Design and Engineering

Design and Engineering

Good

Launching Australia wide in October 2010, the updated FPV GT, GT-P and GT-E vehicles have not received any external changes from the panels department however the graphics team has been busy designing new decal for the most powerful FPV in history. These cars feature a distinctive hockey stick stripe package and to identify the amount of grunt generated from the new Supercharged V8 engine the FPV have stamped ‘BOSS 355’ decal above the front wheel arches paying homage to the 1970’s BOSS Mustang. The striped package is available as an option on the GT grade and a no-cost-option for the GT-P. Furthermore exterior changes include 19 inch five spoke alloys with dark argent accents for the GT, the GT-P also has 19 inch five-spoke alloys with silver accents and the GT E has 19 inch five multi-spoke alloys finished in alpine silver. The GT and GT-P grades look like the go-fast-machines with the big wing and stripes package The GT-E is more of a sleeping giant, it features understated styling with a rear lip spoiler, side skirts, and subtle FPV branding. The engine’s exhaust note is what attracts attention to this variant.

Not so good

FPV pumped approximately $40 million into the new FPV range however 99% of the investment was spent under the hood on the 5.0 Litre Supercharged V8 engine. The only changes to the exterior are graphics and the new set of wheels, which isn’t such a bad thing as the superseded vehicle was not an ugly car.

Interior and Styling

Interior and Styling

Good

Because the FPV GT range is built from Ford’s FG Falcon the interior cabin is a nice place to be in. All controls and switchgear are easy to see, reach and operate which can be rare in performance cars making these vehicles a practical choice if you’re after a performance car. The semi-sports seats are very comfortable and supportive; we’re told they’re extremely comfortable even after a full day of driving. You’ll find interior cabin space very roomy just like the Falcon, good storage compartments; a quality seven-inch LCD screen that’s easy to use, the climate control is very capable for an Australian summer and the luggage compartment has more than enough room with 535 litres. The GT-E receives a reverse parking camera as standard. Standard safety features across the GT range include dual front and side airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control and dynamic stability control (ESP).

Not so good

A criticism of the FPV GT range’s interior is the engine ignition button located on the dash. It still requires the driver to insert the key behind the steering wheel and give it a turn before pushing the engine start button. Satellite navigation is still an option.

Performance

Performance

Good

The highlight and the result of the $40 million investment by FPV is the new 5.0 Litre, all alloy, 32 valve, double over head cam, V8 Supercharged engine. The superseded BOSS engine was slightly larger in displacement at 5.4 Litres however the replacement powerplant has increased levels of power and torque thanks to the Eaton Supercharger. Specs of the blower include 1.9l per revolution displacement, a torsional decoupler, PCM controlled inlet bypass valve and a bypass operation for vacuum and boosted conditions.

The FPV GT, GT-P and GT-E vehicles are fitted with the V2G engine, on tap is 335kW @ 5750-6000 rpm and 570Nm of torque from only 2200-5500rpm. Thanks to the Supercharger’s instantaneous power delivery, the FPV GT’s accelerate extremely quick and smooth. The front grille provides the mouth for the high-flow cold air intake system. A great feature of the new FPV GT range is the quad-pipe bi-modal exhaust system which enhances both performance and the all-important exhaust note of the new cars.

Not so good

Absolutely nothing to bag here about what’s under the bonnet, just test drive one and try taking that grin off your face.

Ride and Handling

Ride and Handling

Good

Handling has improved when compared to the superseded model, the change to the smaller displacement all alloy engine results in 47kg of less weight over the front axle allowing the car to dive into corners more responsive and accelerate through the exit with more confidence. The Brembro brakes package pull this large sedan up very fast.

Not so good

A bit of tyre noise as a result of the soft sticky rubber, but it’s mostly only noticeable on the rough back roads.

Buying and Owning

Buying and Owning

Good

With the $40 million investment by FPV into the new powerplant, the price tag has only had a very slight increase. We’d recommend the FPV range with this new engine to anyone in the market for a large performance car that requires rear seats. With countless hours and kilometers of R & D on Australia’s back roads we’re assured the FPV GT range has high levels of quality and reliability.

Not so good

The usual drawback with performance vehicles is the high levels of fuel economy, not in this case…Even though this is one of the most powerful engines in Australia at the moment, it still meets Euro IV’s emissions levels and improved levels of fuel economy ranging from 13.6-13.7 L/100km depending on the grade and transmission.