Ford introduced the last ever GT Falcon

FPV Falcon GT-F

Ford says the factories will meet the October 2016 deadline for the introduction of the final Falcon GT.

Ford unveiled the latest Falcon GT two years before the factories closed as the company gave a clear indication that the Broadmeadows car assembly line and Geelong engine plant would go all the way to the planned October 2016 closure.

Sales of the locally produced Ford Falcon sedan and Territory SUV have both fallen since Ford announced it would end production in Australia 12 months ago.

But when asked by News Corp if the current level of production was sustainable until the very end, Ford Australia boss Bob Graziano said, "Yes." Asked if there was any reason to be concerned about the early closure, Mr. Graziano replied, "No."

The man of few words said that Ford had always planned to go further, but in recent months the picture has cleared up and that current production is enough to keep the plant running.

“There are no changes to the plan,” Mr. Graziano said, adding that the Falcon and Territory are selling relatively well compared to other vehicles in their segments.

Ford's optimistic view will come as a relief to Holden and Toyota, because all three car companies are dependent on each other, given that they all buy parts from common suppliers.

To that end, Ford has taken the unprecedented step of inviting its competitors to its internal supplier forums. “I am very proud of what Ford Motor Company has been able to do,” said Mr. Graziano, who also spoke of the regular job forums it has hosted for some 1300 workers who will be laid off by October 2016.

Mr. Graziano said Ford is well on its way to updating the new Falcon and Territory models due out this September. But news of the suspension of production at the Ford plant is not enough to extend the life of the Falcon GT. Mr. Graziano says only 500 Ford Falcon GT-F sedans (F stands for Final Edition) will be sold in Australia and "there won't be any more."

Mr. Graziano told News Corp Australia that he has not received a single letter, email or phone call from enthusiasts looking to extend the life of the Falcon GT. He said buyers of V8-powered vehicles have shifted to SUVs and four-doors.

All 500 Falcon GT-Fs were sold despite their $80,000 price tag. The most powerful Falcon ever built features the emblematic 351kW supercharged V8, a tribute to the "351" GTs that made the brand famous in the 1970s.

Ford has put all the know-how to the latest cheers on the Falcon GT, which also features "launch control" to give drivers the perfect start, and adjustable suspension for those who want to take their cars to the race track. "It's a celebration of the best of the best," Mr. Graziano said.

As good as the new Ford Falcon GT-F is, the best 0-100 mph time achieved today in a media preview at Ford's top-secret proving ground near Geelong was 4.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds slower than the Holden. Special Vehicles GTS, which also has a supercharged V8.

Once the Falcon GT-F is out of production in the next few months, Ford will revive the Falcon XR8 (a less powerful version of the GT-F) and make it available to all 200 Ford dealers, not the 60 that sell the Falcon. Exclusive GT.

Fast Facts: Ford Falcon GT-F

Cost:

$77,990 plus travel expenses

Engine: 5.0 liter supercharged V8

Power: 351 kW and 569 Nm

Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic

from 0 to 100 km / h: 4.9 seconds (tested)