AIMS: Eco XR Falcon muscle car for Sydney show

We’ve had Coke Zero, Absolute Zero and Ground Zero, now prepare yourself for the arrival of the ZERO'D, claimed to be “the world's first eco-friendly, custom-built muscle car”.

The car which sets out to “demonstrate that being 'green' can be cool, cost-effective and powerful” will be on display at this year’s Australian International Motor Show, in Sydney next month.

ZERO'D is the brainchild of Mick Fabar who set about creating a muscle car with a zero carbon footprint, by focusing on recycling and bio technology.

The 600 horsepower (447kW), turbocharged, biodiesel, V8-powered 1967 Ford XR Falcon sedan utilises waste materials and recycled components in its construction.

"I wanted to create a street machine that had ideally a zero effect on the environment in its design, construction and when being driven," said Mick Fabar.

Built using primarily recycled materials, the car’s external body panels are all second-hand and its hand-stitched black leather interior trim is made entirely from hide off-cuts and 'seconds' that would normally be discarded.

Even the nuts and bolts are recycled, says Mr Fabar.

"I'd been looking into the future and trying to figure out what kind of car my son would be building when he was 16 ... The challenge sort of evolved from there."

Powered by a recycled 7.3-litre Ford Powerstroke turbocharged V8 that bangs out 1000Nm of torque, the XR Falcon is paired with an Allison four-speed automatic and runs on commercially available B20 (20 percent bio, 80 percent diesel) biofuel, which is claimed to reduce the V8's exhaust emissions by up to 70 per cent.

"I did some research into biodiesel fuels and figured we should put that into a car and see what horsepower we could get. It really didn't cost anymore to build this car; it just required applying some basic principles," explained Mr Fabar.

Other new parts were sourced from eco-friendly developments, such as the Federal tyres which are free from Distillate Aromatic Extract oils (DAE), and a low emission base paint.

The tree hugging Falcon’s low environmental impact extends to the equipment used in its creation, with eco-friendly gas used in welding equipment and a workshop powered by renewable green energy.

Only a handful of new components were used, including new rubbers and glass due to replacements not being available in appropriate condition, and the radiator and intercooler which had to be specially made to suit the custom front end.

ZERO'D took 11 months to plan and seven months to build,  with Queensland's Bond University engaged to document the build process to ensure the production team maintained its zero carbon footprint.

"We are delighted to have ZERO'D on display at the Australian International Motor Show as it could well provide an insight into the future direction of the automotive industry," said Russ Tyrie, Show Director.

"Confirmed as the first custom car of its kind, ZERO'D is a true demonstration of Australian ingenuity and it will certainly offer inspiration and ideas for the general public and industry experts alike at the Motor Show."

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, open daily at 10am from October 19 to 28.

ZERO'D SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: Recycled 7.3-litre Ford Powerstroke turbocharged V8 diesel truck engine
Performance: 447Kw (600Hp), 1000Nm (738ft/lbs)
Fuel: B20 Biodiesel with battery system featuring an auxiliary charge from two solar panels
Body: Recycled panels
Paint: House of Kolor 'Earth Green' eco-friendly Shimrin
Interior: Leather off-cuts and seconds
Wheels: Show wheels 8x20 (f), 10x20 (r)
Tyres: Federal "Green Friendly" tyres

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