Finally, the 2014 Ford Falcon XR8 has been revealed in all its glory and alongside the new Falcon XR6. They pay homage to past XR models and future Ford product like Mustang and Mondeo.

TAKING STYLING CUES from Ford’s new global design DNA, the last-ever Falcon XR8 and XR6 have been revealed and here at Practical Motoring we’re pretty pleased with the result. A hint of Mustang and new Ford Mondeo? Absolutely, and that was intentional as it will help transition to different vehicles in the Ford line-up once the Falcon disappears at the end of 2016.

Ford President and CEO, Bob Graziano, said the XR8 badge was a welcomed return to the Falcon line-up. “We’re very excited by the return of the XR8, as this badge has not been seen on a Falcon since 2010,” he said. “Our enthusiasts have been asking for it so we’ve purposely revealed the Falcon XR6 and XR8 first.”

With the return of the V8 into the Falcon portfolio, Graziano said Falcon will be the only Australian-made large sedan available that has the choice of three engines, the acclaimed EcoBoost four, in-line six or V8 petrol engines.

“Four, six, or eight; our customers will have more choice,” Graziano said. “To enhance the choice too, our six cylinder customers will also be able to choose between the locally developed EcoLPi engine or Turbo six cylinder, as well as the naturally-aspirated six.”

“Quite simply, we think this is the best Falcon ever. I just couldn’t be more pleased with what the talented local team’s been able to accomplish, I’m really proud of them,” Graziano said.

“When you look at cars like the new Falcon, it’s easy to understand why we are now leading global projects such as the new Everest which is designed and engineered in Australia for the world.”

According to Ford, the new XR8 and XR6 are an example of the Australian design team’s “interpretation of Ford’s global design DNA with a signature trapezoidal grille, chiseled head lamp treatment and smoother, wrap-around tail-lamps with LED technology”. The styling of the XR8 and XR6 hint at what we can expect from the rest of the Falcon range.

One of the most obvious differentiators with the Falcon range is that the XR models get slim new head lights that provide a high-end technical look and feature ‘hockey stick’-style LED daytime running lamps that mimic the “double drop” headlight treatment of past XRs. The lens reflectors also get distinctive “XR” shields inset into the overall head lamp design. There are also unique fog lamp bezels.

The Exterior Design Manager for the new Falcon, Nima Nourian, said the Australian design team drew on all the visual strength of the existing XR series, which provided a perfect canvas to develop the 2014 Falcon XR series, and that means the power dome had to feature on the XR8.

“The challenge was delivering a powerful, yet premium look for the 2014 car,” Nourian said. “I’m proud of the fact that the new Falcon XR builds on an already distinctive design and yet delivers a whole new personality.

“With the XR6 and XR8 the front end is not only sporty but has a premium look, which will also be apparent across the Falcon range,” Nourian said.

“We did that by implementing the signature Ford trapezoidal grille shape high on the front end to provide a more purposeful look which is a signature look on most of our vehicles globally.

“On the XR series, we wanted a three-dimensional honey-comb grille mesh, which visually demonstrates the sporty nature of the car. The power dome on the XR8 also further enhances this look. The power dome expresses the car’s intention and for our XR8 customers, will be an instantly recognisable difference.”

The 2014 Falcon XR8 power dome now extends up to the windscreen cowl to deliver a stronger look. “This look is also found on the Mustang that will arrive next year so it’s perfectly in keeping with Ford’s V8 performance vehicles,” Nourian said.

At the rear of the car, the jeweled split tail-lamps accentuate the car’s wide, purposeful stance and smooth exterior lines. The new tail-lights use LED technology while the new boot lid has an integrated rear spoiler on XR models. A unique lower diffuser on the XR8 houses the round quad exhaust tips.

Pricing, features and specifications of the 2014 Falcon will be revealed closer to launch. The Falcon range and ute go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.