2008 Ford FG Falcon XR8 specifications
14 Apr, 2008
36 Comments 
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.
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)
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April 14th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Yes, the mighty FLACON!!!
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April 14th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Still got the Bonnet bulge - That’s good!
If only this had a little more power to bring it closer to the Turbo six models and it also would be better if it had duel exhaust pipes out the rear. They the only 2 let downs the XR8 has.
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April 14th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Got to agree with you on the dual pipes Oz. But I suppose it’s only an aesthetic thing.
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April 14th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
While the obvious comparisons against the XR6T are inevitable I am looking forward to a back to back review against a VE SS. Sure the Turbo might be quicker, but there are some buyers who just prefer V8s (each to their own i guess). I’d really love to see a 5th Gear style racetrack comparison between the two local V8 rivals.
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April 14th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Marc, The mighty FLACON, whats that?
Was it just a typo?
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April 14th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
XR6T will outsell and be more popular than the XR8 till 2010.
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April 14th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Great to see the GT motor in the XR8, little mods like coldair intake and Herrod DJR Exhaust and its good for 320-330 Killa Wasps and No HSV can beat that exhaust note.
Go Ford.
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April 14th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
You back Blue Blood. I haven’t seen you on here for a long time.
BTW, XR6T maybe faster than the XR8 but there’s something the a V8 always has over a 6-cylinder…. It’s the throb from the V8 exhaust note. I am more of a V8 fan than a Turbo six fan, but I have to prefer the XR6T over the XR8. If only the XR8 was a little faster.
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April 14th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Have u seen www.drive.com.au in the XR range yet?
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April 14th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
^I mean u Oz?
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April 14th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
man the XR8 looks nice in red
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April 14th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Its been long time,
Dont think for a minute that anyone with a FG XR8 going to be disapointed its the only budget V8 left and look at what you get,i had a Blood Orange BA GT-P for 4 half years and i drove it like it was stolen with no issues and its the same motor, with these mods all done at Ford Dealer Ford still covered the warrenty.
Thats why with the FPV I6 and the Boss V8s models are now upping the power/rev limit because they have proven with people like me the motors are strong.
LOL i always was cought out with the 5800 rev limit in first gear, from 3500 to 5800 was too FAST hope its going to 7500 then it would be perfect.
Go Ford.
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April 14th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Duck, yes I have. Did you see the video reviews on www.drive.com.au/FordFalcon2008/Video ? And this time i’ve spelt the link right.
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April 14th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
The Falcon XR8 looks awesome in red, I would whack a Turbo on, wouldn’t that leave everything for dust……..
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April 14th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Ford are claiming that the new range has improved fuel efficiency, but I don’t think they have directly said that the FG XR8 will be more fuel efficient that the old BF model have they? Could somebody please clarify?
I’m curious because with modifications such as increased cam lift and a larger throttle body would mean that fuel economy would be increased. I also see that the compression has jumped dramatically and is now quite high, I wonder how the new XR8 would run on 95 or even *gulp* 91RON juice.
Seems the engine upgrades are more centred around strength than performance, It will be good to see the aftermarket potential with this new Boss 290.
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April 14th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Building this V8 with stronger internals,makes it even better for an aftermarket blower application.
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April 14th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
5.4L Boss 290 4v V8
6-speed Auto - 14.0L/100km - 6.9% Improvement
See the range overview for more
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April 14th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Dlr1,
totally agree with you mate.
thats going to be the interesting comparo.
who will take the V8 muscle honours round a track.
the XR6T is a no brainer winner, but when heritege gets in the way of V8 rivalry there will be plenty of interest surrounding that particular comparo
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April 14th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Looks good. This will compete with the VE - in the right colour.
Love that interior. Craps on the VE for comfort and i havent even sat in it yet.
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April 14th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Crouchy, have u sat in a VE?
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April 14th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Ford should do more XR8 promo phots in the red, it looks horny! Cant wait to hear the exhaust, hopefully it’ll sound good enough to sway some XR6T buyers and keep some balance….
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April 14th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
BTW, Ive sat in a VE, pretty ordinary feel. Even if the build quality is good, the materials quality is shocking!
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April 14th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I HAVE DUCK, THEY ARE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE COMPARED TO ANY FALCON OVER THE YEARS, ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, HOLDENS ARE KNOWN FOR ROUGH RIDES….
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April 14th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Duck, had to take a Berlina for an extended drive when my boss first got his. Have to say I wasnt happy with the quality of the materials or the driving position. Just wasnt impressed with some of the fit and finish (one of the most notable being that handbrake).
Perhaps at the time there was a lot of hype about the VE and I maybe got a little over excited. The falcon just looks extremely comfotable to me.
That said, I am confident the series II will be a much better car. Just think back to the VT and consider the difference between series 1 and the VX series 2. The VE is only going to get better and better where i feel Ford has a tendancy to be a little complacent..
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April 14th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
yeah the old man looker at updating the old VS Calais to a ve when it came out but he’s like me don’t like the looks and his Calais goes better than the ve + its on gas he’s waiting to look at a G6E T or XR though hes not shore if he wants a 6T or an 8
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April 15th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Ah. The good old VT/VX (not that old). That was one exceptional car for hodden that they needed.
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April 15th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
^I meant Holden not Hodden.
Hey Crouchy i dont think there will be a Series 2 VE.
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April 16th, 2008 at 11:21 am
the new falcons seem much classier inside. and the thing i like is that all the engines have been updated, and even the cheapest models have a decent engine/gearbox. unlike holdens 4 speed and low output v6. and i’m a holden fan
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April 16th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Grant, id say a 5 speed auto would come standard on the omega and berlina in 2010 in the VF.
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April 16th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I’d be surprised if the wait goes to 2010, Duck. Sooner, surely?
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
^I wish it was sooner but i heard that it will be 2010.
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Grant… Toyota beats both, equally impressive 6 speed but more powerful!!!
Id say 2010 would be a reasonable estimate, maybe a tad earlier, they will bring it out when sales drop… right now 4 speed Omegas sell, why would you increases costs for when demand is still their.
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April 24th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
TP, the Aurion may be a bit more powerful, but the new Falcon will be a faster car.. even the current Falcon is as fast as your beloved Aurion.
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May 9th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Anti-spam is 911GT4. Is there such a car?
Well anyhow, drive.com.au tested the XR8 against the XR6T and Commy SS, and it ended up in last place. The Turbo was almost a second quicker to 100, handles better and uses less fuel. The Ford V8 understeered a lot, thanks to the heavy front. But I’m just wondering why the lower-tech SS, also with a V8, didn’t have major handling problems?
Ford was also on the verge of discontinuing the XR8 altogether, but it may be replaced with a new 5-liter, 3-valve V8 that could also find its way in a new Mustang.
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June 24th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I seen a red XR8 like the one in the photo today,it looked Awesome much better in the flesh.Gave the guy the thumbs up.
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August 31st, 2008 at 12:43 am
Fred, I would imagine the handling problems with the Ford XR8 compared to the Holden SS is related to the position of the front wheels and overall chassis geometry. The Commodore has a longer wheelbase and has adopted a more “euro” look with the shorter front fenders, etc. The Falcon on the other hand has kept a shorter wheelbase, more akin to the BF, and as a result the engine would sit further over the front wheels compared to the Commodore, and thus understeer is the result.
I would go the XR6T over the XR8. Its 1 second quicker to 100km/h and handles better. Pretty much a no brainer… the V8 would have a wicked sound, and I guess with some aftermarket bits it would go just as quick, but at least with the XR6T you don’t have to spend any extra… :)
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