CDAA

Not that I'm sure how this effects the time (if at all), however is Esky's car a UTE? Regardless, I bloody good time and would suggust he's experienced at a 400m dash. As for Auto or Manual, it looks like you just can't loose either way.

Thanks Guys, your comments make it worth the effort. As for MOTOR or WHEELS, I think my grammar and spelling may get to them. I just write it down like a story of my own experience as it’s much more interesting IMO. I also write while the experience is fresh in my mind to keep the content objective as possible. As you know over time..we all have tenancies to convince ourselves when it's something you really want! I'm pleased you all got something out of it.

Well, since I drove the famous 4 (SV8, SS, XR6T & XR8), I was left a little confused. I’ve found the XR6T very hard to beat, both on paper and in reality. All cars definitely had their strengths and I’m pleased to say as a Ford bloke that the Barra’s this time around are in a different class of refinement and performance. The XR8 was the one I really had a thing for however. You see its that pesky voice in my head, lump in my throat, racing of my pulse and drain on my wallet that enlightens my sensors when I’m in this car and makes me feel like I driving something really special. Time to take things up a level…. I decided, based on my V8 dilemma that it was worth exploring the V8 market even further. It was time I ventured into HSV territory and drive HSV’s very own ‘Y’ series Clubbie. I decided as I test-drove the XR’s first last time followed by the SV8 and SS, I would change the order around and drive the HSV first. I returned back to Richard who in my opinion was one of the best car sales people I have met. As he did with the black SS I drove a week earlier, Richard went out of his way to satisfy my needs by obtaining a Clubsport with some km’s already on the clock. I had explained to him previously my disappointment with the acceleration and torque of the SS so we addressed this issue as a process of elimination. What was waiting for me was a Reef green and silver HSV Clubsport ‘Y’ series 6 speed manual with 5000km’s on the clock. Talk about service, he also arranged to have the car washed and vacuumed just before I arrived to drive it. ‘Y’ I had a closer look…. To date I had not seen the new ‘Y’ series close up in the flesh. This was an opportunity to have a real close up inspection of its styling. From a distance walking towards the car from side-on the car presented well, very aggressive and sleek. At this point I must confess that the wheels on the HSV are simply stunning and do so much for this car. This is one area I feel Ford is improving, however are not quite there yet in comparison. As I got closer things started to take on a different form. I have heard that HSV has invested a packet on body kit moulding technology, however it didn’t show with this example. Fittings, including the front and rear bumpers had an aftermarket finish to them rather than factory with furry edges and a small, however cheesy use of mesh. The styling of the body kit was reasonable from the front and I could learn to love it with time, however the back was much more challenging for me to come to terms with and Richard knew it. Drive time….. As the focus slid a little off course Richard quickly got me the keys and suggested we go for a decent drive. This time he allowed me to drive straight out of the dealership. Somehow along the way I must have mislead his confidence in me as a driver. Immediately I felt confident with this car, even more so than the SS. The seats were well supported and everything felt more integrated in general than the SS. The dash looked good initially, however when using it I found it to present almost toy-like with the use of large chunky numbers and font styles. I’m sure many people would like this, especially the visually impaired. As for me I found the styling design to look sporty, yet dated. On to performance, may I say straight out that this car was much better than the VY SS I drove. This time there was some low down torque to play with and gobs of grunt as the revs raised. The top end power was sweet and strong. Breathless is not a word I would associate with this engine. The experience was in fact very similar to the BA XR8, however the XR had very low km’s in comparison and consequently felt a little tighter and resistant. Overall as an average driver, I found on outright performance terms it was hard to pick the two apart. Refinement even in HSV guise was another matter. I was surprised how raw and rugged the Clubbie felt. Drive train backlash and vibration on hard acceleration was overwhelmingly obvious. In some ways I liked it, and in others I found it to be unacceptable for the value. Suspension was direct, precise and hard as all buggery… a little too hard for my liking as a daily driver. On the other hand this car would make a fun weekend racecar. Summary…. The Clubsport in “Y’ series guise is an interesting animal. A part of me just loved the car and its performance. Another part found it a little cheesy and unsophisticated. The SS was no different, however it was easier to accept as factory product. The HSV brand is the promise of more and though there is no denying you get more usable ‘go’, ‘corner’ and ‘stopping’ power from an HSV product, refinement in delivering these vital features appeared not to be a priority. I know the XR8 is not a direct competitor of the Clubsport and it’s not appointed quite as well, but as for refinement, performance and drivability I am surprised to acknowledge that it was ‘still’ in another class, and better one at that. Would you buy an XR8 over a Clubsport? It’s a tough question. I probably would personally, however there is much value in the HSV brand, which to the right buyer is definitely worth something. My last drive will be in a GT, Fords answer to the HSV Clubsport. I plan to be objective, but unless FPV have gone backwards from the XR8, it’s looking pretty good for the Ford this time around. Cheers, Colville

