Fpv

[BOOSTEDGAZ]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

C'mon .... settle a bit. Everyone has had a say but lets try and keep it just a little bit normal.

By the way .... today gave the GT a bit of a hose down, jumped into the leather seats, pushed the start button and watched the little man on the colour screen take his seat just after he let me know that my Bluetooth was now connected. Set the twin climate control to 21.5, warmed up the 6 speed auto listening to the bauble of the exhaust as I ventured out the estate. The gauge showed that the water temp & the oil temp was catching up ...... slipping the lever into sports mode, I pulled into the traffic with the slightest hesitation before the wheels could catch, with the whine from the super charger I was up to speed with in just a few seconds.

THAT was worth it .... and the fact I do that everyday is worth everything I did to get it. Just a little thanks to FPV for supplying a cracker of an engine and for the foresight to forgo the gizmo's that are only used to impress your passengers ...... but when you are by yourself are totally forgotten and you are just SO thankful that all the R&D went into an engine that makes you smile EVERY TIME your behind the wheel

Yep ....... for some its about the doof doof or the heated seats ..... and fair enough .... but that's not my thing. Buy what you want for what ever reason but there are those out there that FPV have targeted and I am happy about that for sure.

Perfect in every word. The people that label the GT as a souped up sticker car have not driven one. I only have to walk past mine and the smile kicks in let alone when you jump in and start her up. For the money paid find another car that can give you 335kW factory and 450 at the rears with a few minor mods. To get that sort of power upgrade in a HSV you would spend twice the money and do twice the work. 450 at the rears with a couple of bolt ons and a tune is incredible wait and see what happens when head and cam packages start to hit the market. Reality is what factory car for this price and performance is designed to be a track weapon.
The GT is a Grand Tourer from the factory and a track weapon with a few extra mods and lets be honest as car people isn't most of the fun customising your vehicle to your specs. From the factory it is a great streetcar with bucketloads of potential to take it to whatever level you want.
Believe me if you think these cars are nothing but a souped up falcon walk away from the keyboard and find one to drive - you will eat your words the first time you mash the loud pedal feel the power and hear the symphony that erupts from the engine bay.
The only complaint i have ever had with the late model GT's is that the GTP seats should be in the GT.
The last time i checked this was a Ford site for enthusiusts and fans of Ford and FPV and i know i am one of them. If the cars are as disapointing as people on here are making them out to be perhaps your in the wrong place. I am sure HSV must have a site full of bogons that want to bag FPV's

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

im sitting here looking forward to the supposedly boring drive to work in the morning in my FPV..

its nearly nine years old.. i still look forward to every drive in it.. thumbs up great value ownership im happy

At the end of the day - its why we buy these cars - its the way it makes us feel - in my eyes - its even more special for the fact that some of the car was screwed together by FPV. I've had mine for 5 years now and for the most part - it makes me smile ear to ear when driving it. Its fast , its noisy , its comfortable , it has a character all its own , it wears its heart on its sleeve ........the local kids call it the HOT WHEELS car......

Is it expensive.......in monetary terms yes........but its how the money lingers and its how its still a car that is the sum of its parts that counts.
Sure - other makes have surpassed it in terms of technology - but its the way this car ( for me ) still delivers the killer punch when you need it.....in this way - it hasn't devalued in my eyes. Sure I've spent some coin on it......but you could spend similar on other cars and not get the same benefit or character or performance increase........and then there's that sound !!!!!

So as you said in a previous post........its a GT......you either get it or you don't.

So - fast forward 5 years for FPV / FORD - what will they be making that may create the same sort of tribal following. A car that transcends for most the price tag because stupid or not - many of us FPV owners buy with the heart and not the head. The GT can do that now........can a TAURS FPV or FOCUS FPV or MUSTANG FPV do that en masse ?

[Rodge]

^^ Well said GTGAZ www.ls1.com All the "rocket scientists" with nothing better to do than bag FPV product will find a much more receptive audience on there.

[Poetic Justice]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

C'mon .... settle a bit. Everyone has had a say but lets try and keep it just a little bit normal.

