FPV GS recreates a famous Ford
August 31, 2009 by David Twomey
Ford Performance Vehicles has today lifted the lid on one of its worst keep secrets the FPV GS, the recreation of a famous Ford model from the late 1960s, and one CarAdvice broke virtually the full details on several weeks ago.
The FPV GS first became a badly kept secret when an FPV dealer briefly posted pictures and information about the car on its website.
Then CarAdvice delved into its secret sources and came up with almost all the vital information about the car, weeks before the factory acknowledged it.
However, the FPV GS is now official and will be available as a limited run series of 250 sedans and 75 utilities, with the FPV GS sedan priced at $54,950* and the Ute at $49,950*.
FPV believes the GS will broaden its appeal to Australian car enthusiasts with the model being physically largely based on the Ford XR8 sedan and utility.
With Ford moving the Falcon to a more fuel efficient base with the introduction in 2011 of the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, CarAdvice was obliged to ask Ford Pr Manager Sinead McAlary if the GS was the first step in a move to hand over all V8 engine cars to FPV.
She declined to answer directly, saying, “We will be revealing all our product plans in due course.”
Named in tribute to a fondly remembered Ford from the late ’60s, the new GS sedan and GS Ute are unique limited-edition models offering buyers entry to the FPV family at a very competitive price point.
“GS is another iconic badge in Ford’s family history in this country,” FPV General Manager Rod Barrett said.
“Our aim was to develop a model that provides the performance, prestige and individuality that is a signature of the FPV brand, with its own identifiable model personality, and all at a great price.
“We’ve achieved all of that and expect the new GS Series models will find their own place in Australian performance motoring folklore.”
FPV’s GS sedan and Ute are individually specified to provide a combination of GT-based 302kW V8 engine performance, FPV chassis enhancements, bespoke GS graphics and FPV driver comfort features.
Available in limited numbers, the new FPV GS Series models hark back to the original Falcon GS of 30 years ago, introduced with the XW-model of 1969 and now the second most collectible Ford Falcon behind the GT.
Developed specifically for the GS Series, the recalibrated FPV 5.4 litre V8 GT engine from the FG-model now produces 302kW of power and 551Nm of torque, driving through a standard six-speed manual transmission.
FPV’s engineers have given the GS Series engine the twin throttle bodies and intake system of the GT engine, the GT headers and dual exhaust and a recalibrated ECU, all fine-tuned in an engine development program specific to the GS Series.
“We aimed to provide the GS Series owner with a GT driving experience with this engine … at 302kW it’s the perfect entry to our range, which steps up to the turbocharged F6 at 310kW and the full GT-spec V8 at 315kW,” Mr Barrett said.
Every FPV GS Series also comes standard with unique GS striping graphics, charcoal cloth interior, FPV GT instrumentation, gear knob, starter button and badging, premium sound system with iPod® and Bluetooth® integration, and dual zone climate control. There’s also ‘302′ graphics on the GS sedan’s rear spoiler.
The GS sedan also features 19-inch Graphite rims and a choice of six exterior colour/stripe combinations, while the GS Ute features 19-inch Alpine Silver rims, FPV soft tonneau and a choice of three exterior colour/stripe combinations.
Like its namesake from three decades ago, the new FPV GS Series offers a long list of options that include a FPV-spec four-pot Brembo brake upgrade, a six-speed auto transmission recalibrated specifically for the GS’ 302kW engine, leather seats and satellite-navigation, and, on the Ute only, a hard tonneau with spoiler.
“We have also given the major design elements of the original GS logo a modern interpretation, which adds to the distinctive styling of the GS sedan and Ute,” Mr Barrett said.
CarAdvice will be spending time in both the GS sedan and GS Ute in the near future to bring you a full road test on both vehicles.
*Manufacturer List Price, full pricing can be obtained from a dealer.
SWEEET!
Nice early breaking news guys.
