Named GS and GT, the big news is that both Falcon-based models feature a new supercharged 5.0 litre V8, delivering 422 bhp (315 kW / 428 PS) and 449 bhp (335 kW / 455 PS) respectively.
That engine is actually based on the ‘Coyote’ V8 which debuted in the Ford Mustang earlier this year. It is, perhaps surprisingly, rather a sophisticated thing, featuring all aluminium construction, four valves per cylinder and twin overhead cams.
FPV commissioned British firm Prodrive to fettle it locally, with the most significant improvement being the fitment of the supercharger, an Australian-made item sourced from Harrop Engineering. Despite a drop in capacity compared to the 5.4 litre V8 that FPV previously used, the new engine is said to outscore it for performance, economy and emissions.
The entry-level GS is available in either saloon or Ute versions, and its full-time introduction to the line-up follows a similarly named limited edition from 2009. Along with door graphics, the GS also gets bonnet stripes and ‘Boss 315’ identification badges. These denote the engine’s power output, rather than its cubic inch capacity as per the classic 1970s Boss Mustangs.
The visual effect is completed by silver finish five-spoke alloys and plenty of FPV badges both inside and out. In Australia the FPV GS saloon costs A$56,990 and the Ute A$51,990, with automatic transmission a no-cost option. That’s around £35,000 and £32,000 at today’s exchange rates.
Oddly, FPV hasn’t released any performance data, only ADR combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 figures:
| Model | Fuel Consumption | CO2 |
|---|---|---|
| GS Manual Saloon | 20.7 mpg / 13.6 l/100km | 324 g/km |
| GS Auto Saloon | 20.6 mpg / 13.7 l/100km | 325 g/km |
| GS Manual Ute | 20.1 mpg / 14.0 l/100km | 333 g/km |
| GS Auto Ute | 19.9 mpg / 14.2 l/100km | 335 g/km |
Meanwhile, the more powerful GT comes in three flavours - standard, GT-P and GT E - all available with saloon bodies only.
The base GT and GT-P get ‘Boss 335’ badges, as well as body side ‘hockey stick’ stripes and matching graphics for the bonnet and rear wing. Both ride on 19” five-spoke alloys with machined faces and contrasting accents.
However, for a more low key approach, buyers might want to consider the more luxury-orientated GT E instead. It does without any of the graphics, and features ten-spoke 19” wheels finished in silver.
Despite the extra power of the GT versions, CO2 levels and economy don’t seem to suffer, according to FPV’s data:
| Model | Fuel Consumption | CO2 |
|---|---|---|
| GT / GT-P Manual Saloon | 20.7 mpg / 13.6 l/100km | 324 g/km |
| GT / GT-P / GT E Auto Saloon | 20.6 mpg / 13.7 l/100km | 325 g/km |
Prices in Australia are A$71,290 for the FPV GT and A$80,990 for the FPV GT-P, while the FPV GT E costs A$81,450. As with the GS, GT and GT-P customers can choose an automatic gearbox for no extra charge. Conversely though, there’s no manual option for the GT E.
Those amounts would convert into £43,750, £49,700 and £50,000 respectively. Not that that really matters, as it’s highly unlikely that either the FPV GS or GT will ever make it to the UK - even though the steering wheel is already on the right side.
Ford of Europe gave up trying to sell large saloons years ago and anyway, despite the good reception that the Holden VE Commodore-based Vauxhall VXR8 got from enthusiasts, the market here for non-premium V8-powered cars that do around 20 mpg is, sadly, severely limited.
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