jpd80 Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 (edited) Blue Oval admits the demand for V8s will go into decline but a new 300kW 5.0-litre is favourite to slot into Falcons in 2010, writes BRUCE NEWTON. LINK Ford Falcons such as the XR8 are set to switch to a smaller-capacity, 5.0-litre V8 in 2010, which will be cleaner and more powerful than the current 5.4. Ford Australia has confirmed it is staying in the V8 business beyond the life of the current 5.4-litre Boss engine. And the favourite to take over from the ageing Boss is an aluminium double overhead cam 5.0-litre codenamed ‘Coyote’ that is currently under development in the USA with baseline outputs reported to be around 300kW (400 hp) and 540Nm (400 lb ft). While timing for the changeover remains a closely guarded secret, at or around the upgrade from the Euro III to Euro IV emissions standard from July 1 2010 shapes as a logical point. Ford Australia product development director Russell Christophers confirmed to drive that Coyote fits in the Falcon’s engine bay and he likes the figures being quoted for it. However, he has yet to sample it. “I have seen the performance curves and it is a pretty good engine,” he said. The decision to continue with V8s is good news not only for Ford performance car fans but also Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), which continues to sell more V8s than turbo six-cylinders despite the latter offering superior performance and fuel economy. “We are going to have to take a punt,” said Christophers. “It is amazing how that segment has really stood up. If people just want performance they would buy the turbo, but plenty of people are still buying the V8." “The window of opportunity is small because there will not continue to be a demand and a need for V8s. The thing you are punting on is there going to be enough demand to get a payback on this program. The demand is going to be in decline.” Christophers admitted that the financial uncertainty surrounding the future of General Motors was a motivator for Ford continuing to offer a V8. “If something happened to Holden, and HSV (Holden’s equivalent to FPV) folded, we would be mad not to continue in that (V8) business,” he said. “But I don’t know that is going to happen.” Wow, that last comment from the Ford AUS Production development director is pretty provocative. Even though the Turbo I-6 Falcons are good sellers, plenty of people still want a V8 Ford. Edited May 18, 2009 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmm55 Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Didn't I read somewhere the Turbo I6 had it all over the V8....faster, better handling AND better MPGs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted May 18, 2009 Author Share Posted May 18, 2009 Didn't I read somewhere the Turbo I6 had it all over the V8....faster, better handling AND better MPGs? That's because the iron block 5.4 4V is about 200 lb heavier in the nose and because there's no VCT, it really lacks the good low end torque of the 4.0 turbo. It is hoped that the much lighter, all alloy 5.0 4V with VCT will do the job. people still love their V8s down here and it's hoped the next incarnation will spread across the entire range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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