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| Ford BA Falcon XR8 |
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Add your comments on the Ford BA Falcon XR8
| Finally, a sub-14 second 1/4 mile.....just |
| F6 TORNADO 07-20-2005 |
Motor Magazine got a 13.99 second quarter mile out of the XR8 at the June 2005 All Aussie Shootout. Faster than it's rival, the Commodore SS, which could only manage 14.21. |
| Squashed!! |
| noons8 9-7-2003 |
This car's own enemy is not from another car company but from its own company. The XR8 is squashed between the awsome XR6T and The GT The XR6T will kick it's ass and the GT's as well for that matter BUt why buy the Xr8 when you can have a faster Xrt6 six pot or an even better amsome V8 |
| ute acceleration times |
| FPV_GTHO 7-7-2003 |
any1 read the lastest performance fords magazine? they got the pursuit against the xr8 ute and both averaged a 5.9 0-100km/h time and got a best of about 5.7, and the utes are hevaier than the sedans and the xr8 sedan hasnt cracked 6.1 |
| actually |
| mustangcobraR 13-6-2003 |
Hey Wombat, Motor magazine clocked a 13.98 second to 400m for the FPV GT making it the fastest falcon out there. They managed to do a 14.06 for the clubby. Oh and note: when Motor magazine put the xr8, sv8, xr6t, ss, clubby, GTS coupe, and GT on the dyno the GT actually had the most rear wheel power at 225kw with the GTS coupe having 222kw. Pretty strange as it says the GTS coupe has 300kw. Still they also said the GTS coupe managed to get more torque than the GT even though the GT is suppose to have more torque. |
| the VZ |
| FPV_GTHO 27-5-2003 |
wont be the new platform, the VE will be, and sources say holden will use a BMW 5 speed auto. i just hope ford doesnt stick a second overdrive on the 6 speed and waste the 6th gear |
| Just a few facts |
| Wombat 24-5-2003 |
Good to see the Ford v Holden debate still rages on.....I have worked with both camps and heres what I got. In a recent comparison of the 290kW FPV Falcon GT-P ( pretend GT-HO ) and the 300kW HSV GTS Coupe, the holden had about a half second advantage in the 0-100km/h ( 5.8 v 6.4 )and almost held this for the quarter mile ( 13.9 v 14.3 ). Comments made during the comparison quoted that, ( based on performance ) it was probably better to match it up with the 255kW GTO, with Holden still holding the advantage (14.2 1/4 mile ). The extra weight dulling the Fords performance. The debate about the power figures will continue to rage, despite ford saying they dont want to enter a power war. They have no choice, they have to. The manufacturer quoted power figures are subjective, it has to do with the way they each perform their power testing, with Ford using a unique system ( DIN system ) which inflates its power figures by up to 7% compared to Holden, who use a world wide recognised system. As for the comments made about the 171kW supercharged holden V6 ( its actual 179kW ) v the 182kW barra engine - the barra is closer to 170-175kW on an apples for apples power testing comparison. Still more impressive than the standard holden V6 ( 150kW ), but the locally produced HFV6 ( holden family and not high featured as quoted in the press ) will arrest that gap. Production planning of these engines has almost been completed ( and they will not be made exclusively at Fishermans Bend ) with production on the verge on commencing. As for the 6 speed auto for the ford, it will be an option if anything as the cost is too prohibitive at this stage for it to be a standard feature. Like airbags and ABS before them, with time it will be cheap enough to be standard, but not quite yet. The new VZ is rumored to have a similar gearbox to the new BA from the same manufacturer?? Ford have closed the gap with the BA, but remember it is competing against a 6yo platform in the commodore and a comparison against the new platform VZ in 2004 would be a more like-like comparo. |
| street drags |
| crisis 20-5-2003 |
"My point about Jim Beam stickers on cars was to make a point. You see them on Commodores also. I stil have reservations about people who drive around with these stickers on their cars but thats mostly my problem. People who drive around in cars looking to ""decimate bogans at light"" get dangerously close to wanker territory anyway. Especially if its their first car and they have commensurate driving experience. I like fast cars but drags from stop lights on public roads are for irresponsible selfish boneheads" |
| Rednecks! Ouch! |
| We're BACK 8-5-2003 |
"This is to 'Crisis'. Not ALL of us were wankers when we had our 1st cars. With my first car it looked like a pig and I don't have a problem saying that, and I didn't have stickers all over my back windshield. My 1st car was neither a Holden or Ford. It was something completely different. The only thing I did have with my 1st car was a monsterous power to weight ratio that decimated and humiliated ""Bogan Boy's"" at the lights. And as for that comment about seeing the XD Falcons with a Jim Beam sticker on the back window, are you somewhat disadvantaged in the logistics side of the brain? I mean honestley, come on mate. We all know there is a lot of difference between advertising your favourite drop and having a sticker on a crappy VB commo that says something so unbelievably stupid about power when their cars have nothing at all. And before you go throwing the term redneck around take a quick look at the majority of rednecks and what cars they drive! VB-VN Commos." |
| kids |
| crisis 28-4-2003 |
"To ""were back"". to define Holden drivers by the few so called hoons that drive around in VB-VN Commodores is crap. These guys are mostly kids in their first cars. We were all tossers back then. Who cares what they think, they enjoy their cars. You could say the same about the kids in their jap cars with 4"" exhausts and 15"" subs. Whatever turns you on.I have seen more than my fair share of wankers in shitty XDs with Jim Beam stickers on the back window but I dont think all Ford owners are rednecks." |
| time for a website update |
| FPV_GTHO 23-4-2003 |
don't the people who run this website realise the weight listed for the XR8 is that of the fairmont ghia V8 and falcon XT V8, the XR8 is 55 kg heavier at 1795kg. |
| Holdens sell more |
