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Now here's an XR8 with an interesting past! Sent in by Mal, this XR8 spent the first 14 months of it's life chasing baddies up and down the Hume between Canberra and the never never. Previously belonging to the Feds, Mal bought his very own piece of Australiana when she had just 49,000km on the clock - leaving no doubt as to it's run in status!
But when it comes to the actual specs of this particular XR8, that's where the mystery starts. You see, everything (including the dyno results included below) point to Mal's XR8 having a very un-available in AU series 1 '200kw' - a fact pointed out by the selling dealer as well as it's inclusion of Premium Tickford brakes. These were - or so the dealer says - special fitment items for the Police duty XR8's - but whether that is true is up to speculation. Indeed, those we asked at Tickford knew nothing about it! So when were the offending items fitted? Is there anybody out there who can shed a little light on this?
"When the dealer told me it was amongst the first to be fitted with the 200kw motors I was a little sceptical - as one would be hearing anything from a car salesman. So I was excited to hear about the NSW XR Club holding a Dyno day - the results are attached." Mal soon had the dealer fit the correct Tickford supplied body kit minus the double deck rear wing, as Mal preferred the AU's lines without it. Other modifications from the way it left the factory are a few extra holes cut in the air cleaner box and removal of the rear most muffler, which Mal says is "not loud by any means but really brings that 5 litre sound out. Anyway, The boss (wife) wouldn't let me have it loud." Point taken!
Thanks Mal for sending your pics in - and top points for that great shot of your XR8 at the beach. Ford's brochure photographers - take note - and looking forward to some better brochure shots in the near future. Just ask Mal.
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Note: for comparing dyno results, it should be remembered that Mal's XR8 is an auto (thus
more driveline power losses than a manual). It is also important to remember that used for
comparative purposes, each dyno can be that little bit different. The most valid results are
obtained by comparing vehicle's back to back on the same dyno at the same temperature.
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