By the way .... today gave the GT a bit of a hose down, jumped into the leather seats, pushed the start button and watched the little man on the colour screen take his seat just after he let me know that my Bluetooth was now connected. Set the twin climate control to 21.5, warmed up the 6 speed auto listening to the bauble of the exhaust as I ventured out the estate. The gauge showed that the water temp & the oil temp was catching up ...... slipping the lever into sports mode, I pulled into the traffic with the slightest hesitation before the wheels could catch, with the whine from the super charger I was up to speed with in just a few seconds.

THAT was worth it .... and the fact I do that everyday is worth everything I did to get it. Just a little thanks to FPV for supplying a cracker of an engine and for the foresight to forgo the gizmo's that are only used to impress your passengers ...... but when you are by yourself are totally forgotten and you are just SO thankful that all the R&D went into an engine that makes you smile EVERY TIME your behind the wheel

Yep ....... for some its about the doof doof or the heated seats ..... and fair enough .... but that's not my thing. Buy what you want for what ever reason but there are those out there that FPV have targeted and I am happy about that for sure.

Great post, sure... and I would be the same. The problem is, there is not enough new car buyers out there that share your same optimism regarding the vehicle and what it offers. To quote my old man (has owned Ford sedans for a long time - NC V8, ED V8 Ghia, EL Fairmont, AU2 V8 Ghia, BF F6), where can I use it anymore? He currently has a 370z and even still, this is too much bait for him anymore. He's worried about even so much as bringing it up to speed in a spirited manner such as you have done. And so what was his next vehicle purchase? An SUV (Murano TI). It has luxury items (sat nav, heated leather seats, sunroof, electric tail gate). For him, it's a modern day Fairmont Ghia albeit it sits a bit higher than previous experiences.

The market for people who want to be able to speed up to the speed limit with a bit of excitement are struggling to justify the expense of the purchase, the expense of the fuel costs, insurance and potential fines.

And if the money is not the matter, I think most people will skip the FPV/HSV price point and keep going north.

However I think the underlying issue to the performance of Falcon and FPV in general is that firstly, where Ford are concerned, the sedan is no longer the primary choice for most new car buyers. The strengthening of hatchbacks as an option makes good for people who want something smaller, economical and practical as well as cheaper than a Falcon and the other option of SUV's and small SUV's. These increase practicality for storage as well as 7 seat options for the family. Why would you consider a Falcon when there appears to be more practical options not only from their functionality but their resale values once you're done?

And not only is this issue a big one, Ford doesn't seem to be supporting FPV as much as it probably should. Sure, FPV might be a joint venture and operated as a business independant from Ford, but when your name is the solid part of your business name and operation you ought to be a little more supportive. My example here is the Focus RS. This badge issue stupidity is completely confusing to me. Sure, want your badge, but a car such as the RS should have 100%, undoubtedly been marketed as an FPV to not only justify the difference in performance orientation compared to the XR5 Turbo, but to open the FPV brand into other models following on from the F6X.

To continue, they need to solidify their current products (GT, F6) without expanding to limited editions, and look at expanding their portfolio to other models in preparation for a yet to be 100% confirmed demise of their core product.

[Rodge]

SCUD - I've driven a Murano Ti and I've owned a Hyundai Sante Fe diesel, (for a short while until I couldn't stand it anymore), and while the Sante Fe was good for carrying the dogs around and launching the jetski these sort of vehicles are absolute pigs of things to drive, hopeless performance, (Murano drinks like a fish anyway from what I here), high centre of gravity makes them extremly poor handling, soft unresponsive brakes, hopeless clunky indecisive automatic gearbox in the Sante Fe, (Nissan's no better with its slushmatic CVT), the list goes on and on and on on why these sort of vehicles are awful to own from a drivers perspective. I suppose if you have to own one for versatility reasons.....but I found the experience from a driving enjoyment point of view...well to be honest in retrospect I'd rather walk.

Terry Turbo Giha would be possibly the only exception to the above with its car like handling that I've experienced and wouldn't mind owning. Saw an F6X the other day, rare beast they are with proper brakes, strong performance, wide spread of useable torque 550 nm's and great handling for vehicle type...oh wait that's no surprise, its an FPV

Fuel economy is the main reason people are going away from high performance vehicles IMO.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Fuel economy is the main reason people are going away from high performance vehicles IMO.