| Kick Holdens 17-4-2003 |
Of course Holden sold more Commodres last month. Reason number one, they advertise about 10 times as much as Ford. Reason number 2, dealers across Australia have started panick-selling the Commodores by dropping $6000 off the price of brand new Commies (bit of a 'crisis'). Reason number 3, quite frankly, Holden can build one heck of a lot more cars. E.g. 650 cars per day compared with Ford's 412. Bit of difference don't you think. I bet Holden don't have a long waiting list on their cars like Ford do either! So, the face value of sales doesn't really tell you much, crisis. |
| Problem? |
| We're BACK 12-4-2003 |
I am Ford fan who has crossed over from the Holden stable a few years back but just so I'm not seen as the type of person I constantley rag on, I would like to clarify a few things. As with most other Ford fans the thing about Holdens that gets right up our nose's is the fact that an extremley large group of d*ckheads drive around VB-VN Commodores and think they are the coolest guys (and gals) to ever drive a vehicle. Now I myself own an older model Falcon but unlike the bogans who drive the Holdens I don't think my car is the ducks nuts. My interior is beautiful and my engine has had a tickle here and there and I have no problems blowing away later model Commodores and Falcons but I don't think I'm the Grand Poobah of the entire motoring world like the VB-VN bogans do. I don't think all Holdens are bad. In fact I think that the VT-VX commodore is a lot better looking than the AU falcon, buts thats just my opinion and everyone is entitled to have an opinion, but no one is entitled to drive around sh*tboxes and have the nerve to bag out Ford and it's owners. |
| my correction |
| mustangcobraR 10-4-2003 |
ummm crisis, i didnt say that u said 'ford sux', i was just makin a point about when people say 'ford sux', they should know that when they dop say that, they're talkin about the whole ford, including the one in the US. And about that thing u said about commo's sellin more falcons, is that with the ute included? cus in february, for the first time since 1997, the falcon range outsold the commodore range. Go Fords |
| who sux? |
| crisis 8-4-2003 |
"Mustangcobra, Im not sure what your problem is. I have not in any of my comments said that ""Ford sux"". On the contrary I have said REPEATEDLY that the new BA is a good car. My comments about the cast iron block V8, the limited power and torque advantage the ohc has over the Holden pushrods etc are mearly responses to the ""holden suck"" mentality some of you gentlemen seem to be obsessed with. The fact that the technological improvements that Ford have made to their Falcons has only enabled them to be compared favourably with the Commodore begs the question how far ahead were Holden and what is the point of technology for technology sake? I know the magazines say they are more refined in handling but some of the comparisons are very subjective. Even so I can live with the fact the the new Falcon handles ""better"" than the Commodore or has ""more"" torque down low. Only a moron would say that either of these cars are shitty. I will admit that the taunting is great fun and on that note Ill just say that Commodores sold more than Falcons again in March." |
| to crisis |
| mustangcobraR 3-4-2003 |
"crisis 03/31/2003 KICKER me old mate, do you really think Holden will sit still while Ford play "" catch up "". The BA is enough of a wake up call even though car companies have their future designs mapped out well in advance of the next model. The fact is that despite all the derisive comments you make about the Gen III, it is still at best more economical, powerfull and lighter and at worst just as good as the cast iron ohc high tech wonder from Ford. And the comment from MUSTANGCOBRA about the Mustang being Fords coupe is like saying the Corvette is Holdens. Crisis, what is ford? well ford is the company that is known worlwide, meaning when u say a ford coupe, it can be any two door owned by ford duh. fact is australian ford-haters only wanna judge ford in the australian market because thats the only place where holden has a chance of beating a ford. When you say ford, that actually means ford as a whole fool, so stop saying ford sux, why dont u say ford-australia or somethin. And what about holden? well you gotta remember that holden is only an australian company owned by an american company. HOLDEN IS NOT GENERAL MOTORS which makes it even more shitty. GM still kicks arse though, long live the 'vette and the hummer!" |
| Ford V8 |
| Kick Holdens 2-4-2003 |
Alright crisis, you gotta still give Ford the extra credit of assembling hand-built V8's. This is one quality aspect the new Ford V8 has over Holden's (GM's). Apparently, the new Ford V8 is perfectly smooth even when accelarating full throttle in last gear from , say, 60km/h. It was also stated that the gen3 was the opposite in this regard. So you've gotta admit For have done a good thing in the quality department. Or not?? |
| standstill |
| crisis 31-3-2003 |
"KICKER me old mate, do you really think Holden will sit still while Ford play "" catch up "". The BA is enough of a wake up call even though car companies have their future designs mapped out well in advance of the next model. The fact is that despite all the derisive comments you make about the Gen III, it is still at best more economical, powerfull and lighter and at worst just as good as the cast iron ohc high tech wonder from Ford. And the comment from MUSTANGCOBRA about the Mustang being Fords coupe is like saying the Corvette is Holdens." |
| to crisis |
| mustangcobraR 30-3-2003 |
Actually crisis, the GT could have easily gotten 300kw. the reason why ford ended up puttin 290kw because they didnt want to play power figures with holden, plus, they sacrificed the 10 kw in order to get the torque. kilowatts is literally useless anyway unless u plan in travelling 160kph+. Did u say ford had no coupe? Mustang??, and i assure u if ford tuned the GT to rev more, it can easily gain that extra 10kw back. but that might mean fuel efficiency will be lost. |
| We're Back |
| We're BACK 30-3-2003 |
