THERE is no doubt that the turbocharged engine is the XR6-T's standout feature. As the most powerful Falcon six ever, how could it not be?

Not only does the new powerplant see off any challenge from its six-cylinder rivals in terms of outright power and torque - 240kW and 450Nm versus 171kW/375Nm for the supercharged V6 Commodore and 180kW/333Nm for Ralliart Magna - but it can also claim bragging rights over Holden's V8 SS and SV8 models.

XR6-T has the power advantage anyway, outdoing the new re-tuned Gen III's 235kW, if not its 465Nm torque figure. And on road the numbers do tell the full story, as it has been recorded in the media as being both slightly ahead and snapping at the heels of the once untouchable SS Gen III juggernaut, depending on who is driving.