Ford 351 GT returns
The latest Ford Falcon GT will have some tweaks that were made to the FPV R-Spec released in 2012.
FORD is ready to revive the famous 351 nameplate for the final version iconic GT Falcon - a step that will finally put an end to all hopes and secret plans for a modern version of the GT-HO.
Instead of describing the volume of the V8 engine of the iconic 1970 model - at the time the fastest sedan in the world - the number 351 this time refers to the upgraded power output of the Falcon GT's supercharged V8.
Ford is believed to have upgraded the Falcon GT from 335kW to 351kW as part of a limited edition model due mid-year. A batch of 500 cars - in at least four color combinations - will be the last Falcon GT ever made, as Ford has confirmed it is ditching the badge before the facelifted sedan goes on sale by September.
Following the release of the 351kW Falcon GT, the 335kW Ford XR8 will continue to be produced from September 2014 until the rest of the Falcon lineup reaches the end of the line no later than October 2016. Ford is believed to have completely redesigned the Falcon GT since then. closure of the Ford Performance Vehicles division at the end of 2012.
Insiders say they've retuned the engine and suspension to match the "staggered" wheel and tire combination (as with the limited-edition R-Spec in 2012 and all HSVs since 2006, the new GT's rear tires will be wider) than rear tires). front for better grip).
Carsguide also revealed that there are secret plans to make the power output of the last ever Falcon GT significantly higher than the high note of 351kW it finishes on.
Confidential sources claim that the now defunct Ford Performance Vehicles extracted 430kW of power from a supercharged V8 engine while it was in development, but Ford vetoed those plans due to concerns over reliability as well as the ability of the chassis, gearbox, gimbal shaft and other characteristics of the Falcon. differential to handle that much grumbling.
“We had 430kW of power long before anyone knew the HSV would have 430kW on the new GTS,” the insider said. “But in the end, Ford slowed down. We could get the power fairly easily, but they felt it didn't make financial sense to make all the changes to the rest of the car to handle it."
In its current form, the Falcon GT briefly hits 375kW in "overload" mode, which lasts up to 20 seconds, but Ford can't claim that figure under international testing guidelines.
With a retuned 351kW supercharged V8 engine and wider rear tires, the new Limited Edition GT is supposed to accelerate faster than the old model and is said to take off the track more smoothly. The original supercharged Falcon GT's acceleration was blunted because it couldn't provide enough grip on the rear tires.
A rather rudimentary traction control system that reduced engine power made the GT Falcon less than elegant at the start, struggling with traction. “The new one is a revelation,” says the insider. “It definitely ends on a high note. Too bad GT didn't get to that sooner."
The price hasn't been set yet, and even the top tier of Ford dealers haven't gotten the full details of the car yet, but insiders say it will cost around $90,000 on the road. Ford dealers have already started taking orders.
One dealer, who asked not to be named, told Carsguide: “Ford absolutely underestimated this. They didn't build enough cars. If a few years ago 500 limited-edition Falcon Cobra GT sedans were sold out in 48 hours, you can imagine how quickly the last GT in history would sell out.”
This reporter on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling
