The next new model Falcon, the XR series, was introduced in September 1966. Styling was based on the third-generation 1966 US Ford Falcon and it was promoted as the "Mustang bred Falcon". It was the first Australian Falcon to be offered with a V8 engine, the , 289 cubic inch (4.7 litre) Windsor unit. The XR marked the first time a V8 engine could be optioned in all trim levels of an Australian car, V8s having previously been reserved for the more up-market variants. The 144 in3 (2.4 L) six-cylinder engine was deleted for the XR series, leaving the 170 in3 (2.8 L) six as the base Falcon engine. A 200 in3 (3.3 L) six was also available.