Took that RAPID XR8, that I mentioned to you all last week, for a drive today.

Apart from the colour it wasn't really all that rapid but I liked the gearbox. The shift is quick and precise, just a little tight into the gears but will loosen up after some more km. The ratios suit the car and it sits nice in fifth at 60kph. Can't do that in the T3. It has no signs of backlash in the box at all unlike the TR3650, but the clutch was very sudden and with a really light pedal it was hard to operate smoothly first time out. It was easy to get the driveline clunk with the clutch set-up the way it was. Most importantly there was no backlash from the driveline at all while driving in any gear with the clutch engaged which is the my main complaint about the TR3650. Idling along in first or second was smooth as. Just can't do that in the T3 or it shakes itself to bugggery - have to ride the clutch all the time to overcome it. From on the overrun in sixth I tramped the throttle and absolutely no complaint from the diff or drive shafts. The T3 clunks like helll.

As for the rest of the car, well compared to my T3 ... there just isn't anything to compare really. They aren't in the same class so it isn't a fair call.

The BA felt heavy and unresonsive both in the steering and under the right foot. It was easily upset over even minor surface irregularities in the left hand lane at 70kph. Over carpark speed humps taken at walking pace the front end bounced three times before settling and the rear end suspension was clunking away madly.

The steering loaded up something terrible even negotiating large roundabouts - it felt like I was driving a bus. I don't know what the front tyres were set at but they could have been the problem.

Engine response is quite tame below 3500rpm - the car had only 2km when I started out so I wasn't expecting much from it and didn't push it hard at all. There is a definite "cammy" feel to the motor as soon as you hit 3500rpm. The T3 has linear accelleration right from 1000rpm and the BOSS motor doesn't sound as good as the Windsor either.

A nice enough car to drive I suppose but it looks a lot better than it goes ... I couldn't see myself living with one and would be far happier actually driving my son's XR6T ute.

Bolt on the twin turbos and all hell will break loose

Engine response is quite tame below 3500rpm - the car had only 2km when I started out so I wasn't expecting much from it and didn't push it hard at all. There is a definite "cammy" feel to the motor as soon as you hit 3500rpm. The T3 has linear accelleration right from 1000rpm and the BOSS motor doesn't sound as good as the Windsor either.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Without a doubt the winsor 5.6ltr has the sound and the linear accelleration that the boss sadly lacks.

Without a doubt the winsor 5.6ltr has the sound and the linear accelleration that the boss sadly lacks.

After hearing Jeff's car on the weekend, I have to agree with that, sounded awesome.

Great review Jeff,

It carries a lot of weight coming from a die hard long time Ford nut.

Go the T3

The car had 2km on the clock and you wonder why it didn't go very fast? They need atleast 10,000 before they perform the way they should although you are right about the need for at least 3500 revs before they really start moving.

The car had 2km on the clock and you wonder why it didn't go very fast?

...the car had only 2km when I started out so I wasn't expecting much from it and didn't push it hard at all.

Um... yeah...

I drove my first XR8 a few weeks back when I was deciding about getting a Mk2 XR6T or something different (XR8) to replace my current XR6T,

The one I drove was slightly lowered and had a cold air intake kit. (Unusual..it was at a Ford dealer as their test car!)

The bonet bulge is a bit annoying. But would get used to it.

The sound is unreal. Even at 2000 revs when you floor it you hear this grumble coming from somewhere in front of the firewall (sounds like the core of the engine!) which builds and then becomes quite loud. Not a bad sound at all - the best part of the car.

The problem is, it really felt slow compared the the XR6T. It doesnt fly like a jack rabbit which XR6T's do. I expected more from lower revs, even though I was aware 3400-4000 is more of its starting point. Flooring it at 2000 revs left me thinking...come on power....come on power....where is the power?! It felt like minutes later that it arrived!

Even at higher revs (where I spend most of my time driving), it just doesnt have the startling effect the XR6T does. Its not just the turbo that causes that feeling either as I have driven other non turbo cars with the same effect.

I got back a bit disappointed. Wishing I had an XR6T with some of the XR8 sounds.

Aside from the sound, I couldnt think of a reason to buy the XR8 - simply put it was a huge performance and handling downgrade. There is no way around it. (Have to admit though, adding a coule of turbos would be awesome...if you coudl find where to fit them!).

I was amazed when I jumped back in my T and ran through some of the same tests, and they had me and the passenger flung back in the seat anywhere from 2000 rpm to redline.

It really sunk in just how good the T is in handling and acceleration. An amazing mix.

The XR8 would have been great....if I hadnt driven the T for the last 2 years....

Next day I put my order in for a 6 speed XR6T Mk2 - with not a single doubt that I was doing the right thing.

Took that RAPID XR8, that I mentioned to you all last week, for a drive today.

Apart from the colour it wasn't really all that rapid but I liked the gearbox. The shift is quick and precise, just a little tight into the gears but will loosen up after some more km. The ratios suit the car and it sits nice in fifth at 60kph. Can't do that in the T3. It has no signs of backlash in the box at all unlike the TR3650, but the clutch was very sudden and with a really light pedal it was hard to operate smoothly first time out. It was easy to get the driveline clunk with the clutch set-up the way it was. Most importantly there was no backlash from the driveline at all while driving in any gear with the clutch engaged which is the my main complaint about the TR3650. Idling along in first or second was smooth as. Just can't do that in the T3 or it shakes itself to bugggery - have to ride the clutch all the time to overcome it. From on the overrun in sixth I tramped the throttle and absolutely no complaint from the diff or drive shafts. The T3 clunks like helll.

As for the rest of the car, well compared to my T3 ... there just isn't anything to compare really. They aren't in the same class so it isn't a fair call.

The BA felt heavy and unresonsive both in the steering and under the right foot. It was easily upset over even minor surface irregularities in the left hand lane at 70kph. Over carpark speed humps taken at walking pace the front end bounced three times before settling and the rear end suspension was clunking away madly.

The steering loaded up something terrible even negotiating large roundabouts - it felt like I was driving a bus. I don't know what the front tyres were set at but they could have been the problem.

Engine response is quite tame below 3500rpm - the car had only 2km when I started out so I wasn't expecting much from it and didn't push it hard at all. There is a definite "cammy" feel to the motor as soon as you hit 3500rpm. The T3 has linear accelleration right from 1000rpm and the BOSS motor doesn't sound as good as the Windsor either.

A nice enough car to drive I suppose but it looks a lot better than it goes ... I couldn't see myself living with one and would be far happier actually driving my son's XR6T ute.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have test driven a 2nd hand auto XR8 (25,000kms) and your right, before 3500rpm your left wondering "what the hell is going on?" It has a bit of top end rush but what fun is that if it takes for ever to get to that point? Great noise though, but it still doesn't beat when your doing about 40km/h in the T and floor it.. You get nailed back in the seat! The XR8 didn't do this...

Damn you guys,

I'm still waiting for my Turbo MkII to arrive.

Have been promised new years eve delivery now

Jeez, I cant wait to drive it.

After driving an AU Futura for the past 3 years, I am busting to get this new car.

Just a 5 minute test drive was enough to sell me the Turbo!

Cheers,

Alan