What was wrong with XR8?

[Zero_PSI]

I wish i bought the xr8 instead of the 6.!

[FTe342]

Originally Posted by prydey

how much would you spend on an SS to get it into the 12's? that would put it inredibly close to GS territory but without factory warranty.

very little, this car had exhaust & tune only according to owner

[comagutsa]

Originally Posted by Zero_PSI

I wish i bought the xr8 instead of the 6.!

i here you mate ..thats why i sold my 6/2005 BA mk2 magnet ute in December and brought one of the last new XR8s utes ...best thing i every done
love it

[stang65]

Originally Posted by dimka100

It’s not misrepresenting the product but more like choosing the best example of your production line.

Everything that get manufactured on a production line has some tolerances for up/down. With say engine power some cars will have a bit more and some a bit less. Smart companies will hand pick the car with the “more”, they will also hand pick the car that has no build issues (we all know that almost every falcon has at least a few), they will hand pick the car that feels the tightest. And the on top of that they will service it real good … not standard ford like but real good.

Does this misrepresent the product, well in my opinion not really, it simply highlights the maximum the product is cable of. Same happens it many other industries I can think of.

i understand tolerance thats fine picking the best one of the line, my point was specifically giving it a bit more mumbo so it gives better performance.

[comagutsa]

Originally Posted by prydey

all the members on here that have stumped up the coin for a xr8 in the last 5-8 years are very happy with their decision. there's not too many that wished they bought the 6t or the SS.

you got that right mate ..best thing i did was get rid of my xr6 and get the FG XR8.... the power, the note (with a good exhaust), the looks and the handling
yes i've only had mine a few months now but it puts a smile on my face

[Kieron]

Originally Posted by Bud Bud

Yes but it is spread out over the wagon versions as well as the Statesman.

When was the last time Ford put a V8 into a wagon? When was the last time Ford built a wagon or even a V8 luxo barge?

I know why they are not building them because people stopped buying them. This was not my point but rather to illustrate why Holden have a successful V8 program, and that is they can share the costs around to make it more viable to produce a V8 model in the first place, where as Ford would still need to put all their eggs into one basket.

I can see why they (Ford as a manufacturing company) do not think that it is viable atm. If they do rebirth an XR8, will it be a stand alone model or can they find another roll perhaps V8 terry or GE8 so that the XR8's costs are shared around a bit more. Ford is a business and they will still need to make a business case for a V8 sedan to be considered for production before we will see it.

How many here think Holden would make a V8 SS model only? After all they do have access to small TT V6 architecture that would fill the luxury roll very nicely, and if they did that, how long before their V8 becomes obsolete anyway?

Is the stunning success of the I6T the real problem behind any Ford V8 model???
Yeh not V8 super cars but it sure is causing a few head aches for the V8 ute boys though.

Bud Bud

Good post Bud. Holdens V8 is also a crate donk so dev costs are also spread across the various GM USA models vs the bespoke 5.4.

I think someone mentioned it earlier, but add the XR6T and XR8 sales and see how that compares to the SS sales wise. It's a hard decision when rolling up to the Ford dealer and choosing between your mind (saying XR6T) and heart (saying XR8).

It would also be interesting to see BA/BF/FG XR8 sales as a percentage of total Falcon sales. I wouldn't be surprised to see early early BA XR8 sales figuring highly due to the pent up demand for a decent XR8, then as the 260 became a little more known, XR8's sales tailed off and XR6T figures rise.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by dimka100

If Ford was to introduce a Coyote NA XR8 nobody would by the FPV GS.

Ford, as 50% shareholder of FPV, wont. It makes no sense to cannibalise your GS sales when you have the engine's $40mil development budget to repay.

[08XR8]

Well i still love driving my bf XR8,i bought this new in 08, so i don't think anything is WRONG with this vehicle.I had the BA XR8 prior to this and had a ball in that XR8 also.Give me a FG-2 XR8 and i will upgrade to that too.
Stop bagging out the affordable XR8.
To Ford please bring back the XR8 with that lovely 5L Coyote!

