BF FPV - XW Re-Lived?

**Bluehoon** · 03-10-2005, 06:29 PM

Just went for a cruise round the FPV site....

The FPV/ Ford Credit FPR Falcon V8 Supercar, to be driven by Greg Ritter and Cameron McLean in the Super Cheap Bathurst 1000 on October 9, will showcase a redesigned GT badge ahead of the official unveiling of the new BF range from FPV at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney on Thursday October 13.

The new design has been inspired by the classic GT badges of the 1970s. It replaces the blue keyline centre introduced on the BA models with bright and bold orange - as was featured on the iconic GT models from XW in 1969 through to XB in 1976. The shape of the GT badge has also been revised with a more rounded edge.

The new badge will be displayed on the leading edge of the roof of the Ritter/McLean #5 FPR V8 Supercar.

Genuine badges will also feature on the bootlid and upper air intake of the front grille in both the FPV/Ford Credit and the Caterpillar FPR V8 Supercars, the latter to be driven by former Bathurst champions Jason Bright and David Brabham.

The placement of these badges replicates the design introduced on the revised FPV BF range. The inclusion of the badge in the upper air intake of the front grille has also been inspired by the heritage of the legendary GTs of the 1960s and 1970s.
"The GT legend was born at Bathurst," said David Flint, Managing Director of Ford Performance Vehicles.

"And, while the bold new FPV BF range will remain under wraps until the Australian International Motor Show on October 13, we wanted to provide our customers and enthusiastic fans with a glimpse into the future.

"The new GT badge is just a small element in the myriad of upgrades we have made with the new BF range. But it does provide a preview at the level of detail we have applied to continue improving our product.

"Ford Performance Racing has a terrific track record at Bathurst, having finished runner up for the past two years. The team is confident it has made significant gains in recent rounds and is ready to take the GT badge back to the top of the winner's rostrum."

http://www.fpv.com.au/index.asp?targ...599&type_id=59

Are things from 30 years ago coming back?

Or is FPV looking to play "copy cat" for inspiration????

I say copy cat....

Here is another interesting bit...

FPV has sold more than 3000 BA GT sedan variants up to the end of August 2005, eclipsing the previous benchmark of 2949 set by the iconic XW GT Falcon and GTHO Falcon built between 1969 and 1970.

http://www.fpv.com.au/index.asp?targ...598&type_id=58

Hmmmmmm.....

Bucknaked · 03-10-2005, 06:36 PM

Doesn't really matter that much. Its just a badge. The only thing it achieves is to make it more attractable to kids to steal

**Bluehoon** · 03-10-2005, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

Doesn't really matter that much. Its just a badge. The only thing it achieves is to make it more attractable to kids to steal

Quite true, i find it odd that they are going back to designs that were iconic in their time.

Why re-live a classic through plastic???

Surely there is better designs to use than copy the X series GT's...

MAGPIE · 03-10-2005, 06:40 PM

Ok we now have 3 different threads about a poxy badge

_

EL_futuraistic · 03-10-2005, 06:42 PM

I suppose they are trying to get back to their heritage but yeah with computers and design people getting $xxx,xxx per year surely they can come up with new ideas.

Iphido · 03-10-2005, 06:51 PM

I can't belive they are trying to wet peoples appeites with information such as that..

Whats next "Tyre placard has been adusted 10mm lower to lower C.G".

When are they going to tell us something really interesting, like alloy blocks, more power, dual outlets, track suspension option, e-diff etc.

**Bluehoon** · 03-10-2005, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iphido

When are they going to tell us something really interesting, like alloy blocks, more power, dual outlets, track suspension option, e-diff etc.

I think the "performance" part of FPV will always be a questionable subject...........

it:

Dave_au · 03-10-2005, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iphido

When are they going to tell us something really interesting, like alloy blocks, more power, dual outlets, track suspension option, e-diff etc.

Don't mean to be a cynic, but maybe that's as good as it gets.

Well that, twin exhausts and 8 extra kw. Whoopty do Basil!

B-1B · 03-10-2005, 06:58 PM

Its just a badge as Bucky said but at least they didnt say it was an instant classic.

**Polyal** · 03-10-2005, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_au

Don't mean to be a cynic, but maybe that's as good as it gets.

Well that, twin exhausts and 8 extra kw. Whoopty do Basil!

*cough* six speed auto???...jeez your a tough crowd!

I must admit though the old badge was a bit naff.....

Mike Gayner · 03-10-2005, 07:08 PM

I think you'll find there will be significant advances on the BF GT. Aside from the 6 speed there was nothing much worth noting on any other BF models, I'd wager that Ford has put alot of stock into the FPV models. Maybe we'll find the F6 has some major improvements (*cough* 6 speed auto) to boost it's lacklustre sales.

**Polyal** · 03-10-2005, 07:25 PM

lacklusture sales?

what are the figures? I didn't think they were that bad.

Mike Gayner · 03-10-2005, 07:31 PM

I was under the impression they were lower than expected? Correct me if I'm wrong, I can't even remember where I read that!

Dave_au · 03-10-2005, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

jeez your a tough crowd!

