Ford has decided to use the Melbourne International Motor Show to publicly unveil it full range of Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV). Based on the recently launched FG Ford Falcon series, the FPV range is a thorough reworking of a familiar theme, big grunt, big car and rear wheel drive. This combination is a palatable one for the Australian performance car enthusiast as Holden, Ford’s arch rival downunder, also has a range of performance vehicles based on their Commodore Sedan and Ute which are called HSV.
The range isn’t officially released to the buying public until June this year but FPV are keen to get the public excited. Performance details have yet to be released suggesting there is still some tweaking of the powertrains going on by the Engineers to optimise both the V8 and turbo 6 cylinder units. The F6 range will use a 4.0L in-line turbocharged 6 cylinder engine which will be good for 300kW/402hp (SAE) and 550Nm of torque. This is a big jump in power from the 270kW/360hp (DIN) of the outgoing BF model so acceleration times should plummet. The 5.4L V8 in the GT series will breathe better and rev higher which should push power to over 310kW/415hp (SAE), again a good improvement over the superseded BF’s 290kW/390hp(DIN). Expect a 6 speed manual and a 6 speed ZF sourced automatic to complete the transmissions available
FPV products have always had menacing styling and the new FG range does not disappoint, the front end looking particularly aggressive. If you like what you see, and you don’t live in Australia or New Zealand, you had better get that immigration process moving a long as these cars will likely never be available elsewhere.
Ford Performance Vehicles Reveals New Model Range
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today publicly unveiled its new performance GT and F6 sedans at the Melbourne International Motor Show.
“This is the first chance for the public to get a close-up look at some of our new models, ahead of their release in June,” said Ford Performance Vehicles General Manager Rod Barrett.
“Our new model range offers performance enthusiasts the ultimate in performance engineering, luxury appointments and sports styling.”
For the first time, the Ford badge will not appear externally on an FPV model. The GT and F6 sedans on display both feature FPV badges prominently on the centre grille and centre boot lid, which is consistent with the entire new range.
“Featuring the FPV badge on all our new models is a major repositioning for the FPV brand,” said Barrett.
“It signifies the maturing of our brand and the evolution of FPV as Ford’s performance partner.”
As with Ford, FPV has repositioned its high performance sedan and Ute model variants, with eight stunning vehicles divided into the GT series and F6 series families.
“The repositioning of the vehicle line-up has been done for similar reasons to the Ford
G Series,” said Barrett.
“It is all about growing the brand and attracting new customers. The GT series family continues our strong iconic heritage, while the F6 series family caters to a new segment of performance car enthusiasts who prefer a slick turbo charged six-cylinder to a thundering V8.”
The bold exterior styling of the new GT and GT-P is highlighted by the trademark unique front grille treatment, rear wing, side striping and V8 bonnet bulge accented with a newly designed hood decal.
Visually, the new GT-E is distinguished from its V8 siblings by its refined rear lip spoiler, chrome accenting and distinctive GT-E badging.
The GT-E’s unique 19-inch alloy wheels are matched by a premium brake package, with six-piston Brembo brakes now featured as standard.
“The GT-E is a sophisticated luxury performance car that will cater for those buyers that don’t want the stripes, wings, and seats offered in the GT-P, however, want to retain all the performance attributes of that car,” said Barrett.
The Super Pursuit and Pursuit Ute variants complete the GT series range.
The F6 series family features the F6 and F6 Ute – the Typhoon and Tornado nomenclature are discontinued on the new vehicles.
Significant ride, handling and safety advancements have been made to the new FPV stable. Each new model variant has been fully engineered and designed to provide the performance enthusiast with the ultimate in Australian performance motoring.
Safety advances include the addition of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on FPV sedan & Ute vehicles for the first time.
Significantly, FPV customers will also have a choice of manual or automatic transmissions at no additional cost in the sedan range.
“The option of automatic or manual transmissions in the sedan range at no extra cost caters for both our luxury and overt sports customers, without penalising either for their choice of transmission,” said Barrett.
FPV has produced exhilarating performance upgrades across the GT and F6 range, however, the exact engine performance power and torque figures will be revealed closer to the on sale date in June.
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