Though Ford Australia has yet to build its last vehicle, the subsidiary’s Ford Performance Vehicles unit has come to the end of the road with its final V8 interceptor.
Autoblog reports FPV’s swan song is the Falcon GT F 351, a limited edition of 500 for Australia and 50 for New Zealand augmented by a supercharged 5-liter V8 pushing 471 horsepower — or 351 kW, in honor of the 5.8-liter/351 cubic-inch V8 that powered the Falcon GTs of history — and 420 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The GT F comes with the handling package from the Falcon R-Spec, while Brembo brakes help bring the last FPV model to a stop.
On the outside, the limited-sedan Falcon features black racing stripes that run from the bonnet to the boot, along with black accents under the headlamps and throughout the rest of the sedan. Meanwhile, orange is the new black on the inside, finding its way onto seat stitching, instrument faces and the GT F logo.
In addition to the GT F, the unit — which is taking its final bow before the Mustang takes to the stage — is also building 120 Pursuit Utes with the same 5-liter V8, though it delivers 422 horses pulling 402 lb-ft of torque to the bed in the back instead of the sedan’s “fuel-injected suicide machine”-stopping firepower. No prices have been given for either limited-edition model.
And the world of automobiles takes one more step towards the dark abyss.
Don’t worry my friend.
I’ve had a revelation…
Last night I dreamed of HELLCATS coming to rule over the streets. And I saw 12 Japanese-econoboxes and 8 overpriced-German cars bowing before these HELLCATS.
An older beast with the name “Holden” faded into nothingness and the Lord said “it was good”.
And then he spoketh: the number of the beast was “6.2”.
Glory be to thine name.
Isn’t Mustang supposed to be sold down in the land of plenty?
On the final run for the 03-04 Terminator some were imported and converted to right hand drive.
If Mustang does show up FPV will probably get a Crack at turning out a higher performance version.
“— which is taking its final bow before the Mustang takes to the stage”
No FPV from what I gather , but Ford WILL retain full design and testing facilities in Australia. They have been developing a Lincoln sedan for China
The Mustang is coming back, they last sold the 2001-2002 models here. FPV no longer exists in any meaningful sense, since Ford bought out former partner Prodrive about 2 years ago and physically transferred operations in-house at the start of 2013.
Pricing was announced months ago, the sedans are $78k and the utes $53k. A handful may be yet without an owner.
Correct and the 2 Door Mustang is a wimpy reply to thee, great touring cars.
Just WALK AWAY.
S.R.T. Will take it from here…
Exactly. Chrysler is the only automaker that builds anything with soul. Charger, 300, Challenger…all at the top of their class.
I hope that continues, I would love to pick up a SRT 300 or Challenger someday. With the blessing of Hellcat…
This car has more desirability and soul in the valve stems than the entire North American line up of POS, poor quality, problem riddled appliances Ford peddles to us.
But then this car had to be killed…..Ford does not want anything to do with building desirable automobiles…just generic garbage.
If they aren’t willing to put ME in charge then they deserve to burn.
No…you have too much common sense. Ford does not like common sense…hence, revising MPG figures twice rather than just telling the truth in the first place.
Spot on, you got it in one. Had a drive and was driven in a current spec FPV to Canberra, great car
“with its final V8 interceptor”
You know, you totally flubbed the line; it’s “The last of the V8 Interceptors—a piece of history!”
Yeah I was thinking the same thing… Damned shame what auto journalism has fallen to!
Although its no excuse, Cameron probably wasn’t even born when that came out even if she’s seen it.
;(
My lawn. Get off it.
Actually Cameron was right, it’s the last FPV car, not the last Ford.
Ford Australia will continue building the V8 Falcons under the XR8 label, so the last of the V8 interceptors is still yet to come….
“She’s the last of the V8s!” – MFP Mechanic.
Remind me again why Ford thinks something like this wouldn’t sell in the US??
Chrysler is cranking out R/Ts and SRTs, say what you will about Chevy but at least they offer the SS. This would sell like hotcakes to all the Mustang faithful that now have kids and dogs and need a sedan with a back seat. Since they apparently decided not to make the Mustang any smaller or lighter, they could even use the new Mustang platform to make a sedan as well. It even has a perfect retro name already.
Not so sure about that. Don’t get me wrong–it looks like a phenomenal car. I just think it’s the “brown diesel manual wagon” dream for the muscle car crowd. I can’t imagine it has much more room than a Taurus, which is not ideal for hauling kids and dogs, either. OTOH, if Ford had a credible alternative to a Durango R/T…
To a Mustang owner, the Taurus is immense inside, certainly roomy enough for the dogs and kids. And you are thinking too practical. It isn’t meant to be the roomiest model, not the most practical or most luxurious. It would be a 4-dr Mustang. The same crowd that buys the Charger R/T would be looking at this, for Ford fans basically, or at least for Dodge haters. :)
Now the Durango R/T isn’t really flying off the shelves, IIRC its even being cancelled. So I am not sure there is much of a market for a “muscle SUV”. The Explorer is selling like hotcakes, and the other Ford SUVs do well also. What’s the point of a Durango competitor?
