Ford FPV in Oz, and Jaguar in the UK introduce hot new models
In Australia, there is the usual tussle between Ford and Holden-GM, both on the tracks in the Super V8 series, and also in the showrooms. Recently, Holden as been on top, thanks to its new Commodore VE Series (Pontiac GR8 in the USA).
Now, Ford has introduced its new Falcon, the FG series, which like the Commodore retains rear-wheel drive. Just announced are the power outputs and details of the Falcon FPV (Ford Performance Vehicles) which for the first time will be badged as FPV, not Ford.
Hot turbo six
Ford has uprated the two FPV engines – a turbocharged 4.0 liter 24-valve in-line six, and a 5.4 liter 32-valve V-8 – to really crank out some power. Although the V-8, which has cylinder heads produced in Australia, and mostly new internals, normally steals the show, the in-line six could well be the best road car.
FPV has upgraded the suspension, and added stability control to its models, to cope with the power. This is a new double wishbone suspension all round, which provides god ride and handling
The turbo six now develops 415 bhp at 5,500 rpm, with 417 lb ft (565 Nm) torque, which is available from 1,950-5,200 rpm, the fat torque curve being up there with the latest European turbo engines. Nor is the specific power output of 103 bhp per liter to be sniffed at. This looks a super engine, that make the FPV F6 fly, the small deficit in power compared with the V-8 being more than made up for by the wide spread of tire-squealing torque.
On the road, the new Ford FPV F6 muscle car is a super car, with ride comfort to rival a Jaguar – well they used to be in the same stable – an ultra-responsive engine mated to ZF’s super six-speed auto; the same one that Jaguar uses. Not only that, but this new Ford FPV handles really well – better than the Holdens – and flicks the tail out when you accelerate hard, especially in the wet. A great car.
The pity of it is that Ford has cancelled plans to build another rear-drive sedan in its new global business plan – killed off by the recession. But at least Ford will probably still be around in 2015.
Larger Jaguar supercharged V-8
Incidentally, Jaguar, now under Indian ownership, which is bleating at the British government to try to get some financial help to keep the company going, has just released the latest version of the Jaguar XKR supercar, which is powered by a brand-new supercharged V-8 engine. This new engine includes a supercharger that not only uses very little power and is silent – a pity, that – but it also produces masses of torque from 2,000 rpm upward. Maximum power is 510 bhp. Already the new Jaguar, along with the XFR sedan, which gets the same engine, is causing quite a stir and more sales than last year! Which shows that if you supply what people want you can make money in a recession. By the way, the XFR was timed over the salt flats in the USA at 225 mph!
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