Ford Falcon GT: quicker model due September

By Jez Spinks | July 05th, 2012

FIND DEALS

The fastest version yet of the Ford Falcon GT will be unleashed in September.

Ford Performance Vehicles, the local performance arm joint owned by Ford Australia and British engineering company Prodrive, has yet to officially confirm the model but a media launch set for mid August is understood to be for the new model.

The updated Falcon GT, first reported by Fairfax Media, will feature the same 335kW 5.0-litre V8 but is expected to deliver improved acceleration and handling as a result of a modified suspension.

The new GT takes on new importance after the future of FPV became uncertain in June when the company axed its general manager, Rod Barrett, and a number of employees as part of what it called a “restructure of its business”. Barrett was replaced by Prodrive’s managing director, Bryan Mears.

The FPV GT received the ‘Coyote’ V8 in October 2010 as part of a major update to the Falcon performance range. FPV invested $40 million in the local development program for the engine that is based on the powerplant found in the US Ford Mustang. The GT is currently priced from $71,290.

FPV revealed a GT-based concept (main image) at the 2011 Australian motor show, which “demonstrated the possibilities, explored the future … with the evolution of FPV product”. There were no changes to the V8 engine here, either, but instead the all-black muscle car featured underpinnings tuned for track use, a performance brake package, and a number of visual treatments inside and out.

A modern-day Ford Falcon GT-HO that would supplant the GT as a Falcon flagship still seems as unlikely as ever, however.

While it was a publicly stated desire by former FPV boss Barrett, the company has struggled to calculate a business case that would justify the required investment at a time when Falcon sales continue to plummet.

CarAdvice will bring full details from the 13th August launch.

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vid_ghost_borg

$71,290 is a big price tag
- Mitchell99
  
  I agree completely. The same goes with the SS Commodore varient.
  
  Most people couldn’t perceive the performance difference either for what you are essentially paying twice the money for the same thing.
  - JML
    
    If you’ve actually driven an XR6 Turbo and also an F6 you can DEFINITELY tell the difference in terms of handling, braking, and grunt. That being said, you could achieve the same gains o rmore by modifying an XR6T for about $8-10K.
BK

I be just buying it in black
symo

You know the end is near when:

A) They sack the head honcho of FPV
B) Unveil a ‘faster’ model than only has new springs and wheels
C) Claim that the $40 million invested on the greatest ever V8 to sit in an Aussie car has not generated a return dollar figure the hoped for
D) Killed the XR8
E) Talking about buying back the FPV shares and placing it under Ford Aust wing directly
F) Invest more money in turbo 4,6, LPI and TDV6 than any other technology
G) And sit idle why they watch every Man, Women and Teenager buy compacts and SUVs from Thailand and Japan and do nothing with what was a great car.

Hurry up and die already.
- Mark
  
  You’re a d1ckhead
  - Chest Rockwell
    
    So are you
- Arthur
  
  FPV cannot die! It just can’t.
  
  Not saying that it couldn’t. But, it just can’t.
  
  Its the only range of modern fast-Fords or fast bread-and-butter cars to come out of Australia.
- JoeB
  
  a) restructuring is required in these tougher times. if the end was near as you put it they would just shut shop and not bother with this, and future developments.
  b) which part of more traction gives better acceleration don’t you get? likewise, better suspenion would improve track times would it not?
  c) where? in this article? i don’t see it.
  d) WHO exactly killed the XR8? and what’s that got to do with this story?
  e) how does that mean the end is near if Ford were to keep using the FPV brand?
  f) why wouldn’t they if the majority of sales go to SUVs and small cars. didn’t the lack of sales for the 290kW XR8, which is less than $50k, tell you that a V8 has now become a niche product? and, isn’t the $40m on Miami enough of an investment? seriously mate, think about what you’re saying.
  g) Territory’s had it’s best selling month for many years, same with Focus and that is set to improve, Ecosport is on it’s way, and so is the latest Kuga.
  Done nothing with a great car? You obviously haven’t driven one.
  