"I'm sure this has been said a million times but there are still are group of people out there who seem to think that the ""higher the number the harder it goes"" rule applys to every car ever made. Well let me shed some light on the fact about 300kw GTS (Good.Til.Started) Commondore compared to the new GT. Yes, the GTS has 300Kw as against the new GTs 290kw but careful comparison of spec sheets will reveal the the Ford has 10Nm more torque than the Holden and does it at 300rpm less. You can have a car with more kilowatts than you know what to do with, but if you don't have the torque then you don't have a leg to stand on my friend. And does anyone really care that the Commondore comes out in a coupe and the Falcon doesn't? I can't say i've heard many Ford fans whinge about that fact. Yeah, sure having a coupe in the Ford stable would be great since we haven't had one since the days of the XC Falcon but the sedan XR6, XR8 and GT look brilliant anyway, so there really isn't a need for a coupe anymore." |
| Good Work |
| noons8 30-3-2003 |
Jeez Ford fans r u happy after the titanic disaster of the AU u finally have sumthin 2 be proud of u took the HSV clubsport Airdam turned it upside down and then grabbed a Series 2 VX commodore Executive grille and took out the middle part real original stylin FORD SUCK!! |
| Ford's suck |
| Holdens Kickbutt 30-3-2003 |
The holden ss has 235kw of power while the ford xr8 has 260kw of power. But because the ford's are as heavy as elephants they are slower. The fords look too wide to be a sports car and they don't even look nice. On the other hand the ss is a sporty looking car that could beat a ford xr8 any day. But i really should be comparing the 260kw clubsport to the xr8. which car do you think would win? they both have the same power but the people at ford aren't smart enough to make a car that with the right technology would be as light as a holden. |
| dream on, Johnny |
| Kick Holdens 29-3-2003 |
Yeah right! You really think it's just a couple of gen3's that have problems eh? Put quite simply, it's a dodgy design. It may have loads of power and torque and go like a shower of shit, but it's old technology shines through brightly. Ford's engine is more efficient than the gen3. The only reason it drinks more and goes slower is the fact it carries 160kg extra weight! It it were put in the commodore, it'd perform much better in economy and straightline performance. Ford will be able to trim some weight yet. It's official that the program is already under way. As if the engine makes al the difference in the weight of the car! What are ya? The engine may be a major component, but it's definitely not what makes the 160kg difference. Ford doesn't have a Coupe yet, but they've only just STARTED their comeback. Give it a few years and we'll see Ford shine and Holden fall into a hole! |
| this car is mean |
| c.roling 29-3-2003 |
I am american and i say: why can we not have this car over here it looks a hell of a lot better than the stupid taurus ford provides us with over here---i think it would be perfect for americans. it looks better than the taurus,it drives (way) better than the taurus, it would be sooooooo perfect...lobby ford into bringing it over here.... by the way - no blood for oil...peace |
| whos back? |
| crisis 27-3-2003 |
How did you come to the conclusion that Ford is a giant killer and Holden has nothing to contend with them. Holden have a 300kw V8, Ford dont. Holden have a coupe (whether you like it or not) Ford dont. Holden are still ahead in sales figures. HRT won round one of the Supercar series. Despite the much vaunted high tech claims of Ford fans about the ohc V8, the Gen III pushrod dinosaur revs harder and produces more power in stock form and at the high end. Its aluminium and lighter, weight that Ford cant shed unless they catch up with every other manufacturer and build an alloy block. The Gen III 5.7 is more fuel efficient than the 5.4 Ford. The publicised problems with the Gen III appear to be limited to a total of 1600 total complaints against 64000 sales. If Ford sold that many they might get a few complaints themselves. The Ford appears to have the upper hand in handling refinement. Thats all. The rest is subjective and personal preference. Ford fans need to stop worrying if the BA is or isnt better ( whatever that means ) than the Commodore. You finally have a great car ( something Holden fans have been enjoying for some time ) so enjoy it. Whether you are a Holden or Ford fan now is a great time to get a rear wheel drive V8 sedan. |
| You Got NO chance! |
| We're BACK 22-3-2003 |
I would like to take this chance to say a few words to all those Holden BOGANS out there who seem to think that their under-powered COMMONdores are the ducks nuts. Yes it is true that Ford went through a rough patch back in the mid-eighties when (then) company director Jac Nasser did the unthinkable and destroyed the Ford V8 and started concentrating on the 6 cyl market BUT...Credit where credit is due and thanks to Mr Nasser, because he paved the way for what we know as one of Australia's most powerful 6 cyl engines on the market. Now for all you COMMONdore drivers out there who think an aftermarket exhaust and a set of mags automatically makes you the coolest person in the world (Don't laugh...I've seen it). Wake up to yourselves. This is Fords time to shine. We have a brand-spanking new V8 engine on the market and the new XR6 Turbo is definatley a giant killer, so come on guys, stop thinking Holdens are good when Ford has it all over you. You have nothing to even rival any of Fords cars in it's stable. WE'RE BACK and here to rip the head off the red lion. Oh and I have one more thing to add to my thoughts...What is with you BOGANS and the crappy Monaro? It's just a two door COMMONdore with the same dodgy engine as always, but the stupid thing is...You are paying more for less! I don't get it! Why pay more for two doors when you pay less for four doors? Well I guess I just summed up what GM-H thinks of it's Customers! :) Keep Dreaming. |
| BA on LPG vs. Commodore on Petrol |
| bagas 14-3-2003 |
My friend has a BA Falcon on LPG from the factory (156kW) and before this he had a Commodore VT (petrol). He says as the driver (and i agree as the passanger) that the BA is substantially faster (not to mention a lot more comfortable), keeping in mind it's a lot heavier. I know the VT is 6 years old, but mechanically it's not much different than VY, and this BA is only on LPG. I can only imagine the petrol version!!! |
