Ford Falcon Sprint boosts power for last hurrah

Ford has confirmed the existence of the most powerful Ford Falcons ever, due to arrive in Ford showrooms later this year.

There are two Ford Falcon Sprint models. The first is the XR6 Turbo Sprint, upgraded from the regular XR6 Turbo with 55 extra kilowatts and a bump in torque, now 325kW and 576Nm. The XR8 Sprint features the same 5-litre supercharged V8 as the current Ford Falcon FG X XR8, but with outputs jumping to 345kW and 575Nm.

All Sprint models feature an ‘overboost’ function that allows the cars to hit even higher peak outputs for short periods of time. Ford has never put official numbers on its overboost performance until now. Under the right circumstances the XR6 Turbo tops out at 370kW/650Nm and the XR8 Sprint will hit 400kW/650Nm.

Ford plans to build 1400 Sprint models; 550 XR6 Turbo Sprints and 850 XR8 Sprints. An additional 150 Sprints are headed to New Zealand. Numbered build plates for all Sprints will be included on the engine.

The XR6 Turbo Sprint receives a carbon fibre intake box never before seen in any Australian Ford model. The intake has been developed locally and is being manufactured in New South Wales.

Sprint models will be identifiable from the outside by a Sprint only front bumper, stripe decals on the sides, Sprint badging at the back and 19-inch alloy wheels in black. The XR8 Sprint will also get a black painted roof and black wing mirrors.

Other upgrades include a premium braking package with Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers painted gold.

Interior differences for Sprint special editions include unique embroidery on the leather seats, a new shifter assembly and surround and a Sprint branded instrument cluster.

All XR6 Turbo Sprint models will be automatic and priced from $54,990. XR8 Sprint prices will start at $59,990 for manual transmission and $62,190 for automatic.