any HSV that just so happens to be in front, the ford driver can say "the car did it" :lol:

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Originally Posted by XLR8 V8

I don't think Ford will need an aftermarket program like Boss Edit to tweak the tune :lol: Unless they forgot their password :D

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I'm sure someone wrote it on the back of their driver's licence, then again after the initial arrogance of FPV towards the F6 clutch problems you never know!

I thought all XR8s were limited...very limited :D :p
Maybe Boss edit might make a challenge out of them yet.

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Originally Posted by V82xist

I thought all XR8s were limited...very limited :D :p
Maybe Boss edit might make a challenge out of them yet.

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Considering the time the boss has been on the market copared to the LS1, i think there's still plenty of scope for development. Just on a side note, on the weekend i attended a dyno comp where a edited/exhausted LS1 made 225rwkw, and a GT with very similar mods made 250rwkw. I know this dyno run wasn't the be-all and end-all of the power war, but hey, it's something in the blue camp's favour! (for once)

Back on topic (sorry), a few limited editions would be awesome. Even if it was just some snazzy colours and stickers, it's better than nothing. Not like ford has had any other limited runs since the T series day's (the good ole days)

-Stu :)

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Originally Posted by V82xist

I thought all XR8s were limited...very limited :D :p
Maybe Boss edit might make a challenge out of them yet.

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Be Careful what you wish for you might just get it... I would love to see the ford mob get a decent edit. Hell it would make things a whole heap more interesting and fun.
jb

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Originally Posted by dogbreath_48

Considering the time the boss has been on the market copared to the LS1, i think there's still plenty of scope for development. Just on a side note, on the weekend i attended a dyno comp where a edited/exhausted LS1 made 225rwkw, and a GT with very similar mods made 250rwkw. I know this dyno run wasn't the be-all and end-all of the power war, but hey, it's something in the blue camp's favour! (for once)

Back on topic (sorry), a few limited editions would be awesome. Even if it was just some snazzy colours and stickers, it's better than nothing. Not like ford has had any other limited runs since the T series day's (the good ole days)

-Stu :)

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Yes, a GT does not have the same engine as an XR8 though and i don't care about dyno numbers, I only care about track numbers. It's quite right what you have said about the time on the market and I think it's going to be good to see some ford boys who are actually willing to take us on at the track.

The other thing you should consider is the LS2 doesn't have edit yet and it will be the V8 in the VE. I doubt if a editted boss in a BA could catch an LS2 in a VZ so when the LS2 gets edit we will be in front yet again. It's a never ending cycle of Holden in front - Ford catches up - Holden lifts the bar and gets infront again.
I'm happy driving a Holden :D

V82xist what about tha turbo?? the phase 4 and 5 APS kits are kilers. They have got over 1000HP out of the turbo 6?

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Originally Posted by V82xist

Yes, a GT does not have the same engine as an XR8 though

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Theres barely anything in it, just different valve lift and a couple of small things. Hardly a different engine

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Originally Posted by Brendan24688

V82xist what about tha turbo?? the phase 4 and 5 APS kits are kilers. They have got over 1000HP out of the turbo 6?

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Fair call, but driving one would be like sitting on a handgrenade. I wouldnt expect one to out of the shop for very long due to failures of other components such as the gearboxes etc.

The ls2 is getting the power with reliability albeit not as much as your phase 4 and 5 kits but at less expense and less fuel and enough to kick the rest of the ford lineup in stock form.

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Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Theres barely anything in it, just different valve lift and a couple of small things. Hardly a different engine

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Yep your right, what I should've said is different heads, valves, Locally-supplied high-performance pistons with domed tops lift the compression ratio to 10.5:1 (XR8 = 9.5:1) on 96 RON PULP, headers, different pistons and conrods, high-performance tri-metal main and big-end bearings, balanced crankshaft, each conrod is re-engineered to match the stronger pistons and floating gudgeons and finally its all assembled by hand not machines like normal stock engines.

I would much rather have a GT than an XR8.