Point to point is a term used normally in relation to real life road driving, rather than straight line 400m performance. In real life the use the auto is claimed to get you from point A to point B faster than the manual. I think the reason is linked to the torque and turbo of this engine working extremely well with the shift pattern of the auto. The auto is also a faster shift in general as the manual is slower. For the 400m strip it has been said that if you hold revs at 1800 - 2000 rpm and then launch your times will improve in contrast to standard starts in the auto. Don't get me wrong here, I'm 'no auto is best’ kind of guy. This is just a summary of people’s experience in general. If manual is your thing, definitely buy that or you will regret it (and vis-versa).

Sorry I don't have any times, however I have a family member that works for Ford in the 'test driving' department (sorry not sure what the correct title is called). He also claims that the auto is the fastest from point to point and a better buy in general. I'm a manual bloke myself so it’s a jagged pill to swallow. I'm yet to drive an auto for myself.

I don’t think your clutching at straws at all. I totally agree. When I drove the SS and SV8, both dealers indicated that the power these cars delivered from new, was the same as the power you should expect after 10,000 –30,000kms, unlike the Fords. The only thing I should expect would be the gearbox to loosen up apparently. In the case of the auto SV8, I hope not!! With the manual SS, the box was just nice the way it was IMO. In contrast to the Ford the engineers had advised me that the engine will be at its best after 15,000 –20,000kms!! The ‘Wheels’ articles I found to be relevant and confirmed my thoughts on the XR8 as the clear better choice over the SS. “It’s in a different class” I think they quoted. Both cars maybe as fast over the 400m, but I would put money on the fact that the XR8 will get better with time as the SS not so. I also think that the XR8 would be the faster ‘daily driver’ than the SS in the environment I would use it in. Putting straight-line performance aside, the ‘Wheels’ article also confirmed much of my test-driving experience issue with the SS and the clear difference to the XR8. To be honest the XR8 is gaining more and more credibility with me and it will be interesting to compare it to the Clubsport that I will be test-driving next week. I’m actually expecting the Clubbie to be a more suitable match for the XR8 and I’m not just referring to power. As far as the GT is concerned, everything I just mentioned about the XR8 vs SS would be relevant to the Clubsport vs GT. I will have to wait and see to confirm this of course…. Cheers, Colville

Same, same for me. Call me silly, however I'm a traffic light executive not focused on country high speed touring, rather taking out the other ‘suit’ next to me in their HSV Clubbie or GTS. Ok, it may only be 0-60, however it reactive, needs tactical response and quick decision, plus a bit of fun, which makes travelling between client meeting interesting. Seriously, I am also thinking about waiting a little longer as I'm finding it almost impossible to make a decision. The GT sounds more up my alley than any other BA to date, but you can't beat the Turbo for value and my wife agrees naturally (it’s just as fast, it’s still a Falcon and costs less so what's ya problem..she says). ....sad thing is, I know logically she's right......again :nugget: I am now looking to test-drive a Clubbie and a GT when I can get a hold of one. Ian, as far as the Expensive Daewoo goes, I found the auto SV8 to be a bullet initially until of course the auto warmed up and developed a personal complex. The SS in manual form however to be frank was a great disappointed from a performance standpoint. I have not experienced either the BA turbo or XR8 in auto yet. Have you yet and what were your thoughts in comparison to the Holden?

Yes, have to agree with some of your points. Gee HSE2, we sound old!! That says a lot for the intended target market, don’t you think? The GT sounds like it addresses everything the XR8 didn't, not that the XR8 was a big disappointing for me in the end. I can already see the series 2 plan...., can you? Besides an adjustment to the exhaust, 18" and sound, it has been confirmed ‘for me’ that upgrading the XR8 much more would be rather pointless. The GT relevant to cost would be the far better investment and more fun even in standard trim. Having said this, I may still get the XR8, however on the basis that I can be happy with it as described above. The jury is still out in this regard and the turbo is still a major consideration.