[RAPID_BA]

Originally Posted by flappist

Maybe there is a something that is being missed.

From what I have read here Holden buyers who want to drive a V8 and buy one whereas Ford buyers who want to drive a V8 and just complain then buy something else or nothing.

It appears that the majority of V8 complainers are not driving a new V8 or even an old V8 and some have NEVER owned a V8.......

Can't accuse me of being impure. I currently own two v8s both ford and a ford 6. Previously I've owned 3 other ford v8s and an xr6t. But I can see your point, many holla about the xr8 but won't ever buy it.

I've put my money where my mouth is and ford I demand another xr8.

[SteveJH]

Originally Posted by HULK_BA

Can't accuse me of being impure. I currently own two v8s both ford and a ford 6. Previously I've owned 3 other ford v8s and an xr6t. But I can see your point, many holla about the xr8 but won't ever buy it new.

I've put my money where my mouth is and ford I demand another xr8.

Fixed it for you.

Buying one second hand doesnt help ford justify producing them.

[P6LTD351]

Originally Posted by SteveJH

Fixed it for you.

Buying one second hand doesnt help ford justify producing them.

Yes and no. To buy a second hand car normally means someone has upgraded to the lastest model. e.g. when I bought my ef xr8, it was a trade in for a bf xr8. It's all part of the car food chain. I'd love to be in a position to buy new but just can't justify it at this stage - but I definitely wish to down the track.

[RAPID_BA]

Originally Posted by SteveJH

Fixed it for you.

Buying one second hand doesnt help ford justify producing them.

Good post mate, congratulations. I have bought a new Ford v8. Did you?

[SteveJH]

Originally Posted by HULK_BA

Good post mate, congratulations. I have bought a new Ford v8. Did you?

Not exactly in a position to do so at this time....maybe when i've finished University.....

[SM1DY]

Originally Posted by SteveJH

Fixed it for you.

Buying one second hand doesnt help ford justify producing them.

If there is no second hand market then resale suffers and then who would want a car that has very little value after you've bought? So the used market plays an important part in the success of a car.

[SteveJH]

Originally Posted by SM1DY

If there is no second hand market then resale suffers and then who would want a car that has very little value after you've bought? So the used market plays an important part in the success of a car.

And there is no second hand market if there are no second hand cars due to people not buying them new.

Plus a person selling their XR* doesnt mean they'll buy another one, they might buy something else.

Its a bit like the chicken and the egg really.

[SM1DY]

Originally Posted by SteveJH

And there is no second hand market if there are no second hand cars due to people not buying them new.

Plus a person selling their XR* doesnt mean they'll buy another one, they might buy something else.

Its a bit like the chicken and the egg really.

Your going off on a tangent, the point is that the 2nd hand market plays a role in the appeal of a car. If nobody wants to buy your car after your finished with it, you're less inclined to buy. I'm not going to speak to the validity of your comment regarding what a seller will purchase after the sale of their XR8, the issue you raised was about the 2nd hand market and that's what I commented on, the rest I really couldn't care less about.

[747jet]

guys the xr8 is not dead and it will be back soon by the end of the year .

[onfire]

In my opinion, and it's only my opinion here. When I hear the word " XR8 " I expect excitement. I expect a sports sedan, a modern day muscle car. In looks as much as performance.

Now, a lot of people will say, the way their car looked had nothing to do with their purchase, they love the power, the way it drives and handles, etc., and whatever extras came with it.



This is your FG XR8. Look at it.

It looks like every other Falcon on the road. Nothing about this car says excitement from it's looks. There is nothing striking, there's nothing that screams, " I'm a monster of a car. " And believe you me, and put your bias aside... that is a big factor for a hell of a lot of people.

Compare that to the B-Series XR8s. They were defined by their looks. They looked fast, they looked like sports sedans should and they stood out above all the XT & Fairmont models.

Looks and design are everything in this world. To the enthusiast, like so many on here.. maybe not. But to the general public, the mainstream buyers, the Mum & Dad buyers.. the style of a vehicle is the defining factor.

