Go Auto - Ford blows XR8

[janddbone]

GO AUTO

Ford blows XR8

Supercharged Coyote V8 to power XR8 and FPV in Ford Falcon’s 50th year
6 April 2010
By MARTON PETTENDY
FORD’S first blown XR8 will mark the 50th anniversary of Australia’s Falcon in 2010, according to official Australian Design Rule documents.

Federal vehicle certification information obtained by GoAuto reveals Ford Australia has received formal homologation approval for an XR8 Falcon ute powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre petrol V8 that delivers 315kW at 6500rpm.

The document clearly states the XR8 will continue to be Ford Australia’s sole V8 Falcon model and, although ADR approval does not guarantee any given model will reach production, the news backs recent indications from Ford that it will not axe the lauded XR8 nameplate, as has been widely speculated.

In fact, it suggests that up to three versions of the first supercharged V8 in Ford Australia history will power Falcons – the 2010 XR8, Ford Performance Vehicles’ upgraded eight-cylinder models and possibly a born-again Falcon GTHO next year.

Apart from being the most the powerful version of Ford Motor Company’s new all-aluminium Coyote V8, which debuted in naturally aspirated 5.0-litre configuration in North America’s 2011 Mustang GT in late December, the all-supercharged V8 line-up would be a first for Ford.

Ford confirmed its current cast-iron 5.4-litre Boss V8, which in its current form does not meet stricter new Euro 4 emissions regulations that come into force on July 1, would be replaced by an all-new V8 from the Coyote engine family.

The Blue Oval would not comment on rumours that a supercharged version of the 5.0-litre Coyote will power FPV vehicles – let alone the XR8 – but has confirmed the $21 million it invested to upgrade its 50-year-old straight-six to meet EU4 standards includes the successful turbocharged engines that power XR6 Turbo and six-cylinder FPV models. The Territory’s 4.0-litre six already meets the Euro 4 standard.

From top: Ford's normally-aspirated Coyote V8, Ford XR8 ute, Ford Performance Vehicles GS and Holden Special Vehicles GTS.

As previously reported, Ford’s Campbellfield-based performance partner FPV is understood to be developing what could be the world’s first supercharged application of the Coyote V8, which would give it the opportunity to resurrect Ford Australia’s famed GTHO badge – backed by a top-shelf derivative of the homegrown Coyote super-V8.

FPV general manager Rod Barrett said in August that 2011 would be the most logical time to do so – 40 years after Allan Moffat won Bathurst in a Falcon GTHO.

While FPV has admitted it came close to developing a supercharged version of the 5.4-litre Boss engine for the FG Falcon, Australia’s blown 5.0-litre V8 should emerge in September – well ahead of a twin-turbo Coyote V8 believed to be under development in Dearborn.

While FoMoCo has a history of producing supercharged V8 Mustangs, it is a move that puts Ford Australia at odds with its parent company’s global movement towards lower-displacement turbocharged engines, under the EcoBoost banner.

The US market’s new Ford Taurus SHO employs a twin-turbo version of Ford’s 3.5-litre Duratec V6 to deliver 272kW and 475Nm, but Australia’s first taste of EcoBoost technology should come in the form of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that will deliver about 175kW and 310Nm in Ford’s first four-cylinder Falcon next year, making it lighter but only slightly less powerful than current 4.0-litre Falcons.

The standard 32-valve 5.0-litre Coyote V8 in the Mustang GT delivers 307kW and 529Nm of torque – more power but less torque than FPV’s new entry-level GS model, which runs a detuned 302kW/551Nm version of the Boss V8.

But a blown 315kW Australian-made version – which could deliver about 550Nm by employing the same Walkinshaw Performance supercharger kit that is available for Holden’s V8 – would represent a substantial performance increase over both the GS and Ford’s outgoing XR8.

