FPV Reviews

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the FPV GT F, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Australia's final performance car heroes pay their respects at the high temple of horsepower: Bathurst

Joshua Dowling road tests and reviews the last ever Falcon GT.

The big Aussie V8 is an endangered species, with just a few examples left before their eventual extinction.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?WHAT IS IT?The ultimate Falcon GT and the last to come out of Ford Performance Vehicles which was recently brought back into the fold. From now on, they come off the same assembly line as other Falcons at Broadmeadows.HOW MUCH?Wait for it . . . $76,990. That's a lot of dosh for a car that doesn't even get power seats, let alone a driver's window with auto up. The question is . . . does the performance alone justify the price?WHAT ARE COMPETITORS?HSV's GTS and to a lesser extent Chrysler's SRT8 300. After that you can add in virtually anything that's fast and attractive.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?5.0-litre supercharged V8, with 335kW of power and 570Nm of torque. RSPEC features recalibrated suspension, new wider 9-inch rears with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sports Maxx tyres and, in an FPV first Launch Control.HOW DOES IT GO?A sleeping beast waiting to be stirred. Punch the accelerator and thing unwinds like a big cat, with a roar and plenty of sound effects from the Harrop supercharger.IS IT ECONOMICAL?Hardly. Most of our time was spent travelling up and down the motorway, with an all too brief session stretching its legs on some twisty back roads. Rated at 13.7 litres/100km we were getting 14.8 at the end of 500km it takes premium too.IS IT GREEN?Gets 3 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets 5).IS IT SAFE?No probs. Just like the Falcon it gets a maximum five stars, with all the same safety gear including electronic traction and stability control.IS IT COMFORTABLE?It's a Falcon and that means yes. But little has been done to isolate the driver from the noise, vibration and harshness that comes with car like this it wears you down after a while.WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?In black with red highlights including red wheels it looks simply amazing and attracts plenty of attention. Other drivers also pay the car plenty of respect too, moving out of the way without waiting to be asked. The handling in this model is superb, with plenty of grip in corners that inspires confidence.IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?Not really. This kind of money puts you behind the wheel of plenty of other cars, but arguably none with the same kind of appeal.WOULD WE BUY ONE?They'll be talking about cars like this in reverent terms in years to come. The environment just can't sustain them anymore, so if you want one you'd better get in quick. Something to tell your grand kids about.FPV GT RSPEC Limited EditionPrice: from $76,990Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmCrash rating:  5-star ANCAPEngine: 5.0-litre 8-cyl, 335kW/570NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; 6-speed manual RWDDimensions: 4970mm (L), 1868mm (W), 1453mm (H)Thirst: 13.7L/100km 324g/km CO2

They are the latest – and the greatest – of their current breed: the HSV GTS 25th anniversary edition and the supercharged FPV Falcon GT in its fittest form yet, the limited edition R-Spec.They represent the best from both brands before Holden’s updated Commodore arrives in showrooms in the middle of next year and Ford’s refreshed Falcon in 2014.Although the new-car sales race is more about the battle between Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai and others these days, many Australians still hold their childhood Holden-v-Ford rivalries close to their hearts – even if they’re driving an imported hatch or SUV that better suits their lifestyle.To help keep the dream alive we brought these two V8 kings of the road together for a final fling to the mecca of Australian motorsport: Bathurst.FPV GT R-SpecVALUEThe FPV GT R-Spec starts at $76,990, about $5000 more than the regular GT. For that, you get no extra power – but you do get reworked suspension and, crucially, wider rear tyres that provide much needed gripWhich is why the R-Spec is quicker than the standard GT to 100km/h – the fatter rubber at the rear means it launches better. Ford