There's no shortage of SS commodores getting around. Ironically, at the cheaper end of the V8 market where buyers would be more susceptible to fuel prices, the buyers are still lining up.

By the time you get to FPV/HSV money, people are looking at other brands. Not everyone is obsessed with traffic light drags. Consider the demographic. Not exactly young.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by b0son

There's no shortage of SS commodores getting around. Ironically, at the cheaper end of the V8 market where buyers would be more susceptible to fuel prices, the buyers are still lining up.

By the time you get to FPV/HSV money, people are looking at other brands. Not everyone is obsessed with traffic light drags. Consider the demographic. Not exactly young.

I agree, SS's are bloody everywhere. Ford have missed an opportunity with the coyote V8 from the states..hopefully it might still happen but like all the good Ford products it will be a little late.

I also agree that fuel price is not why these cars are not selling in droves. Anyone with enough cash to prioritize one of these really has enough disposable income to flip the fuel bill.

Contrary to what the gov says our economy is stuffed, Victoria is going down the toilet thats for sure, QLD/WA and bits of NSW are ok with resources though.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Polyal

I agree, SS's are bloody everywhere. Ford have missed an opportunity with the coyote V8 from the states..hopefully it might still happen but like all the good Ford products it will be a little late.

I see almost as many XR6T's around my neck of the woods in B series and F series as I see SS commodores. So although we don't have a direct N/A V8 Coyote competitor to the SS - FORD must still be selling bucketloads of the non FPV 6T's.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by ESP

I see almost as many XR6T's around my neck of the woods in B series and F series as I see SS commodores. So although we don't have a direct N/A V8 Coyote competitor to the SS - FORD must still be selling bucketloads of the non FPV 6T's.

I agree, Inline 6 turbo has had SS Commondores measure for years, and HSV's measure for that matter too

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Rodge

I agree, Inline 6 turbo has had SS Commondores measure for years, and HSV's measure for that matter too

Perhaps off topic but the XR6T and the SS while being similar are not the same. If you guys are seriously going to sit here and say that FPV's are not in the same class as HSV (come on) then nor is the SS/XR6T.

I dont know where the data is but ill place money on the I6T being outsold by the GMH V8 comfortably. There are many families in my area (outer melb, new etsate with young familes) that drive SS's, because they just want a V8 that is simple and cheap and doesnt cost the earth to run. That bloody AFM rubbish also gets the car across the line with the ball and chain. Really think a mum is going to drive a supercharged GS around? Nope.

I guess using "my neck of the woods" is not sample size though. The XR6T might be a better car, but it doesnt sell better and thats what Ford needs, sales.

[Rodge]

You're right Poyal, it's OT. Rob Barrett did the rounds and got heaps of feedback prior to the decision of whether to run with a NA or SC Maimi engine. Feedback was they needed to take the power war back to HSV.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Polyal

I dont know where the data is but ill place money on the I6T being outsold by the GMH V8 comfortably. There are many families in my area (outer melb, new etsate with young familes) that drive SS's, because they just want a V8 that is simple and cheap and doesnt cost the earth to run. That bloody AFM rubbish also gets the car across the line with the ball and chain. Really think a mum is going to drive a supercharged GS around? Nope.

I guess using "my neck of the woods" is not sample size though. The XR6T might be a better car, but it doesnt sell better and thats what Ford needs, sales.

Agreed 100% and its the same up here i reckon the SS out numbers XR6T 3 to 1. As the sheep see the V8 as being far superior in that category.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Rodge

You're right Poyal, it's OT. Rob Barrett did the rounds and got heaps of feedback prior to the decision of whether to run with a NA or SC Maimi engine. Feedback was they needed to take the power war back to HSV.

True, there is enough conjecture in the XR8 thread. Rod did the rounds hey, sure enough FPV needed more mumbo than the coyote could give, roadrunner would have done nicely though, or the SVT 5.8...but they chose to give an orphan car an orphan engine. They produced the best aussie muscle car ever but in the process perhaps have missed on other key areas.

