Falcon XR8 - Sony Xplód Version 2.2

In the tradition of the other great Ford show cars (Sandfire, Venom, Predator, Sequential), comes this XR8 as perhaps the most comprehensively modified factory inspired show car yet.  First released at the Sydney International Motor Show, the car has been turned inside out since to further numb the senses with the motor upgrade, interior and wheel changes.  Developed to showcase the possibilities when choosing an Falcon XR8, the sound install, suspension, wheels (v1) and paint was completed in a remarkable five days which shows what Australian industry can produce if required to - even with the ridiculous deadlines imposed by Ford's late decision to build the Xplód!  Being re-released at the Melbourne Motor Show has given Melbourne based Ford tuner Rod Herrod of Herrod Motorsport plenty of time to tinker with Ford's already stout 200kw 5.0 litre V8.  The result is truly amazing - one of the most inspirational engine bays I have seen in a late model car for a very long time...

So kick back and enjoy this comprehensive list of modifications with photos taken by Douglas Bevan at both the Melbourne Motor Show and Tickford Open Day 2001.

Making it Go (engine):

Mildly modified in v.1, Rob Herrod of Herrods Motorsport has effectively 'gone the hack' with v.2...check out these juicy details:

VERSION 1:

  • 200kw XR8 5.0 litre V8.

  • Carbon Dynamic Airbox from Italian manufacturer BMC (a F1 supplier) - super lightweight, heat resistant and decreased airflow restriction.

  • Pacemaker 4/2/1 headers

  • Unique exhaust system designed by Remus Australia, including 2 x 4" 'Future' tips (machined aluminium style).


    •  
    VERSION 2:

  • 350kw 5.7 litre V8 by Herrods Motorsport:

  • Stroked to 5.7 litres by Rob Herrod using a steel crankshaft with H-beam conrods.

  • Herrod / Morrison developed eight throttle body intake manifold featuring those magnificent gold trumpets in classic V8 supercar style...

  • SVO Ford aluminium cylinder heads.

  • ARP head studs.

  • Ford Motorsport polished alloy rocker covers.

  • Specially developed Herrod / Crow camshaft.

  • Yella Terra roller rockers.

  • Yella Terra steel flywheel.

  • Main bearing stud girdle with ARP studs.

  • Modified sump.

  • Motec M8 sequential firing engine computer.

    •  

    Making it Stop (brakes):

    Wheels & Tyres:

    Suspension:

    Paint & Appearance:

    • PPG 'Firestorm' yellow.

    • Body colour external mirrors.

    • Carbon fibre 'B' pilliar door trims with small silver 'XR8' decals applied to the front pair.

    • XR8 Xplód decals applied to rear doors.

    • Tickford optioned body kit (excluding bonnet vents).

    • 85 watt "Ion Crystal" PIAA driving lights mounted in the front bumper air intake.

    • Autotek bonnet scoops.

     

    Interior:

    • Leather trimmed Recaro seats, finished in 'Charcoal Pioneer' with 'Wattle' inserts.

    • Rear bench seat replaced with 2 bucket seats making for a true 2 + 2 sports car, and featuring twin removable rear head rests with 'XR8' stitched into them.

    • Front seat backs embossed with XR8 logos (the way we all wish Ford would do).

    • Matching door trims, finished with 'Wattle' leather high lights and with matching XR8 logos.

    • Carbon fibre highlight package including dash, instrument panel and scuff plates.

    • Yellow and Black leather Momo steering wheel.

    • Retrimmed center consol in wattle and black leather with XR8 logo.

    • Wattle leather shifter boot.

    • Leather wrapped gear knob.

     

    Sound System:

    • Six massive 10" Sony Xplód XSL1030 subwoofers mounted in the boot floor - max output 400 watts each.

    • Four x 6.5" Sony Xplód 3 way speakers - door and parcel shelf mounted.

    • Two Sony Xplód XM7527 2-channel amplifiers, max output 600 watts each.

    • 750 watts of power all up.

    • Four x 6.5" Sony Xplód 3 way speakers, mounted two each side of the LCD screen mounted on the inside of the bootlid.  Max output - 200 watts each.

    • Sony CD tuner head unit (CDXM700R) using 'Active Black Panel' (This technology features a 5-colour dot matrix screen that pivots at the push of a button to reveal the CD slot and front panel controls.  When the CD is not in use a blank panel appears - giving the impression the front panel has been removed.

    • Sony portable DVD.

    • Sony SDMN50 15" LCD screen mounted on the inside of the bootlid (great for entertaining passengers on the way in to the drive-in).

    • Final SPL figure of over 145dB.

     

    You can check out more of this fantastic vehicle at Sony's new Xplód dedicated web site or go straight to Sony's coverage of the "XR8 Xplód".

     

    AU Home / Contact / Links / Home Page / Feedback