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Originally Posted by V82xist

The other thing you should consider is the LS2 doesn't have edit yet and it will be the V8 in the VE.

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Danm, didn't think of that. And i suppose alot of the know-how already gained from the LS1 will transfer straight over?

-Stu :)

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Originally Posted by V82xist

Yep your right, what I should've said is different heads, valves, Locally-supplied high-performance pistons with domed tops lift the compression ratio to 10.5:1 (XR8 = 9.5:1) on 96 RON PULP, headers, different pistons and conrods, high-performance tri-metal main and big-end bearings, balanced crankshaft, each conrod is re-engineered to match the stronger pistons and floating gudgeons and finally its all assembled by hand not machines like normal stock engines.

I would much rather have a GT than an XR8.

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The heads arent different, they both use the same U231 Cobra heads from the Mustang. And i dont know why your mentioning the hand assembled bit, both the 260 and 290 engines are made at FPV on the same space they used to convert the Mustangs to RHD

One thing to bear in mind with the LS2 - it's closer to the wind already tuning-wise compared to the LS1. Compression ratio 0.8 higher, revs higher, already tuned for premium fuel unlike the stock LS1 which will run on swill. I bet the reason for the increased processor power is because the tuning is more finely optimised which means less to be gained by tweaking.

Only speculation on my part, but I bet once 'LS2edit' arrives you are not going to see the spectacular gains we've seen from LS1s, especially given later LS1s and the motors in HSVs don't respond as well as the lesser-tune motors in the VT-VX. I bet it's more like 40-50hp rather than 70-80hp from pipes/CAI. LS2 will ultimately produce more, because it's bigger. But not much.

Well didnt the LS1edit first come around cause Holden was detuning the engines almost 30kw when put in VT2 SS's compared to the donor Corvettes?

Anyone else see the GT pull 260rwkw at HSVOC dyno day last week down at G&D, apparently he had only done exhaust and CAI is that a freak engine or is there something he wasn't telling anyone.......

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Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

The heads arent different, they both use the same U231 Cobra heads from the Mustang. And i dont know why your mentioning the hand assembled bit, both the 260 and 290 engines are made at FPV on the same space they used to convert the Mustangs to RHD

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Don't know the exact details but a couple of the guys over on fordforums.com.au that have pulled both the 260 and 290 engines apart reckon that the 290 has heaps of extra goodies over the 260 and is a heaps better engine that had been over enginered/built quite a bit. Lots more potential in a 290 thana 260 apparently.

FPV "claim" to be up against a brick wall with improving efficiency of the engine, what they claim is the only way to increase power and torque without increasing revs or relying on forced induction but when you get down to it, they share the heads, they share the block, they share the capacity and IMO that makes them the same engine

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Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

FPV "claim" to be up against a brick wall with improving efficiency of the engine, what they claim is the only way to increase power and torque without increasing revs or relying on forced induction but when you get down to it, they share the heads, they share the block, they share the capacity and IMO that makes them the same engine

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What we are pointing out is the GT engine has a much better ability to put out higher numbers than the XR8 as it has a number of the engine components improved over the XR8 which gives it that ability.
Also if I changed the cam in my LS1 can I claim my engine is the same as a stock engine cause I haven't changed the heads, block or capacity?
It's a bit like the C4B and LS1 comparison.

Hey... looks like Ford really are coming out with 2 limited editions.

Heard about 2 models to be called Devil R and Enforcer. Must have been made official at the Melb Motorshow coz it was in Go Auto News.

Good coverage of the new astra and Tigra models unveiled too.

Appears that all the changes are cosmetic :rolleyes:
Extract from Ford Press Release:

"Each car will feature unique 18-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, premium brakes, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, unique sports leather seats and carpet mats embroidered with either the Devil R or Enforcer motifs, and decals on the bonnet bulge and front doors.

The XR8 Devil R will only be available in Shockwave blue and the XR8 Enforcer only in Envi green.

Each driver has personally signed the owner's manual and each car will feature the driver's signature mounted on a plate in the engine bay.

In addition, each owner will receive a limited edition racing picture signed by Ambrose or Ingall.

