AU111 XR8 artical in todays AGE paper

[buickman]

A artical about the AU111 XR8 in todays drive section of the AGE paper

http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/ar...f=7&bg=24&pp=4

[sbutler]

Everything ive been saying since the introduction of the BA. The hated AU was a great car in a odd looking wrapper. Gotta admit Im still not a fan of the AU But you cant argue the facts, it was a very very good car, especially in the AU3 form.

[parawolf]

hmmm it would be interesting to see what this author said back in 2002 when they first potentially reviewed this vehicle... kinda got a feeling they are on a bit of a ford bandwagon.

[Dark Horse]

Originally Posted by parawolf

hmmm it would be interesting to see what this author said back in 2002 when they first potentially reviewed this vehicle...

Yes that would be interesting.

Ok here we are - extracts from ABC's "On The Move" Program. Interview with David Morley in July 2001.

Link to full transcript:
http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/mov...ts/s381776.htm

And a short summation:

OK -- crunch time.

The truth is, you could buy either of these cars and you'd be very happy for a long time.

But the fact also remains that one of them is the better driver's car.

And when you're $46,000 or $47,000 plus on-road costs, they've got to be more than just transport.

The Commodore has a great engine and really smooth styling, but that's not enough to save it.

The gearbox is awful, and the chassis lacks that element of involvement, by which all great drivers' cars are judged.

So that leaves the XR8.

It's not perfect.

The engine's showing its age in some areas, but until somebody builds a better chassis and steering package this thing -- is the sharpest tool in the shed.

[Muzza]

OK, I knew there was a reason I love my AU3 XR8 so much

[xd5.8l]

Should I say anymore? I rest my case

[GlennBA]

Thats a series 2......

[Sylox]

According to that article the au3 xr8's had alloys. Lol why do these guys even bother if they dont know what they are talking about.

As far as i knew the only Au to ever sport alloys were the first line of t-series and into the mid au2 T's

[SWOOP]

some series 3 looked just like 2's not all series 3 had rebel kits

um pretty sure they didnt get alloy heads and complete bottom end rebuilds as article implies, unless your a lucky bugger like xd5.8l and his nice alloy headed te50 (i checked it all out at bbq) got a rare one there!

[12]

Originally Posted by Sylox

As far as i knew the only Au to ever sport alloys were the first line of t-series and into the mid au2 T's

You would be 100% correct there Sylox. To be more specific - all T1 TS50 and pre May 2001 T2 TE50, TS50 and TL50.

Very good researching Mr Morley...


...NOT. :

[Perana]

Originally Posted by SWOOP

some series 3 looked just like 2's not all series 3 had rebel kits

The yellow repeaters give it away as an S2 though

[Lukeyson]

Originally Posted by Perana XR8

The yellow repeaters give it away as an S2 though

yep what i was gonna say, and its not even clean, brake dust ect. lol

AUIII series is what the AUI series SHOULD have been : i dont think it would have copped such a flogging, problem with AUI was it came out with a revamped EL interior, outside was fugly, and Ford glued a EL style kit to the XR8 *with opt kit*

[jspec_sti]

Research glitches aside, this article is merely saying what all Series III XR8 owners have known for years through the seat of the pants - and why I'll never trade in for a BA, no matter how much my local Ford dealer(s) want me to.

IMO one of the most underrated cars ever. And if you're lucky enough to find one don't even hesitate.

[SIKXR8220]

I think my Series 2 is just as good.

[12]

Originally Posted by SIKXR8220

I think my Series 2 is just as good.

It is if it's a later series II with the 220kw V8. They are essentially a series III. No different.

But your signature says your XR8 is a 11/00 build, which would mean you have a 200kw motor. Not the 220kw as that was build dates of 06/01 onwards.

[SIKXR8220]

Originally Posted by 012

It is if it's a later series II with the 220kw V8. They are essentially a series III. No different.

But your signature says your XR8 is a 11/00 build, which would mean you have a 200kw motor. Not the 220kw as that was build dates of 06/01 onwards.

Yeah i signed up before i had seen the engine and was told it was a 220(it puts out 220 with the mods) and now i can't change my name without changing accounts and i can't be bothered doing that. I was just making a statement that i think my series II is just as good as a series III personal opinion only. :

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Perana XR8

The yellow repeaters give it away as an S2 though

Early press AUIII XR's and T series had orange side repeaters