High-Performance XR8 Model Showcasing Ford’s Global Design Language

[russellw]

Ford reveals the new Falcon XR8, designed to be the best Falcon ever with improved design, technology and performance
Falcon XR8 showcases Ford’s global design DNA with signature trapezoidal grille, chiseled headlights with daytime running lamps and smoother wrap-around tail-lamps
Signature bonnet power dome has been enhanced
Falcon XR6 and XR8 carry distinctive XR head light design cues in the headlights

MELBOURNE, 25 Jul., 2014 – Ford revealed today the new Falcon XR8 performance sedan that blends the car’s iconic history with Ford’s new global design DNA to achieve the development team’s goal of creating the best Falcon ever.
Also joining the new XR8 performance model is the first official image of the refreshed XR6 sedan.
The Falcon XR6 and XR8 showcase the Australian design team’s interpretation of Ford’s global design DNA with a signature trapezoidal grille, chiseled head lamp treatment and smoother, wrap-around tail-lamps with LED technology. These features accentuate the high levels of design refinement that will appear across the refreshed Falcon range.
As a mark of distinction among the sporty XR series, the XR8 features strong exterior graphics with a distinct sporty front end treatment, as well as signature bonnet power dome that has been enhanced for the 2014 Falcon XR8. This is complemented by a specific exhaust system tuned for the sporty V8 exhaust note.
The Exterior Design Manager for the new Falcon, Nima Nourian, said the Australian design team drew on all the visual strength of the existing XR series, which provided a perfect canvas to develop the 2014 Falcon XR series.
“The challenge was delivering a powerful, yet premium look for the 2014 car,” Nourian said. “I’m proud of the fact that the new Falcon XR builds on an already distinctive design and yet delivers a whole new personality.
“The Falcon is acknowledged as being one of the most iconic Australian sedans available but the 2014 Falcon pushes this theme further forward. Our customers will easily identify the new Falcon by its premium look.”
On the sports XR models, the head lamp treatment is a key differentiator, which in past XR models had featured a distinctive sporty quad-head lamp design.
The XR’s slim head lamps provide a high-end technical look and feature ‘hockey stick’-style LED daytime running lamps that mimic the “double drop” headlight treatment of past XRs. The lens reflectors also get distinctive “XR” shields inset into the overall head lamp design. There are also unique fog lamp bezels.
“With the XR6 and XR8 the front end is not only sporty but has a premium look, which will also be apparent across the Falcon range,” Nourian said.
“We did that by implementing the signature Ford trapezoidal grille shape high on the front end to provide a more purposeful look which is a signature look on most of our vehicles globally.
“This new layout is further enhanced by the slim head-lamps flanking either side of the grille. The headlamps have distinct technical graphics and detailing inside as well as clever use of materials and finishes.
“On the XR series, we wanted a three-dimensional honey-comb grille mesh, which visually demonstrates the sporty nature of the car. The power dome on the XR8 also further enhances this look. The power dome expresses the car’s intention and for our XR8 customers, will be an instantly recognisable difference.”
The 2014 Falcon XR8 power dome now extends up to the windscreen cowl to deliver a stronger look. “This look is also found on the Mustang that will arrive next year so it’s perfectly in keeping with Ford’s V8 performance vehicles,” Nourian said.
The strong family resemblance not only links Falcon to the new Mustang but highlights DNA shared with the new Mondeo which joins the line-up in Australia next year.
On the rear, the jeweled split tail-lamps accentuate the car’s wide, purposeful stance and smooth exterior lines. The new tail -lamps use LED technology while the new sculpted boot lid has an integrated rear spoiler on XR models. A bespoke lower diffuser on the XR8 houses the round quad exhaust tips and further emphasizes the performance of the XR8 from the rear view.
“For customers, the exterior of the 2014 Falcon – particularly the XR models – is distinctive and the rear of the car takes on a wider stance. It will stand out from the crowd,” Nourian said.
Ford President and CEO, Bob Graziano, said the XR8 badge was a welcomed return to the Falcon line-up. “We’re very excited by the return of the XR8, as this badge has not been seen on a Falcon since 2010,” he said. “Our enthusiasts have been asking for it so we’ve purposely revealed the Falcon XR6 and XR8 first.”
With the return of the V8 into the Falcon portfolio, Graziano said Falcon will be the only Australian-made large sedan available that has the choice of three engines, the acclaimed EcoBoost four, in-line six or V8 petrol engines.
“Four, six, or eight; our customers will have more choice,” Graziano said. “To enhance the choice too, our six cylinder customers will also be able to choose between the locally developed EcoLPi engine or Turbo six cylinder, as well as the naturally aspirated six.”
“Quite simply, we think this is the best Falcon ever. I just couldn’t be more pleased with what the talented local team’s been able to accomplish, I’m really proud of them,” Graziano said.
“When you look at cars like the new Falcon, it’s easy to understand why we are now leading global projects such as the new Everest which is designed and engineered in Australia for the world.”
Pricing, features and specifications of the 2014 Falcon will be revealed closer to launch. The Falcon range and ute go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.



Source: Ford Media

[Polyal]

Just wish this sort of innovative design and implementation was available earlier. It looks like a great car.