By matching the 315kW/551Nm outputs of FPV’s current Boss V8, the blown 5.0-litre V8 should easily out-perform the current XR8’s 5.4-litre Boss V8, which itself is topped by an FPV-assembled DOHC 32-valve cylinder-head to deliver 290kW at 5750rpm and 520Nm of torque.

More importantly, although it is unclear if performance increases will also come from a Euro 4-compliant Holden V8, the new supercharged XR8 will be more than a match for its direct rival in the Commodore SS, which comes with a 6.0-litre pushrod alloy V8 that currently delivers 270kW and 530Nm.

Aided by Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and both six-speed automatic and manual transmissions, the XR8 sedan and ute’s lighter and smaller-capacity force-fed V8 could also match the real-world fuel economy of Holden’s Chevrolet V8, which in automatic guise is fitted with GM’s AFM variable displacement system.

Expect the all-alloy Coyote V8 to contribute to a total weight saving of about 55kg, with the 2010 XR8 Ute’s tare mass listed at 1785kg – down from 1840kg for the current XR8 Ute.

Un/braked towing capacity continues at 750kg/1600kg (750kg/2300kg for the auto).

While a new 3.7-litre V6 makes the 2011 Mustang the most economical Mustang ever, the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 returns highway fuel consumption as low as 26mpg (9.0L/100km) in the 2011 Mustang GT manual – better than its most direct rival in Chevrolet’s Commodore-based, 6.2-litre Camaro SS.

Our sources also indicate the GT version of FPV’s blown Coyote V8 will produce peak power output of 335kW and up to 600Nm of torque, eclipsing the performance of HSV’s Corvette-sourced 6.2-litre V8, which offers 317kW/550Nm – or an Australian benchmark-setting 325kW in the flagship GTS.

Potentially, next year’s born-again GTHO – which is expected to emerge as part of Ford’s FG Series II range – could deliver up to 400kW, meaning its torque peak may be limited only by the ZF auto’s maximum rating of 650Nm.

While Ford has already ceased XR8 production, effectively discontinuing the model until its successor arrives, our sources indicate Ford’s triple-pronged supercharged V8 strategy will not begin to emerge until late in the third quarter of this year.

Ford is building up stocks of naturally aspirated and turbocharged six-cylinder Falcon models in the lead up to the mid-year EU4 production cut-off, but a steady supply of new supercharged XR8 and FPV models could still be up to six months away.



http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2576FD00140C27

[janddbone]

Now we are talking... Pity they don't have a Fairlane or wagon to put it in...

[tranquilized]

Have I missed something here? Why does the addition of a supercharger only yield an extra 8kw? Surely the standard 307kw version would have been perfect for the XR8, leaving the supercharged versions for FPV.

[phillyc]

Thanks for posting the link & article. But, this has been covered in the Coyote section. Mods. Can this thread be closed/moved?

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

Have I missed something here? Why does the addition of a supercharger only yield an extra 8kw? Surely the standard 307kw version would have been perfect for the XR8, leaving the supercharged versions for FPV.

Many reasons why that is the case.

But. Even if it was quoted at the "same" 307kW in supercharged form, what would you think the power delivery would be like coming from a positive displacement blower?

How does a single spinning 270kW G6ET go as quick down the quarter as the new Mustang GT, which has 307kW (and roundabout the "same" torque as the turbo Ford), a lighter body, fatter tyres and LSD?

[SLO AU XR8]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

Many reasons why that is the case.

But. Even if it was quoted at the "same" 307kW in supercharged form, what would you think the power delivery would be like coming from a positive displacement blower?

How does a single spinning 270kW G6ET go as quick down the quarter as the new Mustang GT, which has 307kW (and roundabout the "same" torque as the turbo Ford), a lighter body, fatter tyres and LSD?

easy, either the Mustang has less than 307kw (unlikely) or the single spinning G6ET has alot more than 270kw! I'll in the latter, and I think thats what Ford have done with the blown 5.0!