  “Hurry up and die already.” That’s what you want, and you won’t get that.
  - symo
    
    a) What restructure, leader gone, no replacement, and all Barret added was a badge
    b) What was stopping them adding a few kw, HSV would, FPV don’t why?
    c) Old news, go back about 2 weeks, search this blog, you should know that
    d) Can’t buy one can we? No mention of it returning in any Ford press, just new eco engines etc. Every time a journalist asks about the XR8 “no comment”
    e) If Ford consume FPV, the tight development requirements (Ford have parent company restrictions, FPV don’t and can bend the rules more) will increase the cost of implementing niche features to an already unprofitable product. Hence they will drop them, like the XR8
    f) I meant they are investing in everything that is not V8, and old news a week or two back saw Ford US confirm the V8 end is near, and they invented the dam thing!
    g) Territory is gone in 2015 with the Falcon, all because of the imported platform that will be used to replace Falcon. Sad, but Ford’s best car should be fleshed out to 10 variations with Turbo 4 to V8 as an option. Sadly it is just a Falcon with big body on it. This will guarantee is gone too, just watch. I have driven all Falcons from EB to FG and they are still the same, nothing changes. Good but left behind years ago. Step up time, sales show this.
    
    I do want it to die, the future holds better things for Ford Aus and us if they get rid of the dead weight that is this model.
    - JoeB
      
      symo I think you’re a little misinformed. please, if you’re going to quote anyone make sure you’re doing it correctly. half the shit you just wrote is the typical cut and past from the doomsday brigade found on the men’s equivalent of woman’s weekly, aka drivel.com. you’re all so pleased get on that bandwagon but you’re seriously embarrassing yourself.
      
      a) “what restructure?” ??? because you don’t see one, does it mean it’s not there? all the people involved in development are still there. You and I may not agree with what’s happened but with this limited edition vehicle and other developments in the pipeline there’s solid reason to be upbeat and hopeful. I guess that’s the difference between those who WANT fpv to die (you), and those who are hopeful they will battle on (any automotive enthusiast and that includes me).
      
      b) they don’t need it if they’re ahead of the competition. as it stands the only threat to the GT is the F6 when it comes to brute power. with these suspension and tyre changes they’re aiming it at those who are a little more serious about grip and handling on a circuit. I thought that was obvious but obviously not to some people.
      
      c) show me the link – I ask that because that didn’t come from FPV but speculation from the media surrounding the sackings. It would be appreciated if you got your facts straight. i’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and say it was an innocent mistake on your behalf.
      
      d) did I say it WASN’T dead? It’s dead. You’re saying they (FPV) killed it and I’m saying it wasn’t their decision, but importantly where were all the people that are now crying out for it when it was available? the badge is dead but the car is the GS. Go buy one. No one has reason to whinge, bitch and moan about anything but you still do it. FFS the car’s there, go buy it.
      
      e) and who told you all this? Fact: FPV never had the freedom to bend ANY rules so refer to above notes of inflicting embarrassment upon yourself.
      
      f) I know what you meant, but you obviously didn’t comprehend my reply. read it again please. it’s not that hard to understand, I promise you, it isn’t hard at all. grab one of your kids and get them to read it and explain it to you.
      
      g) Territory and Falcon are secured until 2016, however, do you have any idea how much Ford are investing here beyond that? if you do a little research you will come to realise they’re here to stay, and will therefore realise that 2016 isn’t the end, not by a long shot. I agree with you, Falcon should have all variants you speak of but here’s some good news for you and a chance to exercise you powers of deduction… the amount of investment that is spent on engineering by Ford Australia is staggering.
      
      h) what is better for Ford Australia?? I mean, you’re the expert, please educate us all on how it should be done.
      
      On the one hand you’re asking for more power, and you’re asking to bring the XR8, so I take it you love the V8 and you’re upset that “Ford said it’s gone” (which they didn’t, mind you, it’s just you falling for the stupid and incorrect headlines, again)….. BUT, on the other hand you’re wanting FPV to die because, get this, people, ” I HAVE DRIVEN ALL FALCONS FROM EB TO FG AND THEY’RE ALL THE SAME, NOTHING CHANGES”. Do you realise how ridiculous that sounds?
    - john74
      
      very well put.sad but true
  - birdie
    
    I agree , couldn’t have said it better myself
- MF
  
  Mate, time to crawl back under your rock! You have no idea. Maybe a little research before your next post?
jackson5

would you care to provide us with evidence to the contrary?
Force-15

So this is going to be the model FPV SHOULD have released last year instead of the “Black Edition”.
- JooberJCW
  
  With all the faster engine bits, ONE thing they actually invest in, is wider tyres, when I had the GT it was my only gripe, the traction loss was ridiculous.
- JooberJCW
  
  With all the faster engine bits, ONE thing they actually invest in, is wider tyres, when I had the GT it was my only gripe, the traction loss was ridiculous.
Guest

Petrol station all the time!
- Amlohac
  
  You do not buy this car and care about fuel consumption.
  