But in saying that my previous point was that even if FPV made the GT everything we want/dream/hope it to be, right now is a hard time to be selling full sized sedans fullstop. So given the circumstances the % increase in sales is a very good effort and hopefully the cost cutting within will help continue the business as it deserves to be around for a while yet.

[Rodge]

But in saying that my previous point was that even if FPV made the GT everything we want it to be, right now is a hard time to be selling full sized sedans fullstop. So given the circumstances the % increase in sales is a very good effort and hopefully the cost cutting within will help continue the business as it deserves to be around for a while yet.

Amen to that. I don't see much mileage in the could have, should have, might have outcomes with different engine and or aspiration options but for the record I always thought it was a "brave" call to spend what they did on the Maimi engine. I'm really pleased they did it but not sure I would have approved the investment if I was a director of FPV.

Where too now for FPV to make their cars more attractive to their most important customers, their existing ones, here's my thoughts.

It looks like we almost certainly have a higher spec limited edition GS coming out and a track pack GT with bigger tyres and track focused suspension and that's great for those wanting that.

For me personally they need to get with a new direction to keep me interested. They need more optionality in their cars.
Why can't I have tan or some other coloured leather ?
Why can't I have a world class stereo system in my FPV, surely FPV can organise a preferred contractor to fit my car out at the factory if i'm prepared to pay the option price
Why arn't Ford USA allowing some of the technology in the Taurus, adaptive cruise, blind spot monitor to name 2 to morph across on to the Falcon so it can be brought across onto the FPV ?
We need more fuel efficiency, direct injection dual VCT, an 8 speed ZF, 13.7 litres per 100 km's is too high and needs to come down in the future.
Better aerodynamics, e.g. a heavier SC XJ Jag gets 12.1 litres per 100 km's
Is it time to get a new bonnett profile, do we really need the same bulge they had to fit the 5.4 engine that we've had for nearly 10 years now ?
Is the racoon eyes thing old hat now, I think so.

Track pack thing won't do it for me...if I don't have meaningful reasons to update, I won't.... just saying.

[Poetic Justice]

Originally Posted by Rodge

SCUD - I've driven a Murano Ti and I've owned a Hyundai Sante Fe diesel, (for a short while until I couldn't stand it anymore), and while the Sante Fe was good for carrying the dogs around and launching the jetski these sort of vehicles are absolute pigs of things to drive, hopeless performance, (Murano drinks like a fish anyway from what I here), high centre of gravity makes them extremly poor handling, soft unresponsive brakes, hopeless clunky indecisive automatic gearbox in the Sante Fe, (Nissan's no better with its slushmatic CVT), the list goes on and on and on on why these sort of vehicles are awful to own from a drivers perspective. I suppose if you have to own one for versatility reasons.....but I found the experience from a driving enjoyment point of view...well to be honest in retrospect I'd rather walk.

Terry Turbo Giha would be possibly the only exception to the above with its car like handling that I've experienced and wouldn't mind owning. Saw an F6X the other day, rare beast they are with proper brakes, strong performance, wide spread of useable torque 550 nm's and great handling for vehicle type...oh wait that's no surprise, its an FPV

Fuel economy is the main reason people are going away from high performance vehicles IMO.

Understand if an SUV is not for you and that is perfectly subjective, but I wouldn't have thought an average fuel usage of 12.6l/100km was overly bad for a V6 SUV. The Kluger I am currently driving (only 800kms on the clock) is using about 12.8 but then again I'm not a conservative driver.

The part of your opinion that I take issue with is that you're seemingly comparing the drive of an SUV to the drive of a performance sedan with regards to handling and it's sluggish auto. Again I remind you I was comparing this vehicle (Ti Murano) with a Fairmont Ghia for its refinement and comfort - which is what they wanted in this.

I highlighted this choice as an explanation as to why the performance sedan market is dwindling, people would rather buy something comfortable and practical than go for a performance sedan that can't well be used to its extent for every day driving.

For reference, I work as a Toyota new car salesman and we trade plenty of performance orientated vehicles on completely different usage vehicles (Hilux 4x4, Prado, Kluger, LC200) and overwhelmingly a lot of people have said there is no use in having a performance car anymore as we now live in a nanny state that makes you think twice about how you drive it all the time.