| good news everybody |
| FPV_GTHO 14-3-2003 |
ford just confirmed they will be trying to remove the some odd 170kg gained in the ba upgrade. they're attempting to do this thruogh a stronger, thinner steel in the structure of the body and reckon it will be ready for the next falcon, along with the zf 6 speed auto. |
| I own both V8s |
| HSV&XR8 26-2-2003 |
Not too many people could say they own an HSV VX2 Clubsport and and AU XR-8, I can and I enjoy both cars. I was at our local Ford dealer today to view the first BA XR-8. I will be placing an order for the new BA XR-8 or the GT within a few days. I'm no ace of the base driver but I do drive serious kms in my work as a Shell Tanker Fleet Manager. My HSV VX2 Clubsport is just on 12 months old and I have enjoyed driving all of the 9300 kms on the clock, my XR-8 has 75,000 kms on the clock. As in most things the two cars have their good and not so good points. I look forward to driving the BA XR-8, I feel it will be a real match for the Clubsport. My wife gives the V8s a serious kick arse when she drives them, a never know which one she's going to take. Just a few things of note, the XR-8 has way more road noise inside the the HSV but the HSV's aircon fan is a pain as it is too noisy, the XR-8s aircon is very quiet. The XR-8s gearbox is superior to the HSV's, it's smooth and positve. The HSV sticks to the road like glue where as the XR-8 tends to over and under steer. The new BA has probably got this issue sorted. As far as reliability go's both are excellent. Brake pads are the biggest money burner in the XR-8 but I guess thats to be expected with the V8's. The biggest pain with owning the Clubsport is the amount of drivers that try to bait me to drag them. They most always are driving beefed up Jap cars and they flog the crap out of their cars trying to drag me off. This doesn't happen with the XR-8. I'll add a few more comments here in a few days and check for anyone who has any questions. I am not in either camp...I just enjoy both cars, I am partial to one...but which one? Cheers and safe driving all. |
| holden 5.7 engine problems |
| BOSS260 18-2-2003 |
"whats up with the holden 5.7 ..i read on sun herald that holden is recalling them to rebuild them as alot of them have problems with rattling and excessive oil use.... the term used was ""piston slapping"" . A friend of mine who works at a Holden dealership in auckland said they have had a ""quite a few"" in for this reason... incl 2 300kw gts ... one of them had 15000k's on the clock... HAHAHA i feel sorry for the owner as has a lengthy wait for the rebuild... Once fords GTHO is out...it will ""bitch slap"" the HSVs" |
| well, well |
| rb30 17-2-2003 |
ford has done an excellent job with the BA range, but i'm not to sure about this individual car. The xr8 is fords muscle car so I was a little sad to read that it's little bro the xr6 turbo has a better power/weight ratio. i dont know but i suspect that the stock turbo would eat the xr8 around a track. why would ford do this to its beast. |
| XR8 shits on SS |
| mr_xr8_260 13-2-2003 |
For all you pricks that still think that the commodore is better then the Falcon, thing again. The naturally spirated 4 litre produces 182kW and 380Nm of torque while the SUPERCHARGED holden v6 shit box produces 171kW of power and 375Nm of torque. A naturally spirated Ford 4 litre has more power and torque then the holden SUPERCHARGED v6. And thats just the engine, I'm not going to mention other parts of the new Falcon cause I know they just shit all over the commodore. The T6, that shits all over the gen3 SS crap. And under boost too, I can only imagine if it was on proper boost, it would not only shit on the SS but the GTS as well. Now the XR8, it produces 260kW which is the same as a 5.7l Clubsport and the XR8 is only 5.4l. And it produces 500Nm of torque while the clubsport only does 465Nm. The XR8 is up with the GTS in torque and has 40 less kWs. Oh this HFV6 shit, which is going to be released in a VZ some time in 2004. When that engines released, I know not think but know that Ford would of improved the 6 cylinder engine(not that it needs any). FORD: Were BACK AGAIN and this time, were staying for good. |
| cast |
| crisis 2-2-2003 |
20km or 20000km wont change handling characteristics that much. Part of the reason for the Ford V8s weight is that it still uses a cast iron block with alloy heads and weight over the front wheels is probably the cause of the understeer. |
| Dont Forget... |
| Kick Holdens 31-1-2003 |
"The XR8 tested had only clocked 25km since new, so it hadn't even worn in. Who in their right mind belts the living crap out of a car with only 25k's on th odo? Other people who have driven it say it's blindingly quick; just check the latest responses to Carpoint's article. It's gotta wear in before you can accurately test it; say 5000k's plus" |
| Dont Forget... |
| Kick Holdens 31-1-2003 |
"T XR8 tested had only clocked 25km since new, so it hadn't even worn in. Who in their right mind belts the living crap out of a car with only 25k's on th odo? Other people who have driven it say it's blindingly quick; just check the latest responses to Carpoint's article. It's gotta wear in before you can accurately test it; say 5000k's plus" |
| what are u doin ford? |
| mustangcobraR 31-1-2003 |
From an article i've hear the xr8 is actually around 1795kg, the tester said that the xr8 is fast but when turning u can actually feel the weight of the car making it turn slow. They also said they couldnt clock anything special in the quarter mile, they weren't able to go sub-14sec. What are u doin ford?, i hope the gt isnt as heavy!! oh, did i say the base GT is only $59 850 (aus) for the manual, excellent work there ford! |
| Proof? |
| Kick Holdens 27-1-2003 |
