Ford unveils its facelifted Falcon finale with new XR8

Thu, 24 Jul 2014

While its days may be numbered, Ford isn't just going to let its Falcon sedan limp out for the Australian market. No, the Blue Oval is releasing a refreshed Falcon for its final years, and it's lead by this, the new XR8. That's right, this dead-car-driving is going to go out on a high note.

Ford's global design DNA dominates the looks of the new Falcon, with a grille reminiscent of the US market Fusion and the European-market Mondeo. The headlights aren't a straight port, and boast their own unique LED running light pattern (at least on the XR8), but the overall look is strikingly similar. Out back, LED taillights highlight the rear of the Faclon. Despite the substantial new fascia, this is still a mid-cycle refresh. That means most of the rest of the Falcon's body panels are carryovers from the current model.

The XR8 model, shown above, arrives with a supercharged V8, allegedly displacing 5.0 liters. Unfortunately, details on the Falcon's mechanicals are in remarkably short supply. Ford has committed to a range of turbocharged four, as well as turbocharged and naturally aspirated six-cylinders, in addition to the V8, although specifics on those mills aren't available.

It isn't just information that's in short supply – official images of the new Falcon are limited to the pic you see above. Of course, we're working on getting more of both, and as soon as that happens, we'll be sure to update this post. Scroll down for the brief, styling-focused press release from Ford.

Ford Falcon XR8

Ford revealed 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.

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.

There 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."

By Brandon Turkus