She declined to answer directly, saying, “We will be revealing all our product plans in due course.”
Translated : ‘Yes’
Im a ford Hater but i have to admit i love the Sedan in the Green with those tacky decals.
Only good news for FPV, but why does it have to be a limited edition? Not sure about the target symbol with the letters GS. It looks pretty tacky. What does GS stand for?
This is one of the first examples I’ve seen where the normal silver wheels look better than the charcoal ones!
WoW…. its just like every other FPV, i really dont see all the difference.
I LOVE FPV, but theyre just two bodies with two engines with two gearboxes in different levels of trim. Some companies would put that under one model.
So let me get this straight…the “famous” GS from the 1960s looks identical to a 2009 Falcon with stickers, aftermarket alloys and bright paint?
Not enough to tempt me out of an SSV…
Blue with 19s and Walkinshaw blower, please.
The G6 is an XR8 with dual exhausts, decals, FPV 19″ alloys and… that’s it i think? still havn’t seen the interior – but so far i like everything other than all the stickers.
Well they put a lot of effort into them didn’t they.How ordinary.
wow… nice. i really like the green on the sedan. the decals are very nice touch. :)
Most of you here have missed the point. This is for the people who cant afford a GT and want more than an XR8. What did you expect? A new body and engine for a limited edition? This is a good idea and every one of these will sell before they reach the dealers. 302kw is way way enough power for 99.9% of people that buy these type of cars.
With the new Coyote engine coming next year and with HSV staying with the old pushrod V8,s things look good for FPV….
This car is not supposed to be their flag-ship vehicle, stop judging it as so. It is designed to allow people who would otherwise buy a second-hand FPV/HSV a chance at owning a brand new car. Thus lifting FPV’s sales volume and allowing further development on other great cars.
It’s probably only a limited run because it will change names after the initial 250 units.
Graphics may be a little tacky but otherwise the car looks good… unlike our star-treck inspired HSV E2 series.
Dan.
A good looking car but a bit brash. Personally I would buy an F6E, a cruise missile with tasteful looks!
My gawd, more bogan stupidity for accountants and bankers.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This (GS) has a 302 kw engine, while the GT has a 315kw engine and the XR8 has a 290 kw engine, so it fits in between the XR8 and GT. The GS was a model that was just below the GT in the late 60’s early 70’s Falcons, and the graphic on the rear door id the graphic that the GS had in the 60’s/70’s.
Quote [Article}: CarAdvice broke virtually the full details on several weeks ago.
Aahh sorry guys - the earliest report I can find on CA about the FPV GS was on the 3rd of August ..
However; I read an article about the FPV GS with similar details [and similar wording] on another Australian Automotive website in mid July.
Why must FPV continue to put silly side decals on their cars, even worst the decals on the engine cover!? It smacks of bad taste and this is the thing that hoons and bogans love.
Wrong wheelnut. CarAdvice had the full specs on the car while others simply speculated.
Bennie how would you know? I didn’t mention the other Automotive website as that would breach CA’s code of Conduct.
i think holden and ford should make a coupe rear wheel drive for us coupe people
Badass,
GS = Grand Sport – and it is the original (Historic) Decal.
This seems to be identical to the 315 kw GT engine (twin ThrottleBody etc)- only rev limited to 6000 RPM – therefore same engine performance as thje GT under 6000rpm (551 Nm) – in a lighter body! I think the Brembo Option box needs a tick!
A good entry into FPV i reckon.
Remember the old ad, – $145.00 and you look like a million.
hey Yanzo we tried to tell Holden to make the Coupe 60 but GM bean counters got scared and said it wouldnt make any money. They should have made their second most beautiful concept car, afetr the Efijy of course.
Ford still pushing this antiquated snake oil. Someeone will still be stupid enough to buy it…
On topic…
Yeah I like the concept, but the decals are ugly, cheap and tacky looking, not what an FPV should be. Some simple, traditional chrome decals would have been much better I reckon, albeit slightly pricier.
