New FPVs sharp on price and performance

Ford Performance Vehicles has introduced its new FG Falcon-based product range with impressive new specifications and carefully calculated pricing. With aligned F6 and V8 models priced the same, FPV is effectively leaving the choice of "halo" car to the buyer.

Both manual and auto variants of the F6 Ute and the Pursuit Ute are priced at $57,990, while manual and auto models of the F6 sedan and the GT sedan are all priced at $65,990.

FPV still sees V8-engined models as the premium variants of the range, with the GT-P joined by a new V8 model -- the GT E -- which is effectively a competitor to HSV's Senator and more or less replaces the Force 8.

The turbocharged models are now merely named F6, FPV having chosen to do away with the Typhoon and Tornado names.

Continuing models in the new range (albeit with the FG Falcon's new specs and features) comprise GT and GT-P sedans and the V8 Utes in Pursuit and Super Pursuit levels of trim.

FPV has styled the new models to align closer with the G Series Falcons than the more explicitly sports-oriented XR models. The headlight treatment of the FPV models doesn't feature the 'double-drop lens' look of the XR6 and XR8 Falcons.

In the power war that no one admits exists, HSV has the edge with the LS3-engined model range released officially just days ahead of the new FPV range, but the boys from Broadmeadows have whipped up more torque from both the turbocharged F6 engine and the Boss 315 V8.

Whilst the Boss 315 powers the flagship models in the range, it's the F6 engine that will attract all the attention from the press, with a torque 'curve' that reaches a 565Nm crest at 1950rpm and remains flat all the way to 5200rpm.

So starting with the F6 engine, FPV has developed the donor engine from the Falcon XR6T with unique pistons and conrods, a larger intercooler and revised camshaft timing. The Mahler pistons feature a smaller skirt to reduce reciprocating mass and the conrods are stronger.

Bernie Quinn, head of powertrain engineering for Prodrive, describes the turbo six as a "virtually lag-free engine".

The new engine -- when coupled to the TR6060 six-speed manual transmission -- drives through a single-plate clutch that has been specifically developed for the F6. F6 manual models are equipped with Ford's launch control system. FPV quotes fuel consumption figures of 12.3 (manual) and 12.1L/100km (ZF six-speed auto) for the F6 variants.

Maximum engine speed for the F6 engine is a 'transient rev limit', meaning the auto transmission will hold the maximum (6250rpm) for only a couple of seconds at most before changing up a gear in the auto-transmission variants.

Based on Ford's Boss 290 engine fitted to the Falcon XR8, the Boss 315 engine fitted to the GT, GT-P, GT E sedans and the Pursuit and Super Pursuit Utes was tested at the Prodrive facility at Milton Keynes in the UK, as well as in Australia. Total testing for the new engine amounted to 29,000 hours.

Maximum engine revs for the V8 have been lifted from 6000 to 6500rpm, NVH and fuel consumption have both been reduced ("There's no drone on the freeway," says Quinn) and the torque curve is broader.

Both transmission and final drive ratios have been shortened for improved acceleration, but the V8 models' improved straightline performance derives mostly from: revised engine management calibration, new air intake, revised exhaust system, twin-plate throttle body for the induction system, revised camshaft profile -- with increased lift and duration -- and a higher compression ratio (raised from 10.5:1 to 10.8:1).

The ZF six-speed auto box has been recalibrated for the V8 application and was tested in the car on the autobahns of Germany. Prodrive finally settled on ratios that would suit the revised torque characteristics of the engine and this change is most apparent in the 1-2 shift.

"There's no more feeling like the engine's gone off cam when you change gear," Quinn explained.

Suspension was largely carried over from the XR6T and XR8 Falcons, although springs for the FPV counterparts are firmer at the front. At the rear, the V8-engined FPV models share spring rates with the XR8. Dampers have been re-tuned to suit the revised springing. The situation is similar for the F6 models, but as well as firmer springs at the front, the F6 adopts rear springs that are softer than those fitted to the XR6T.

Brakes are cross-drilled and ventilated rotors measuring 355x32mm at the front and 328x26mm at the rear. Front four-piston calipers are supplied by Brembo and single-piston calipers handle the task at the rear. Only the flagship GT E model deviates from this specification, with six-piston Brembo calipers at the front and four-piston Brembo calipers at the rear. This set-up is available as an option on all sedan models, other than the GT E, of course. Utes can be specified with the option of the six-piston calipers at front, without the four-piston rear calipers.

The standard alloy wheel and tyre combination comprises 19x8 wheels with 245/35 ZR19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres.

Standard features for the F6, GT and GT-P are:
• unique build plate
• engine-start button
• colour LCD information screen
• 260km/h speedometer
• 8000rpm tachometer
• oil pressure and temp gauges
• turbo boost gauge (N/A GT)
• cruise control
• trip computer
• dual-zone climate control
• external temperature display
• remote steering wheel controls for cruise and audio
• electric windows
• alloy-faced pedals
• courtesy lights
• leather-bound steering wheel
• suede-feel cloth trim for armrests and seat bolsters
• embroidered sports seats
• four-way electrically adjustable driver's seat
• 60/40 split-fold rear seat
• cupholders in centre armrest
• six-disc in-dash CD audio system with iPod integration and MP3 compatibility
• Bluetooth connectivity
• two-stage driver's front airbag
• passenger airbag
• curtain airbags
• stability control program
• ABS/EBD, traction control
• reverse parking sensors with acoustic alert function
• remote central locking and an alarm.

In addition, leather-trimmed seats with suede bolsters are a no-charge option for the GT-P, which also gains six-way electric adjustment for the driver's seat, FPV floor mats and adjustable pedals (auto-only), as standard.

The GT E flagship is equipped largely as for the GT-P, but with Nudo leather trim, an eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat with three-position memory and reverse parking camera as standard.

The F6 and Pursuit Utes miss out on the colour LCD screen as standard, although it can be specified as an option. Similarly, dual-zone climate control and the six-disc CD audio system are optional for both. These features are fitted as standard in the Super Pursuit model. The entry-level models are fitted as standard with single-zone climate control and a single-disc CD audio system.

FPV offers the new range in a selection of colours, comprising Winter White, Vixen, Silhouette, Lightning Strike, Sensation, Steel, Ego, Breeze, Nitro, Octane and Dash.

Prices for the new range follow. The ZF six-speed automatic is a no-charge option for all variants other than the GT E, in which the transmission is fitted as standard.

F6 Ute $57,990
F6 sedan $65,990
Pursuit Ute $57,990
Super Pursuit Ute $62,990
GT $65,990
GT-P $75,990
GT E $76,990

FPV offers a large selection of options for the range, with the premium brake package costing buyers of F6 sedan and GT sedan $5547, although the same option costs just $3630 for the lower priced F6 Ute and Pursuit Ute. All other variants are fitted with this feature as standard.

Similarly, leather trim is priced at $2577 for the F6 and GT, but only $1100 for the F6 Ute and Pursuit -- while the GT-P, GT E and Super Pursuit are all leather-trimmed as standard.

Satellite navigation is a $2455 option for the sedans and a $2000 option for the Utes.

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