Ford Performance Vehicles launches new GT RSPEC Limited edition model
At a time when the future of Ford Australia is up in the air it is good to see Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today release it’s most explosive GT model to date.
The new GT RSPEC Limited edition will be available in sedan and ute versions.
This new model follows on from the 125 limited edition GT Black editions that were released 12 months ago. That model was created after the amount of positive feedback received by FPV from their Concept that was shown as last year’s International Motor show.
FPV has spent 18 months developing this new version which will feature the “Miami” 335kw based Supercharged engine.
The new GT RSPEC, was developed to improve the GT’s performance on the racetrack and for it to become the best performing GT ever. The team at FPV wanted to offer more agile handerling and better traction.
In order to do this significant work had to be done on the suspension, instead of just adding a few go fast parts.
The team did significant work on upgrading and tuning the GT’s current suspension, both in the front and rear. Larger tyres and wheels have been fitted to improved cornerning grip.
For the first time ever Launch Control has been fitted and will be available on both manual and automatic models.
The new “C” strip featured on the side of the cars is inspired by the 1969 Boss Mustang.
This limited edition range of GT RSPEC will be limited to a run of just 350 units. 175 of those will be the “Hero” Silhouette (Black) with Vixen (Red) accents. The remaining 175 units will be in a mix of Winter White, Vixen and Kinetic Blue all with the Silhouette (Black) accents.
The NSW Police has already ordered one of the Winter White versions to use on patrol.
FPV also announced today that there will be releasing a limited edition Ute model.
The “Pursuit” Ute will be limited to just 75 units and will be only available in Silhouette (Black) with Vixen (Red) “C” strip accents. It will be the smallest ever limited run off ute models FPV have done.
For the full details as to exact specifications see the full press releases and more images after the jump
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FPV RELEASES GT RSPEC
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today launched its most hard-core GT yet, the new GT RSPEC Limited Edition Series.
Developed to deliver racetrack-inspired handling to FPV’s enthusiast customers, the GT RSPEC features a significantly recalibrated suspension package, new wider 9inch rear wheels with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sports Maxx tyres and, in an FPV first, Launch Control.
Graphically, the new FPV GT RSPEC is distinctive, its look inspired by the legendary 1969 Boss Mustang with a unique stripe package and paint treatment.
Under the bonnet, the new GT RSPEC is unchanged, powered by FPV’s much vaunted all-aluminium ‘Miami’ BOSS 335 5.0-litre supercharged engine.
“On the track the RSPEC’s capabilities are just awesome … it is the finest-handling GT in history,” FPV Managing Director, Bryan Mears said.
“We have put 18 months into the development of the FPV GT RSPEC and we are extremely proud of the results; anyone who drives it on the track will be blown away by just how complete and capable this car is.”
FPV’s newest model was inspired by a desire to maximise the amazing performance of its now legendary 335kW 5.0Lt supercharged V8 engine by enhancing the chassis’ capabilities, to create the ultimate driving package for enthusiasts.
Ironically, the modern day version of the Boss Mustang also played its part too, inspiring FPV’s engineers to replicate the responsiveness and driveability of the American icon.
“From the outset with the GT RSPEC we wanted more agile handling with better traction, and so the suspension had to be considered holistically, unlike the aftermarket, where you might bolt on a set of wider tyres and hope for the best,” Chief Engineer Prodrive Australia, Bernie Quinn said.
“The new car thus received a significant number of component changes to develop this totally integrated package.”
The rear suspension of the GT RSPEC contains higher spring rates, re-tuned dampers, larger anti-roll bar, and reinforced rear lower control arms, while the front suspension has stiffer upper control arm bushes, stiffer front upper suspension strut mounts, and re-tuned dampers.
New 9inch rear wheels and the 275 tyre combine on the GT RSPEC to also improve cornering grip, along with improved traction during launch, and when exiting corners. A revised toe setting on the rear wheel alignment also gives improved turn-in response.
Stiffer transmission mounts on the GT RSPEC reduce powertrain and driveline movement under load improve ride quality, while the addition of Launch Control provides drivers with a more consistent performance when accelerating from rest, reducing the amount of wheel slip.
“We have created a Launch Control feature on both the manual and automatic transmission that tailors torque delivery to ensure launch performance is optimised,” Bernie Quinn explained.
