FPV Launches New Supercharged V8 GT And New GS

by Brad Leach under News on 07 Oct 2010 02:05:30 PM07 Oct 2010

FPV Launches New Supercharged V8 GT And New GS 2

FPV has launched its first supercharged V8 range – the GT, GT-P and GT-E – plus a new entry-level GS sedan and ute.

The new GT range is both the first supercharged V8 and most powerful engine ever in the history of V8 Falcons. Maximum power is 335kW and peak torque is 570Nm.

Externally, the new supercharged V8 GT and GT-P models can be identified by their ‘hockey stick’ body graphics and ‘Boss 335’ badges – reminiscent of Ford’s Boss Mustangs from the 1970s. Luxury GT-E models remain subtle and free of decals.

The new supercharged V8 is based on the similar engine fitted in North America to the Ford Mustang but has been developed locally thanks to a $40 million program funded by FPV’s British owners – Prodrive.

Some 47kgs lighter than the outgoing 315kW 5.4-litre V8, the new supercharged version is individually hand-built for each car, offers reduced fuel consumption, Euro IV emissions compliance and is a sophisticated all-aluminium design with double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.

All three supercharged V8 GT models run on different 19-inch alloy wheels and feature a new quad-pipe bi-modal exhaust system which FPV says enhances performance and delivers an improved exhaust noise.

Inside are new FPV badges on the steering wheels and instrument clusters.

Driving dynamics improve as well.

“The GT’s handling has benefited from the lighter engine so turn-in response is sharper and the whole car is more nicely balanced,” explained FPV General Manager, Rod Barrett. “The ride is also improved because we’ve been able to more finely tune the suspension front-to-back.”

FPV’s new entry-level GS sedan and ute are now permanent additions to the range. Previously the GS models were limited edition to test demand for entry-level FPV vehicles – customers have voted for the affirmative with their cheque books.

Power comes from a milder version of the supercharged V8 delivering 315kW/545Nm.

The GS external body stripes remain, supplemented by bonnet stripes and ‘Boss 315’ identification. Underneath, the five-spoke alloy wheels have switched from graphite to silver and inside the GS also gains the increased FPV branding on the steering wheel and instrument cluster.