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"The new GT range has been fully engineered and designed to incorporate the
latest in performance engineering, as well as significant ride and handling
advancements," Ford Performance Vehicles General Manager Rod Barrett said.
"Not only are the new GT and GT-P the most powerful V8s we've ever built, but
they also deliver the ideal combination of high performance, driveability and
fuel efficiency."
The GT-P and GT are powered by high performance 5.4 litre quad-cam 32 valve
V8 engines that produce a maximum power output of 315kW at 6500 rpm and maximum
551Nm of torque at 4750 rpm.
The Boss 315 has been completely re-calibrated to maximise response and
driveability, while an improvement in volumetric efficiency allows the engine to
breathe better.
The extra breathing capability, along with strength and durability
improvements made to the engine hardware, has allowed FPV to increase the
maximum revs to 6500 rpm.
"Drivers of the GT will notice improved vehicle acceleration and overall
driveability, along with a smoother idle and a better engine note."
Importantly, the increased power does not compromise on fuel economy and in
automatic guise; the FPV GT-P and GT boast fuel economy figures of 14L/100km, a
decrease in fuel consumption of 4.8 percent over the previous model.
Complementing the increased power is FPV performance independent double
wishbone front suspension and performance Control Blade Independent Rear
Suspension (IRS).
Matched to the performance suspension is a Brembo brake package with 355 x
32mm cross-drilled and ventilated front rotors with 4-piston calipers and 328 x
26mm rear rotors with single red piston caliper.
In another first for FPV, owners will have the option of the performance
TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, or the ZF six-speed high-torque automatic
transmission with Sequential Sports Shift at no extra cost.
Performance and handling
The Boss 315 features a new camshaft profile, new camshaft timing,
strengthened piston assembly and a higher compression ratio (10.5:1 to
10.8:1).
A reduction in the parasitic losses has also been achieved through changes to
the water pump system and the introduction of an oil pan mounted windage tray,
which contributed to both the power performance and the fuel efficiency
improvements.
“Our engineers broadened the torque curve, which consequently delivers better
pick up and drive at a lower rev range, as well as better get up and go from a
standing start," Barrett said.
"The GT now feels more lively and responsive."
"The GT is equipped with a new high-flow "straight through" twin exhaust
system and new stainless steel exhaust manifolds, which maximise powertrain
sound quality and minimise back pressure.
The gearing of the manual GT has been adjusted, and a shorter final drive
ratio reduces the flat spots between gear changes and delivers a smoother
drive.
The automatic transmission has a cylinder cut feature during wide open
throttle gear changes, which shortens the torque off, torque-back-on time
between gear changes, enhancing the wide open throttle performance feel.
The GT's suspension has been re-engineered to complement the new Boss 315kW
powerplant.
Using the suspension geometry of Ford’s XR as a platform, engineers
reconfigured the balance of the car and honed the capabilities of the new spring
and damper settings to compensate for the new power and torque outputs.
"We've now moved to a Sachs mono-shock damper which has allowed us to refine
the balance between a firm, dynamic sports performance feel and a comfortable
ride while cruising," Barrett said.
"This has improved turn-in response, on-centre steering feel and resistance
to mid-corner understeer, while reducing the roll rate and eliminating the
feeling of ‘nose-heaviness'."
Exterior styling
The bold exterior styling of the new GT-P and GT is highlighted by the unique
front grille treatment, large rear wing, side striping and V8 bonnet bulge
accented with a newly designed hood decal.
The striking new headlight accents are a standout feature of the new-look GT,
which evolved from an early design direction towards demonstratively sporty,
rather than overtly aggressive.
"We wanted to make a statement and distinguish ourselves from the mainstream
look and we’ve done that," said Barrett.
"When one of these cars is coming towards you, you instantly know it"s an
FPV."
The side scallop of the new FG Falcon lent itself to the placement of the
trademark GT stripes with the new stripe graphics sitting neatly along the lower
sides. The new-look Boss 315 badging will feature on the GT and GT-P's power
bulge and engine cover.
Running on 245/35ZR19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres, the 19-inch Alloy wheel design
is carried over to the new GT.
"We looked at alternative wheel designs but did not find one that beat our
existing GT wheel package, Barrett explained.
"It looks great and performs well with the GT's Brembo brake package, so we
have chosen to retain the existing design."
The GT and GT-P are available in 11 exterior colours- Winter White, Vixen,
Silhouette, Lightning Strike, Sensation, Ego, Seduce, Breeze, Nitro, Octane and
Dash.
The headlight accents are available in a Mid and Dark Argent colour based on
the choice of exterior colour.
Premium interior
The GT's charcoal interior environment is accented with Micro Mesh Black and
Saturn Alloy finishes, giving the car a sportier, darker interior and an
aggressive feel while also distinguishing it from Ford's XR range.
The GT's sports seats are finished in a new Shadow cloth fabric with GT logo
embroidered headrests, and Shadow leather seats can be optioned.
Ford's new centre console design in the FG XR8 allowed FPV to reposition the
starter button and the build number closer to the gearshift.
The GT features all the luxuries expected from an FPV, including dual-zone
temperature control air conditioning, a sports leather steering wheel with
cruise control mounted switches, power front and rear windows, alloy pedal
covers and a premium audio system with six-disc in-dash CD with iPod^
integration.
GT-P
The GT-P is the premium variant of the GT, and features a premium brake
package (355 x32mm front rotors with Brembo 6-piston calipers and 330 x 28mm
rear rotors with Brembo 4-piston calipers) as standard.
Visually, the GT-P is distinguished by the Satin Chrome treatment on the
upper radiator and lower bumper grille mesh and its 19-inch alloy wheels with
unique Dark Argent accents.
Inside the cabin the GT-P receives a six-way power driver's seat and FPV
performance sports seats in shadow cloth with silver stitching and GT-P
embroidered headrests. Shadow leather seats are a no cost option.
Adjustable pedals on the automatic model and FPV floor mats are standard in
the GT-P but can both be optioned on the GT.
Safety
For the first time, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) features on the entire
FPV sedan range.
FPV engineers worked closely with Bosch to develop a DSC system that is
specifically calibrated for both the 315kW engine performance and the unique
brake package.
The calibration gives the driver all the requirements of basic manoeuvring
and normal driving, but can also operate at a track day in a way that’s not too
intrusive. The DSC can be turned off by the driver, however even when the system
is turned off a "watchdog" system remains on and is triggered by the use of the
brakes.
“"While you’re on the throttle and driving the car around corners, if you
actually went into a corner, panicked and hit the brake – it will come in,"
Barrett said.
The GT also features Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), 4-channel
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and passenger airbags, curtain airbags,
side airbags with side thorax, and a reverse sensing system.
A reverse parking camera is available as an option on both the GT and
GT-P.
Recommended retail pricing starts from $65,990^^ for the GT and $75,990^^ for
the GT-P.
Both model variants, along with the rest of the new FPV FG range
will be on sale nationally from June 2008.
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