FPV GT R-Spec likely to sell out in days

The Ford Performance Vehicles star FPV GT R-Spec -- the hottest GT Falcon yet -- is a limited edition that’s likely to be sold out within days of going on sale in September.

Only 350 units are being built. FPV says 175 will be in the hero colour scheme of Silhouette (black) with Vixen (red) accents. The remaining 175 will be made up of Winter White, Vixen (red) and Kinetic (blue) with Silhouette (black) accents.

The guys and gals at FPV GT R-Spec have worked hard to give it a look inspired by the legendary 1969 Boss Mustang. Visually the GT R-Spec is reminiscent of the famous 1969 Boss Mustang. The Mustang’s famed C-stripe is replicated on the new FPV GT R-Spec and has a ‘335’ in it.

The special accent package, with upper and lower grille surrounds, foglamp bezels, mirrors scalps, high performance spoiler with GT decal, and black painted exhaust tips really makes this car look stunning.

Under the bonnet, the new Falcon GT R-Spec is powered by FPV’s existing all-alloy Miami Boss 335 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. The ‘335’ in the title refers to the peak power output in kilowatts. In muscle car terms, and this is most certainly a muscle car that equates to a handy 450 horsepower.

FPV has installed a launch control feature on both the manual and automatic transmissions. The system is automatically enabled when the vehicle is started and is designed to give drivers a smooth, consistent launch on typical road surfaces.

FPV’s managing director, Bryan Mears says. “On the track the R-Spec’s capabilities are just awesome, it is the finest-handling GT in history. We have put 18 months into the development and are extremely proud of the results; anyone who drives it on the track will be blown away by just how complete and capable this car is.”

Mears went on to say, “From the outset we wanted more agile handling with better traction, and so the suspension had to be considered holistically, unlike the aftermarket, where you might bolt on a set of wider tyres and hope for the best,”

The chief engineer of Prodrive Australia, Bernie Quinn says. “The new car thus received a significant number of component changes to develop this totally integrated package. The rear suspension of the GT R-Spec contains higher spring rates, re-tuned dampers, larger anti-roll bar, and reinforced rear lower control arms, while the front suspension has stiffer upper control arm bushes, stiffer front upper suspension strut mounts, and re-tuned dampers.”

Stiffer transmission mounts on the hottest-ever Falcon GT reduce powertrain and driveline movement under load. New-design nine-inch rear wheels and the 275 millimetre tyres give the GT R-Spec improved cornering grip, along with better traction during launch, and when exiting corners. A revised toe setting on the rear wheel alignment also gives improved turn-in response.

Inside the new GT, shadow leather sports seats with GT logo embroidery are complemented by a piano-black finish around the ICC unit, tissue box and door spears. Each FPV Falcon GT R-Spec will come with its own new look unique build badge. The recommended manufacturer's list price of this special edition Falcon GT R-Spec is $76,990. It’s offered for sale only at participating FPV dealers.

At this stage we have only managed a comprehensive briefing of the new GT R-Spec Falcon, including the opportunity to examine the engine, sit in the car – and dream about taking it around Bathurst. Failing the Bathurst drive we will have to settle on a hot lap or two on some of our favourite roads in our home territory. Roll on the day...