[UKXR8]

Feeling a lot of love for the XR8!

[graphicgoose]

I think that front lends itself much more to the XR8 than the XR6.

[Polyal]

yeah the flat bonnet is almost to plain, need a crease or something, or even better some vents like the mustang.

/broken record.

[simon varley]

quad tailpipes on the 8!

[DrSnooper]

At least the wheels are different between the 6 and 8.

[LooLoo18]

Any actual photos yet ?

[Sorted]

The Falcon range and ute go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year

The ute lives on

[Sprint347]

Pleeeeeease make a Sprint!

[JG66ME]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/298071/2...-in-new-video/

[BIONIC MAN]

"The ute lives on "

yeh, the ute lives on... but not with a V8 in it.

[GTP534]

It really does look like a "Falcon".

Looking forward to the rear end shots.

[Walt Kowalski]

Originally Posted by BIONIC MAN

"The ute lives on "

yeh, the ute lives on... but not with a V8 in it.

Seriously? How did you work that out?

A supercharged Coyote falcon ute is the only thing I'd sell my XR50T ute for.

[KW XRT]

Couldn, t believe ford went down this path.fusion is ugly as h f o a.thought they would let the fg shape live on in america and sell some cars.now I, ve seen it a few times I, m starting too like.def not as good looking as fg.even chevrotet was smart enough to utalise the comadore and graft shape on to chevy nascars.ford would have been wise to follow suite.

[Silver Ghia]

I do really like the raised bonnet on the XR8 extending to the rear edge, and the headlights. Much better than the present V8 bonnets IMO.

The grille is something quite different to what we've been used to in the recent past, so it is naturally something that has to be warmed to. But I'm certainly warming to the front and rear designs, especially the XR8.

It would be good if Ford would release the model designation however, so we can call it that when we discuss it.

[JC]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

I do really like the raised bonnet on the XR8 extending to the rear edge, and the headlights. Much better than the present V8 bonnets IMO.

The grille is something quite different to what we've been used to in the recent past, so it is naturally something that has to be warmed to. But I'm certainly warming to the front and rear designs, especially the XR8.

It would be good if Ford would release the model designation however, so we can call it that when we discuss it.

The view of the current bonnet from the driver's seat is fantastic - I think the FH will be less dramatic because it's wider and deeper, it will be less noticeable, I reckon.

I didn't like the first pics of the FH XRs, but over time, I think they are OK, if not quite as tough as the FG front (but I'm a little biased). Mustang style "deep dish" grille would've made it look heaps tougher.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by JC

The view of the current bonnet from the driver's seat is fantastic - I think the FH will be less dramatic because it's wider and deeper, it will be less noticeable, I reckon.

I didn't like the first pics of the FH XRs, but over time, I think they are OK, if not quite as tough as the FG front (but I'm a little biased). Mustang style "deep dish" grille would've made it look heaps tougher.

Yes,will be interesting to see how the drivers view will be with the new bonnet. I have driven an FG XR8 and agree the bonnet looks good from there. Its just when looking side on, the back part where it goes down looks a little strange to me; it doesn't follow the shape of the car. The new shape is more cohesive.

[Flat Top]

whens launch?

[Revolver]

I think the xr6 looks like the current Mitsubishi Lancer. That's what I thought when I first saw it.

XR8. Much better.

What dissapoints me is, WHY!!!!!! Wasn't GTF postponed for the FH model? "The best falcon ever" deserves the best falcon nameplate!

[Flat Top]

love to see the ute pics?

[Blem]

NO Paddle shifts

[BlueEA]

I don't mind the front but as mentioned would look better with the grille set back simular to the look of the Mustang. The FG has a nicer type of aggressive look. I've driven a number of cars with a paddle shift and they're a lot of fun therefore I also agree that a paddle shift should be an option given that they are coming out on a number cars especially the European cars. I like the new look but would have been better with a little more of an aggressive stance. IMO

[Chrisosicko]

Im guessing the xr8 is just going to be gs spec. By the looks of that picture there is no brembo brakes

[Sioso]

Latest Wheels magazine:

[Nova 8]

Not a massive fan personally, I'll have to wait to see it in person. I want to like it cause I want it to be my next purchase.

[stazza]

Not sure about the rear.... Almosty looks like the early 2000 commo rear end. Just doesn't suit the car IMO. Plus that horrible orange-gold colour it is makes that rear look identical to the bombadore as they had a similar colour

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Chrisosicko

Im guessing the xr8 is just going to be gs spec. By the looks of that picture there is no brembo brakes

There are Brembos, and should be standard too, but not confirmed as yet. Pic is a CGI so not 100% accurate.

[STINKY NINJA]

Looks good,should have put the ford badge on the grill instead of the nosecone,ruins the lines a bit and the mirror scalps need to be colourcoded,thats what id prefer anyhow.
Not sure if the xr8 wheels are the fg gt ones, certainly look similar,some new mags would be appropriate.
And the side marker things on the front guards,ugly,apart from that its nice,please dont have a cry because i dont like some things about it,its only my opinion,dont take it personal like forum people tend to!

[boss engine]

HOw do you guys know there are no paddle shifts?