[Rodge]

SCUD - Just comparing them for the sake of keeping it relevant to the thread topic and highlighting what people are giving up when they move to a commodity type vehicle. To be fair, where you work you'd gain a certain perspective. Objectivly, even in the face of a weaker economy, especially in N.Z. and continuing high fuel prices FPV sales seem to be tracking okay so they must be doing something right.

[GT0132]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Really think a mum is going to drive a supercharged GS around? Nope.

Good point - maybe Ford should have kept the XR8 or have the GS as an option without the blower

[mcnews]

I do often think how nice that engine would be unblown in something a bit lighter with a slick box etc. and high rev ceiling.

[dawsman]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Is it time to get a new bonnett profile, do we really need the same bulge they had to fit the 5.4 engine that we've had for nearly 10 years now ?

Oi, leave the power-bulge alone! It's one of my favourite "features" of the B-series and FG V8 powered Fords/FPV's. I for one am glad the old 5.4 donk didn't fit under the bonnet without it!

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Amen to that. I don't see much mileage in the could have, should have, might have outcomes with different engine and or aspiration options but for the record I always thought it was a "brave" call to spend what they did on the Maimi engine. I'm really pleased they did it but not sure I would have approved the investment if I was a director of FPV.

Where too now for FPV to make their cars more attractive to their most important customers, their existing ones, here's my thoughts.

It looks like we almost certainly have a higher spec limited edition GS coming out and a track pack GT with bigger tyres and track focused suspension and that's great for those wanting that.

For me personally they need to get with a new direction to keep me interested. They need more optionality in their cars.
Why can't I have tan or some other coloured leather ?
Why can't I have a world class stereo system in my FPV, surely FPV can organise a preferred contractor to fit my car out at the factory if i'm prepared to pay the option price
Why arn't Ford USA allowing some of the technology in the Taurus, adaptive cruise, blind spot monitor to name 2 to morph across on to the Falcon so it can be brought across onto the FPV ?
We need more fuel efficiency, direct injection dual VCT, an 8 speed ZF, 13.7 litres per 100 km's is too high and needs to come down in the future.
Better aerodynamics, e.g. a heavier SC XJ Jag gets 12.1 litres per 100 km's
Is it time to get a new bonnett profile, do we really need the same bulge they had to fit the 5.4 engine that we've had for nearly 10 years now ?
Is the racoon eyes thing old hat now, I think so.

Track pack thing won't do it for me...if I don't have meaningful reasons to update, I won't.... just saying.

Hang on a min... wern't you a strong advocate for the GT being the best bang for your buck vehicle in Aus under 70k ?.

Also wern't you insinuating all those that were complaining about the lack of option's available should go to LS1.com ?.

But now you personally say you want FPV to add more option's ? to keep you a future buyer ?.

[dimka100]

Personally I think with the introduction of the EcoBoost FPV has got the opportunity for a cheaper entry model into the range.

By giving the EcoBoost an XR or even the FPV bodykit there would be instant differentiation with the cooking Ford models, the sports suspension tune from the F6/XRs would further differentiate. Brakes don’t need to be expensive Brembos as the car is lighter so a set of the GS brakes would do. Engine could be tuned for say 200 – 220 Kw and economy would still be far better than any V8/I6Turbo they currently offer … Price it in the high 40s and maybe new people will start get involved with the brand.

[Herrod Motorsport]

The biggest problem with ford is the age of the body shape of the car . I have 5 FG model cars and want a different car to drive . I can't keep buying the same car over and over again . I want a change

[Motorbreath310]

The fact the VE sedans have a tough stance and seem to sit lower and look wider than any equivalent XR helps in the sales department I'm thinking. Most have factory tint too. You sit an XR next to an ss or even sv6 and the xr does look a bit plain jane and garden variety to say the least. Holden just knows it's market better. Ford could do much better with what it has imo.

