2008 Ford FG Falcon XR8 specifications
The new mighty FG Falcon XR8 is ready to take on Holden's SS Commodore and this time around, it has more ammunition in its arsenal.
Ford is using a brand new quad-cam Boss 290 V8 engine to mark the transition from BF to FG for the XR8. The engine is hand-built from bare blocks and heads by Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and produces 290kW (30kW more than before) and 520Nm of torque (20Nm more).
Assembled on the only V8 production line in Australia, the Boss 290 engine features a number of unique FPV engine components:
- High performance, high compression pistons with domed tops lift the compression ratio to 10.5:1 for the Boss 290 (up from 9.5:1 for the Boss 260) for a major improvement in engine response and overall engine efficiency, particularly under light throttle loads.
- These high strength pistons feature a larger gudgeon pin, larger internal pillars to support the gudgeon pin and a special ring pack to match the high compression, extra power and torque loads.
- Sintered conrods for uniform weight and high strength, tailored to accommodate the larger gudgeon pin and to clear the larger gudgeon support pillars inside each piston – for significant gains in strength and durability.
- Forged steel crankshaft for exceptional refinement and strength under high power and torque loads – each Boss 290 crankshaft undergoes a special balancing process prior to assembly to match the new piston and conrod combination for reduced stress on engine components at all engine speeds.
- Cylinder heads are cast in aluminium alloy to minimise weight and to reach optimum operating temperature faster – they feature an improved Cobra R design with a straighter, better breathing inlet port for better performance.
- High-lift inlet camshaft that increases valve lift to 13 mm (10 mm in Boss 260) for improved inlet flow, fast response and easy-revving high performance feel.
- High-lift exhaust camshaft that increases exhaust valve lift to 12 mm (10 mm in Boss 260) for more efficient exhaust gas clearance.
- Longer valve stems and springs to match the high-lift camshafts for longer reach and improved gas flow in and out of the combustion chamber.
- Longer finger followers to match the higher cam profile and ensure accurate valve control through the extremities of valve lift.
- Locally-manufactured inlet manifold with tuned length trumpets to match the head design, delivering strong torque at lower engine speeds and power at high rpm.
- A larger-entry, free flowing airbox that provides more efficient airflow into the induction system, aiding performance and significantly reducing induction noise.
- A 75mm throttle body with drive-by-wire linkage, which eliminates the noise and vibration path that a mechanical linkage can generate as it enters the cabin. It reduces maintenance, allows more accurate throttle control and optional pedal adjustment on automatic models.
- Locally-manufactured, fabricated stainless steel exhaust headers for a total breathing package to match the performance inlet manifold, high-lift cam profiles and 32-valve heads.
- Engine blueprinting – a highly accurate three-grade engine tolerance system, measured in microns, matches crankshafts, pistons, blocks, conrods and bearings for a perfect fit. Accurate component matching by tolerances and weight delivers improved performance, refinement, durability and fuel efficiency.
Now that we got the technical bits out of the way, the rest of the XR8's major equipment specifications are shared with the XR6 Turbo.
The XR6T retails for the same price as the XR6 Turbo at $45,490. Options include XR 18″ alloys for $1,000 or the XR luxury pack for $5,000 which includes leather interior, upgraded sound system, dualzone aircon and 19″ alloys.
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XR Series – XR8
As for XR6 Turbo with the following features:
- 5.4-litre 290kW / 520Nm quad-cam Boss V8 engine
- Unique bonnet with power bulge
- Unique exhaust system with Semi Active Muffler (SAM)