Off topic…
Jeez, I’m a Ford man but it still irks me the way people bag Holden for their use of a so-called outdated push-rod V8. It’s the same argument one eyed Holden fans have about the so-called outdated Ford straight six. Both engines have had considerable improvements over the years, and both engines are pretty awesome powerplants, it’s a useless argument.
Those front wheel shots are pathetic. Are they 25″ rims or did someone think sticking Fiesta brakes on a 302kW 1600kg sedan would be a good idea??
“Oh, Sir would like something that would actually stop the vehicle from a moving state? Our premium Brembo brake pack is only $6000. I believe that may interest you…”
Fpv great job
love the colour with the stripes
rigth engine choice
graphite wheels r a nice touch
That GS ute looks hot!, I’d have one – with the Brembo option that is.
No shots of the front????
have they given it an FPV grill? or does it keep the XR grill??
No Panda eyes either I see…..
From what little I can see it looks like the standard XR front clip, maybe they’re still figuring that part out..
Luke….the fact is though that the best engines in the world are straight sixes. Also the fact that the Falcons I6 is so so much better than the GM V6 makes your point irrelevant. The pushrod V8 is old school and should not be in a car like a HSV because they are overpriced already without having to pay for old old technology. The new Ford Coyote V8 is only 5 litres and will have more power and torque than a 6.whatever GM V8……..even the current Boss 5.4 liter has the same power as the GM V8………..the only reason GM still have the old pushrod engine is that they havent got any money to make a modern engine.
Great lookin car, its the “everyday mans GT’ isnt it? Love it, sad its only a limited run tho, FPV could make big money with the GS as a contiues model, specially when the new V8 comes out.
Just a thought, 5 liter V8 for GS (2010 Coyote) and a 5.8 liter (stroked Coyote V8) For the GT, GT-P and GT-E and hopefully, one day, a blown 5.8 liter V8 for the GT-HO(425kws at 7000rpm, 680Nm at 4200 rpm Supercharged, track ready suspension and a shaker n the super roos emblems=Very Nice!!!)
Ben…….i reckon you have it right. The Coyote V8 will be a gem, and like you, i reckon they will keep the GS, it makes sense. Dont see a problem with Ford dropping the XR8, it makes sense too…….and would be good for their image.
Wow:
- unique GS striping graphics
- charcoal cloth interior
- FPV GT instrumentation, gear knob, starter button and badging
- ‘302′ graphics on the GS sedan’s rear spoiler.
- six exterior colour/stripe combinations
What a classy vehicle!! Value for money right there!
Cool and I agree with Ben,got a good fomula there mate.The coyote v8 is 100kg lighter then the boss v8,if they could strip another 100kg out of the body the GT-HO it would be a weapon.Question,what is the fastest 4 door in the world at the moment(until 4 door veron comes out)
Realist,
You forgot to mention the electric passenger seat and the
steering wheel buttons not illuminating:)
FPV say “we won’t do the RS (fastest production ford ever built in Europe) cause we at FPV don’t do rebadges, and we build better cars”
So they steal the colour, slap it on a yet another XR8 with mods, and flog it off.
Pathetic, Barrett, simply pathetic.
So “Champ”… where’s the value in rebadging an import? How does that strengthen FPV’s brand?
Sounds like a way to offload engines prior to the new one coming in or a way to keep buyers below the LCT which would be hurting FPV and HSV sales. Either way the consumer wins as they will get a great package for the price.
Just shows that the money is as tight as what it is at HSV, FPV are doing hideous decals and HSV are doing hideous body kits.Man why can`t either of them build something decent.Message to Ford and Holden, drop the amount of crap models you offer and concentrate on building a decent, quality car. All you need is a base, a sports, a luxury model and a premium sports model[FPV OR HSV]
Yes Jon, tough times indeed. FPV would have been lucky to have spent more than a couple of hundred dollars on R&D to come up with this beauty.
