Ford’s FPV GT and GS – the wraps are off | Car Advice

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Ford’s FPV GT and GS – the wraps are off

By Anthony Crawford |

Hot on the heels of our sneak peak of FPV’s 335 GT, are some photos just sent to us, of what should be the two the best cars to ever wear an FPV badge.

Both the 335 GT and GS models will make their debut at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney and Ford’s FPV stand, may well end up the most popular destination at the show, if these spy pics from ford forums are anything to go by.

Both variants look sensational and FPV engines developed by the local arm of the ‘go fast’ engineering gurus Prodrive, power both cars.

While the 335 kW GT produces 570 Nm of torque, the GS variant makes do with a none too shabby 315 kW and 545 Nm version of the lightweight supercharged ‘Coyote’ V8 engines.

Not only are these engines more powerful than ever before, they are also more fuel-efficient and therefore produce less-emissions.

FPV spent $40 million on the engine programme with Prodrive and the word is that it was money well spent.

Each engine is in fact hand assembled locally by FPV and that includes the Eaton TVS supercharger which was developed by Melbourne based Harrop Engineering.

The Prodrive Asia-Pacific boss, Bryan Mears said, “It’s important to realise just Australian these engines are.”

“Although the basis of the engine is imported, all the components utilised in the supercharged configuration are locally-sourced and the engines are completely hand made by the team at FPV in Melbourne.”

Mr Mears also said that the engine note sounds like the business.

Can’t wait, in the meantime enjoy the pics.


 
  • Elitist

    Yawn…. This bores me.
    You’d think the drongos at Broadmeadows would have taken a page out of Ford Europe by now and give Aussies an actual interior that doesnt need to be cleaned with mr Sheen.

    • Underling

      So bored you were the first to comment,I think you mean excited.Anti-spamword Fiat ha…ha

    • Andronicus

      If this bores you then dont read the review of the new Commodore range. It will positively knock you out for days.

      Personally, I think that white one is quite the tasty package.

      • Robert

        Agreed. entry model white cars look a bit plain but when it’s a GT or F6 they seem to look sensational. Good Work Ford, where’s my free sample?

  • CA

    “Ford’s FPV stand, may well end up the most popular destination at the show if these spy pics from ford forums that we have just received are anything to go by.

    Both variants look sensational”

    You’ve gotta be kidding. You may as well have put up some better photos of the 2010 model – the 2011 cars look identical.

    As FPV themselves put it, the big changes are under the bonnet.

    • Macca

      Too true! With the effects of a recession still hurting, the old adage ‘spend money to make money’ seems the most apt in what Ford and FPV need to do to make the FG Series II different to the current model. They need to rememeber the 70′s where the XA was different to the XB but still retained the basic shape and panels. Just a motor, as good as it will be, won’t be enough to make the average punter go and buy one, I don’t think. Some visual differences in the stripes/headlights/taillights is what’s needed. Why follow Holden’s boring upgraded VE Series II? It doesn’t look any different than from when it was first released!

  • Ben Richards

    How long will ford keep passing off this crap as quality? I drive an Alfa Romeo and every time I think, I might like to own a turbo ford for something different I get reminded by articles like this that that I should just stick with the Italians, now there’s an interior!

    • Pizza the Hutt

      Well with an Alfa, you will have plenty of time to admire the interior while you wait for the road service van to arrive. That is, of course, if it doesn’t rust away in the meantime.

      • TomJ

        If i wanted to pay such ridiculously money for underpowered cars id atleast buy something german and reliable.

        • Chris

          “I’d at least buy something german and reliable”. This reasoning is nothing but an ongoing myth. Fourteen years in the autobody repair industry has taught me they’re all the same, except maybe Toyota/Lexus… and Alfa’s really are terrible.

          • http://caradvice.com.au Rod

            I agree completely Chris. 2 years of living in Germany convinced me that German reliability is a complete fabrication!