"In total, all the added extras represent more than $5000 value. Ford motorsport fans keen to capture a unique slice of motoring history should race into their local dealer where they can purchase either model for a recommended price of just $54,265*.

"The addition of a signed owner's manual and unique racing picture adds even more to the value equation.

"Just 125 versions of each car will be produced, making these limited edition models very, very special vehicles," McDonald said. "

FPV also released a 290kw FPV Super Pursuit Ute to start production in June 2005

"Unveiled today at the Melbourne International Motor Show and due to go into production in June 2005, the FPV Super Pursuit will continue to push the boundaries of the Australian sports utility segment with its blend of luxurious appointments and outstanding performance.

It will join the iconic GT and GT-P sedan and Pursuit Ute as part of FPV’s Boss 290-powered family. The quad cam Boss 290 V8, with 290kW of power and 520Nm of torque, is the only V8 engine to be developed and produced in Australia.

Super Pursuit is designed to extend the reach of the Pursuit Ute range following the successful introduction of the MkII family in October 2004 as the flagship utility in the FPV range.

“The high-performance ute segment of the Australian market continues to grow in popularity, and we are confident Super Pursuit will add to this growth,” FPV Managing Director, David Flint, says.

“Its mix of luxury and performance will certainly appeal to customers that want the ultimate Ford utility.”

The Super Pursuit has a recommended retail price of $58,370 excluding statuatory charges.

The Super Pursuit carries a host of luxury features not available as factory-fitted parts on any other Ford utility, including 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 245/35 ZR 19 Dunlop SP9000 tyres and an upgraded Interior Command Centre finished in satin alloy with dual-zone climate control airconditioning, large TFT colour screen and premium sound with six-disc in-dash CD player.

The interior also features exclusive Performance seats with Le Mans fabric trim and suede-style bolsters finished with silver stitching and FPV logos embroided in the headrests, which are complemented by the standard Performance steering wheel, FPV floor mats and FPV signature design cues such as the twin-pod sports instrument gauges, drilled alloy pedals, blue-lit FPV instrument panel and dash-mounted starter button.

Leather trim is the only option available and costs $1850.

The exterior design of the Super Pursuit is directly linked to the premium GT-P sedan with satin alloy grille inserts and a solid splitter in the front bumper. It also has sports side skirts and comes standard with a lockable hard tonneau cover with, exclusive to the Super Pursuit, the signature FPV three-pillar design rear wing. The bold FPV side stripes and Boss 290 hood decal, available for the first time on Pursuit with the MkII update released last year, are available as a no-cost option on Super Pursuit.

Super Pursuit is powered exclusively by the quad cam Boss 290 V8 with 290Kw of power at 5500 revs and 520 Nm of torque from 4500 revs and is driven by the rear wheels through either a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, specifically developed by FPV, or a four-speed Sequential Sports Shift automatic with a limited slip rear differential.

It also features the awesome stopping power of Brembo brakes as standard equipment, featuring cross-drilled and ventilated 355mm front and 330mm rear discs with four-pot calipers and a three-channel anti-skid system.

Like all FPV models, the Super Pursuit is fitted with DataDots and has a series of exclusive owner benefits including a choice of unique gifts, a leather-bound compendium with a certificate of authenticity and a full-day professional driver training course.

For further information, please contact:
Ford Australia Public Affairs
Phone: 03-9359 8491
Fax: 03-9359 8900 "

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Originally Posted by XLR8 V8

"Just 125 versions of each car will be produced, making these limited edition models very, very special vehicles," McDonald said. "

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yeah it would be good if I could see it F$#%n validation.

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Originally Posted by Focky

Hey... looks like Ford really are coming out with 2 limited editions.

Heard about 2 models to be called Devil R and Enforcer. Must have been made official at the Melb Motorshow coz it was in Go Auto News.

Good coverage of the new astra and Tigra models unveiled too.

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What - you doubted the info in my first post? :p

That photo doesn't do the colour justice.
Shockwave blue is a very nice colour.