[gtfpv]

Originally Posted by GTGAZ

Perfect in every word. The people that label the GT as a souped up sticker car have not driven one. I only have to walk past mine and the smile kicks in let alone when you jump in and start her up. For the money paid find another car that can give you 335kW factory and 450 at the rears with a few minor mods. To get that sort of power upgrade in a HSV you would spend twice the money and do twice the work. 450 at the rears with a couple of bolt ons and a tune is incredible wait and see what happens when head and cam packages start to hit the market. Reality is what factory car for this price and performance is designed to be a track weapon.
The GT is a Grand Tourer from the factory and a track weapon with a few extra mods and lets be honest as car people isn't most of the fun customising your vehicle to your specs. From the factory it is a great streetcar with bucketloads of potential to take it to whatever level you want.
Believe me if you think these cars are nothing but a souped up falcon walk away from the keyboard and find one to drive - you will eat your words the first time you mash the loud pedal feel the power and hear the symphony that erupts from the engine bay.
The only complaint i have ever had with the late model GT's is that the GTP seats should be in the GT.
The last time i checked this was a Ford site for enthusiusts and fans of Ford and FPV and i know i am one of them. If the cars are as disapointing as people on here are making them out to be perhaps your in the wrong place. I am sure HSV must have a site full of bogons that want to bag FPV's

i can certainly vouch for this post , owning 2 fg falcons , one being an xr6 na , and an sc gt 335 . absolutely nothing in common , love em both , the GT FEELS LOOKS AND IS DIFFERENT IN EVERY WAY . To be honest i dont drive the GT hardly ever , and often wonder if i should be driving different vehicles . i dont think i can bring myself to do it , the GT though , just seeing it in the garage clean can make my day , driving it is a pleasure that i dont take lightly , nor do i take advantage of , or take for granted . i dont think any other car for me would do that .

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by mcnews

I do often think how nice that engine would be unblown in something a bit lighter with a slick box etc. and high rev ceiling.

If it doesn't have BREMBOS - people will whinge - it will be a POVO pack and everyone will chastise it and there will be an uprising for people to kill it with FIRE.

[Motorbreath310]

Originally Posted by ESP

If it doesn't have BREMBOS - people will whinge - it will be a POVO pack and everyone will chastise it and there will be an uprising for people to kill it with FIRE.

I'm thinking the current GS, with an N/A coyote, and a sports suspension and brake package. Nothing too flash, something along the lines of the SSV redline.

I know I keep bringing up Holdens but they ARE FoA's direct competitor.

[gtfpv]

Originally Posted by ESP

If it doesn't have BREMBOS - people will whinge - it will be a POVO pack and everyone will chastise it and there will be an uprising for people to kill it with FIRE.

AGREED . this is a ford forum with FPV being our hi end supremacy , i have not seen one fpv that hasnt been heavily criticised for something , by many .

even the deletion of the footrest in BA , destined the falcon to a doomed end . if i remember .

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

I'm thinking the current GS, with an N/A coyote, and a sports suspension and brake package. Nothing too flash, something along the lines of the SSV redline.

I know I keep bringing up Holdens but they ARE FoA's direct competitor.

Then it will likely cost more than the S/C GS and people will whinge - it will still be a POVO pack and everyone will still chastise it and there will still be an uprising for people to kill it with FIRE.

EDIT - You haven't been on this forum for long have you - give it time - you will understand what I'm on about..........
Welcome aboard by the way !

[Motorbreath310]

While we're at it why do journos whinge about the seating position in FG Falcons? The steering adjustment could be higher but other than that? It seems no worse than a VE or any other large sedan for that matter.

Hopefully with this FPV restructure, Ford could look at bastardising the brand a wee bit like Holden have done to Walkinshaw by offering upgrade packages in house with warranty? I think KPM are offering their kits through dealer networks in NZ now. It'll cost alot, but so do ****inshaw parts and people still buy them. They even offer bits for captivas now!

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Motorbreath310

I'm thinking the current GS, with an N/A coyote, and a sports suspension and brake package. Nothing too flash, something along the lines of the SSV redline.

I know I keep bringing up Holdens but they ARE FoA's direct competitor.

There will never be a N/A coyote V8 in an Australian Falcon or FPV. It will cost too much to develop, would be slower than the XRT and just canablise other Falcon sales.

As far as your comparison a SSV redline and a GS ute are about the same price ($50k) with the GS being MUCH quicker.