Ford Falcon FPV 2008 Review

Don't look for a Ford badge on the new FG-based FPV range - the high-performance arm of Ford Australia is reinforcing its own identity with the introduction of its FG Falcon based sedan and ute range.

For the first time, FPV has put its own emblem on the mesh grille, in the same way other Ford high-performance product does - Shelby, in the United States.

The new range, on sale next month, is headlined by the news that the V8 and the in-line turbo six-cylinder are indentically priced, with no charge difference for the manual or the auto transmission on either model.

The entry-level six and eight-cylinder models, the Pursuit and F6 Utes are $57,990, and the F6 and GT sedans are $65,990. The Super Pursuit retails for $62,990, the GT-P is a $10,000 step up from the GT to $75,990 and the new, more subtle GT E model tops the range at $76,990.

Among the options is sat-nav, which adds $2455 on the low-spec and $2000 on the high-spec models.

FPV boss Rod Barrett says FPV is offering its customer base choice without price prejudice.

“It's still 70/30 V8 to turbo, but we're still regarded as a V8 brand. We cater for the turbo market as well now and we've equalised them in price, as well as manual and auto. The customer gets the choice,” he says.

“The company has always favoured the GT. The brand now has a GT side and an F6 side - I think we'll see a percentage boost in sales of the F6 now.”

The first vehicle sampled is the V8

GT-P, delivering its outputs via the clever ZF six-speed automatic.

The new engine benefits from 29,000 engineering developmental hours that has resulted in more power, more torque, better fuel economy and better throttle response.

The new front-end does feel a little lighter and more deliberate on turning into a corner, sitting flat and not betraying its size and heft. The driver is supported by heavily-bolstered sports bucket seats, but anyone wearing a wide-load sign will find the pews tight.

The ride quality is firm but not uncomfortable for a muscle car. The firmness is more from the low-profile tyres than anything underdone in the suspension department.

Switching to the Pursuit six-speed manual, the fun doesn't end with the change in rear suspension and the addition of a tray.

Now fitted with stability control as standard (it's across the FPV range) as well as standard front and side airbags (the sedan gets curtain airbags), the Pursuit can be pushed hard into corners.

Switching the electronics off allows the Pursuit's leaf-sprung tail to wander but the level of steering precision and feel makes it an easy gather.

Those looking for a manual will enjoy the quality of the gearshift, although it requires positive work from the driver. This is not a gearbox with which to trifle. Demand cogs and it complies.

FPV dabbled with subtle and swift machinery before and the next model sampled - the GT-E six-speed auto - is another more subtle unit.

Comfortable leather-trimmed seats, fake dark woodgrain, minimal badgework and a boot lip spoiler suggest a suit and tie is more likely as the driver's workwear than boots and jeans, but the E series doesn't lose out in grunt. The power-bulge might be beyond the subtle nature of this vehicle, but it is still quick - in the same vein as the G6 E Turbo - but not as hard-edged on the corners.

After time in the V8s, the keys to the turbocharged F6 sedan - which boasts more grunt and reduced thirst - with six-speed auto were in my hand.

Despite wet roads, the turbo six shoves the near-two-tonne sedan towards the horizon with unfussed brutality. Full throttle provides massive, relentless thrust thanks to a torque mesa (it's not even close to a curve) that can quickly put the F6 beyond the 110km/h state limit.

But even just a brush of the throttle provides swift, quiet and

unassuming cruising that won't push the fuel consumption into the high teens.

The F6 is also available with the six-speed manual and in Ute form there's much to like about the load-lugger. Despite leaf springs under the rear end, the Ute copes with the inexorable torque delivery, but the presence of DSC is worthwhile, particularly in the wet.

VERDICT

FPV GT-P: 7/10

FPV Pursuit Ute: 7/10

FPV GT-E: 7.5/10

FPV F6 auto sedan: 8.5/10

FPV F6 manual Ute: 7.5/10

FPV RANGE

F6 Ute $57,990, F6 sedan $65,990, Pursuit $57,990, Super Pursuit $62,990, GT $65,990, GT-P $75,990,

GT E $76,990

Engines: Four-litre turbocharged intercooled DOHC 24-valve in-line six-cylinder. 5.4-litre quad-cam 32-valve V8.

Power: 310kW, 315kW.

Torque: 565Nm, 551Nm.

Transmissions: Six-speed manual or automatic.

Fuel consumption (litres/100km): 12.1/12.3 (F6), 12.8/13 (Ute), 14.2/14 (V8), 14.7/14.4 (V8 Ute).

Related stories:

Ford FPV Falcon: punch and presence