Especially when you're competing with this:



Now I don't expect every one to agree, but I do expect someone to quickly post a picture of their FG XR8 and try to tell me otherwise.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by b0son

Ford, as 50% shareholder of FPV, wont. It makes no sense to cannibalise your GS sales when you have the engine's $40mil development budget to repay.

Yes and no. The Miami based cars, despite unquestionably the best V8 in the local market are selling at less than half the combined Holden/HSV numbers.

Meanwhile the Falcon is probably looking at finishing up in 2016 and is not on current sales looking likely to be replaced with a retooled or facelifted FG derived Falcon, that the Coyote fits into.

So its hard to believe on current volume that Ford and Prodrive will see a positive return on Miami. They need volume to push up profits and reintroducing essentially the GS spec as an XR8 is a nice way to do that. Rebadging the car as a Ford again and putting XR8 badges on the car, might also help protect resale of the current 315 and 302 FPV GS. Meanwhile GS can either fade away or become basically a super XR8 - think 302 GS, which had slightly more power, better equipment and FPV badge.

Remember we know from other postings on here that the GS comes off the line still with paperwork saying its an XR8 and the decision to go with FPV and GS badgeing was a late decision and not a unanimous one. I think current sales might have some wondering at both FPV and Ford if the right call was made on the current GS spec and price. While sales have picked up a little lately, is that perhaps at the expense of the now more expensive GT and anyway its not delivering sales numbers close to SS-V and HSV.

I think XR8 will return as what we now know as the GS as its a nice way to correct the pricing on the GS, without saying you got it wrong, while broadening the potential customer base to those who want a good car, but don't see the value in or cant afford an FPV badge.

Isn't that after all what XR8 was all about after FPV came about?

As for XR8's success or not as a standalone model. The XR8 always helped amortize the FPV V8 range because at the end of the day it was basically an FPV product with a cheaper price point. Anyone who opened the bonnet on a B series XR8 saw an FPV sticker on the engine. In FG the line got even more blurred, with the previous series GT motor being handed down to XR8. FPV staff still got employed to do some of the engineering and tuning on the car and worked on the driving dynamics of XR8 and of course FPV provided the powerplant, so it all helped the bottom line and increase the profits for FPV.

It wasn't a standalone product but one that FPV and Ford both had an interest in and its assembly helped volume and profit for the GT that shared components with XR8 and of course the staff on both camps were better employed building two products that met similar, but not the same market.

I think dropping XR8 had as much to do with Prodrive and Ford management not getting along at the time as it did with any practical reason. There has been lots of politics in both camps in the last few years.

Dan

[DanielXR8]

I should also add that I dont think XR8 will reappear with FGII. I think GS will get an equipment upgrade and FPV will wait and see if thats enough to get those holding off buying a GS to commit.

If they do in enough numbers then great as the profit on a rebadged XR8 as a GS is greater. If not then reintroduce XR8 in 2012 and reposition GS then or get rid of it.

Either way I think the supercharged cars will get more affordable and better value as the engine alone isn't getting enough punters through the door. I think at the moment Prodrive and Ford are both still unsure of what is the best way to go forward and get the best profit from the engine and the FPV operation. This will become more important next year as by then Falcons general build numbers will be known and thus its future in Australia and FPV will know if F6 sales that have fallen off a cliff recently are going to stay that way.

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by onfire

In my opinion, and it's only my opinion here. When I hear the word " XR8 " I expect excitement. I expect a sports sedan, a modern day muscle car. In looks as much as performance.

Now, a lot of people will say, the way their car looked had nothing to do with their purchase, they love the power, the way it drives and handles, etc., and whatever extras came with it.

This is your FG XR8. Look at it.

It looks like every other Falcon on the road. Nothing about this car says excitement from it's looks. There is nothing striking, there's nothing that screams, " I'm a monster of a car. " And believe you me, and put your bias aside... that is a big factor for a hell of a lot of people.

Compare that to the B-Series XR8s. They were defined by their looks. They looked fast, they looked like sports sedans should and they stood out above all the XT & Fairmont models.

Looks and design are everything in this world. To the enthusiast, like so many on here.. maybe not. But to the general public, the mainstream buyers, the Mum & Dad buyers.. the style of a vehicle is the defining factor.