  It would be comparable to going to a brothel for a hug. It just doesnt happen.
  - Smart US
    
    good comparison…
    - Andrew M
      
      great comparison
- Schah7
  
  Guest if you want a car that lives @ the “petrol station” go buy a HSV Commodore.!!! General Motors never got beyond the 1950′s with their v8 cylinder head design.!!
Guest2

FPV have been sitting on their hands too long. I remember seeing this car at the Melbourne motor show(July 2011) and it still hasn’t been built. Don’t ‘think’ about building it, just do it.
Guest2

FPV have been sitting on their hands too long. I remember seeing this car at the Melbourne motor show(July 2011) and it still hasn’t been built. Don’t ‘think’ about building it, just do it.
BP

But there is just “way” too much plastic going on at the front.
- Fastcar
  
  what !?!? i think they are a fantastic looking car to be honest very sporty.According to most there isn’t enough “plastic” at the front to make it anymore noticeable than your standard falcon.Check out the hsv equivalent less plastic very sharp looking car……or anything japanese.
- Frostie
  
  What are you suggesting?
  That they should put an artificial shine on the plastic and make it look metallic or something?
  - JD
    
    i think we need LED strips surrounding “chrome” plated plastic to make it more appealing to bogans
    - Legnab
      
      All just looks circa 2001 to me, ancient tech , shocking seating , gas guzzler .
      - Garry
        
        Not called gas in Australia fool
    - Turbodewd
      
      Whaaat since when has a bogan acquired a Bachelor degree and hold certs in Microsoft and VMware???
  - BP
    
    Umm no, maybe some foglights down the bottom as it looks too bare & (yawns) ordinary.
Chest Rockwell

Wealthy plumbers rejoice!
- Turbodewd
  
  And IT nerd-studs like me!!!
Smart US

these are great machines… love them
PoisonEagle

YES!!!! Just in time for my birthday. I have such a car bon3r right now…
PS I hope it gets international recognition, Falcon has always been the underdog in that aspect, and it deserves like a Top Gear do over or something. FPV please push for this, look what it did for HSV.
Robot

These current models to me just ring as somewhat fake and don’t really reflect something that I would consider a iconic GT standalone model.

Don’t know what it is but I haven’t looked twice at a GT in a long time as they drive past.

They just miss the ring of truth about them somehow?

HSV seems to have built a better Halo around their models even though I think they look garish.

For the record I drive a current model XR6 as a daily driver.
Turbodewd

Even the white bits are black!
guest

Not just springs and tyres went into the car but months of damper tuning and track days Symo!!
ABCDEFG

This is a good car with a nice V8 burble. Bring on the $40K+ XR8.
Blitzkrieg

If you took this car to the U.S,A they would be gobsmacked,i reckon they’d be clamering for them,
HSV for that matter as well.
Yes they are not everyones cup of tea but i think we should be proud of our countrys car manufacturing ability,the Koreans do and the Germans revere their car companys,why shouldn’t we.
Insider

Interesting, as far as im aware the car is getting 9″ rims, thats pretty much it and i also hear moffat’s doing a commerical saying somthing like “the last GT” really hope my source is full of it! also see the FPV building is up for sale?? Come on Ford create a real Hero Car! us ford guys can brag about…..
George

I never understood why car manufacturers make powerful cars like this in Australia, whereas the speed cameras are everywhere and you get treated like criminal for speeding and the speed limits are ridiculous. I mean I understand entirely for Germany and their fast machine because they have Autobahn and Nurburgring.
- chook
  
  The speed limits are only there for when theres a cop or a camera about !!…….the rest of the time we keep a good eye out on roads we are familiar with . Yes , our speed limits are pathetic and it just proves that we are in the same category as speed limits on roads in third world countries , and its about time that the cops begin travelling to other countries , seeing how its done there and begin overlooking some speeding offences where its not extreme