  • Elitist

    As long as they keep using sentences like “not to shabby”
    and “powerful than ever before”, people will actual believe these cars are of international standards.

    • Underling

      Come on,Elitist you secretly love them and want to buy one but your abit scared of the power and RWD combo.

  • http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony Crawford

    Alfa still make great looking cars, but they used to ‘go’ too and that’s one thing FPV know about.

  • Baddass

    Yeah they look great in their own right, but some more differentiation from the standard Falcon would be nice. HSV did the wise thing with the E-series by investing in different tail lights. Small change, but made a real difference. I can’t wait to read a review of these muthas, they better be as good as the hype!

  • Elitist

    Wheres the hype? I just dont get it?
    They say the same thing every release. More power, more fuel efficient.

    They could have impressed everyone with an All Wheel drive version.

    • Underling

      It plainly obvious you love them,but your fear of them has turned that love into fustration and now hate.Come on Admit you love them…you will feel much better.

    • Robert

      All Wheel Drive. Pfft

  • delux

    Nice “scoop”. Love how FPV just leave them parked in the car park. Any money that they sent the pics to the ford forum.

    Any chance of putting a link to the photos rather than filling up an entire page with download hungry images. and how about you put a link to your previous engine story rather than mentioning all the stuff about the engines that most of us have already read. This story could easily be shrunk down to one of the scoop pics, a link to the rest of the photos and a link to the engine article. PLEASEEEEEEE.

    • Zandit

      You have to be the first person on this site to complain about having too much information, and too many photos, whats the problem with that? It’s alot easier to read everything on one page than it is to flit through different pages and sites to get the info you require.

    • G220BA

      It was actually a member of the forum that took the photos. The GS was in the car park in the morning and as he drove by later in the day the GT was sitting there. I believe they were in the public car park.

    • Bob

      Any chance you could get into 2010 and get off dial-up?

      • delux

        I want news. Not repeats. I dont want to have to sift through previous info to find something new. Ive already read about the engine numerous times on this site, so why continue to recycle it? Its not a magazine so why treat it like one with big pics in the middle of little information.

    • Robert

      Dial-Up is being phased out gradually, get broadband. then you can enjoy CA like the rest of us

  • Grammar Nazi

    Every time a new go-fast Aussie car comes out the Yanks cream themselves, while many locals have a whinge over them being outdated dinosaurs etc etc.

    It’s good to know that some people realise that an inexpensive RWD V8 with plenty of burn-out appeal is a beautiful thing. Sadly, we might not realise this until it’s taken away.

    • The Realist

      Yep, the “yanks” creamed themselves so much over the Aussie made Pontiacs that HSV and Holden are trying to pass off their unused parts bin to flog special models…

      • Ash

        Like your take on things… My thoughts exactly…

  • fxh555

    I do hope Ford do well with this car – it should represent great value for those who love their V8s & being locally built is a great bonus for Australians!

  • bj

    So besides the engines, what else is new?

    • birdie

      its ok to bag out ford about the changes , so what about the ve2 ; whats their excuse ? and as far as i know the mk2 falcon is not due until early next year

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=554686141 Travis Hammond

    Engine – Wheels – Stripe kit – quad exhaust… that’s it… bit boring if you ask me (the news about the engine was good news, but these “spy” pics are not very interesting really.)

  • jp

    Aother new decal for the bonnet, the widening line with “boss 315″. Wonder if thats on GS models only

  • Guts

    How’s ‘superoo @ fordforums’ ha plugging away his work. On ya super keep up the good work

  • Zandit

    The stripes look to be a tribute to the Mustang and it’s donation of the base engine! Looks good!!

  • Elitist

    The early model Lexus in the 4th pic is probably more advance than that American based Ford coyote engine.
    I dont think America could ever grasp a Quad cam V8.

    • Andrew M

      You said “probably” meaning you dont know anything about it, but just dislike Ford that much that you wont even give it a look in.

