Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has launched it's latest stable of high-performance GT and GS cars and utes with a locally-adapted supercharged version of the `Coyote' V8 used in the US Ford Mustang since early this year.

 

Describing the engine as a `cracker',  FPV has already fielded interest from Ford markets world-wide wanting the 335 kW and 315 kW variants of the engine. The Coyote engine in the Mustang is naturally aspirated and delivers 308 kW.  The Australian variant of the engine has been developed for FPV adaptation of the Falcon range with the GT variants gaining the thumping 335 kW and 570 Nm  torque variant. The GS range gets the slightly less impressive 315 kW and 545Nm engine.

 

It's an engine that has room to `grow' with the current output coming from a relatively low 6 to 10 psi boost pressure. Development of the all-aluminium DOHC 32-valve cost in the order of $40 million and was developed by FPV partner Prodrive with Melbourne-based Harrop Engineering building the supercharger using Eaton TVS technology.

 

The new engine leapfrogs rival Holden Special Vehicles (HSV)  LS3 6.2 litre V8 which develops 317 kW and 325 kW within the HSV range. But, FPV denies there is any 1970s-style power-race between the two high-performance divisions. “This is an engine that suits our car,” said FPV general manager, Rod Barrett. The 5.0 litre V8 replaces the 5.4 litre V8 used by FPV until now.

 

Other changes to the FPV range have been kept to window-dressing, but are still significant. The traditional blue oval `Ford' badging has been replaced by FPV badging and the GT and luxury GT-P feature new distinctive body graphics, namely a `hockey-stick' stripe package and `Boss 335 identification, similar to the famed 1970 Boss Mustang.

 

The GS sedan and ute become permanent additions to the FPV range after the company dipped it's toe in the water with limited edition models in late 2009. This gives FPV an entry-level model under the GT variants, GT, GT-P and GT-E. The new GT is the most powerful in the 43 history of GT Falcons. Adding to to the enthusiast `must have' factor is that each engine is hand-built, is Euro IV compliant and delivers improved fuel efficiency over the old 5.4 litre V8.

 

Adding to the appeal is an exhaust note that screams performance through genuine quad tail pipes. The new engine is 47 kg lighter  than the 5.4 litre and this results in 33 kg less over the front wheels, giving the GT an improved balance. The turn-in is sharper and the lighter weight has enabled FPV engineers to better tune the suspension for better balance.

 

Along with the new body stripe the GT and GT-P models have a matching bonnet and rear wing graphics. FPV identification has also been added to the steering wheel, instrument cluster and key fob. The GT E  model gets the extra FPV branding, but has a more conservative exterior.

All GT models have new wheels as standard fare. The GT gains 19 inch, five-spoke wheels, the GT-P gets 19 inch five spoke alloys and the GT E gets 19 inch 10-spoke alloys. The GT and GT-P are available in 11 colour and three stripe combinations and a choice of three interior trim colours, while the GT E has eight exterior colours and two interior trim combinations, including a woodgrain finish.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

We were able to drive GT-P, GT E and GS ute variants at the Melbourne launch of the new FPV range.
FPV's description of the engine as being a `cracker' is warranted in both the 335 kW and 315 Kw variants. As the launch was conducted on public roads we were unable to exceed the 110 km/h limits, but suffice to say sprints to 100 km/h were impressive. The GT does 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the GS is slightly slower at 5.2 seconds. Not that the difference is noticeable.

We had the opportunity to test passing speeds in the critical 80 – 120 km/h range and with the engines hooked up to either the six speed ZF auto or the Tremec six speed manual gearbox, the FPVs are incredibly fast – and more importantly agile. The lighter front has made a significant difference to handling, especially on tight, understeer-inducing corners.

MODELS AND PRICING*

GT  manual or auto 71,290
GT-P manual or auto $80,990
GT E auto only $81,450

GS sedan $56,990
GS ute $51,990

(*MLP does not include dealer or government charges)