“The system is automatically enabled when the vehicle is started and is designed to give drivers a smooth, consistent launch on typical road surfaces.”
Visually the GT RSPEC is reminiscent of the famous 1969 Boss Mustang. The Mustang’s famous C-stripe is replicated on the new FPV GT RSPEC except with a ‘335’ identifier in the stripe, while there’s also a unique accent package including the lower and upper grille surrounds, fog lamp bezels, mirrors scalps, high performance spoiler with GT decal, and black painted exhaust tips.
A distinctive GT RSPEC badge is positioned on the lower left hand side boot lid.
Inside, Shadow leather sports seats with GT logo embroidery are complemented by a piano black finish around the ICC unit, tissue box and door spears.
Limited to a run of just 350 units, the GT RSPEC is available in four colour combinations, 175 of those committed to the ‘hero’ colour scheme of Silhouette (black) with Vixen (red) accents. The remaining 175 units will be made up of Winter White, Vixen (red) and Kinetic (blue) with Silhouette (black) accents.
Each vehicle will come with its own new look unique build badge.
All other FPV GT options will continue to be available on the GT RSPEC series, including Brembo 6-piston front and 4 piston rear brakes, ZF 6 speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift (no cost option) and satellite – navigation with SUNA Traffic Channel.
The recommended Manufacturer’s List Price* for the GT RSPEC is $76,990, at participating FPV Dealers only.
*This is the manufacturer’s list price for the vehicle only. A number of other components, including a dealer delivery fee, stamp duty, registration, compulsory third party (CTP) insurance and other statutory charges may be payable by a customer in relation to the purchase of this vehicle. As a manufacturer, FPV is not able to quantify the amount of these charges as they vary depending on a range of factors and individual circumstances, including the FPV Dealer the customer purchases the vehicle from, the State or Territory where that customer purchases the vehicle and the customer’s age, driving record and other personal factors. The final transaction price for the vehicle will be as negotiated by the customer with their chosen FPV Dealer.
FPV RELEASES NEW LOOK LIMITED EDITION UTE
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has today launched a new look limited edition Ute.
The Pursuit Ute will feature a GT colour-coded front bumper, GT RSPEC alloy wheels, and a striking accent and C-stripe decal.
Only available in Silhouette with Vixen stripes and accents, the Pursuit Ute will be limited to just 75 units, the smallest number of Utes offered as a limited edition ever produced by FPV.
The Pursuit will continue to carry the standard features of the current GS Ute range with a number of additional extras, creating exceptional value for money.
Over and above the standard features of a GS Ute, the Pursuit Ute will now include
• Pursuit badge – positioned across rear tailgate
• 8” rear wheel with 5-spoke premium alloy wheel design with Vixen accents
• GT colour-coded bumper in Silhouette
• Vixen Upper and lower grille surrounds
• Vixen Fog lamp bezels
• Vixen Mirror Scalps
• All New Vixen decal pack – ‘C’ stripe
• Black painted Exhaust Tips
• Piano Black interior finish around ICC unit, tissue box and door spears
• Manual gear lever with new badge design
• Premium Sound with dual zone temperature control
• Shadow leather sports seats
The limited edition Pursuit Ute will continue to be powered by the impressive all-aluminium 315kW 5.0ltr supercharged V8 engine producing 545Nm of torque @ 2000-5500rpm.
All other options will continue to be available on the Pursuit Ute and will include ZF 6 speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift (NCO), tow bar and satellite navigation with SUNA Traffic Channel.
The recommended Manufacturer’s List Price* for the Pursuit Ute is $57,990 at participating FPV Dealers only.
*This is the manufacturer’s list price for the vehicle only. A number of other components, including a dealer delivery fee, stamp duty, registration, compulsory third party (CTP) insurance and other statutory charges may be payable by a customer in relation to the purchase of this vehicle. As a manufacturer, FPV is not able to quantify the amount of these charges as they vary depending on a range of factors and individual circumstances, including the FPV Dealer the customer purchases the vehicle from, the State or Territory where that customer purchases the vehicle and the customer’s age, driving record and other personal factors. The final transaction price for the vehicle will be as negotiated by the customer with their chosen FPV Dealer.