Rob's AU2 XR8 - Dark Horse:

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Sent in by avid Ford fan Robert, these pics reflect a decision that Rob didn't think he'd be taking for quite some time yet... Trading in his lightly modified (but highly effective) AU1 XR8 aka 'Blue Streak' the pictures tell the story as to why Rob fell so quickly in love. Stock for now, the 2000 model AU2 XR8 features the 200kW motor (same power output as the EB GT, EL GT & AU1 TE50) as well as all the other AU2 improvements which Robert lists as brakes, handling and the interior ("a huge improvement"). Painted in black - or "Silhouette" in Ford speak - this black mutha came complete with factory fitted 17" Tickford wheels, full body kit and Momo steering wheel / gear knob to top off the sweet five speed manual - the way all true sports cars should be built! And who is Rob to disagree - as he says "I just love that 5spd manual...."

Not one to sit around for long, Rob quickly fitted the Fairmont Ghia's chrome door handles along with a chrome gear stick boot spacer from the T-Series, giving just that little extra touch of class. So far the only engine mods are a XR8 badge on the air cleaner (should yield at least another 20kW) but future plans call for a new exhaust at the very least with lowering to be completed via King Springs and Koni shocks giving the T-series treatment to the handling as well. Rob says he would love leather trim (one feature his XR8 didn't have from the factory) so only time will tell.

And as for those photos, we love 'em! Goes to show there's nobody like the owner for appreciating the best angles in a car - as well as being there when the lighting is the most favourable. A great effort Rob and full marks to boot - we all look forward to seeing how those mods progress!

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