"Crisis, how do you know for sure that the new HFV6 is going to be more advanced than Ford's current 4L? Don't underestimate the level of sophistication in Ford's new engine either. Holden won't beat it just like that; it'll take some serious effort. The HFV6 will be flexible for different models, but I'd hate to see the price rise as a result. Wheels or Motor reckons the Commodore will become significantly more expensive as a result. Ford's Falcon didn't. Now that's what I call being cost-effective. I think Ford's six-cyl isn't necessarily less advaced than what the HFV6 will be. We'll have to wait and see before we jump to conclusions" |
| Aus vs US |
| crisis 22-1-2003 |
XR6TK1W1, mate, Im not one of those people who are hung up on which country developes/ builds/ invented the technology or even builds the engine. GM and Ford are American owned global corporations who rightly pool their resources to build their products as economically as possible. I agree with your last sentiment which is really the point Im trying to make. Lets see what Ford responds with. Thats what its all about. Ongoing developement benifits you and me and I hope the race is never over. |
| Holdens V6? |
| XR6TK1W1 22-1-2003 |
Crisis, Check your figures, the V6 is GM not Holden. It will go into the Caddie CTS first off in a 3.6 ltr form. It will also go into a Saab and an Alfa. Oh look where the tech came from the Europeans. And before you go on yes it is going to be built in Aussie (Fisherman bend plant) starting around oct 2003 but is all ready being built in Canada. Yet again Holden is smart and saves on money buy stealing from the pool. The Commodore will be a less tech 3.8 HFV6 than the euros but will be a good motor none the less, with good outputs. Yet again we wait to see what Ford will fight back with. |
| new |
| crisis 21-1-2003 |
The BA has new engines and suspension which are significant improvements. It has new external front and rear metal/plastic and a new interior on the existing chassis like th VY Commodore has. Check the roof and doors. Holden is already underway with their new 6cyl which is even more sophisticated than Fords latest offering a wide range of alternatives. This motor could be available on VY series II. Answering Fords V8 challenge may not be that difficult based on how Ford sourced the BA V8. All the crap about overhead cams is really irrelevant when the BA V8 GT produces 10nm more torque than the GTS300 and a stated 290kw vs 300kw. You can get a standard 225kw LS1 up to 300kw by putting a blower on it with nothing else. The 2005 Commodore will also have a completely new chassis. |
| Man it did cost |
| XR6TK1W1 20-1-2003 |
Crisis, You say it cost twice as much for the new BA, it is because it is new! I'm not a Holden basher, there marketing and stratergy is second to none. To take rough Aussie bruiser and make so much money is outstanding. But it is a face lift. The BA is close to 80% new. Go fugure why it cost so much. When it comes around to 2005 and the new Holden, check what they spend compared with the facelift to the BA platform. Roll on V8 Supercars. |
| mega bang for your bucks |
| FPV_GTHO 18-1-2003 |
this has to be one of the best value for money sports cars on the market. 260kw, 500nm, large sedan comfort for $50k! the biggest question is do u want to sacrafice rear end grip and 3 seats for the $10k cheaper ute version? it would be even harder to choose if the ute had irs! |
| out of the wilderness |
| crisis 16-1-2003 |
The Ford fans finally have something to talk about apart from Holden bashing. Holden finally has a reason to get off its arse. Ford spent twice what Holden did devloping the BA vs the VY. I cant wait to see what Holden come up with next. They've proven that they are inovative and not afraid to take chances ie Monaro and the SSX. Many said the Monaro would not go into production but they are being exported to Saudi Arabia and soon to the US. There are plenty of Monaro knockers but I challenge them to find a V8 rear wheel drive coupe for twice the money. It doesnt have to be the fastest, lightest most powerful or most whatever else. Its a two door V8 rear wheel drive coupe for those who want one. Try and order one and see how long you have to wait. The VY is no dog. It just didnt have to bridge the same gap the BA did. And as I said before Holden still have some money left in the pocket for the new model in 2005. Whatever they come up with Im sure it will make a suitable trade for my current VY SV8, which I love. |
| to XR6TKIWI |
| mustangcobraR 14-1-2003 |
not only does the xr6t launch because it gets the power down with its traction control, its also the fact that the xr6t produces 450nm @ 2000rpm straight to 4500rpm. Go Ford! |
| underated |
| FPV_GTHO 14-1-2003 |
"i agree. it was a mistake to have a concept with too much power and have rumours floating of production and then cut it. there have been several reports that the gt engine is producing closer to 300kw than 290, and i hope its the same for the xr8. ford australia could do wat nissan do if they need to hide the power. ""wheels"" magazine tested a nissan skyline gtr v-spec n1 against a hsz gts coupe. the gtr's power was 206kw at the flywheel and about 215 at the rear wheels""" |
| Yeeeee Hawwww |
| XR6TK1W1 11-1-2003 |
Well seems the Ford V's Holden battle is getting heated. Reading some of the comments brings a grin to my face. Alot of Holden fans know very little about Fords but not so the other way. Seems to me Ford fans enjoy cars in general ( excuse the punn ) than some from the other side of the fence. Now to the new XR8. I havnet seen one in the flesh yet but I cant wait. Also I've heard th engine note is superb. To the power battle that is going on. People that have tested the new BA range have stated that most of the cars tested have been 10Kw over what the factory states. Plus as said by another earlier, Torque wins the race. And now I add that its how the power gets to the floor. As the name says I own an XR6T. Nothing is lost at the wheels. Traction control is excellent. Never thought i would ever say that. The car just launches. So if the XR8 can get that power down anywhere near as well, it will be awesome!! Go Ford! Its about time you got your shit together. |
| neh |
| mustangcobraR 8-1-2003 |
hey willy, 10kw aint any difference duh, like someone said before, power sells but torque wins races. I read an article that they said the ford engine in the new GT is actually producing closer to 300 kw, personally, i reckon that the gts300 has pathetic torque when compared to the power its pushing out. Out of 300kw, i reckon at least 530-540nm should be produced. Heck, the freakin XR8 produces 500nm already out of 260kw, thats literally the same as the gts300. |
