Ford is shutting down its Australian factories in November this year. As the factory doors get shut, the curtains will also fall for one of the most loved Homegrown Ford performance vehicles, the 2016 Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint Turbo. This vehicle has an enviable history that dates back 56 years ago. The XR6 and its bigger brother the XR8 are loved for their excellent performance and affordability.
The models cost almost half the price similarly performing models sell in Europe. The automaker will build 550 units of the Falcon XR6 Turbo 50 of which will be sold in the New Zealand market. It is sad to see the legendary vehicle take a final bow. According to Ford, all the models have already sold out even before production begins which goes on to show how much loved these vehicles are. All 550 models feature numbered build plates located on the engine.
2016 Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint Turbo Exterior
Enthusiasts won’t find it hard to identify the XR6 Sprint Turbo among other cars in a parking lot. The model features a number of changes that set it apart from the regular XR6 Turbo. The new vehicle is made of lightweight materials including a huge percentage of carbon-fiber that makes it lighter and thus more efficient and improves its performance.
2016 Ford Falcon XR8 and XR6
At the front, the vehicle features a similar grille as that of the regular XR6 Turbo. However, the grille is flanked by new headlights with black bezels. Below the grille are new fog-lights surrounds and air vents which are integrated on the bumper. On the sides, there is a new “Sprint” badge on the vehicle’s mudguards while the side mirrors are body colored and are integrated with indicator lights. At the rear, the vehicle features a body-colored deck-lid with a “Sprint” logo.
The rear also features a black rear deck spoiler. The Falcon XR6 Sprint Turbo rides on a set of 19-inch alloy wheels which are painted in black. The wheels are wrapped in 245 mm front and 265 mm Pirelli P-Zero tires. To bring the vehicle to a halt are 6-piston and 4-piston Brembo brakes colored in gold at the front and rear respectively.
Overall, the exterior looks quite aggressive. The vehicle is available in Solid Winter White with an option of Aero Blue, Smoke, Kinetic, Silhouette or Victory Gold shades.
2016 Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint Turbo Interior
The interior is however not as exciting as the exterior. Most of the styling is borrowed from the 2008 FG Falcon. The cabin is full of plastic surfaces, which is a big letdown by Ford. However, this didn’t deter buyers and reports from the automaker show that all the models have already sold out. The steering wheel controls still don’t feature back lighting. Nonetheless, the cabin still features some unique equipment.
The 2016 Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint Turbo features a leather or suede upholstered seats. The automaker has added an electro-chromatic mirror which was a reserve for the G6E and G6E Turbo. This feature makes driving at night easier. The cabin also features a dual-zone climate control which helps keep temperatures ideal. There is a high-series audio system for audiophiles. The gauge cluster features a “Sprint” logo while the shifter is unique and has a unique surround.
For connectivity, the cabin features Sync 2 infotainment system which integrates a navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity.
Engine Specs and performance
Under the hood is where things get lively and one of the reasons the Falcon XR6 Sprint Turbo is sought by many. It is fitted with a turbocharged 4.0 L, 6-cylinder engine which is capable of producing 435 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission system. The drive-train also comes with a 10-second over-boost feature which pumps up output to 496 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. With this power, the Falcon XR6 Turbo Sprint runs from 0-100 Km/h (0-60 mph) in 4.6 seconds.
The engine is complimented by fuel injectors sourced from the FPV F6, a larger intercooler, unique engine calibration and a lower-positioned carbon-fiber airbox.
Price and release date
As said earlier, all the 550 XR6 Sprint Turbo models have already sold out. Ford was selling the models at $54,990 before options. To take advantage of the sell out, dealers who have already bought the vehicles are reselling the models for over $70,000.
The models will be shipped to buyers throughout the year with the last model rolling out of the production line in October bringing an end to the Falcon lineup.