      You sound like that sulking little kid in the corner that is being naughty to try and get some attention for yourself.
      If you keep throwing toys around noone will ever take you seriously

    • Hung Low

      Ford has had a quad cam v8 since 1962….. you know, when Lexus was in daddy Toyotas ball sack!

    • The Oracle

      Ford AU has been selling quad cam V8s since 2002. The just superseded Boss had twin cam 4 valve head and the new Coyote has the same, with infinitely variable cam phasing.

      Mate, you should learn a bit before mouthing off.

      • Ash

        Sorry pal, but Falcons ECU module is not powerful enough to run the four cam phases that the Mustang installed Coyote V8 has on tap… Hence 307kw naurally aspirated in Mustang.

    • Lewy

      Spary bore liners, Fords got it, and the sell it to Nissan for the GTR. So yeah they have plenty technology that Toyota don’t have

  • bj

    They should have at least restyled the front – maybe some adaptive bi-xenon/LED headlights, reshaped bonnet, etc. They’ve got to differentiate it from previous models.

    • Hung Low

      I think this was more of a technical upgrade not a new model.
      Also Xenons are crap on country roads and the standard Falcon headlights are probably as good as anything out there!

  • bj

    Well if you’re going to spend a $40M engine programme, you might as well make it an attractive investment for buyers not familiar with the brand. New engines, quad exhaust and different stripes will only satisfy loyal fans. They could sell more if it looks “new”.

    • Andrew M

      Yeah, true I suppose, but its not even 2 years old so it would suck if you had it for a year and it was already not visually the new model.

      Holden did the same. Their engine upgrades came before the looks, and for Holden thats rare, as I reckon their secret to sales success has been in their ability to present a visually new model frequently.

      That aside, its good to see manufacturers not just concerned with skin deep make overs. I’d say styling tweaks will come with in 12 months.

      I also personally think the great spec of this donk will attract a bit of new attention as Ford looks to offer a well rounded refined V8 option versus just another heavy old V8

      • Robert

        I think FPV have done real well with the performance of the GT and F6, pretty insane really. i just think they don’t change the style of the car as much as they should when you add an extra 10 grand on the price

  • Shak

    Where are these cars parked? It doesnt look like the Ford HQ.

    • Andrew M

      It appears to be at the FPV facility.

      Ive never been to the place, but seeing their sheds in the background make me think so

      • Shak

        Srry, missed the shed.

      • Zandit

        That actually looks like it is in the carpack in front of the FPV/FPR showroom where all of the merchandise and FPR garage is located. Only had the one visit there for a salesman competition when I worked in a Ford dealership a few years back.
        Wasn’t much to see due to the team being away at Sandown I believe, but was certainly an experience!

    • Andrew M

      Its obviously now a public carpark if they are parked in reserved spots

  • My Cars Called T-Rex

    Can’t wait for the road test…..

  • Chris

    Hope the new v8 is something really special… because there’s nothing else to get excited about here.

  • MeestaNob

    All these cars are just so… plain.

    I hope the FH or FG series 2 update is something better than this. Sure, the go is there, but why did they forgo the show? Why cant Ford/FPV ever release a total package?

  • Julia Gillard

    Man, they need some new design guy in the alloy wheels department. They have been shythouse for a while now. Bob Jane t mart $899 window specials.

    • Roger Ramjet

      Agree, whilst I like both, I think HSV does a better job with the add-ons like its wheels, brakes, seats and body kits to differentiate their cars from the normal Commodore.

    • Chris

      The rims are tasteless, you’ve got a very good point there.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1435885244 Yani Hendriawan

    if it drove past i probably wouldn’t even be able to tell that it’s the new version

    • Dave S

      If you are a motoring enthusiast. Which you should be on a site like this.

      It should sound different. Also, you should spot it’s quad tail pipes.

