With the official launch of the Ford Mustang in Australia, the Blue Oval has already given customers a replacement for the long-venerated Ford Falcon performance sedan. But the Falcon hasn’t stopped production just yet, and rumors of a final edition Falcon XR Sprint seem to have been confirmed with the release of the above picture.
First posted on the Ford Australia Forums and then picked up by Motoring, this plastic-covered “Sprint” seat points to the inevitable release of an ultimate Falcon before the model (at least as we know it) is discontinued.
The image appeared alongside other shots of unfinished Falcon XR8s at a local Ford factory. Ford has already confirmed that production of the Falcon model will end in October of 2016, and dealers need to put in their final orders before the end of March. In addition to XR8 Sprint models, Ford also trademarked XR6 Sprint and XR6 Turbo Sprint (for its turbo-six powered models) names, suggesting more than one XR model is in the pipeline.
While the supercharged 5.0 V8 powering the XR8 Sprint is unlikely to undergo any major changes, Motoring expects the XR6 motors to get an upgrade to the turbo and engine management system that could see it make even more power than the standard 5.0. Sprint models will also get more aggressive suspension tuning, firmer springs, thicker sway bars, wider wheels, and Brembo brakes. Unique front and rear bumper covers, along with a few interior upgrades will further differentiate the Sprint models from the standard Falcon XRs. The XR6 Turbo Sprint could also be the fastest Falcon in the namesake’s 56-year history, which would be a proper sendoff for such a storied vehicle.
Ford is expected to make the official announcement regarding the XR Sprint models sometime next month.