Kirium is spot on…The Brakes (or lack of them) are pathetic, and a major let-down of an otherwisw brilliant car / formulae (XR8 with GT machanical Hardware & 551 Nm!)- as they have with the XR8 & XR6T.
At least you have the (no)option to fork out an extra $3-5K (?) for brilliant stoppers. But why not AT LEAST fit the previous BF XR8 228mm Ventilated Rears on this GS & FG XR8-6T, with same size on the front – as STANDARD? NAAARRR…stoping is for whimps…apparently.
Has anyone heard of anything new on FPV’s new V8? They had a write up on here about a FPV supercharged version with the new V8. So if anyone knows anything, could you let me know? Really interested in finding out more about this car, want to see a modern day GT-HO and see FPV smash HSV at its own lil V8 power war game. My email addresse is flyinpencil-69@hotmail.com Cheers
I only know what was in July 09 Wheels magazine.Go The Blue Oval.
Sorry, previous post should have read 328mm Discs
All the ford and fpv fans will be smiling from ear to ear when they read this, holden and hsv owners will be crying lol
(From goauto.com.au)
FORD Performance Vehicles (FPV) will go back to basics with an all-Falcon-based performance-car range powered by an all-new V8 engine and a heavily revised version of the Australian-bred inline turbo six when an upgraded series arrives in July next year.
FPV general manager Rod Barrett summed up the company’s direction by saying: “We are into building fast Falcons.”
Mr Barrett confirmed that a new V8 was in the pipeline to replace the current Boss 5.4-litre engine for the facelifted range from mid-2010.
He declined to confirm details of the new engine and would not be drawn on speculation that it would be taken from Ford’s new high-performance V8 program being developed under the ‘Coyote’ codename for a range of Ford’s US models, including the Mustang.
“It won’t be the same engine (as the current Boss 5.4),” he said. “But that’s all we are saying about it.”
The 2011 Mustang’s 5.0-litre version of the double overhead camshaft all-alloy Coyote V8 is said to develop 298kW of power and 542Nm of torque, but larger iterations – up to 5.8 litres with up to 335kW of power – are reported to be under development.(Think FPV will have more power then the 5 litre version, might get the 5.8!! Long live the clevo!!)
He confirmed that the six-cylinder engine would be Australian – a reworking of the current inline six reprieved recently when Ford had a change of heart and decided to keep it in production at Geelong for the foreseeable future.
The new range will get exterior body changes, but not a wholesale makeover.
Mr Barrett poured cold water on speculation that a new-generation GTHO was in the pipeline, saying it remained his personal dream, not a reality.
“We are not prepared to even think about it until we have all the hardware, all the finance and everything else we need in place to do it properly,” he said. “We would never do it as a limited-edition, as that would never do it justice.”
However, Mr Barrett did not rule it out completely, saying: “I would love to do it in 2011 because that would be the 40th anniversary of when Allan Moffat won Bathurst in one.”
Mr Barrett said that with respect to any GTHO program, he had been a “keen spectator” of rival HSV’s $155,500 7.0-litre 427 flagship, which fell short of sales expectations, selling 137 units.
“I would hate to think we were putting a car as expensive as that on the market,” he said. “A GTHO would have to be an Aussie car for Aussie buyers.”(So not next year, but most likely the next year. We know they have the hardware, its just the bean counters, I think its going to happen, since a supercharged GT has been spotted at there proving grounds)
“So we are going straight down the Falcon line now,” he said.
So, all the up to date news on FPV’s next falcons are there, but no hipo focus =(
I still reckon there will be a GT-HO, reveal will be at the 2011 Bathurst, would be perfect if they did a 1 lap sprint round the mountain, comparing it to the W427 of course lol.