doesn’t make an official 0 to 100km/h claim but the GT now dips comfortably below the 5-second mark (internal testing showed a time of 4.5 seconds in ideal conditions), making it the fastest Australian-made car of all time.The black bodywork with orange highlights – and a “C”-shaped stripe along the flanks – are designed to pay homage to the iconic 1969 Boss Mustang. This is the most popular colour combination, with 175 made. The remaining 175 R-Spec models were red, white or blue with black stripes.Compared to a regular GT, the R-Spec price is steep – and FPV still charges $5995 for six-piston front brakes on the fastest Falcon ever made. It’s a moot point, however. Ford fans have snapped up all 350.TECHNOLOGYThe GT R-Spec saw the debut of launch control for FPV – on both manual and automatic versions (HSV only has launch control on manual cars). We drove the GT R-Spec manual a few months ago, but on this occasion had the automatic on hand.This may come as a shock to diehards but the automatic is the pick. The six-speed manual loses too much acceleration between gear-changes, and thumps and groans in the process. Muscle car fans may like the manual’s brutish feel but, by comparison, the six-speed automatic GT feels like you’re strapped to a rocket.ACCOMODATIONThe Falcon is roomy and comfortable, it’s just a pity there isn’t more visual differentiation between the GT and the standard models inside (a logo on the instrument cluster and a red starter button).Despite the price the GT misses out on other touches such as auto-up power windows and fully electric adjustment on the front seats (both standard on the HSV GTS).The seats are the same as those used in XR Falcons, but with unique stitching. There’s modest under thigh and lateral support but the lumbar adjustment is good.SAFETYStability control, six airbags and five-star safety mean the fastest Falcon is also the safest ever made. The wider rear rubber improves road holding.But six-piston front brakes should be standard, instead it gets the regular four-piston brakes. Apart from a rear camera, there are no other safety gadgets.DRIVINGThis is the Falcon GT that should have bowed in 2010 when the supercharged V8 was installed – but the extra chassis development and wider rear wheels were delayed by the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.Thankfully, FPV engineers forged ahead to give their mighty supercharged V8 the traction it sorely needed. The suspension is a lot firmer than before – and slightly more so than the HSV – but the net result is a car that has a significantly higher threshold of grip.(The wheels are still 19-inch in diameter as the Falcon can’t house 20-inch rims and still meet Ford’s clearance requirements. HSV has had 20-inch, “staggered” wheels since 2006).The shifts in the six-speed auto are smooth, enabling you to extract the most from the engine, although sometimes it doesn’t kick-down to a low-enough gear.The characteristic supercharger whine sounds superb, as does the V8 Supercar-like exhaust system, which does a good job of drowning out the intrusive tyre noise on coarse-chip surfaces.Overall, though, this is the first Falcon GT I’m genuinely excited about – and the first time I’d consider Ford’s supercharged V8 over its awesome turbocharged six-cylinder sibling.HSV GTS 25VALUEAt $84,990, the 25th anniversary edition of the GTS is $2000 more than the standard GTS and, as with the Ford, gets no extra power. But HSV has added $7500 worth of equipment including six-piston front brakes, blind-zone warning and new, lightweight wheels.The “Darth Vader”-style bonnet scoops and fender vents are borrowed from the anniversary edition HSV Maloo of two years ago. It also gets black highlights and exhaust tips, and 25th anniversary stitching in the seats and badging on the boot and door sills.Only 125 have been made (in yellow, black, red and white). All are sold, and no more GTS models will be built until the updated Commodore arrives in June.TECHNOLOGYIn addition to the aforementioned blind-zone warning (the first on an Australian-made car, it detects nearby vehicles in the adjacent lanes) the GTS has a raft of gadgets that not even Nissan’s hi-tech GT-R and Porsche’s 911 have.The GTS has an onboard computer than enables you to track the vehicle’s engine and suspension performance, G-force, fuel economy and track-trace lap times on every race circuit in Australia – with room to add