[sk8xr8]

Originally Posted by SLO AU XR8

easy, either the Mustang has less than 307kw (unlikely) or the single spinning G6ET has alot more than 270kw! I'll in the latter, and I think thats what Ford have done with the blown 5.0!

no!!! ya monkey, its not about peak power, its about the torque spread of an engine over the whole rev range, if an engine hits peak torque down lower in the rev range and maintains it throughout the rev range, it will pull harder and than a car with more power and or torque that comes in higher, as a car accelerates, the revs change through each gear and as such, a car with a broader torque spread has greater average torque, ie: will accelerate harder...


all forced induction cars have a broader torque curve than naturally aspirated cars, so an n/a car may get a hight peak torque and power figure, but it is only effective for 1000 or so rpm, the forced induction cars can hit peak torque at 2000, and continue that through to 6000 rpm, this is why a car that is turbo or supercharged has better acceleration figures.

[dave289]

Originally Posted by phillyc

Thanks for posting the link & article. But, this has been covered in the Coyote section. Mods. Can this thread be closed/moved?

IF YA DONT LIKE THE THREAD THEN DONT READ IT. I HAVE NOT SEEN IT AND NEVER LOOK IN THE COYOTE SECTION EITHER AND DONT GET ON EVERYDAY LIKE SOME PEOPLE.

BIT OF A WORRY IF THE V8 S ARE NOT READY BY THE END OF JUNE,SINCE THEY WONT BE ABLE TO SELL THE 5.4 ANYMORE, DO YOU THINK THIS IS POSSIBLE ?

[ltd]

Originally Posted by SLO AU XR8

easy, either the Mustang has less than 307kw (unlikely) or the single spinning G6ET has alot more than 270kw! I'll in the latter, and I think thats what Ford have done with the blown 5.0!

A lot of G6E-T guys have had their cars dynoed and have rwkw figures of between 250-260kw. They translate that to around 325fwkw.
You might be on to something.

[GS608]

speaking of the turbo, i've seen a few F6 boys have had theirs dynoed at ~300rwkw..hopefully Ford understate the S/C figures like they have been doing with the turbo

[gcg2503]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

How does a single spinning 270kW G6ET go as quick down the quarter as the new Mustang GT, which has 307kW (and roundabout the "same" torque as the turbo Ford), a lighter body, fatter tyres and LSD?

You forgot to mention that the G6ET owners are chowing down on caviar canapes as they nail these quarter times also

The S/C version will be very heavily underquoted powerwise and FoMoCo will simply up the quoted power figures by 10-15kw every model upgrade without touching them for the most part I would say

[4Vman]

Some people place too much emphasis on badge numbers.....

"Quoted" power figures are becoming more and more irrelevant.....

The car companies will keep them as "low" as possible (without totally diminishing product appeal) to avoid the intervention of the Govt.

They also need to allow room for progressive upgrades and keep the spacing between models far enough to justify the price point differences...

[grey_esp]

personally I think it would be more to do with economy. same power at lower rpm = more efficient.

[Polyal]

Bah not happy about a s/c'd XR8, it also in effect (not totally but probably) kills off any other V8 model coming on board that wont wear a FPV badge.

Economically I can see why you would have s/c across the board, but surely keeping a s/c off would not have cost much more and left the V8 ownership option open to more people.

With regards to the XR8 I think they have gone to hard to early; s/c'ing the FPV's is not a problem though.

As mentioned above, "307kw" n/a version would have been plenty to start off with.

[ltd]

Originally Posted by gcg2503

You forgot to mention that the G6ET owners are chowing down on caviar canapes as they nail these quarter times also

Quiet mate, you'll give people G6E-T envy.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Some people place too much emphasis on badge numbers.....

"Quoted" power figures are becoming more and more irrelevant.....

The car companies will keep them as "low" as possible (without totally diminishing product appeal) to avoid the intervention of the Govt.

They also need to allow room for progressive upgrades and keep the spacing between models far enough to justify the price point differences...

I do agree to an extent but the whole "government" thing I think is old hat 70's stuff.

