FPV launches GS entry-level

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has launched a new limited edition entry-level model. Dubbed the GS, and available in both sedan and utility versions, the new V8-powered FPV bridges the gap between Ford's Falcon XR8 and the go-fast arm's GT models. It will help the company go close to matching its 2008 sales, despite tough conditions in the first half of 2009.

The new car was outed earlier this month when an FPV dealer published details on its website. FPV says the leak resulted in more than 50 presales ahead of the official release of pricing and full spec details. Indeed, FPV boss Rod Barrett says pre-release focus group responses on the car are the brand's "best ever".

Resurrecting a badge that debuted in the XW series Falcon 40 years ago and continued to be offered in the XY, XA and XB generations of Ford's large car, build numbers of the new GS will be limited to 250 sedans and 75 utes. Dealers have already taken up their full allocations, FPV says.

Barrett says the GS will be the last SVP (special value pack) FPV launches before its range is updated with Euro 4 compliant powerplants and a new look in July 2010.

Though based on an optioned up Falcon XR8 in terms of bodykit and interior equipment, the GSs feature a fettled version of FPV's GT running gear -- including the company's unique twin throttle-body 5.4-lite V8. Purchasers will be offered a 'no cost' option of manual or automatic transmissions.

The GS gets a '302' label denoting engine kW output. Torque is unchanged from the normal 315kW GT powertrain at 551Nm.

Essentially the engine is a rev-limited (6000 versus 6500rpm) version of the GT's mill. The engine is therefore the FG generation V8, and not the same powerplant as was fitted to the limited edition Cobra cars rolled out in 2008.

Other FPV add-ons included in the GS offer are unique charcoal cloth interior, FPV GT instrumentation, gear knob, starter button and badging, premium sound system with iPod and Bluetooth integration, and dual zone climate control. The base donor car features the XR8's Luxury pack and the FG Falcon's Tech pack -- around $5400 and $495 dollars value, respectively. Leather trim is an option.

The GS's damper and spring settings are the same as the FPV GT's and both ute and sedan ride on 19-inch FPV alloys. A four-piston Brembo brake upgrade kit will be offered.

Priced from $54,950*, the GS sedan is around $13,000 less than the price of the FPV GT. The $49,950* GS ute is approximately $11,000 under the equivalent FPV Pursuit ute. By way of comparison, the base model manual XR8 sedan starts at $47,990.

Though the GS makes it an easier walk for XR8 into an FPV-badged Ford, the company is making no secret that it also has Holden's SS V models (priced from $55,290 as a manual four-door) firmly in its sights.

"We don't see a large amount of 'downsizing' from a GT -- we believe a GT is unique for a GT buyer, Barrett stated.

"[But] We do see a lot of upside out of XR8 and we do see a choice being made between an FPV against a Holden SS V. Why would I buy a Holden when I can buy an FPV -- if you were non-tribal?" Barrett queried.

"We believe we've made a car that will rival SS V for $1000 less," he opined.

According to FPV, the original GS Falcons are the second most collectible Ford Falcon behind the legendary GT.

"GS is another iconic badge in Ford's family history in this country," Barrett said.

* Manufacturer's list price, not including on-road costs and dealer delivery.

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