Ford Performance Vehicles has un-veiled full details on the final Falcon GT in a special launch in Melbourne this morning.
Of course with that comes the beginning of the end of an era in Australian motor-sport, Australian auto manufacturing and Grand Touring in general as the highly revered Ford Falcon sings it’s swansong with the GT-F 2015 model.
As reported in our initial announcement in April, only 500 GT-F models will be produced, and as followed up in May, all 500 have been sold before today’s launch.
The final GT-F will build on the chassis and engineering of the previous GT-P Falcon, whilst adding special features that pay homage to the iconic Bathurst legend, Falcon GT-HO of the 1970’s.
This is mainly in the form of a higher tuned version of it’s Supercharged 5.0 ltr Boss engine to produce 351kW – an obvious and deliberate gesture of respect to the 351 cubic inch 5.8 ltr Windsor engine of the GT-HO.
FPV revealed that the engine management system has been configured for an `Overboost’ function that delivers additional power in all forward gears (except 1st) at revs of 4000 rpm and above. With the current GT-P version of the engine at 335kW, and this new GT-F version at 351kW, the over boost function can take the total power output to over 400kW consistently. There is however, an engine protection mechanism to cut out should the heat go beyond threshold.
An option welcome by many Falcon buying enthusiasts, is the addition of adjustable rear suspension. The adjustment allows for lowering of the rear for those who choose to drive the car on a race track.
FPV Chief Program Engineer, Peter de Leur said, “When we started this program we had an opportunity to look at a performance increase for the engine so we developed a strategy around the calibration that allowed for a performance upgrade without impacting the all-round drive-ability of the car.”
De Luer explained that this allowed them to add “rear camber bolt adjustment on the rear suspension so it can be adjusted for track days, if a customer wishes.”
“Our goal was to create the best vehicle we could; a vehicle that pays respect to Ford GTs of old yet celebrates all that is good about Ford’s performance credentials,”
In design, FPV continue to distinguish their performance series with black-outs and unique stripes. In the case of the GT-F, this includes bonnet stripes and black-outs reminiscent of the 1970’s Falcon GT’s. With that extending over the roof and to the boot lid and rear spoiler, the GT-F has it’s own style unique to the previous FPV GT models.
The interior also receives styling reminiscent of the 1970’s Falcons and also unique to the GT-F. These include a centre console featuring color digital displays of gauges and functions, as well as GT-F 351 badges on the dash and seats.
Gallery:
Specifications:
- Boss 5.0 litre, supercharged DOHC 32 valve all-aluminum V8 engine
- Maximum power (DIN) 351kW @ Maximum torque (DIN) @ 570Nm^
- R-SPEC suspension – retuned dampers, increased spring rate, reinforced lower control arm, bulked up anti-roll bar and revised rear toe setting
- Brembo 6-Piston brake calipers (front) with Brembo 4-piston brake calipers (rear)
- Performance leather sports seats with suede inserts and embroidered GT logo
- 19” x 8” alloy wheels (front) fitted with 245/35 XL R19 93Y Dunlop Sport Maxx tyre
- 19” x 9” wheels (rear) fitted with 275/30 XL R19 96Y Dunlop Sports Maxx tyres Human Machine Interface (HMI) with Interior Command Centre (ICC) featuring premium audio system, 8” colour touch screen, Bluetooth® mobile phone integration*, iPod & USB Integration~
- Satellite navigation with Suna Traffic Message Channel (TMC)#
- Launch control
- Reverse camera with reverse sensing system
- Bi-modal twin pipe quad outlet active exhaust system
- New limited edition GT F badged satin chrome manual gear knob cover
- Unique ICC gauges:
- Boost, Engine Temp, Oil Temp, G-Force (Automatic)
- Boost, Engine Temp, Voltage, G-Force (Manual)
- Unique start-up screen with FPV welcome message and GT F Logo and build number
Press Release:
We created the ultimate Australian muscle car and with only 500† to be built for Australia it is the most collectable FPV GT ever.
Back in the 70s the 351GT took the country by storm, and history is about to repeat itself with the new Limited Edition GT F 351. Bold, striking and powerful, this is the ultimate expression of the legendary GT.
Breathing new life into the iconic 351 badge, FPV’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine has had its engine and transmission electronic control systems recalibrated to produce a massive 351kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 570Nm of torque^.
Making sure all that power gets to the road as efficiently and instantly as possible is your choice of a slick Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox or the world-renowned ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift.
An automatic launch control feature and 19” x 9” rear wheels with 275/30 XL R19 96Y Dunlop Sports Maxx tyres ensure a perfect take off. But it’s in the corners that you’ll notice just how good the GT F 351 really is. With the R SPEC suspension package as standard, and Brembo 6-piston brakes on the front and 4-piston brakes on the rear, you’ll find the new GT F 351 is as much at home on a racetrack as it is on the road.
The deep, throaty roar from the bi-modal quad exhaust system lets the world know you’re coming, while distinctive GT F 351 badging and a unique ‘stealth’ stripe design package evocative of the blacked out highlights from the 70’s muscle cars let everyone know that this is a performance car with true heritage. The bold, muscular look is taken even further with a high-gloss black ‘racoon eyes’ treatment around the headlamps and high-gloss grilles, door handles, mirrors and diffuser. The result is a dark, powerful and ominous look with unmistakeable presence.
For a car destined to be one of the most collectable Australia has ever seen, the interior of the new GT F 351 has been crafted with richer, darker tones and more lustrous finishes. A new dash spear and gear knob cover along with distinctive highlights on the trim, a high series audio system and a premium centre console are all standard on the new GT F 351. Signature ‘GT Orange’ detailing has also been integrated into the design and appears in the seat stitching and embroidery, cluster dial faces and unique GT F build number badge.
As a final touch, GT F owners will be able to protect their investment with an accessory specially designed for this supercharged supercollectable- a form-fit tailored cover in Dark Grey with light grey GT F 351 logo and stripe print. With the most powerful and advanced engine FPV has ever built, total performance, and unique design cues that pay homage to the great GTs of the past, the new GT F 351 is the ultimate embodiment of one of the most famous Australian muscle cars ever to take to the racetrack or the road. But with only 500† in existence, only the lucky few will be able to own this rare and unique part of Australian motoring history.
^Power and torque figures derived using 98 RON. *Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc., and is used under licence. Customers should consult their Ford Dealer on the ability of their mobile phone handset to integrate with the Bluetooth® system prior to making a purchase decision. Please visit ford.com.au/compatibilityfor compatible devices. ~iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc. Please refer to ford.com.au for iPod compatibility. #Ford has an arrangement to provide the Suna Traffic Channel broadcast for a minimum of 5 years from the time of vehicle manufacture. Coverage includes Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Gold Coast metropolitan areas. Refer to www.sunatraffic.com.au for full details. †500 built for Australian market and an additional 50 built for New Zealand.
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