more.Unlike the two-mode exhaust on the Ford, the HSV’s exhaust system can be switched to loud or quiet via the same interface. Launch control is only available on the manual GTS, but its stability control has two settings: standard, and a track mode that loosens the leash a little.The magnetically-controlled suspension (also used on Corvettes, Audis and Ferraris) has two settings: performance and track mode. A little known feature: the HSV’s cruise control will automatically apply the brakes to control speed downhill (other systems control only the throttle, not the brakes, and the speed can creep).LED daytime running lights and the LED tail-lights were firsts on Australian-made cars when introduced.ACCOMODATIONThe Commodore is roomy, with ample adjustment in the steering and seating to find the perfect driving position. The bulging steering wheel, unique instrument cluster and gauges provide important differentiation from the standard car.The lower seat cushions have good under thigh and lateral support but not as much lumbar adjustment as the Ford. The optional sunroof fitted to the test car robbed our 187cm-tall (6ft, 2in) test-drive companion of headroom. As much as he enjoyed the GTS, it became too uncomfortable and did the majority of his time in the Ford.SAFETYStability control, six airbags, five-star safety and ample grip – and the biggest brakes fitted to a locally-made car – have all the bases covered.Side blind-zone alert is a handy feature (especially given that the Commodore’s mirrors are so small) and the rear camera helps squeeze into tight parking spots. But the thick windscreen pillars still block your view in some bends – and pedestrian crossings.DRIVINGThe HSV GTS is not as quick as the FPV GT R-Spec – especially when the Holden is a manual – but it’s still fun to drive, and capable of a low 5-second dash to the speed limit.The lightest 20-inch rims ever made by HSV trim 22kg from the overall weight and subtly improve steering feel. My favourite part, though, is the crackle and burble of the bi-modal exhaust on over-run and between gearchanges.The brake pedal feel is superb, too. I prefer the HSV’s slightly better damped suspension, and the car is quieter at cruising speeds.VERDICTIn many ways the outcome of this exercise is academic because buyers from both camps rarely switch sides. The good news is that true believers in Ford and Holden have world-class cars to choose from – which wouldn’t exist without the fleet versions of the Falcon and Commodore on which they’re based.Nevertheless, this result may make for difficult reading for Holden fans. HSV has had the upper hand in performance and handling over its Ford rival for some time, but the latest FPV GT R-Spec finally turns the tables.HSV still leads with technology, equipment, all-round refinement and overall capability – but if power and control are the primary criteria, the FPV GT R-Spec wins this contest. Being several thousand dollars cheaper than the HSV simply seals the deal.FPV GT R-SpecPrice: from $78,990Warranty: Three years/100,000kmService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starsEngine: Supercharged 5.0-litre V8, 335kW, 570NmTransmission: Six-speed automaticThirst: 13.7L/100km, 324g/kmDimensions (L/W/H): 4970/1864/1444mmWeight: 1857kgSpare wheel: Full size alloy (front)HSV GTS 25th anniversaryPrice: from $84,990Warranty: Three years/100,000kmService interval: 15,000km/9 monthsSafety rating: 5 starsEngine: 6.2-litre V8, 325kW, 550NmTransmission: Six-speed manualThirst: 13.5L/100km, 320g/kmDimensions (L/W/H): 4998/1899/1466mmWeight: 1845kgSpare wheel: Inflator kit. Spare wheel $199

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is no longer a standalone operation, it’s now in the process of being incorporated into the mainstream part of Ford Australia’s business as part of the cost trimming necessary to keep Ford in operation locally. Our test GT Falcon came from FPV directly as we picked it up just before the announcement of the changes to the company’s structure.VALUEWhen first launched last year, the new hot Falcon was the first supercharged V8-powered GT in its 43-year history. With 335 kW of peak power and 570 Nm of top torque, the 5.0-litre Boss V8 is fitted to four models – the GS, GT, GT-P and GT E – ranging in price from just under sixty-grand to $83k. The GT test car comes in at a tad over $71,000 – a stunning bargain when compared with similar cars from the