| jgvkg |
| willy 7-1-2003 |
hey i hav always been a devoted holden man. my dads company car is up now (WH Caprice) so i thought a senator would be good. but afta seein the VY HSV's i hav been tryin to talk him into the XR8. u say the Gen III's are american, yea, but holden is owned by GM (Generl Motors) which is an american company. plus how well hav they sold out here? ford has tried to match then, which they hav, except for the GT fords. 290kw? it aint that hard 2 find 10kw to compete with the GTS. that was u dumb mistake on fords behalf. |
| Watch out Holden! |
| Darth Sidious 6-1-2003 |
It is interesting reading over all these comments. Being a dedicated Ford supporter, I openly admit that Holden deserve to be commended on their achievements, especially performance wise, these past couple of years. But the facts are there. It is extremely obvious that, all in all, Ford is a far more successful car manufacturer than Holden. Everyone seems to be commenting on Australian V8's, but lets look at it from a global scale. Who has cars in almost every country around the world? Yes I do realise that a very large number of Monaros have been sent to the US and that the name has been altered to the Pontiac GTO. However to the XR8. Ford Australia recently produced the XR6T. A car boasting 240kw of Turbocharged V6! 0-100km/h in an awesome 6.0s or 5.9 (souces being wheels and motor magazine). When the XR6T was placed against the VY SS, which has 235kw of Generation 3 V8 Power, the Turbo came out in front. This means that the XR8 is set to be a competitor for the VY Clubsport and Clubsport R8. This to indicates that the FPV GT is going for the VY GTS. And FPV haven't even produced the GT-HO yet! I think HSV fans will be shocked at the performance stats of the XR8 and even more shocked at those of the FPV GT. GO Ford! |
| Yeah, you're right... |
| IBrake4Rainbows 12-12-2002 |
it's not like ford don't tune their engines either, otherwise, you know, they'd just be so cool and better. Holden do tune the Gen III, otherwise it would not be able to get 225, 260 and 300 KW respectivly, we'd all be driving aroudn in 300KW executives, and that would be so wrong... Oh, and P.S., the 260 power quote is from the VY range of HSV Clubsport. |
| Tuning? |
| Kick Holdens 12-12-2002 |
How hard can it be to tune a motor? The fact that they're tuned here doesn't make them any more Australian. Anyone can grab a motor from overseas and tune it. So you'd have to agree that Holden really does nothing to the gen3's. Go the XR8! |
| Holden Do indeed... |
| IBrake4Rainbows 11-12-2002 |
Make the cars they import suitable for australian condiditons. A right-hand drive job does not account for anything more than compliance for the Mustang. The suspension adn everything else are all U.S. Tune. The New Holden Vectra, for instance, has to undergo a 6-12 month retuning to meet local conditions, and the deletion of t/c helps make the car more suited to Aussie Conditions. The engines of the Comnmodore are imported designs, yes, but they are Manufactured here at home in Oz,and anyway, if you could choose betwwen a locally developed engine that would be almost the exact same as one which was already in manufacture within the Company, no right-minded exec would ever think of making 2 engines with the same purpose. ANd before you correct me, i do know the gen III is in fact manufactured in america, but it is tuned here. |
| True. but... |
| Kick Holdens 11-12-2002 |
You're quite right that the only full Australian Ford is the Falcon, which also has universal input. That's not to say, however, that Ford does no modifications to the imported models. Consider the Mustang, for example, where Ford Australia did modifications to suit the Australian environment (not that I like the Mustang). How abot the Ford Explorer, which Ford spent 2 years on, making it suitable for Australian conditions. Ford Australia work with the imports, but I dunno if Holden do. The Holden Commodre is also so un-Australian it's not funny! The gen3, for example, comes straight from America with barely any changes made. The Ford V8 was specially developed in Australia for the Falcon. It's better doing it this way than sticking any old motor in and hoping it does a good job. Holden should do a bit more of its OWN work, rather than scum off others. Even the racing Monaro, that ran a US-sourced racing engine! Can't they develop their own??? Are they scared of engineering or something? |
| "whats a ""real Ford"" then?""" |
| IBrake4Rainbows 10-12-2002 |
"Tell me, Kick Holdens, is it not also true that the only ""real"" Ford Australia car is the Falcon? Lets look at the stats. KA? masde in europe. Focus? Made in Spain. Courier? A spin off of the Mazda Bravo Range. Escape? Made alongside the Mazda Tribute, but not in Oz. Explorer? well, lets not even go there. Cougar? American Reject. And Mustang? Another American. So before you go off at Holden for Importing their product, look in you're own backyard. Just remember, 1 finger pointing towards someone leaves 3 pointing back.""" |
| Holden are sad :( |
| Kick Holdens 10-12-2002 |
"Yoke Peter, I think you should get your head out of the clouds and look at the reality, rather than waffling on about how 'good' Holden is. The only real Holden, for starters, is the Commodore. All the rest are imported. Holden are also afraid of engineering themselves, which is why they are so limited currently with the gen3's and ecotec 6's. Holden's gen3 may not weigh as much as Ford's 5.4, but it also has far less potential, due to its lack of rigidity. I also wouldn't rave on about the v^'s efficiency if I were you, coz it ain't as efficient as the Falcon's new motor. The Falcon has 182kw and 380Nm whereas the Commodore has only 152kw and 305nm; far less! The Falcon also has 150 extra kilos on board, and only takes 1 litre more than the Commodore per 100km??? Is that a big deal? I think you're wrong in saying the Commodore is more efficient, the Falcon is by quite a significant margin! Finally, you were raving on about Holden's IRS too, something