RIP FPV

The return of the XR8, after an absence of more than three years, is timed to coincide with the 2014 FGII/FH Falcon upgrade and similar refresh for the Territory SUV.

Powerplant for the revived Falcon XR8 will most likely be the locally-modified 'Miami' version of Ford's 'Coyote' V8. Currently offered in supercharged form in the FPV range, it's expected the 5.0-litre bent eight will be detuned, or offered without a supercharger, for the XR8.

The return of the XR8 comes after Ford Australia announced this past May that they would close their Broadmeadows and Geelong factories in October, 2016, becoming an import-only company.

"We have received a lot of interest and continued requests from Falcon fans to bring back the XR8," said Ford Australia Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service Graeme Whickman.

"Re-introducing the XR8 sedan, packaged in our updated Falcon, will make our renowned locally-engineered and manufactured V8 engine available to a broader group of people."

As the Falcon XR8 returns to the Ford range, the Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) range, including the high-performance GT, will retire. Ford Australia says they have planned a series of actions during 2014 to ensure the final FPV models celebrate the brand's iconic status. Further details will be provided at a later date.

"FPV has been very successful for the last 12 years and our relationship with Tickford for many years before that," said Whickman.

"We appreciate all of the great team members, dealers, customers and fans who have supported FPV through its history. We look forward to sharing further details of the final FPV models and the new XR8 over the coming months."