Name of my company... boring really Company name stands for... Create | Develop | Aspire | Achieve

Hey Guys, Well, Im the Creative Director of CDAA Pty Ltd. It's a brand communications company, predominately focused in the area of Design (Corporate Identity, Graphic Design, Multimedia & Printing) and Development (Website, Intranet, Content Management, Search Engine Optimisation & Hosting related services). We're one the majors in South Australia and WebCentral's largest partner for Hosting. We also work nationally and oversea's, however we are not known that well in the other states ....yet. If your interested our website is www.cdaa.com.au and www.hosting.cdaa.com.au Cheers, Colville

Thanks CJF077. The Black XR8 pictures were exactly what I was looking for. OMG!!!!

Your comments do not surprise me at all. A agree totally. There is currently a guy on LS1.com.au upset because he got hosed in his new VY SS by a BA Fairmont (Both Auto). Many locals there are putting it down to bad driving skills, however when I did a little comparison exercise it quiet some of them down a tad. Driving skills do come into it, however it's because they are so close and not because of there belief that the Fairmont was a slouch. A link if your interested http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php...15&pagenumber=1

Thanks Charliewool for the kind comments. A Pursuit Vs Maloo would make a great experience. I just love utes, however my lifestyle just does not lend itself to having one. Next time I'm in Melbourne I may take you up on it.

CD, You realise , that you'd be "murdering" money, going for a VX SS or a XT V8?.. The resale , down the track on an XR6T OR a XR8 is going to be miles in front of both at your 45k figure !!.... I'm not into real estate, superannuation, money laundrying etc, BUT, THIS time I believe , Ford has produced a car that, while not appreciating, Will hold it's "true" value over 3 years?.. This time next year, I suspect , a new XR6T, will retail for 54..55 k?... A 2nd hand, low k's 2003 XR6T , maybe 40--41k??... What price a VXSS Feb next year?? Hmmm.......maybe 30- 32k? Hey Charliewool, I agree with you regarding resale of the XR6T or XR8. My comments were only in reference to the 'If I only had $45k’ scenario. The XR6T on road is unfortunately more than $45k. From an investor point of view almost every car is a liability, not an asset and should be treated as such IMO. At the end of the day you should buy what you want within the range you can afford (emotional buy), because buying a car in general makes poor financial sense. Cars are just something we all want and need. I personally would make the stretch to the Turbo, SS, XR8 or even the GT.

Thanks Mondie!! I haven't got a GT test drive booked in yet. My local dealer isn't confident of getting one in the near future. When they start appearing at the dealers I will definitely take one for a spin.

Thanks for the compliment. I do write media PR articles for my company and our clients, but that's about it. After driving all four (XR6T, XR8, SV8 and SS), The stand out performer in terms of value and fun was indeed the XR6T with the XR8 very, very close behind. If I had to order today it would be the XR8 as the V8 felt stronger to me and accommodates the silly need I seem to have for a V8. (I've had a lot of them). The cheapest car out of the comparison was the SV8, however I personally wouldn't touch one of these for $45k on road. All three other options, the 2 XR's and the SS offer so much more and are well worth the extra money. If I only had $45k to play with, I would rather pick up a VX SS or an XT 5.4 with change.

