FPV GT Cobra 2008 Review

The appeal spans both genders and a wide range of ages, from those who were old enough to vaguely remember the paint scheme of the Falcon coupe in Bathurst, to those who only know Mount Panorama from a PS2 or 3.

Unfortunately for those who watch, love and save their hard-earned dollars, there is nothing left to buy directly from the manufacturer. Only 400 sedans and 100 Cobra ute versions were made, so head to eBay or carguide listings.

To use its full name, I pilot an FPV GT Cobra R-Spec, a six-speed car sedan with an upgraded brake package, and it's causing public outcry before the start button is even pressed.

Once it kicks in, the four-cam, 5.4-valve Boss 32 302-liter engine goes into a booming idle that still has a weird clump, though it doesn't sound like the chassis shaking of some previous Ford muscle cars. .

Smart, smooth, and driver-friendly, the six-speed automatic works well with the eight-speed, delivering smooth traffic through traffic with useful torque, although its towing capacity is a little lower compared to its HSV rivals. Ride quality is better than expected for 35-profile tires on 19-inch alloy wheels, although the large road ruts are really impressive.

It is not recommended to shoot away from the headlights at full throttle unless you want to defy the new hun laws, as the rears can create a noisy and smoky exit.

Save that throttle application for windy back roads where the chassis exhibits stability and traction that belies its size.

That's not to say there's no shortage of action, as the Cobra exits corners enthusiastically, thanks in part to its limited-slip differential and (disengageable) traction control, though no stability control is offered.

Bumps and mid-corner bumps don't bother the Cobra too much, with decent compliance helping to keep it on course.

The R Spec handling package comes standard on the Cobra with sticky Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 245/35ZR tires on 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

The rims are even painted white on the spokes, which is an interesting highlight and probably also a magnet for brake pad dust.

This will be built on a regular basis as the Cobra is a fun ride.

The soundtrack produced by the big V8 engine at top revs borders on obscene, and the chassis is capable enough to keep up the pace.

Of course, you will someday have to pay the piper for all this entertainment.

The 68-litre tank delivers PULP to the engine at a claimed rate of around 15 liters per 100km in the standard GT, but the extra performance is unlikely to dampen that thirst.

The trip computer quickly jumped to an average of over 20 liters per 100 kilometers, but as driving became more relaxed, the figure dropped back to 18 liters per 100 kilometers.

This is the price you pay for a great soundtrack.

The chunky, grippy, leather-wrapped steering wheel is a nice touch, and the big Falcon responds briskly into corners, with well-controlled body roll and good traction.

The Cobra's feature list includes dual-zone climate control, which has been pushed to the limit by the recent 40-degree heat wave but managed to keep the cabin cool.

The seats are comfortable and have decent lateral support, but an issue that has plagued the Falcon for over a few years now is the high seating position, which seems to have been fixed in the FG.

It is a pity that the current Ford Falcon is remembered mainly for the fall in sales.

It's a well-mannered, capable, and decent family sedan that, if tuned almost to its limits, can be a desirable, fast, and fun car.

The look of the Cobra will see them sell out quickly in the used car market, and considering it has more faster bits than some previous "special" Cobras, there's good reason to grab one.

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FPV GT COBRA R-Spec

Cost: $65,110

Engine: 5.4-liter 32-valve V8.

Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic.

Power: 302 kW at 6000 rpm.

Torque: 540 Nm at 4750 rpm.

Fuel consumption: 15l/100km (declared), on test 20l/100km, tank 68l.

Emissions: 357g / km.

Suspension: Double wishbone independent suspension, coil springs/shock absorbers, articulated anti-roll bar (front). Performance Control Blade, independent coil springs, articulated anti-roll bar (rear).

brakes: 355x32mm perforated and slotted discs, Brembo six-piston calipers (front). Perforated 330x28mm discs with four-piston Brembo calipers (rear).

Dimensions: Length 4944 mm, width 1864 mm, height 1435 mm, wheelbase 2829 mm, track forward/rear 1553/1586 mm, cargo volume 504 liters, weight 1855 kg.

Wheels: 19 inch alloys.