I wouldn't be so proud of if I were you. Ford's IRS is a far better setup (2nd in design award of the year) than the Holden's, which has always had the camber angle problem. This resulted in poor handling of the VT. Just look at the Gen3 powered police vehicles which lost control and crashed because of this poor handling issue. The recent change in the VX2 onwards of the camber angle is nothing more than a bandaid job. So face the reality mate! XR8 rocks too, by the way! I think that shark8me4tea should check his facts before commenting. Holdens do not handle poorly, are more efficient than comparable Fords, and there is no way that their engines keep getting heavier. The current V8 engine is the 5.7 litre LS1 from the corvette. This is only 0.3 litres larger than the shown ford engine, and the holden engine is all alloy. How is it going to be heavier, even than the old 5.0 litre iron engine, let alone ford's 5.4 litre iron engine? Besides that, the new falcons weigh a full 150kg more than the new commodores and use 1 litre/100km more petrol around the city, and slightly more on the highway. On top of this, ford has only started using independent rear suspension as standard in this model, while it has been standard in the commodores since the last change in body shape, several years ago, about 1997, from memory. This gave them a considerable handlng edge, and the HSV models went further, with alloy suspension members giving them excellent road manners as well as grip.""" |
| Holdens keep using heavier engines? |
| Yoke Peter 19-11-2002 |
I think that shark8me4tea should check his facts before commenting. Holdens do not handle poorly, are more efficient than comparable Fords, and there is no way that their engines keep getting heavier. The current V8 engine is the 5.7 litre LS1 from the corvette. This is only 0.3 litres larger than the shown ford engine, and the holden engine is all alloy. How is it going to be heavier, even than the old 5.0 litre iron engine, let alone ford's 5.4 litre iron engine? Besides that, the new falcons weigh a full 150kg more than the new commodores and use 1 litre/100km more petrol around the city, and slightly more on the highway. On top of this, ford has only started using independent rear suspension as standard in this model, while it has been standard in the commodores since the last change in body shape, several years ago, about 1997, from memory. This gave them a considerable handlng edge, and the HSV models went further, with alloy suspension members giving them excellent road manners as well as grip. |
| bagas, u r sad to aussie cars... |
| IBrake4Rainbows 14-11-2002 |
"firstly, most of ANY of the big 4 in australias lineup are imported, Mitsu, Toyota, holden and ford all have the mainstays of their ranges made in oz, but other models imported from other sources. the reason? because these car companies belong to multi-national corporations and can access a fantastic array of global models, and can make the mainstays viable by fitting them with global parts. And anyway, many of these companies don't brag about being the ""big australian"", thats BHP steel neways. and of course, most of the tech is made in oz by seperate companies. and the styling and chassis tuning takes place here. stop being sad, these car companies need your support, don't you feel any connection to these brands anyway? """ |
| Ford and GM in Australia |
| bagas 1-11-2002 |
"Many of you may know the message i posted on the VY SS, and i still back it fully. But, i must say, that Ford in Australia is not much better. All their cars except for Falcon/Fairlane are imported. The other 'big, proud Australian Car Company' gives us nothing but japanese and european cars, except for the Falcon/Fairlane. But this is more than what Holden can say. Even the commodore uses mainly overseas designs. I do like the BA, but it uses too much fuel. I think they could've used a new 6. But, do you holden guys out there know that the standard VY has approx. the same power as the BA running on LPG?? GM are such a good company; it's a shame us aussies got the rough end of the stick, and Ford Australia aren't much better. BTW, the Monaro is the most overrated, overpriced car in oz (my apologies to whoever said that first, but i agree with you).""" |
| odd... |
| shark8me4tea 29-10-2002 |
Isn't it so strange that one of the most inventive and innovative engines on the market at the moment powers the two most liked cars on this site? this car rocks, but what ford australia has done to bring this engine to australia in a car that costs less than Aus $50,000 (US $25000) and have it putting out 290kW is just astounding. nowhere else in the world can you buy such powerful cars for so little. even the famous STI can't keep pace. Well done ford. Holdens only answer seems to be to continually bring out cars with bigger and heavier engines that use more fuel, go slower and handle poorly due to the weight at the front end. |
| Fast and the furious. |
| shark8me4tea 29-10-2002 |
This is a very fast car. Coming from australia, I have watched the battle between Holden and Ford. Ford have always had better engines and drivelines, but they never looked the part. Holden do not have a OHC engine available in their range of commodores, but their styling has been consideralby better. The new falcon will leave anything for dead, and this is definitly a move in the right direction. The turbo 6 cylinder is priced right on a WRX or 200SX in Aust, and it has another 80 odd KW and weighs a similar amount. good luck to all, and the new falcon has won all of the motoring tests between the Falcon and Commodore. |
| Ford Vs Holden |
| Yoke Peter 27-10-2002 |
