Ford GT-P
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is launched in 2002 Tuning department of the Australian Ford dealership.
The roots of FPV date back to the year 1991, when Ford Australia and the company Tickford joined forces to offer uprated local Ford models. The result of this cooperation were the first Ford Falcon XR6 and XR8 models. In 2000 saw the founding of the company FTE (Ford Tickford Experience), wanted to confront the successful HSV models on Holden base with Ford.
The RTD models (in particular the T-series) found much acclaim, but sold as expected from the work in smaller numbers. Then In 2002, Ford FPV with its own tuning department, the name Tickford disappeared.
With FPV succeeded the attack on HSV; sales increased steadily and eventually surpassed 2006, the HSV-numbers. The FPV vehicles are praised by the Australian trade press, and the FPV F6 Typhoon was appointed by the journal engine for Australian Performance Car of the Year.
Most cars offered by FPV based on the Australian Ford Falcon, a sedan in the upper middle class, along with their version Ute (Pickup); the wheelbase was 3095 mm for the sedan in 2821, the Ute. The drive served a turbocharged inline six-cylinder or V8.
Entry-level model of the AU was $ 59,850 (37,000) Expensive GT to its equipment 18-inch wheels, fabric and leather upholstery, air conditioning and two airbags included. It was ranked the GT-P with a price of AU $ 69,850 (43,000) With special 18-inch wheels in multi-spoke design, sports seats, four airbags, automatic climate control and Brembo brakes. In Pursuit it was the Ute execution, which features corresponded to the GT.
All three models were powered by a Boss V8 called 290, a variant of the 5.4-liter engine from Ford USA with four overhead camshafts and four-valve head out of the Ford Mustang Cobra R. The machine carried 286 kW (389hp) at 5500/min and offered a maximum torque of 520 Nm at 4500 rpm. For the power transmission attended a four-speed automatic with Tiptronic mode (Sequential Sports Shift from Ford called) or a Tremec five-speed transmission from the Typ 650 TR3.
The program has been extended for the new model year:
GT, GT-P and Pursuit received new trim and a six-speed transmission of type Tremec T56, the GT-P in addition, five-spoke alloy wheels in size 19 inches. New were the F6 Typhoon and F6 Tornado of.
Typhoon and Tornado were powered by a turbocharged version of the Ford Barra straight-six from the Ford Falcon. This four-liter engine with two overhead camshafts, 24 valves and variable valve timing came to 270 kW (367hp) at 5250 min 1 and 550 Nm at 2000-4250 min 1 – Highest-ever level torque value ever achieved an Australian motor. Delivery was only the T56 six-speed transmission. Due to problems with the externally supplied twin-disc clutch ran in the 2004 model year, only a very small number of F6 models from the tape. Ford halted production temporarily and equipped the F6 to access an enhanced two-disc racing clutch of another supplier, which worked fine.
In Super Pursuit, there was a Pursuit with the equipment level of the GT-P.
The engine performance of the eight-cylinder engine remained unchanged at 286 kW (389hp), but ensured amended maps of motor control for a flatter torque curve and lower consumption.
The engines remained unchanged from the previous year. All models had the six-speed gearbox or, on request, the new ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic type, which also used Jaguar and BMW. The GT received the 19-inch wheels on the GT-P previously used, GT-P and Super Pursuit wheels in new design. Typhoon and Tornado buyers could choose between the existing 18-inch wheels and new 19-inch wheels with black painted spokes. Sills and spoiler learned on all models cautious changes.
From autumn 2006 the model range was supplemented by the force models that are characterized by a more extensive amenities, including leather interior and ZF six-speed automatic, distinguished. The 5.4-liter V8 made now officially 290 kW (394hp).
FPV has always attached great importance to the relationship of standard models with the Ford touring car that will compete in the Australian V8 Supercar series. In 2003, Ford a factory team, under the name Ford Performance Racing (FPR). The team did not go mostly with the win, but achieved good rankings, such as second-place finishes at Bathurst endurance race in 2003 and 2004. 2003 and 2005 Craig Lowndes and Jason Bright occupied the top ten places in the championship. In the 2006 season the lead of former Bathurst winner and Championship Second Jason Bright and Mark Winterbottom FPR. Former pilots were Craig Lowndes (2003-2004), Glenn Seton (2003-2004), Greg Knight (2005) and David Brabham (2005).
Given the high budget of the team were the results in the first three years as disappointing. In 2006, FPR but pull out some podiums and pole positions.
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