I find the Taurus cramped inside, especially for being FWD/AWD. I don’t have the same issue with the Ford D-platform CUVs though.
Since the Ford brand may just abandon the large sedan segment altogether, there might not be a business case for such a Ford vehicle. They need a proper RWD Lincoln sedan before a Ford one anyway.
Ah, but Lincoln IS Ford.
Yes, but the MKS is going to make it to a next generation. Some seem to think the Taurus will be axed after this generation.
Lincoln is Ford, but if FoMoCo is going to roll out a sedan based on the Mustang, it better be a Lincoln.
Wrong there, these are big cars, not as Fords US Taxis but not far off it.
THIS.
Mopar really does sell all the Chargers it makes, and justifiably so. The Charger is perfect for the person who has a family and needs a practical car, but can’t stomach a ‘beige’ car.
Also much like Dodge, Ford could have another market that it let slip; the police car market. Granted, the Interceptor SUV is doing well, everyday I see more of these and less and less Crown Victorias….. it’s clear that the CV’s are mostly at their mileage sell off. The highly influential California Highway Patrol has picked the Interceptor as their main patrol car and it seems the San Diego Police Department is taking a similar lead.
However, I just don’t see the Taurus based Interceptor, at all. Maybe 1 in Escondido and that was a questionable maybe. Sometimes I see the Caprice, I know for sure the El Cajon PD has at least 1 as does Carlsbad. The Cal State San Marcos PD has the Dodge Charger. Border Patrol runs Tahoes and Wranglers… yes the JK Wrangler. Pretty sad when I see more JK’s in duty that isn’t even a ‘special service’ or police package vehicle then the Interceptor sedan.
I know why it hasn’t taken off and why it might not ever. The CHP straight up flunked it for not being able to carry all the gear it needs (and yet the CV didn’t have that problem…) plus most officers and police fleets have an immediate distrust and dislike of FWD. Cars like the feeble police Celebrity (yes, seriously) and Lumina didn’t help. The Dodge Intrepid police car was a disaster to put it bluntly, brakes aren’t supposed to literally catch fire. Ford was the first to really try with the Taurus police package of the late 80’s and early 90’s. It actually performed well and could easily match the performance of the boxy 5.7 Caprice and 5.8 Crown Victoria LTD, though at best neither car made more then 190 hp. The problem with the Taurus was that it couldn’t take the abuse that you could give a Caprice or Panther and if you did, you’d nuke the transaxle. The problem was so bad that Ford simply walked away from it when the rounded Taurus came out and never tried again until now. The Impala seems to be doing OK, but it’s not as good as the CV.
Also cops just prefer V8’s and RWD. It’s always been that way. The Aussie Falcon would work, it already uses the Coyote 5.0 and you could offer a V6 like the Caprice and Charger do. Plus I think fleet managers are also skeptical of turbochargers in police duty.
Too bad really.
The Coyote is a good engine, but it’s expensive to fabricate and complex to maintain for fleet purposes…
That may be so, but the same argument would hold true for the Ecoboost 3.5 and AWD in the Interceptor sedan as well.
That’s the question with fleet managers…. how will the turbos hold up in severe police duty?
I’m not sure as I’m pretty sure I’ll never see one in California- at least where I live; San Diego. I think if you want the Ecoboost, AWD is mandatory, which is not needed in my neck of the woods and would be a waste of money.
I would imagine the Coyote to be somewhat simpler over the Ecoboost…. but still, the sedan is not selling here, period. Even the retail Taurus is somewhat of a rare sight, though I haven’t seen an SS, but the Charger is everywhere here, normal Pentastar ones and R/T’s, as are the SRT’s.
Probably not much of market with the Charger and SS carving it up. Perhaps if Ford was flush with VAG or Toyota levels of cash they could afford a loss leader.
Does this look like a vehicle from about 2007 to anyone else? Can’t believe they were still making a vehicle which looked that way.
Exactly, it doesn’t have ridiculous proportions AND you can see out of it. Break out the pitchforks and torches!
What’s worse is that the Falcon and Commodore have had almost the same exact greenhouse and side profile for multiple generations – only differing mostly in the front bumper/headlight treatment. Enough similarity to make them seem like GM twins.
http://www.evomagazine.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SSV-vs-XR6-TWielecki-54-900×450.jpg
They even have the same rims in this pic of the previous gens:
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/images/commodore-ss-vs-falcon-xr6t-2-big.jpg
Corey, that’s a great looking car and I would happily drive something that looked like it.
It’s not bad looking per say (bit gauche with all of the extra trimming and stripes), it just looks kind of outdated. Like an LS from two generations ago. Fine car, just a dated design.
Is something considered dated if modern designs aren’t better?
This seems like a nice Falcon, plenty of power.
I read one comment regarding space offered for rear seat passengers. It does offer plenty of room in comparison to a Camry, probably on par with it’s competitor the Commodore (Chev SS).
The engine is a Ford Miami V8 which is based on the Coyote. The engine weighs approximately the same as a unblown Coyote.
