FPV GT 2012 Overview
No longer a stand-alone operation, Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is now in the process of being incorporated into the core business of Ford Australia as part of the cost savings needed to keep Ford operating locally. Our test GT Falcon came straight from FPV, as we picked it up just before the company structure changes were announced.
VALUE
First released last year, the hot new Falcon is the first supercharged V8 GT in its 43-year history. With a peak output of 335kW and a peak torque of 570Nm, the 5.0-liter Boss V8 engine is available in four models - GS, GT, GT-P and GT E - with prices ranging from just under $83 to $71,000. The GT test car costs just over $XNUMX – an amazing deal compared to similar vehicles from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
With little change on the outside, the main game inside has been upgraded with the latest smart car technology, including a new command center that puts an 8-inch full color touchscreen at the center of it. The screen, located in the center of the dashboard, displays a lot of important information about the car, from air conditioning, audio system, phone to satellite navigation systems. Unfortunately, the angle of the screen makes it particularly prone to reflections in bright sunlight, making it hard to read too often.
The luxury Falcon GT E, GT-P and F6 E models also feature a new built-in satellite navigation system with a traffic channel as standard equipment. This includes 2D or 3D map modes; graphical representation of the road "intersection view"; "green routing", which develops the most economical route, as well as the fastest and shortest available routes; extended lane guidance and signage information indicating which lane to use; house numbers on the left and right; "Where Am I" feature to show nearby points of interest and alerts for speeding and speed cameras.
Already standard on the larger Ford GT E and F6 E, a reversing camera is now part of the GT package, enhancing the convenience of the reversing audio perception system, which now displays graphics on the command center screen in addition to audible warnings.
TECHNOLOGY
At 47kg lighter than the all-aluminum 5.4kW Boss 315-litre engine it replaces, the new 335kW engine is the result of a $40 million program developed by Australian-based Prodrive, the organization's main FPV operator at the time. Building on the Coyote V8 engine first seen in the latest American Ford Mustang, the new FPV engine's core is imported from the US in the form of components and hand-assembled on site by FPV using a large number of Australian-made components.
The heart of the Australian engine is the supercharger developed by Harrop Engineering using Eaton TVS technology. The fuel consumption figures weren't surprising, with the test GT consuming 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers while cruising on the motorway, and 18-plus liters in the city for the same distance.
Design
On the outside, the Falcon GT features new lighting with projector headlights. Cabin comfort is good, with plenty of room all around, adequate visibility for the driver, and fairly good support during tight corners.
Interior upgrades include the addition of FPV floor mats, and additional GT exclusivity is achieved through each car's individual number - in the case of the "0601" test car. Collectors take note. We liked the triumphant bulge of power rising above the hood; the numbers "335" on the sides indicate the power of the power plant in kilowatts (450 horsepower in real money); and The Boss announcing the engine's vitals.
SECURITY
Safety is provided by driver and front passenger airbags, as well as front seat side thorax and curtain airbags, anti-slip brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, dynamic stability control and traction control.
DRIVING
Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential sport shifting, a free option on the GT, the whole package delivers handling that belies the car's dimensions - the balance of an Olympic gymnast and the quick turn of a 200-meter sprinter are four. Brembo piston brakes for easy pulling.
Driving flexibility is much higher than the big V8 engine. Falcon GT is happy to race in city traffic. But keep your foot on the highway and the beast breaks free, instantly transferring power to the road, while in the rear, through a bimodal four-pipe exhaust system, the deep note of the engine is heard.
VERDICT
We loved every minute of our time in this magnificent Australian muscle car.
Ford FG Falcon GT Mk II
Cost: from $71,290 (excluding government or dealer shipping costs)
Guarantee: 3 years / 100,000 km
Safety: 5 stars ANKAP
Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8, DOHC, 335 kW/570 Nm
Transmission: ZF 6-speed, rear wheel drive
Thirst: 13.7 l / 100 km, 325 g / km CO2