How can the government allow hi-po mainstream euro cars etc and then say to the locals, no sorry thats to much. Our industry (engine power wise) is not like it was with HO's were slaying them, 350kw is nothing overly special anymore. Also the ACCC would be interested in that, not that they would do anything; they are about as useful as the UN.

Badge numbers do mean something, not to the majority but in this segment they sure do. Im sure you have said that in several FPV/HSV threads, these cars are exactly the same just scaled down with outputs.

I dont know the split with SS/SSV vs XR8 but I see a heck of lot more GM's getting about. The XR8 with the BOSS 290 has had the badge thing sown up and from what I can tell are not selling more. So why S/C it, n/a coyote would have done just fine.

[auxr]

Interesting article, but I'll wait and see what the end result will be.

Months of speculation, leaks to the media, unknown sources providing behind the scenes info, media reports plus the usual Motor, Wheels etc still to come.

Ford AUS have their plans in place and now will plan what to drip feed the media scrum - the end result will be the enivitable lead up to the release of the much anticipated coyote blown range of vehicles, as to what the model range will be, inclusive of FPV, only FORD AUS & the big boys at FPV know.

[madmelon]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Bah not happy about a s/c'd XR8, it also in effect (not totally but probably) kills off any other V8 model coming on board that wont wear a FPV badge.

Economically I can see why you would have s/c across the board, but surely keeping a s/c off would not have cost much more and left the V8 ownership option open to more people.

With regards to the XR8 I think they have gone to hard to early; s/c'ing the FPV's is not a problem though.

As mentioned above, "307kw" n/a version would have been plenty to start off with.

I agree. Supercharged XR8 is a stab in the back to anything from FPV. As the journos say- F6's biggest competitor is the XR6 Turbo coz you can get just as good performance for way less cost.

Stupid move.

[ebxr8240]

Saw / heard one of these engines at Sema..
Very very crisp and rev-able engine..

[gcg2503]

Originally Posted by madmelon

I agree. Supercharged XR8 is a stab in the back to anything from FPV. As the journos say- F6's biggest competitor is the XR6 Turbo coz you can get just as good performance for way less cost.

Stupid move.

I see where you are coming from but have to disagree

What happens when you want to stop?? Trust me XR6T / G6ETs are not on par with the F6 in my books.

F6 much greater than XR6T / G6ET

I know that when i see an FPV on the road 9 times out of 10 I will turn and respect / stare. This doesnt happen for non FPVs. An FPV will always be the more reveered marque in my books.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by madmelon

I agree. Supercharged XR8 is a stab in the back to anything from FPV. As the journos say- F6's biggest competitor is the XR6 Turbo coz you can get just as good performance for way less cost.

Stupid move.

The very reason FPV exists is value adding.

There are people out there who buy FPVs without considering Falcon XRs or G6ET.

[CFOUR]

I'M glad the xr8 is getting blown not na. But 315kw is a bit soft the gt need to be 350-375. The new Nissan patrol has 300kw. Working on scale the fpv shold have 450kw.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by CFOUR

I'M glad the xr8 is getting blown not na. But 315kw is a bit soft the gt need to be 350-375. The new Nissan patrol has 300kw. Working on scale the fpv shold have 450kw.

The GT is not 315kw.. the XR8 is, have you ever driven a 450kw car?

Oh.. and the new Nissan patrol is 180kw....

[naddis01]

Originally Posted by CFOUR

I'M glad the xr8 is getting blown not na. But 315kw is a bit soft the gt need to be 350-375. The new Nissan patrol has 300kw. Working on scale the fpv shold have 450kw.

The new Nissan Patrol also weighs approx 2750kg. :

Originally Posted by 4Vman

The GT is not 315kw.. the XR8 is, have you ever driven a 450kw car?

Oh.. and the new Nissan patrol is 180kw....

Apparently there is a 300kw 5.6L petrol.

