FPV GT-P

The Ford FPV GT, released in March 2003 has given Ford a flagship sports vehicle to replace the Ford Tickford Engineering range of performance vehicles that were discontinued in December 2002. In the last quarter of 2002, Ford announced the creation of Ford Performance Vehicles, a collaboration of Ford, Tickford Engineering and Prodrive [Tickfords parent company].

The change was designed to reinforce Ford Australia's commitment to producing world class high performance vehicles.

The BA model Falcon represented an investment by Ford of over $500 million. The new range of models offered comprehensive styling, powertrain, suspension, interior and safety related improvements over the AU series. This put Ford into a better position to tackle its chief rival Holden, in the battle for market supremacy.

Prices start at $59,850 for the FPV GT sedan and top $69,850 for the FPV GT-P. The Ford option book has been opened, with the GT-P having a vast array of standard features. Power sunroof, parking distance control, satellite navigation and a premium sound system are the only options that are available.

The styling of the Falcon is a big improvement over the superseded AU series; however the most signigificent upgrades have taken place beneath the skin of the Falcon.

The new 5.4 litre engine [replacing the stroked 5.6 litre engine in the previous Tickford TE model] delivers significantly more power and torque, giving an improvement in performance that filters down through the whole Falcon range. The engine in the GT-P we tested, (designated the Boss 290), delivers 290 kW, 30 kW more than the BA Falcon XR8, and 40 kW more than the previous TE50. Engine torque has increased to 520Nm, 20 Nm more than the BA series XR8.

These impressive power figures are achieved by a series of detailed changes to the engine internals. The compression ratio has been raised to 10.5:1, high compression pistons, re- engineered conrods and revised camshafts with a higher valve lift have been fitted to achieve 290 kW. This power output increase over the XR8 was reached without the need to increase the engine capacity, which was done by increasing the engine stroke to 5.6 litres in the superseded Tickford performance models.

The braking system needs to be able to cope with the large reserves of power and torque. This is not a problem for the GT-P as it has a premium Brembo brake package fitted as standard equipment, with 355mm front rotors, 330mm rear and 4 piston brake calipers on all four wheels providing the necessary level of braking to match the high performance the GT-P has.

The Ford GT-P is easily recognised and distinguished from the XR6 and XR8 range. The fitment of a more aggressive looking body kit, with a larger rear wing, front grille and spoiler brings the external appearance of the vehicle as close to the Ford V8 Super Car race cars as is possible, for a road registered vehicle.

The striking exterior appearance can be further enhanced by the addition of a FPV stripe package [an option on the FPV GT] that has a customer take-up rate of around 40 per cent across the FPV range.
Sitting behind the wheel, it is immediately apparent you are seated in a special vehicle, not just another highly optioned Falcon. The leather trimmed sports bucket seats offer great support without being too firm.

A thick rimmed leather steering wheel, which is notched at the correct hand position, adds to the sporty feel. The large power bulge in the bonnet reinforces the sports pedigree. The GT-P has a novel engine starting procedure. Inserting the key into the ignition and turning to engine crank will not illicit a response. A start button, located to the left side of the instrument cluster is pressed to fire up the engine. Once started, the Quad cam V8 provides a strong aural sensation, completing the performance package feel.

Interior space is the same as found in the Falcon range, generous head, leg and shoulder room is provided.

Around town the GT-P was docile and coped well with stop start driving and peak hour traffic, without displaying the peaky characteristics and crankiness that some high performance vehicles have displayed in the past. Accelerate hard and you will be rewarded with an electrifying ride. The chassis dynamics emphasise the sporting pedigree without sacrificing ride comfort. The 245/45 series tyres fitted to 18 inch rims were commendably quiet, and gave excellent grip on a variety of surfaces. On twisting secondary roads the GT-P felt confident and even when pushed, the GT-P has large reserves of balance and composure left in the chassis. One criticism is that at lower speeds the steering felt as though it was over assisted and did not convey any degree of feel. At higher speeds this sensation was not as apparent.

On the open road, the GT-P felt surprisingly sophisticated, more in the manner of a grand tourer, rather than an out and out sports sedan.

Summary
The Boss engine has given the GT-P class leading performance that more than matches its rivals. It's not just the engine however that sets this vehicle appart, but the whole package of superb brakes, excellent chassis dynamics, and the list of standard features that makes the GT-P an excellent package.

Test vehicle supplied by Ford Motor Company of Australia.

By NRMA Motoring, March 2004.