like of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.With minor changes on the outside, the main game inside has been upgraded with the latest in smart automotive technology, including a new command centre, the focus of which is an 8-inch full colour touch screen. Centrally placed on the dashboard, the screen lays out an array of important vehicle information from air-con, audio, phone to satellite navigation systems. Unfortunately the angle of the screen makes it particularly prone to reflection in bright sunlight making it difficult to read too often.The luxury Falcon GT E, GT-P and F6 E models also feature a new integrated satellite navigation system with Traffic Message Channel as standard equipment. This includes 2D or 3D map modes; ‘junction view’ graphical representation of the road; ‘green routing’, which works out the most economical route, as well as the fastest and shortest routes available; advanced lane guidance and signpost information indicating which lane to use; street house numbers left and right; ‘Where Am I’ feature to show nearby points of interest and over-speed and speed camera warnings.Already standard on the big Ford GT E and F6 E, a reversing camera is now part of the package on the GT, adding to the convenience of the reverse audio sensing system which now displays a graphic on the command centre screen to supplement audible warnings.TECHNOLOGYAt 47 kg lighter than the all aluminium 5.4 litre Boss 315 kW engine it replaces, the new 335 kW engine is the result of a $40 million program put together by Aussie-based company Prodrive, a major operator of the FPV organisation at the time. Taking a lead from the Coyote V8 first introduced in the latest American Ford Mustang, the base of the new FPV engine is imported from the US in component form and hand assembled locally by FPV, using extensive Australian-made componentry.The heart of the Australian engine is a Harrop Engineering-developed supercharger utilising Eaton TVS technology. Fuel consumption figures held no surprises, the test GT using 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres during a cruise on the motorway, while in town gulping 18-plus litres over the same distance.DESIGNOn the outside the Falcon GT is fitted with new lighting complete with projector headlamps. Cabin comfort is good, with plenty of room all round, driver visibility to match and pretty good support during hard cornering.Interior upgrades include the addition of FPV floor mats, while added exclusivity of the GT comes with each car individually numbered – in the case of the test vehicle ‘0601’. Collectors please note. We loved the triumphant power bulge rising above the bonnet; the figures ‘335’ on the flanks spruiking the power plant’s potential in kilowatts (450 horsepower in real money); and Boss announcing the engine’s station in life.SAFETYSafety is in the hands of driver and front passenger airbags, plus front seat side thorax and curtain airbags, anti-skid brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake force assist, dynamic stability control and traction control.DRIVINGFitted with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift, a no-cost option on the GT, the whole package produces handling which belies the car’s bulk – the balance of an Olympic gymnast and snappy turn-in of a 200m sprinter – four-piston Brembo brakes making light of pulling up.Driving flexibility is way above that shown previously in a big V8.The Falcon GT will happily tootle around in town traffic. But plant the foot on the highway and the beast is unleashed, putting instant power to the road, while out the back, via a quad pipe bi-modal exhaust system, comes a deep engine note to match.VERDICTWe loved every minute of our time in this great Aussie muscle car.Ford FG Falcon GT Mk IIPrice: from $71,290 (not including government or dealer delivery charges)Warranty: 3 years / 100,000 kmSafety: 5 star ANCAPEngine: 5.0-litre supercharged DOHC V8, 335kW/570NmTransmission: ZF 6-speed, RWDThirst: 13.7L/100km, 325g/km CO2