Ok, finally I’ve reached the last contender in my car test drives. As most of you know I driven and reviewed the BA XR6T, XR8 and VY SV8 in the last couple of weeks. Well today I was treated to a jet black, fully optioned VY SS manual. The VY SS in black must be the most attractive colour in that shape in my opinion. I am not a fan of some of the more recent styling cues of these cars, however in black duco, I simply forgot about my hang-ups with them. Build quality was also much better on this SS, in contrast to the poor effort made on the SV8 I drove. I’m not sure why this was; however I am not complaining. The SS 18” rims look superb on this car and were just as good as the XR 18”’s. The fact that they come as standard was even more appealing and I would like to see Ford adopt the same strategy in future. The interior of the SS was superior to the SV8, however I’m not just referring to feature differences here; I’m taking about console finish, the instrument cluster and minor fittings. These maybe small items to some, however it made a very relevant impression on me. The leather seats on the SS were form fitting and ‘Recaro’ like. My only real complaint was the quality of the leather, as it felt cheap and thick like a discounted lounge soafer. Putting the 6 speed into gear… Richard (the sales guy), like all the other dealers drove the car out of the yard to show me all the features, functions and to prepare me the dominant thrust of the 235kw engine. At this point he was unaware that I had driven the XR6T or the XR8. The first thing I noticed was the exhaust note over the previous auto SV8. In manual trim, the exhaust sound was more evident and upon acceleration the noise rose to a soft, however flat deep tone. Richard explained to me that the 18” on the SS gave a slightly harder ride and indeed he was right. Though I remember experiencing this with my aftermarket lowered AU XR8, I felt nothing of the sort with either BA XR’s riding on similar 18” low profile tyres. In fact on a slight bumpy road the car felt just a little unstable. Richard finally parked the car and allowed me the driving position. Behind the wheel, I felt comfortable, although I sat a little lower than the XR’s. Driving around the back streets, the steering like the SV8 was direct and crisp. The gearbox feeling was good and reminded me more of the XR8 rather than the Turbo, however in saying this, the XR8 had a more positive notchy feel to it. In small bursts the pull from the car and the overall refinement of the engine was noticeably harsh in stark comparison to either XR’s, especially the 8. I’ve read about this harshness in recent media reviews, however I thought it would not be something ‘I’ an average bloke would actually notice. Once we got out on to the highway I was invited to stretch her legs ( I didn’t need to be asked twice!!). We’ll I guess like the XR8, I was expecting a lot from this car and I was prepared to put it through it's passes. I tried all different things, hard take off’s from 1st, drop backs to 2nd, accelerating hard in 2nd and 3rd etc, etc... The SS is capable, yes, strong when pushed …and I mean pushed, however a ‘kick in the guts’ or ‘sling shot’ performer this car as not. Summary Folks… At this point it was clear to me that the XR8, considering it’s weight was ahead in my books in terms of ‘seat of you pants’ grunt, refinement and driveability. I don’t even want to bring the Turbo into this comparison. The XR8 was much stronger and felt faster, even if the reviews state that may not be the case. Interior of the BA was better, however not so much so over the SS that it be a turning factor for me. In this case the more I drove the SS, the more I loved the XR’s. Its not that the SS was some kind of dog, I actually have more respect for it now than I ever had before. It is a fine machine indeed and a great competitor for the likes of an AU3 XR8 in terms of drivability anyway. But the VYSS I drove today was no match for the Barra’s based on my experience today. If I was in the market for a new car this time last year, the Ford's may have been in trouble. I’m pleased to say that this year that is simply not the case. Thanks to Richard for being a top bloke. I hope Expensive Daewoo appreciate him. Cheers, Colville

Thanks Mate You may have a point there, however would the power difference on a hot day be noticable in normal driving conditions? I drove the XR6T last week on a 35 degree day in the mid afternoon. It was a stinker and car was very hot. I have never driven one of these cars in cooler conditions yet, however in the hot conditions it remained a very impressive package performance wise. Down the 400m strip however may have told a different story. I am yet to drive a 5.4 220, however would like to in the near future. I personally think the XT 5.4 manual sports pack maybe Fords's 'underdog' performer.

Bang!!, you hit it straight on the head HSE2. Though I do not agree, or more rather lets say ‘interpret the experience’ in the exact way you have regarding the XR8, I think it goes without saying that the XR8 compared to the XR6T (taking the V8 emotional addiction out of it) is a better all round package for anyone in that market. Gee that hurts.... :nugget: On the other hand we ARE talking about an "V8 addiction' here where the XR8 comes into play. It’s one awesome car in general and I am really struggling with the decision to let it go this time around. It’s not that I view the T6 as a compromise, its more that I relate to it as something else altogether. The question for me…is the XR8 enough? At the moment my answer is no and that I would not take one off the lot without an exhaust modification or such to boost things up a level. Only then I think I would be satisfied, however at that point the GT is on my door step. The XR8 as it stands is in no-mans land for me and needs to be adjusted to suit my emotional requirements, which I am confident after my driving experience can be done easily. I have no idea were my emotions lie with the XR6T and that why I have not committed to it...yet. I actually believe the GT will deliver on all fronts for me, however I am unsure about the commitment at this stage as the XR6T even compared with THIS car has me wondering…. What the hell has Ford done to me..lol My V8 heart is aching.