  • Bundy

    They need to change the look of the car so it looks different from the normal ford cars. I betcha if I got a base falcon changed the wheels, bonnet and added a couple a stickers no body would no the difference and I would save myself around $30,000……

    • Joker

      Except when you tried to smoke someone (on a privately owned drag strip) or put your foot down on the loud pedal.
      Oh yea…30K saving…also missing 2 cylinders and a supercharger.

  • Nick Car

    The white GT looks terrific and the wheels are absolutely brilliant. It’s very exciting that FPV have invested a large amount on developing an engine to be used only initially here in Australia. This engine is a game-changer. The FPV is definitely more understated than the HSV’s products, but to me it’s a good thing. HSV has a different philosophy, that’s why they are willing to place fake bonnet vents on their products. This GT will be the king of road (mountain) without the need to have a glittering crown.

  • Bundy

    Just thinking with all this hype etc what happens in a few more years when there is no falcon??? Will they drop this engine in a Taurus??? Fpv Taurus……has a nice ring to it????? And Holden will live on…..seems no point really with fpv investing so much for only a couple of years……….

    • Smithy

      OK I know you’re only trolling but anyway ….

      There WILL always be a Falcon, and there’s a very high certanty that it will be built in Australia for many years to come.
      Just as Ford (in the USA) has spent plenty on developing the Coyote engine, from the ground up, they are developing the next platform that will use the engine.
      That new platform will underpin the next generation Falcon.

      IF, as the anti-Ford trolls suggest, Falcon becomes a derivative of the Taurus, then we will get Coyote in a Mustang, under the One Ford policy. It is however far more likely that Falcon will effectively be a 4 door version of the next gen Mustang.

  • Boyracer

    I have to agree, Ford releases the same model with more power and people lap it up like as if they can warrant the 80k compared to a European or Japanese car.
    As it stands Ford Australia is internal and cant compete with the world.

    • matt

      well im glad i live in australia, even as market share shrinks… falcodores are still in the top 10.. as always, lol all of the people whinging on here…. so what you are never gunna buy one anyway… we get it..ok?. go back to your golfs and facebook on your iPhones

      • Jack

        I think you have nailed that particular demographic right there matt.

  • Sam-R

    I like the look of Fords but unless you look closely and see the decals its hard to tell the difference between this new GT and the new XR6. The older GT’s, in particular the XY, still turn heads today and there’s no mistaking the model. Maybe Ford can change the look slightly next time?

  • Will

    Junk.
    Bring on the Taurus SHO (LOL)…

    • My Cars Called T-Rex

      Euro car lovers seem to be a hateful bunch.

      • My Cars Called T-Rex

        Sorry having a bad day,not all just the some.

  • Stoney!

    What a GHASTLY centre console.

    Stoney!

  • Observer

    Ford know how to make very good cars and history has shown this. Thats why the G6E Turbo is the best money for value all round car on the planet. Find me a better car with similar features/size/price and performance anywhere in the world.

    • The Realist

      How come I have to educate morons like you all the time?

      In the USA:

      E60 BMW M5 is US$85K
      E90 BMW M3 is US$55K

      How much is the G6E ABC Turbo again? Does it still have a sat nav operated by a remote control…?

      Dandenong aint the centre of the world mate.

      • smartie

        I don’t live in the USA and therefore comparison is not valid as they don’t sell the G6E in the USA but do sell M3 and M5 in Australia. do Australian comparison and see who is a moron if they spend 3 times as much for what is definitely not 3 times as much car

        • The Realist

          It’s a mute point – your mate above wanted to talk global so I have.

          Why would I want a G6ET when I can afford an M5? Even if I could only afford a $60K vehicle, there are better cars for the money, especially on the second hand market.

          • jj

            a mate of my fathers USED to own bmws, he would lease them and is far from poor.

            his latest car… is a Ford 6ge, he SWEARS all those years of Bmws were a waste of time and money. as long as ford has something like the g6 to offer, he will continue to buy them.

            not only does he love the car, but the price as well!!

            brilliant value for money, as ANY large aussie car is when compared to their overrated, over priced euro cousins.