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?This is Ford Performance Vehicle's real hotrod six-pot -- arguably a quicker device than the lauded FPV GT V8. Popular as a Highway Patrol pursuit vehicle, the F6 gets going quicker than most cars on the road, (auto or manual) looks pretty wild and has dynamics to match. Holden has nothing remotely similar in the HSV range.How much?The price is $64,890 but there are options available such as satnav (which should be standard).What are competitors?Anything from FPV and HSV are in the F6's sights. It will waste most if not all of them especially from relatively low to mid-range speeds.What's under the bonnet?Power comes from a turbo-charged, 4.0-litre six cylinder, basically the Falcon taxi engine with (considerable) enhancements. Maximum output is 310kW with 565Nm becoming available from 1950rpm.How does it go?Like a rocket. Off the line, mid-range and top end — doesn't matter, the F6 has what it takes to push you back hard into your sports seat. We reckon it would be into the low 5.0 second bracket for a 0-100kmh sprint, possibly quicker — the 4.0s seem achievable.Is it economical?Surprisingly yes if you drive steadily. On the freeway we saw under 10.0 litres/100km but the overall figure for the 600km mixed test drive was about 12.8 litres/100km — of 98 octane petrol.Is it green?Not really, generates a lot of carbon dioxide — understandable given the power output and performance.Is it safe?All Falcons and Falcon-based cars score five stars for crash safety. This one gets a reverse camera for 2012.Is it comfortable?Very. We expected it to be rock hard — an unyielding sports sedan but no, the F6 has a firm but comfy ride, makes little noise and offers quite a luxury drive experience with premium audio, leather, multi function controller and wheel among a host of goodies. Hate the button start — after you turn the key — dumb.What's it like to drive?Exciting is the best way to describe the F6 drive experience. The engine is incredible and the dynamics are pretty good even if the steering feels a little nervous. Multi drive modes like European performance cars would be an improvement. Needs wider tyres for more traction, corner grip. The four piston Brembo brakes struggle on a winding road. Optional six pot Brembos should be standard for the dosh.Is it value for money?Against expensive European cars yes. Compared to the FPV GT and HSV GTS — yes. In purely pragmatic terms, we don't understand why you'd buy the V8 except for the sound.Would we buy one?Maybe. But it's dead set cop bait. Trying to keep the F6 on the speed limit is a challenge that distracts you from the safe driving job at hand.FPV F6 FG MkIIPrice: $64,890Warranty: Three years/100,000kmCrash rating:  5-star ANCAPEngine: 4.0-litre 6-cyl, 310kW/565NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, RWDDimensions: 4956mm (L), 1868mm (W), 1466mm (H)Weight: 1771kgThirst: 12.3L/100km 290g/km CO2

Road runner would have been road kill if Wile E Coyote could have got his paws on Ford Performance Vehicles' supercharged V8.The engine is known locally as Miami but is a modified version of the 5.0-litre Coyote powerplant fitted to Ford Mustangs in the US. At first glance the range-topping GT-E looks too tame - even with that deep honeycomb grille on the front bumper - to be a tyre-shredding pursuit vehicle.That impression changes as soon you prod the right foot at a straight and unleash 335kW/570Nm. The only cars keeping up will be those with fairly exotic badges and prices north of $100,000. Not bad for a souped-up Falcon - and definitely capable of running-down the cartoon character.COSTThe biggest problem with the $82,990 GT-E is it still feels like a $47,000 Falcon G6E. The FPV team fits this executive express with leather upholstery, reversing camera, wood veneer highlights and a decent sound system, but the plastic panels, buttons and dials can all be found in taxis around the country.None of matters a damn when you're behind the wheel indulging in the sound and speed no Falcon can match. Budget-conscious buyers should look to the $76,940 F6E - it's the same car fitted with the 310kW/565Nm turbo six-cylinder engine. It is marginally slower off the line but the lighter engine helps the front wheels change direction faster in the turns.TECHNOLOGYForced induction is the road all carmakers are following.  