Rebel with a cause

MEET Ford's new XR8 Rebel, a wild 220kW Falcon that will break cover this Sunday (July 29) but won't be available until September - and only in strictly limited numbers.

At close to $50,000, the XR8 Rebel will be the most expensive XR8 ever offered.

For the money, buyers will get a unique Ford Motorsport-inspired Peregrine bodykit, 18-inch Speedline alloy wheels from the TS50, a Momo steering wheel and gearknob, and a complimentary PlayStation2 console with a copy of Gran Turismo 3 signed by both Glenn Seton and Steven Richards - all of which represents $5000 in extra value.

Why a free PlayStation? To celebrate Ford Tickford Racing's association with Sony PlayStation2's new Grand Turismo 3 car racing game, which features an FTR Falcon V8Supercar.

The catch? Only 125 will be produced at a price around $2800 above the standard XR8's current $46,548 sticker price. Taking into account an average 1 per cent price rise for all Falcons from August 1, it will represent a premium of around $2200 at that time.

If Ford's limited-edition Pursuit Ute campaign is any indication, the uniquely styled XR8 Rebel is likely to be snapped up before it gets within coo-ee of a Ford dealer, so get in quick.