Well as you all know from my recent post and test drive of the XR6T, I was mighty impressed to say the least. Well this morning I call up Frank at my Ford dealer and we took the dealer principles BA XR8. The XR6T and XR8 were parked side by side, both in Phantom and both with the optional 18”. Now I know they are the same, however that bonnet bulge makes such a major statement or rather promise in regarding the cars performance, you find yourself feeling excited about driving it before you have got behind the wheel. Which lead me to the following problem.. My expectations. Frank started her up and we drove out of the Dealership and up a couple of streets. Although fighting it, I was finding myself to be disappointed asthe car was quiet, mannered and well behaved. At this point it might as well of been a Fairmont with a Tickford/FPV body kit. I had expected nothing really from the XR6T and it blew my mind. I expected everything from my old sparing partner (the XR8), and I was left feeling that she had grown up and matured (unlike me maybe??). Then Frank handed me the keys….. At this point I decided to drive this car with a little spirit (if you know what I mean). I found that the XR8’s power range and characteristics had changed, which was the primary reason for my initial disappointment. What I did next was to take the time to find where all the things I loved had been placed. I will tell you all now that these ‘things’ are still there and a lot more of it! On the down side, in the lower rev range this 5.4 BOSS V8 is reserved and makes you feel as though there is so much more behind it, however it has been tuned to be reserved somewhat, unlike the AU versions of old. Take the time however to give this car some mumbo and it comes on smooth, angry and strong. It does not ‘sling shot’ you like the Turbo, however the velocity in which you find yourself propelled is likened to a plane taking off. At this point I was starting to love this car. Up in the rev range the sound is just beautiful, inside and out. The pulling power of this car reminds me of the GT 351 Cleveland’s of old, however with much more refinement. The gearbox in the XR8 was nicer than the turbo and delivered a ‘top loader’ like style to it. Gear change throws on the other hand were not as good as I felt they were a little too long. And then it happened, the moment of truth. I was just pulling out of a side street onto the main road when one of the General’s best in black went by. Forgetting Frank was sitting next to me I went around the corner and gave this car almost full throttle. With in a matter of seconds we caught up to the black SS Ute and went passed him. In this fleeting maynover the acceleration I can only describe as awesome. I pulled in front of the SS, apologised to Frank and waited for the SS to retaliate. Well, he didn’t, in fact he kept on slowing down seeming so not to catch up to me. Thou this was no race and nor would it have been, it left me feeling very, very competent in this car. Ok, summaries…. Despite many of the reviews to date on the XR8, this is one muscular beast with balls of steel. If you are a V8 person you will love it, it’s just that simple. Like the LS1 (although better IMO) it needs a rev, but if your willing to take it there it delivers the goods on all fronts. Handling wise it feels a little heavier, however I like and prefer the weighted feeling personally. Is it better than the XR6T? No. Its not worse either, its totally different altogether. Does it feel faster than the XR6T? No, but stronger Yes. The XR8 feels like it’s got so much more as the XR6T does not. What I mean by that folks is both cars are very conservatively set up with loads more potential to be had, however the XR6T makes you feel like what it delivers is enough. The XR8 on the other hand does not and leaves you impressed, excited, testosterone charged and wanting more. It had become clear to me that this car has been built for XR8 or SS, V8 loving people and not to impress so much others that seek the performance and characteristics of the XR6T or WRX’s. Which one will I buy? Logic tells me the XR6T, emotionally I want the V8. Conclusion is I would be happy with either, however I would like to drive the GT. Cheers, Colville

Well, I finally took a XR6T manual for a fang today. It was 35 degrees in Adelaide so this was probably not the best day to test this car out. The car was in phantom with the 18” and looked just beaut. Well I can best describe my driving experience of this car with two words. Sling- Shot. I am a V8 man all the way and was dead set on the XR8 (which I will drive on the weekend). I was really just driving the Turbo for the experience and comparison value, however I am just so impressed, what a car. The gear changes were good IMO and the car felt light, though I know it’s not. I simply forgot I was in a family size car as it drove and handled more like a WRX. There was a minor hesitation when I put my foot down, however when it came on, it game on stronger than any six I’ve ever driven. It actually felt faster and stronger than my previous modified 250kW AUXR8. All I can say is if you haven’t driven one of these, do yourself a favour and do it. It’s no V8, but the funny thing is this car is not trying to be in the first place and it makes it so easy to accept this. It’s in a league of its own and feels more like a powerful sports car than a muscle bound grunter. This must be the best new Ford I have driven in a while. Cheers, Colville

If you go to www.fpv.com.au and go to the GT-P section, that's the only other version of a BA in blood Orange I have seen. Hope this helps.

That's correct. These are very impressive times. On Cams time slip his reaction time was about a 1 second as well, so if he improved on this he would have got a better time. Keep in mind that these times were also recorded in Summer and Turbo's do not like heat .......... I'm a XR8 fan myself, but I must say that I am way impressed with this car in auto stock form .

Thanks right, it maybe old news to some of you guys, however 14.1 in the ‘auto’ not to mention a $61k full optioned car (no engine performance mods) is very impressive. MOTOR has recorded a 14.1 in a manual, however I thought the auto was slower in a straight line (guess not). Apparently to get the time Cam (the owner) stalled the car up to 1800rpm, selected the gearshift to the left (performance mode) and let the car change gears itself. When he just took off normally he achieved a 14.3. Well Done Cam!!

Well if you were after advise in this thread you will leave totally confused!! :lol: I get bad results from Shell and good results from Mobil & BP.