Much of the work for the supercharging and engine development was carried out in the UK.
From what I’ve read Ford was unwilling to extract more power from the engine due to potential reliability issue with the engine and existing drivetrain available.
It’s a pity to see Ford stop manufacturing in Australia, but it just to uncompetitive to manufacture.
That’s odd about extracting power, the Cobrajet Mustangs use a 2.9 liter twin screw to good effect using production based block and heads.
The 5.0 is a pretty stout piece especially the Boss derived stuff. Its nothing for these engines to pound out 500kW+ and with minimal modification double that.
How is the availability of premium grade fuel?
Raph, it’s not what we can extract from an engine ‘reliably’ but what Ford deems what it will warranty.
This 5 litre Miami is lighter than the Coyote as well. I don’t know where the weight was removed from, but I would assume the block is a very likely place.
The Coyote is an extension of Ford’s Modular V8. The Coyote has strengthened ribs in the block.
The Coyote was originally designed to produce the power of the larger 6 litre class V8 and the Modular V8 didn’t have the strength.
So, how much stronger is the Coyote? What about the strength of the Miami?
My understanding is that the reliability concerns were surrounding the differentials (and subsequent warranty claims), not the engine. For this model they’ve gone with the tune that it should have originally launched the 335 with had engineering won the battle with the beancounters.
I’d have to see what the changes are between the Miami and Coyote engines to see where they might taken some meat out.
although the link below suggests entirely different reasons.
( http://www.themustangnews.com/content/2010/09/australian-supercharged-5-0-miami-v8-details/#.U6IphfLQexA )
The Miami is just a low compression version of the Coyote and the weight difference is the difference between the Boss 315 and the Miami. The former using a iron block and aluminum heads compared to the all aluminum construction of the latter.
@raph
Thanks.
The engine will need lower compression to compensate for the blower.
I figured the only place for weight reduction was the block as well.
As for the engine, I do think Ford is looking at how hard the engine will be run by some enthusiastic owner.
Remember everyone who buys one of these things might not have enough dog f4ck to realise that just driving a vehicle like this around to it’s max isn’t the best.
How many times have you witnessed someone jumping into a cold vehicle and planting their foot on the accelerator.
i think the 500 cars are already all sold
also i think this car will be rememebered by enthusiasts but really, it’ll be largely forgotten by most
i am kinda reminded on the funny situation where i’m on a particular motoring forum that is dedicated to V8 saloons and yet very few people actually own a V8 saloon
life and reality is gotten in the way the majority of the most fervent and emotional folks there drive Camrys or CUVs or Euros
this is how it is in real life
“The blower! Tell ’em about the blower!”
Its a little spooky how much reality is taking a page from the movies. Last of the Vee-Eights and all…Except the nomad biker gangs are mostly wearing spandex.
“We’re partners! Paaarrtneerrss!”
I love the interceptor but always thought the autogyro would have been the better tactical bet in post apocolyptic Aussie land.
BTW, the BluRay of “The Road Warrior” is one of the few lower budget movies where the transfer makes an improvement… you can see some details painted on the copter and some of the cars you don’t see in the regular DVD, and the sound is less compressed, especially during the big truck chase.
Best car chase movie EVER… Bullitt and Ronin are great but this pops from beginning to end.
I have not driven, nor am I interested in this type of car…and yet I feel that I will miss it dearly. So sad.
Ford Oz surely made some interesting products. I really wanted one of their turbo straight six engines. Never could understand why Ford North American never imported any.
The Barra 6 was the precursor to the Ecoobost. 411hp and 420lbs ft of extremely flat torque at 1800rpm. Street versions of this engine are getting 1000hp Average horsepower and torque figures unlike the Ecoboost, which uses peak figures
If using similar figures to the Ecoboost, more like 420hp and 425-430lbs ft of torque
The actual last one will cross the block for some serious coin. Doubly so if it comes in the movie correct color scheme. They’ll likely give it to Gibsons crazy ass directly, so maybe it won’t be auctioned.
Sorry, not the inceptor, that was a two door coupe and the “F” is for final. Mel Gibson drives eco friendly hybrids these days, doesn’t he?
The falcon slots in between the Mustang GT 5.0 and the Shelby 5.8
engine wise. So we in Australia will probably get the GT500 only with the supersnake as a halo car.
So we gen Fiesta, Focus, (FWD) Mondeo (FWD, AWD possible) ……. Mustang GT500(RWD). Ranger, Everest (Ranger SUV). Losing the Falcon & Territory in the process. Ford USA gets to export a few more Mustangs and Thailand wins the world cup of Ford’s one world! Perhaps it should be Ford (Thailand) with a North American and European division!
Yeah, Mel may drive a hybrid.
But what does Steve Bisley (the Goose) drive?
“Never write off The Goose until you see the box, going in the hole. Jimmy the Goose, larger than life and twice as ugly!”
He had a highway patrol motorbike, a Kawasaki Z1000 as they supplied most of the bikes in the movie. He also drives a 1962 Holden ute after breaking his leg.