Next few years are gonna be pretty sweet for the ford loyals =)
So not next year, but most likely the next year. Meant for 2011
Rod Barrett summed up the company’s direction by saying: “We are into building fast Falcons.”
Then change your name to Falcon Performance Vehicles….. Cause you do F-all for the rest of the Ford Fans of Australia.
Last time I checked Champs, the Falcon was still a FORD! :P
lol yeah to true and itd sound stupid called falcon performance vehicles
Totally agree that the brakes look woefully inadequate.
As the current owner of a BF11 Typhhon fitted with the excellent brembo brakes as standard kit and having previously owned a BA Falcon Turbo with standard Ford “Performance” brakes I can assure other bloggers that if the car is driven enthusiastically, you’ll need the brembo brakes as in the context of this discussion, you’ll find Ford’s meaning for their so called performance brakes is a truly euphamistic term.
I had my BA Turbo in the workshop for brake rotor skimming and replacement due to heat warpage, more times than I care to remember, no problems with the brembo’s though.
So it begs the question, by the time you option the GS with brakes that actually stop the car properly, how much do you save compared to a standard 315KW GT and also why bother when the new Coyote engine is not that far away ?
This is like getting a 3D card for your PC, you can chose a say for example a GeforceFX 9800GS or get a real GT or GTX model …. they’re both the same, just different clock frequencies.
***joy***
Imagine a GS with the 5.0L (that’s 302 cubic inches, folks) Coyote in the near future. FPV, this MUST become a regular option. I’d love to have the ‘Fairmont’ (now G6E I suppose) level of trim, in a light tan colour, chrome around the glasshouse – just like the legendary XW! Is white with gold stripes on the menu?
Remember, the ‘GS’ was a badge under which an owner could personalise their car in a way we cannot do today. It was meant to be the umbrella under which an owner could specify more performance, safety, luxury in any manner and combination they saw fit. Having ‘GS’ on the car was also supposed to make it easier for dealers when trade in time came…
First thing I’d personalise would be the brakes! Good on FPV GS for having GT suspension, as the XW GS had standard Falcon suspension; you could specify heavy duty shock absorbers if you wanted to get closer to the GT of the day (as mine has), but no more. By the time of the XY GS, I believe you could have GT suspension as an option, as well as a detuned 351 c.i. 2V Cleveland V8. And GS wagons and utes, too!
Ah, history and nostalgia… can you build the XW again, Ford? ;)
I have a restored Xw Gs Falcon 500 in candy apple red.Ford made them with a windsor 302 versions and 6 cylinder as well.The tacho on the original fords xw red lined at 5250 rpm not as high as the GT Falcons.Im Happy to see the name GS logo used once again.why dont they use the original sales promo GOING FORD IS THE GOING THING.
I cant believe Ford insist on continuing to offer v8 performance models using the 5.4. The difference between the 290, 302 and 315 is nothing, they are all slow and far inferior to Holdens measly ‘270kw’ SS.
If they want to recreate a classic, give it some real performance to back up its bark.
Tom, what a load. The SS is only marginally quicker then the XR8 over the quarter mile. The SS does 13.8 while the XR8 does 14, the extra power and 31Nms will be heaps better in the GS. And we have our “AUSTRALIAN” built Turbo 6 which leaves them both in the rear vision mirror. But the GS is awesome, love it. Love it more that topgear magazine has the GS in front of HSV’s brand new all important Series 2 VE, god that thing is ugly as, n has 325 kws yeah, but still the same Nm out put, which is less then the GS!!! Cant wait for fpv’s next updated Turbo 6 engine and there new V8. Havent heard anything bad bout the Ford new V8. Have read it has a squarer shaped block, making it able to rev to 7000rpm no problems at all. And who said small block fords cant rev lol hahahahahahahahahaha
I’m not sure what qualification you are using but a VE SS Commodore runs 13.4 and has been tested as that on many occasions, not to mention the difference in on the roll speed.
