Over the next few days I'll be bringing you an extended review of the Ford Falcon GT-P. I have a motive.
The work belongs to Feann Torr
Ford is back with a vengeance. It doesn't matter where your loyalties lie - the facts speak for themselves.
Just a few years ago, Ford Australia wasn't exactly wowing Joe Public with its volume selling family car, the AU Falcon, and it's V8 Supercar entrants were being punished by an impeccable Mark Skaife and the well-drilled Holden Racing Team.
2003, however, has ushered in a new era for the Ford operation in Australia.
Sales of Ford's new BA Falcon are up, it's new AWD wagon is almost ready, the Blue Oval has just launched it's flagship sportscar brand [FPV] in direct answer to HSV's dominance of the performance car market, and Ford is now consistently winning races in Australia's premier racing category, the V8 Supercars.
This is an intriguing situation and begs the question: What was the catalyst for such a turnaround? In my humble opinion, the new BA Falcon. Plain and simple. It's an Australian car with a level of refinement and technology that belies it's humble origins and the benefits of the new car can be seen just as clearly on the racetrack as on the road.
Perhaps the superceded and much-maligned AU Falcon's styling was too radical and that was its downfall a few years back, or maybe the VX Commodore was just a better vehicle?
Whatever the case, the Falcon is back, and herein we'll take a look at the big chiefs - the flagship Falcons in the new 2003 BA range if you will - the GT-P and GT.
Make: Ford Performance Vehicles
Model: GT/GT-P
Price: $59,850/$69,850 (as tested)
Transmission: 4-speed auto, w/sports shift & 5-speed manual
Engine: 5.4-litre, Vee Eight-cylinder, 32-valves, quad camshafts, variable valve timing
Fuel Consumption: City cycle - N/A, Highway cycle - N/A
Seats: 5
Safety: Driver and front passenger SRS airbag, two side front (thorax) airbags, ABS, Traction control, EBD
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