Modified XR8 boasts more power

Some will have you believe that Ford builds the most sophisticated, locally-produced chassis, but whether or not you agree with this, one thing is for sure - the company is doing great guns on the V8 Supercar circuit.

To celebrate its solid run in Australia's premier motor-racing circuit, Ford is releasing an even more powerful XR8. Really, there isn't much of a reason to increase the power of the XR8 - 200kW is more than most road-going vehicles would ever need in a given situation.

But, who are we to complain - in fact, with all the new engine enhancements, we may have to head down to our local Ford dealer for a quick test-drive...

The Ford 5.0-litre big-block, some 700cc short of Holden's Chev-import engine, now churns out 220kW, up 20kW on the previous model. This rather impressive 10 per cent increase in power was made possible by Tickford engineers doing what they do best.

Each new XR8 engine is hand-modified by a Tickford engine builder with all sorts of official 'go-faster' Tickford components.

For instance, a new camshaft designed by Tickford features more aggressive timing and the upper intake manifold is also opened up to enable the installation of a unique Tickford-designed 70mm throttle-body.

Add to this new cylinder heads with improved breathing and performance, new, low-friction roller rockers that allow the engine to rev higher and deliver more consistent valve operation and at the end of it all, a special high flow exhaust manifold and system is fitted, which increases performance considerably.

Even more impressive is the fact that each individual engine has been signed by the engine builder who modified it. It's often the smaller touches, like this last one, that have the most impact.

Tickford head honcho, David Flint, said: "This exercise is not just about horsepower. It’s about craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each engine will be signed by the person who modified it.

"To pay for an upgrade like this in the aftermarket would cost thousands of dollars."

The modified Tickford XR8 engine churns out 220kW @ 5,250rpm. This puts it only 5kW shy of Holden's SS sports model, which puts out 225kW @ 5,200rpm.

The extra mods now give the refitted XR8 a torque reading of 435Nm 4000rpm, which is more than enough acceleration for a car that weighs 1500kg.

The new XR8 still looks like an XR8, only now it goes faster. It also boasts a 100 watt audio system with an in-dash CD player, a limited slip diff, colour coded rear spoiler, cruise control (like you'll need it...) and air-conditioning.

For a more aggressive stance, the XR8 also comes fitted with 17" alloy wheels, side skirts for that low profile and body-coloured mirror covers.

The new-look XR8 with 10 per cent more power is now ready to take on Holden at its own game. More power, more speed, more fun.

As it stands, the new XR8 is not to be balked at. It's no Mustang, but it comes very close and is sure to give Ford a good run to the end of the year. Against the likes of Holden's SS it is a very close match indeed and would really come down to driver skill to seperate the two. However, at the unchanged price of $45,828 for the manual XR8, there's never been a better time to join the 200+kW club.