Especially when you're competing with this:

Now I don't expect every one to agree, but I do expect someone to quickly post a picture of their FG XR8 and try to tell me otherwise.

yes i agree to a certain extent. I've always thought of the FG XR8 as an Accord Euro with a bonnet bulge, not really fitting with the brute muscle image. I'd still have one, and might later on as they're a nice drive but they don't do a huge amount for me visually.

[stang65]

Originally Posted by onfire

In my opinion, and it's only my opinion here. When I hear the word " XR8 " I expect excitement. I expect a sports sedan, a modern day muscle car. In looks as much as performance.

Now, a lot of people will say, the way their car looked had nothing to do with their purchase, they love the power, the way it drives and handles, etc., and whatever extras came with it.



This is your FG XR8. Look at it.

It looks like every other Falcon on the road. Nothing about this car says excitement from it's looks. There is nothing striking, there's nothing that screams, " I'm a monster of a car. " And believe you me, and put your bias aside... that is a big factor for a hell of a lot of people.

Compare that to the B-Series XR8s. They were defined by their looks. They looked fast, they looked like sports sedans should and they stood out above all the XT & Fairmont models.

Looks and design are everything in this world. To the enthusiast, like so many on here.. maybe not. But to the general public, the mainstream buyers, the Mum & Dad buyers.. the style of a vehicle is the defining factor.

Especially when you're competing with this:



Now I don't expect every one to agree, but I do expect someone to quickly post a picture of their FG XR8 and try to tell me otherwise.

Sorry i disagree those stripes look aweful on the VE and they only put them on as people were putting cobra stripes on their Fords and then the Ford started it.

I prefer my car without stripes. If they come out from factory with stripes it may also deter some buyers. Don`t forget these are family buyers buying these cars too. fine for it too look aggressive, but dont go putting sickers all over it.

[Fev]

To the OP - Give a round of applause to the Ford marketing team for that one.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by onfire

i think you chose a very unflattering pic of the xr8 and picked an aggressive pose of the SSV to suit your argument.

the SS looks no more or less plain than the XR8. both are the same as the base model, with a spoiler added to the rear and slightly different frontal treatment.

[davenl5l]

its simple no or bad ads equals no sales and its been a problem for ford for years for every version of falcon

[aussie muscle]

Originally Posted by stang65

I prefer my car without stripes. If they come out from factory with stripes it may also deter some buyers. Don`t forget these are family buyers buying these cars too. fine for it too look aggressive, but dont go putting sickers all over it.

if you prefer no stripes, it shouldn't be a big deal to not put them on at the factory, but without them it shouldn't look like an XT.

Originally Posted by prydey

i think you chose a very unflattering pic of the xr8

it SHOULDN'T have unflattering angles if it was a truly well designed car. go find an unflattering picture of a newish aston martin...

i haven't upgraded my BF xr8 ute, 1 it's too new (a couple more years), 2 i've taken a big depreciation hit, 3 the fg isn't as nice looking imo, 4 i'm waiting to see what FG2 looks like.

[burnz]

the dealer stock..

[prydey]

Originally Posted by aussie muscle

it SHOULDN'T have unflattering angles

looks are a subjective thing. i have a xr6, which apart from the bulge, is basically the same, and i think it looks good from all angles.

[Poetic Justice]

Originally Posted by onfire

Compare that to the B-Series XR8s. They were defined by their looks. They looked fast, they looked like sports sedans should and they stood out above all the XT & Fairmont models.

Really?

Those two look about as inspiring as each other.

There's probably plenty Ford could do, and if they do it it's likely to happen in FGII perhaps (though I wouldn't hold my breath.) Just remember, they do have to update the XR look for the 6 and 6T at the very least.

[StrokedXT]

I just thought the ba-bf xr8s were junk. Would never have even looked at a turbo if it wasnt for the xr8. They were to heavy and the engine sat to high.

I loved the au2xr8 i had, got a ba xr8 and hated it, then when i decided to come back to the ford fold the xr8 didnt get a look in.