            10 year old aussie cars, are more reliable than 10 year old euro trash.

          • My Cars Called T-Rex

            The Falcon may not be sold in the U.S but Falcons main Aussie opposition was,Commodore.A Pontic g8 was priced between $28000 – $37000 when it was released.Therefore if a G6E is worth $40000US new,its still less than half the price of an M5.Its $15000 cheaper then an M3 and would spank one at the lights.

          • The Realist

            Mate of your fathers eh? Thanks for the stories…

            But not as amusing as trying to use the cord connected remote control that operates the low rent ‘sat nav’ in a Ford G6ET ABC XYZ Falcon.

            G6E spank an M3 at the lights? M3 with DCT is 0-100 in 4.6 seconds. Your Big Mac mobile with lesser quality than a Kia would be in the rear view mirror ‘at the lights’.

            Watching the KFC brigade trying to justify their hero cars are top notch is hilarious. I look forward to the next generation FWD Falcon bud.

          • My Cars Called T-Rex

            So what about the 6 speed manual???Its bearly any quicker then the F6 and the rolling responce of an F6 sh-ts on the M3 DCT or not.

      • Hung Low

        The Realist……are you sour about the Falcon because your better half decided to dump you for a Taxi driver as an upgrade?

        Seriously clown, name your alternative bargain basement euro trash cars at the same price in Australia (50-55k)that can exceed all that is offered by the G6ET or FPV in their respective categories!

  • The Realist

    Apart from the quad exhausts, how on earth is this any different to any other FPV ABC vehicle? The colour of the stripes?

    • jj

      thats all…

      this isnt a new model, much like hsv e3, its like a .5 series update.

  • Qikturbo

    I don’t give a crap if I can or cannot tell the difference between other Falcon and/or FPV range of cars I would be more interested in how they handle and perform.
    European cars such as BMW,VW and Mercedes have hi-po performance cars that look VERY similiar to their base cars eg BMW M3 and series 3,Merc’s AMG C63,Golf GTI to any Golf in the past 10 years.

  • GTK

    I’d pay for the new GT but not with those stupidly small tyres. 8 years now – the cars are more powerful and the competition is red hot – and the tyres haven’t grown 1 mm in width or height. This is going to be another performance car of the year embarrassment. The new Boss mustang has 255/40/19 front and 285/35/19 rear, was bechmarked against an M5 (and caned it). What is going on with the clods at Fpv/Ford. I can only think such such a moronic attitude to rubber is pointing to driveline weakness and that is further eroding my loyalty. I’d rather put my money into our economy but they’ve got to earn it.

  • Number

    This is plain magic. Very nice.

  • JooberGTi

    Just saw the new GT in melbourne Collins street today as I was leaving work. The different stripes and big 335kw on the side gave it away. Car was orange.

  • Allan Moffat

    im a huge ford fan and im just a little dissapointed on the speed of these things. i hate to say it but hsv does alot more work to the car than fpv does, they change the tyres, put a bigger engine in it, and completly change the look of the thing. don’t get me wrong, i love the new engine, but they need to do more than just that. and how come i’m always seeing clubsports and gts’s but i rarely see any fpv? whats the go there? once again, id hate to bag on ford but im just a little dissapointed…

    • Allan Moffat

      im sorry ford. i give you permission to punch me in the face as hard as you can for saying such a stupid thing! :(

  • Allan Moffat

    And i’ve heard the only difference between the gt and gs is engine tuning! so why don’t we just buy a gs, tune it, put in an intercooler and install a gt bodykit??? personally i think the car looks better WITHOUT those stupid blackouts on the front bumper.

    but im sick of bagging on ford,

    i think the new engine is BRILLIANT! i was passed by one a while ago and their sound is just MAGNIFICENT! fpv’s sales must be going up because im starting to see a few gs’s now…

    GOOD ON YA FPV!!!!