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A black 220kW XR8 with it's IRS and all the usual XR8 features would be enough for some people, but not for our friend Wayne who has managed to create a car that truly stands out from the pack - all without leaving his local Ford dealer! Starting by selecting the Momo blue leather steering wheel and gear lever option, the interior was quickly complimented by Fairmont Ghia chrome door handles with T-series 'spears' and badges adorning the already good looking door trims. And those T-series badges aren't just for show either - conveniently covering the ugly looking plastic plug included in standard vehicles - all added by the dealer before Wayne took delivery. |
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As the first of the Series 3 XR's built (with a November 2001 build date) Wayne did the right thing and made sure his XR8 came with a 5 speed manual fitted keeping the sporting flavour and making the most of the engine's grunt. Joining the long options list the FTR body kit (ok - so it's a renamed Peregrine rear bumper & side skirt!) and 18" wheel option formerly fitted to AU2 TS50's with Premium sound for those long trips help keep the dribble factor flowing on the outside. And with 250 watts, 11 speaker elements, a 8" sub & matching amp combined with an in-dash six CD stacker there should be no problems being able to hear it over the V8's roar - even with the new exhaust! |
Wayne had a set of fog lights installed (more for looks than anything else - being of very little assistance with the XR's powerful quad headlamp set up) - by the Ford Dealer before delivery. When I said that everything had been done prior to delivery - I must confess to having lied a bit. - Taking the form of a new exhaust fitted with only 6km on the clock and new rear springs replacing the originals at only 12km from go!
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Driving virtually straight to the exhaust shop from new, Wayne smartly had the entire exhaust replaced from first joint behind the dual catalytic converters with a full 2 1/4" dual system, low restriction 'turbo' mufflers and no resonators for an absolutely sensational note. The very next day with only the 12 km on the clock this time a visit was duly paid to Pedders who responded by lowering the rear 20mm courtesy of a set of their progressive rate springs bringing with them a much more compliant ride and much less of the 'choppiness' over big bumps usually exhibited by the standard sports suspension.
With the car having only done 12 k's before change, Wayne cannot report how it handles in comparison to stock but says it suits him just fine - which is what it's all about. There's no doubting this is one unique XR8 - with the looks to boot. Enough to keep any of us satisfied...
