CATEGORIES
- Ask ColCam
- Commercials
- Full Ford
- Going Ford
- Industry News
- My Wheels
- Racing
- Events
- Test Drive
- Ford Dealer List
SPECIAL
Ford Territory
SPECIAL
Ford Territory
2007 FOCUS
$25,888
2007 TERRITORY
$36,888
2007 RANGER
$39,088
2008 FOCUS
$23,888
2007 FOCUS
$28,888
2008 MONDEO
$30,888
$25,888
2007 TERRITORY
$36,888
2007 RANGER
$39,088
2008 FOCUS
$23,888
2007 FOCUS
$28,888
2008 MONDEO
$30,888
Front Page
Sydney Motor Show 2001 - Power to the People
Staff, Thursday October 11, 2001.
Page 1 of 1
Based on the overwhelming response to the original Pursuit Ute released last year, this version lifts the bar in terms of performance, styling and sheer presence.
The XR8 Pursuit combines the driving experience of the renowned XR brand, complemented by a Tickford-enhanced 250 kW V8 engine.
"The recipe for the XR8 Pursuit was quite simple," says Ford Australia President, Geoff Polites.
"We started with the XR brand and all that it encapsulates ? an exhilarating drive combining powerful engines with excellent driving dynamics and evocative styling.
"Step two was a response to consumers looking for more. We've answered them by adding on the Tickford-developed 5.6-litre V8 that delivers exceptional amounts of power and torque.
"Next, we looked at our Falcon Ute range, the best-selling utes in the country, and saw it as the perfect base for an extreme sports vehicle.
"The end result is the sensational 250 kW XR8 Pursuit, a vehicle that does what we previously thought impossible by delivering even more fun, power and excitement to XR."
The XR8 Pursuit draws its motivation from the powerful stroked version of the legendary Windsor V8, producing 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque, as found in the new range of T-Series cars.
However, Mr Polites emphasised the XR8 Pursuit was not a T-Series car.
"Contrary to numerous reports in the press this is not a T-Series Ute. The XR8 Pursuit is an XR Ute.
"We established the T-Series franchise as a high-end range of performance passenger cars. It's possible that some time down the track we may consider the possibility of including a Ute in our T-Series range. However our current T-Series family does not include a Ute."
Mr Polites said unprecedented demand for the original 200 kW XR8 Pursuit Ute was the driving force behind the new vehicle.
"The original XR8 Pursuit Ute represented a phenomenal success story for us. The only feedback from customers was the fact they wanted even more power. We think the new 250 kW XR8 Pursuit Ute more than delivers on that front."
Engine modifications are numerous and include new lightweight pistons, billet conrods, 82 mm progressive cam throttle body, ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds and unique Tickford-developed camshafts and valves. Power from the new engine is fed via a heavy duty Tremec five-speed manual transmission and kept in check with a limited slip differential. An optional four-speed automatic transmission is also available.
Visually, the XR8 Pursuit shows its XR colours with the traditional quad headlight front end, enhanced with a new front air dam. The Pursuit also boasts a unique high wing rear spoiler and hard tonneau cover. Also new are a rear bumper fascia with exposed twin exhaust pipe and new side skirts.
The 18 x 8-inch alloy rims are matched with high performance Dunlop SP9000 tyres.
Stopping power is provided by a premium brake package consisting of huge 329 mm grooved discs with four piston calipers up front and 287 mm grooved discs with four piston calipers out back, teamed with Bosch three-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Inside, the XR8 Pursuit cossets the driver in warm charcoal leather seats. Other interior features include a unique 240 km/h speedometer with blue graphic display, 100 watt prestige sound system with six-stack in-dash CD player, power windows, air-conditioning, twin airbags, steering wheel mounted cruise control, and Momo steering wheel and gear knob.
The 250 kW XR8 Pursuit Ute will be available in dealer showrooms in early 2002.
"We think the XR8 Pursuit represents the perfect sports performance ute. We're very confident all those buyers looking for even more from their ute are going to be ecstatic with the 250 kW XR8 Pursuit," Mr Polites said.
For further information contact:
Ford Australia Communications
Phone: 03-9359 8491