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...0215-nzwt.html

The 5.6-litre V8 that replaces the old 4.8-litre six-cylinder as the Patrol’s petrol choice is an overhauled version of the engine used by the old QX56. Employing variable valve timing and direct injection it produces 300kW and 560Nm (although a detuned version will also be offered).

[snappy]

Originally Posted by CFOUR

I'M glad the xr8 is getting blown not na. But 315kw is a bit soft the gt need to be 350-375. The new Nissan patrol has 300kw. Working on scale the fpv shold have 450kw.

Power to wieght is all that matters .
Patrol = approx 109kw per tonne
xr8 = approx 175kw per tonne

massive difference

[pauljh74]

Originally Posted by Polyal

I do agree to an extent but the whole "government" thing I think is old hat 70's stuff.

How can the government allow hi-po mainstream euro cars etc and then say to the locals, no sorry thats to much. Our industry (engine power wise) is not like it was with HO's were slaying them, 350kw is nothing overly special anymore. Also the ACCC would be interested in that, not that they would do anything; they are about as useful as the UN.

Badge numbers do mean something, not to the majority but in this segment they sure do. Im sure you have said that in several FPV/HSV threads, these cars are exactly the same just scaled down with outputs.

I dont know the split with SS/SSV vs XR8 but I see a heck of lot more GM's getting about. The XR8 with the BOSS 290 has had the badge thing sown up and from what I can tell are not selling more. So why S/C it, n/a coyote would have done just fine.

I suppose what they worry about is the availability - in 5 years these are in the financial reach of the stereotypical young "Hoon". Whereas an Audi RS4, BMW M3 - even the Audi RS6 sedan and wagon with 400+ kW are not. These hot Euro models don't sell in great numbers because their price is much higher. But it does suck that the greenies and other anti-car groups band together and attack the local manufacturers because they release a 300+kW muscle car.

On the Coyote, I thought they'd stick a N/A version in the XR8 and S/C in the FPV. Those numbers aren't a big jump over the N/A version - so I hope this means there's heaps of room for development.

[greens_tuf]

Originally Posted by CFOUR

I'M glad the xr8 is getting blown not na. But 315kw is a bit soft the gt need to be 350-375. The new Nissan patrol has 300kw. Working on scale the fpv shold have 450kw.

What would you need 450kw for? I realise that kw sells cars, but at that rate they should give the buyer a badge that says "I own a 450kw car" to wear on his shirt...

IMO they should concentrate on balancing the cars, and reducing weight. They should make the GT/GTHO a more bare bones car without all the heavy luxuries and leave them for the GT-P. Make the GT/GTHO more like a Porsche GT2/3. Go back to the real meaning of GT...

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by Falc'man

Many reasons why that is the case.

But. Even if it was quoted at the "same" 307kW in supercharged form, what would you think the power delivery would be like coming from a positive displacement blower?

How does a single spinning 270kW G6ET go as quick down the quarter as the new Mustang GT, which has 307kW (and roundabout the "same" torque as the turbo Ford), a lighter body, fatter tyres and LSD?

Point taken, flattening out the tourqe curve - cool.

So thats pretty much it isn't it, the I6T is just too quick and hasn't left any room in the lineup for a N/A Coyote.

Cause in theory, if the N/A Coyote is good enough for the Mustang GT, why isn't it good enough for the XR8? It would leave a valuable point of differentiation between Ford and FPV, and I bet there would be some purists out there who would actually prefer a N/A engine.

But then we'd still have the XR6T faster than the new Coyote XR8...

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by greens_tuf

Go back to the real meaning of GT...

Isn't the real meaning of GT - Grand Tourer? Those words mean something comfortable that eats up the miles, right?

[greens_tuf]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Isn't the real meaning of GT - Grand Tourer? Those words mean something comfortable that eats up the miles, right?

Technically you are right, but I was referring more to the XW/XY "GT/GTHO". Even though the "original" XR/XT GT more fits the description you have given...

But I think my point is clear, just my opinion anyway. In other words have a luxury model like the GT-P and make the GT/GTHO more a sports/race themed car...