Export hopes for Falcon supercharged V8

The Ford Falcon GT's new supercharged V8 could go full circle – and end up powering top end versions of the Mustang in North America.

Ford Performance Vehicles is trying to establish an export deal with Ford in Detroit and has already sent a test car to company headquarters for senior management to get acquainted with the latest V8 in the Ford world.

A prototype of the new supercharged Falcon GT was sent on a four-month assignment to Detroit in the second half of 2009 for a series of engineering tests.

But FPV bosses made sure Ford Detroit hierarchy also got to spend some time behind the wheel.

"From what we understand they were impressed and we're quite buoyed by that," said Bryan Mears, the Asia-Pacific boss of Prodrive, the parent company of FPV.

"There is a certainly desire for us is to look at the North American market for this engine.

"We have a close working relationship with the engineers in North America and we really would like them to come to the conclusion that this is a superior package.

"Whether they do or not, I'm not sure. I think they would have a view on their capability as well.

"But it would be an interesting circumstance. We've actually taken some parts and made a superior engine. It would be ironic if we were sending engines back in that direction."

If the export deal was successful it would mean that the 5.0-litre V8 would end up meeting its maker.

FPV imports the engine in parts and then assembles it in Melbourne using between 35 and 40 per cent Australian-made components, including the Harrop supercharger.