"While I will admit that Ford has vastly improved over their previous efforts with the Falcon, they are not as far ahead of Holden as many of these comments would suggest. Certainly they now have competitive high performance power outputs and more advanced engines, but they still seem to lack some common sense. No-one needs 183 kilowatts in a normal family car. The Opel Omega, similar in size, gets by on a 2.2 litre 88kw diesel, or 2.2 litre 106kw petrol as basic engines. Even the Commodore has only 152kw. Despite the old 2 valve per cylinder pushrod the Commodore beats the Falcon in terms of fuel consumtion, and the performance of the basic models is about equal courtesy of the 150kg extra weight carried by the Falcon. Even the high performance variants of the Falcon are heavier than the equivalent Commodores, and the HSV models will still trump the Falcons on outright power (at least until the 320kw Falcon comes out). Ford has appears to have leapt ahead and produced a better car, but it is only with comparison to the old model - it has just advanced to the same league as the Commodore now. One thing which Ford is lacking is a coupe version of the Falcon. While this is not historically part of the Ford line up, the 300kw two door HSV GTS is something with which Ford cannot compete. I would also like to point out a point of hypocrisy. Ford management - Jeff Polites, I think it was - claimed that Ford was more interested in making good drivers cars, and not cars with performance which ""makes your nose bleed"", to quote him, and they were not interested in a horsepower war. However with threats of a 320kw GTHO, and a 240kw XR6 and 260kw XR8, that now sounds like a very empty statement.""" |
| sick |
| rb26dett 26-10-2002 |
this is definately the best vehicle ford oz has built since the early 70's. this falcon craps on the out-going au range. i think the au was the reason ford has had bad sales in the last couple of years, the au has to be the ugliest car of all time. its also good to see that they got rid of that 5.0 litre over head valve push rod shiza. I think holden will have a hard time competing with ford for the first time in a decade. this car came just in time iwas starting to get bord with ford |
| FORD RIPS HOLDENS |
| wogrevhead 26-10-2002 |
as my title says fords deffently rip holdens. And the new ba falcon xr8 is certainly a mascot 4 dat slogan. It looks way better than the new commodore and i cant wait to see it next year in the 2003 bathurst 1000 |
| Nice one Ford |
| GTS25t 24-10-2002 |
Finally an Australian manufacturer dives into the present day wholeheartedly. DOHC and multivalve on all engines and a turbo engine as well. The BA was along time coming for the Australian car manufacturing industry. Now lets see some weight shedding!!! The cars are still too heavy :-( |
| Finally, another good Australian Ford |
| Lachlan J 24-10-2002 |
The new BA falcon, without doubt, the best Aussie car since the GTHO phases 3 and 4. It just beats the VY commodore in every specification, so hopefully Ford will get better sales, and eventually revive the GTHO badged. Also, I've heard rumors that the 2005 Mustang will be based on the BA, and the BA will be exported to the US to replace the Taurus, which simply can't be a bad thing. |
| well ford australia...... |
| marlinfish 24-10-2002 |
For those who already dont know, here in Australia there is a huge rivalry between Fords and Holdens (GM). in the last few years holden almost doubled the number of commodore sales (falcons opponent) and the last falcon/XR series was basically a nightmare for ford. looking at the BA i can honestly say that Ford are finally going to give Holden a good run for their money. watch out SS. especially with the XR turbo being released. |
| What about the other BA Falcons? |
| George 24-10-2002 |
Readers will also be interested in XR8's 4.0L Inline 6 brother, the XR6T (turbo) which pumps out 240KW, matching for pace and beating in handling Holden's 5.7L SS Commodore (go to www.newfalcon.com.au), not to mention the GT, GT-P and Pursuit Falcons also released at the Sydney Motorshow which produce 290KW and 520Nm (go to www.fordperformancevehicles.com.au). Hope you guys in the Americas get the chance to sample these cars (even the standard Falcon I6 produces 182KW) in the future. Start harassing your local Ford dealers now! |
| Wait for the GT |
| phases 21-10-2002 |
This will surely give the Holden SS a run for its money. This car is mean and powerful AUS$50k car. |
| Taurus? What's a Taurus? HELLO Falcon! |
| ds_carfan 21-10-2002 |
I read a few years ago in my favorite car magazine that in Australia, the best-selling car was the Ford Falcon, basically thier version of a Taurus. Then, a couple years later, they tested a version of the Falcon called the XR8, a racy little car/truck like a new Ranchero from Australia. However, I never found so much interest in the recent Falcons, until I saw this BA Falcon XR8. Every time I peak at the picture I can hear it calling out my name! Though it seems that the Australian Falcon shares many similarities with the Taurus, I think that Ford should reconsider bringing the old Falcon back to its home. The Falcon looks ten times better than the Taurus, and is actually a successful vehicle where it is sold. I understand that people in Australia are different than people in America, but then again, do you know anyone who actually likes the Taurus, besides Bill? |
| ford can actually make good looking cars |
| iamCANADIAN 21-10-2002 |
this car is probably the best looking car ford has made in a while (the only car next to the mustang with good looks) , but we need this car in the americas because im sick of the FOCUS lineup |
| A Really Innovative Ford!! |
| mazdaman 21-10-2002 |
Ford Australia persisted with manufacturing the Falcon series, long after Ford USA killed it off around 1970. Many years later, Ford USA was to question this Australian initiative, and have Ford Australia 'test market' the USA-successful, USA-manufactured front wheel drive Mercury Sable badged as a Ford Taurus. The Taurus, though very successful in the USA, was a total flop in Australia, having been well outsold by the Australian Ford Falcon. This new edition of the Australian Ford Falcon shows just how wrong (and stupid) were the Ford USA bosses. I think it's a fair bet that Americans would yearn for such a vehicle - but they're being denied it. Well done, Ford Australia!! |
| Fords Best Chance Yet! |
| IBrake4Rainbows 21-10-2002 |
tell me, do you not want this car? if you don't, check your pulse, because this is one hot beast! what is essentially a factory engine is competing with the tuned best from Holden (HSV). This thing had better get you in it's grasp though, or this may be the last falcon... EVER! |
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