I don’t deny the potential of the turbo 6, awesome engine, but the v8 is just a load of rubbish. I guarantee this well be slower than a SS.
Well, I read an article in a wheels mag that the ss did 13.8, but they reckon the F6 only does 13 flat when that is what a G6E Turbo does, so jurno’s testing, go figure. This engine isnt crap, its just marginally slower then the ss. Look at the Mustang GT-500, awesome engine, because its supercharged. Next V8 is gonna be way better then this current one =)
do all SS’s have afm now?
because caradvice PROVED xr8 was faster over the 1/4 than ss afm.
i was shocked!
When it comes to family sports sedans only keyboard warriors care about fractions of a second over a quarter mile. Well done Ford for coming to the “Up Yours GEC” party.
To true.
Looks cheap and tacky with those stupid stickers…
Martin, carefull your bias is showing again.
Actually the decals look fantastic on the real thing, extemely tastefully done. I would suggest anyone with Martin’s brand bias go check one out.
Brand bias, hey? …tell me what brand exactly I am meant to be biased towards?
There always has to be people out there that have nothing to do except yap and nothing I say will stop that. I believe that the proof is in the pudding. I have recently purchased a GS and could not be happier with it in every area. Anybody who has actually owned cars of this nature knows that 9/10 times, quoted facts and figures are exactly that, quoted! It never relays to the road because if you had that bag of shopping or your golf clubs in the car, that 1 off batch of crappy fuel or aren’t a trained driver, then your car isn’t going to perform the way it did when tested on that exact same piece of tarmac, with that same expierienced career driver that was supplied the best example of your car the manifacturer had to provide him at the time. I couldn’t care less what Ford/FPV, any magazines or anybody here has said, I haven’t had an out of the box Holden/HSV in any form touch me and they have tried. I love the 5.4L, if it’s so bad (Tom), why is it that Holden needs to resort to 6+ litres to extract the same power? The quad cam produces the smoothest power to the ground I’ve felt and the 6 speed auto in the GS is a true god given work of art. The Holden/HSV seems to put you in your seat and make alot of noise but not really do a great deal. I love the fact that FPV is running a short release of affordable bang for your buck cars and what more fitting of a name could there be then the GS. Lets face it, HSVs over produced and over rated line up is just getting old so good on FPV for putting a few new or revamped models out there. In my opinion, it only helps that the VE is the ugliest thing to ever insult our roads, thankyou to holden for taking the heat off for the AU which was actually a good car but had a face that only a mother could love! I completely disagree with Martin on the stripes, I love them, I think they resemble the XA GSs sweeping stripes and I love the GS symbol. While I am a true GT/GT-P fan, the FGs stickers are a little too big and in your face for my taste and not as true to the name it was given as the GS. The GS seems to be a bit more of a subtle, put up or shut up type of car and I think the stickers and stripes reflect that. Unfortunately, without them it’d look like an XR8 with FPV rims and badges. I can’t agree with a couple of the colour combos but we can’t all like the same colours. Cheap and tacky? Well lets take a vote. Who’s seen the SSs with the double stripe over the top, or the one sided stripe like the old Monaros had? YUK! THAT, my bias friend, is cheap and tacky! All in all, I couldn’t recommend the GS highly enough and am happy that there is once again, an Australian V8 muscle car available that simply, does what it’s said to do without having to stick out like a sore thumb to be desirable.
There is no point argueing and fighting over this. I was looking at a GS yesterday in person, now I didnt drive it I only gave it a look over and even though when it comes to V8’s I do prefer a HSV, I always have, I’ve gota say for the money, I would not be complainning. It’s got room for the whole family or a group of friends, a well styled interrior and with 302kws weather or not its faster than a SS its going to have enough kick for what your paying for, you want more power than dont complain over the interenet super charge it, c.a.p.a performance will do you a good deal. it looks great, even though its just a standard XR bodykit sitting in one will not feel like that, overall a nice car.