FPV has a foot in both camps with the supercharged V8 using mechanical power from the engine to compress air while the turbocharger on the F6E is driven off the exhaust gases. A new eight-inch touchscreen has standard satnav with Suna real-time traffic updates and - bizarrely - a "green routing" mode that calculates the most economical path. Like FPV owners care - the fumes from the quad exhausts after a decent run would probably power a light car.STYLINGYep, it's a Falcon, inside and out. That's not bad, given the The GT-E and F6E are the more restrained styling duo I the FPV stable and are the pick of the fleet for it. It's hard not to notice the six-piston Brembos lurking behind the 19-inch wheels but the rest of the body kit is - by muscle car standards - subdued. The leather seats look and feel good and the grip helps cover the fact the seat isn't bolstered enough to cope with the lateral forces this car can generate.SAFETYFPV has only improved on Ford's five-star work with the Falcon. The brakes are truly impressive despite a slightly wooden pedal feel and the car feels much more planted than a regular Falcon. The usual safety software comes in to play if things do get a bit sideways and there are six airbags if all else fails.DRIVINGForty years ago the only people who didn't want a performance Ford were those who barracked for Holden. Since then the Europeans have produces a succession of lighter, faster cars that use less fuel and home grown became hackneyed. The GT-E proves that doesn't have to be the case. The Harrop-developed supercharger serves up a tidal wave of grunt so that in pure speed, it is not far off the likes of a Mercedes C63 AMG. And the FPV costs half as much. The weight over the front end means it is more at home in sweeping turns than hairpins and the suspension is a reasonable compromise between soaking up the bumps and keeping the car flat. Wider tyres would improve the grip but that's the only complaint.VERDICTThe pick of the FPV litter can hold its own against some much more expensive opposition. Buying local puts a car with stunning performance and room for five in the garage. It's the best-of-both-worlds scenario for car enthusiasts who still have to lug friends or family around.FPV GT-EPrice: $82,990Warranty: Three years/100,000kmResale: 76 per centService Intervals:  12 months/15,000kmSafety: ABS with BA and EBD, ESC, TC, six airbagsCrash Rating:  Five starsEngine: 335kW/570Nm 5.0-litre supercharged V8Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel driveBody: Four-door sedanDimensions:  4956mm (L), 1868mm (W), 1466mm (H), 2836mm (WB), 1586/1616mm tracks front/rearWeight: 1870kgThirst: 13.7L/100km (95RON), g/km CO2

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?What is it?This is the ultimate Ford Performance Vehicle currently available in Australia, soon to be supplanted by the HO version allegedly with 375kW (500hp).How much?Gulp! $81,540 plus on roads.What are the competitors?HSV GTS and Chrysler 300C SRT8, the latter soon to get more cubes and power.What's under the bonnet?A supercharged, 5.0-litre, DOHC, V8 petrol engine cranking out a claimed 335kW/570Nm through a choice (no additional cost) of six-speed manual or six- speed auto to the rear wheels.How does it go?Whooshdah - quick and fast though the hugely overgeared top cogs in the manual drive car were useless for anything other than lazy cruising.Is it economical?Not really, driven carefully you might see 12s, driven with verve you'll see 30s.Is it green?Not really, especially consuming that much juice. There's gonna be plenty of gas coming out the quad exhaust pipes.Is it safe?Gets a five star crash rating in line with garden variety Falcon - a distant relative.Is it comfortable?Surprisingly so, infact, possibly too comfortable at the expense of sporty dynamics. The softish suspension lets the big, weighty GT-P porpoise about on undulating roads when driven moderately quickly. Needs two modes - comfort and sport. Adjustable seats are great and there's oodles of kit inside to make you happy.What's it like to drive?Disappointing because of the soft suspension and weight. It's a big porker and the boundaries are clearly established as soon as you press a tad too hard. Though "bi-modal" the exhaust note isn't stirring like, say, a Benz C63AMG but the whirring supercharger is pretty cool. Brakes and steering are OK, needs wider tyres to cope with the weight and engine output. We'd go for the auto because the top two cogs wouldn't be as useless as they are on the manual.Is it value for money?Not really, none of this type of car is. FPV crams it full of luxury goodies to try and cover the price but it needs to be a sharper scalpel, not a big axe with a dumb ignition key AND push button starter.Would we buy one?We'd go for the FPV F6 turbo, something sporty from Europe or a turbo rice burner.Ford FPV GT-POVERALL RATING