FPV GT-P MkII 2007 Review

The new Falcon can't come soon enough for FPV. Ford's 'Orion' Falcon replacement model has been delayed and the Melbourne-based hot house has been forced into extended run-out mode.

Released last year the new Force 6 and 8 models have added some welcome luxury and bling to the line-up but there is no disguising the fact that the current BF MkII Falcon-based models are getting a bit long in the tooth -- at least visually.

The current base model Falcon is a competent car but the release of the lauded VE Commodore and hence, the HSV E-Series bruisers have consigned FPV to an also-ran in some buyers minds. This might not be fair, but it's reality…

So to keep the GT-P (until recently the most expensive model in FPV's armoury) relevant it has been given a freshen-up. The changes are welcome but the V8 hero is really no better (or worse) for them -- just a little easier on the eye.

If anything the changes only drive home the point that a totally new model is needed, and needed fast, if it is to compete with its cross-town rivals.

FPV's second grab at the GT cherry adds a new six-speed manual gearbox (our test car was equipped with the super ZF six-speed auto) and minor suspension updates (including stiffer springs). But the biggest changes are in the looks department.

The GT-P features new five-spoke alloys, revised front and rear fascias and a satin alloy two-piece mesh grille and body accents, while the side racing stripes and hood decals remain a no-cost option. The subtle body updates have given the GT-P fresh legs but arguably it's too little, too late.

Inside a premium 150W six-disc in-dash sound system is included as standard, as are cruise control, rear parking sensor and power windows. The no-cost optional leather and suede-feel seats fitted to our test car are extremely comfortable. Alas owing to the necessary electronic motors underneath the six-way adjustable driver's seat, the driving position is too high -- even on the lowest setting.

Generally the cabin has a classy, understated ambience but the twin-pod dashboard-mounted 'Sports' gauges displaying oil pressure and temperature is a little naff. A further frustrating interior niggle is that the great-looking metal (and leather) gear lever and starter button become almost too hot to handle when you've parked in the sun.

Sound proofing too could be improved -- there is still an unacceptable amount of road roar in the cabin.

The 290kW/520Nm Boss V8 engine remains largely the same. But minor fettling has smoothed out idle and FPV claims it now produces slightly better fuel consumption as well.

The Campbellfield engineers resisted the temptation to change too much -- and who can blame them? The 5.4-litre, 32-valve unit is creamy smooth with plenty of low-down grunt but its real magic is its tractability around town. In the performance market this engine is one of the easiest to live with in real city driving conditions.

The engine sounds incredible when the revs rise and the car is in its element when it's hustled along. It's a quick car, but not as earth-shattering as you might imagine. An automatic six-cylinder F6 Typhoon beats it to 100km/h by 0.3secs, while the auto HSV GTS blows it out of the water to the same increment by more than a second.

The excellent Brembo brake package, consisting of 355mm drilled and slotted front rotors with red Brembo six-piston calipers and 330mm cross-drilled rear rotors with four-piston rear calipers, is so good it's worth the extras dollars over the $62,210 GT alone.

Thankfully, the GT-P driving experience we admire so much remains.

The ride is impressive, the car steers precisely despite some front end heaviness and there is an acceptable amount of body roll for a 1855kg muscle car. There's excellent grip too and even with the traction control turned off it would take a dill to get the car seriously out of shape.

In relation to overseas offerings, there's no denying that the GT-P remains a performance car bargain. FPV's subtle changes will give the car enough legs to get to the finish line but there's no escaping the fact the GT-P is showing signs of running out of puff.

To comment on this story click here.