Yeah I know, I guess as a fan it's certainly been a love hate relationship with FPV, I think there comes a time where you can't take any more spin from the PR/Marketing department. It's overbearing, its arrogrant, it's an overdose. It's the very reason I stopped being a "as loyal as a dog" Holden fan.

Not opening the old can of worms, FPV exhibit's a great range of distance tourers, I guess almost on the similiar premise of the Honda Goldwing (with worse build quality

), but their not the track devils that FPV PR pretends the cars to be.

Meanwhile, the real performance and handling kings in the country, IMHO have very little spin-doctoring, I've only ever seen a couple of double spread ads in the motoring magazines for the STI and the EVO.

Falcon Freak · 03-10-2005, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucknaked

Doesn't really matter that much. Its just a badge. The only thing it achieves is to make it more attractive to kids to steal

Today's badge stealing children are tomorrow's car buying adults. We know that brand loyalties etc. are established during the childhood years. If children are going to steal badges (and as a former badge stealing child I know it is impossible to stop), I'd rather they steal Ford badges than Holden badges. It provides them something to lust for latter on in life.

FF

Iphido · 03-10-2005, 08:18 PM

Question is wheres the dam value..

XT V8 gets better than BA FPV MKI and MKII standard brakes now. Also gets a 6 speed auto.
Not to mention 10 more kw (ha could be double that).. and what is it, 30 nm more.. XT would now proberly hassle a MKI GT around a track or on the street..

If FPV really wants to set itself appart they are really going to have to do something. How much would alloy blocks cost? Bugger all. Ford US was promising by 2006 all Ford engines would be alloy anyway. How about a E-diff, what maybe $1000 more at manufacturer time.. What about a proper aero package? How about a suspension setup somewhere in the lineup that gels with the aggressive looks.

Seems like FPV is a badge engineering company now.. Yep, we put new badges on Fords and charge shedloads for them.

Wheres the FPV limo.. Given that the performance part of FPV was always questionable, atleast with a LWB that wouldn't matter so much as long as it looked bad ****.. But no they can't even deal with that! Jesus, atleast make one with a 290kw engine and some kind of rear lip so that LWB owners everywhere can order a part or replica to make the AU/BA hybrid back not look so crook.

Given that the average ford line up is ever encroaching on FPV's performance and looks you'd think they would have planned something..

Oh yeh, great plan, GT badge. In a diffrent font, stuck in a diffrent place (where the old cars used to have it).

Eventually FPV is just going to be some 17 y.o apprentice with a 9mm spanner and some playdoh.

Is it just me or can I see bits of FTE poking through the cracks in FPV.

**Bluehoon** · 03-10-2005, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iphido

Given that the average ford line up is ever encroaching on FPV's performance and looks you'd think they would have planned something..

One look at the new T, 70 Nms's behind Phoon. Thats SFA.

T has more Torque then a Boss!!!!

Somthing is wrong there. No Snailed 6 should have more power from factory than a FPV V8.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iphido

Oh yeh, great plan, GT badge. In a diffrent font, stuck in a diffrent place (where the old cars used to have it).

IMO - No ideas and a copy cat of a classic....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iphido

Eventually FPV is just going to be some 17 y.o apprentice with a 9mm spanner and some playdoh.

What? They not already there :hihi:

Seriously i don't think it will go that far.

But lack of upgrades and letting the Xr's and XT's be better then FPV, is a bit out of place.
Why pay 60 odd for a FPV, when few extra $$$ in a XT will do just as well???

If FPV keep this lack luster change and increase of performance up, and the excessive PR to boot, outlook will be not so good...

SSbaby · 03-10-2005, 08:59 PM

I didn't want to be the first to post it... but that is badge engineering to a 'T'.

MO · 03-10-2005, 09:00 PM

Me thinks its all about heritage...which is something that the darkside don't have...they keep chopping and changing.

Think about the colours of the first gt's in the current range and we all know that the stated p/figures are under the real figures.

Don't just kneejerk..think about it first.

**Polyal** · 03-10-2005, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSbaby

I didn't want to be the first to post it... but that is badge engineering to a 'T'.

haha I wouldn't get to (ok(y..before you know it commodores will be made in Korea :evil_laug

HEMI POWER · 03-10-2005, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John McMaster

Me thinks its all about heritage...which is something that the darkside don't have...they keep chopping and changing.

Think about the colours of the first gt's in the current range and we all know that the stated p/figures are under the real figures.

Don't just kneejerk..think about it first.

Spot on.Holden have never had a Heritage like the GT and they never will even with the XB GT bonnet styled Monaro.It's good to see FPV educating the next generation of buyers that there heritage is just as important as any fudged up power figure.

Falcon Freak · 03-10-2005, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

haha I wouldn't get to (ok(y..before you know it commodores will be made in Korea :evil_laug

Go a little west of Korea and you will find the country which Holden will mean a great deal to one day.

FF

JC · 03-10-2005, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

Go a little west of Korea and you will find the country which Holden will mean a great deal to one day.

FF

Huh? New Zealand? I thought they already sold cars there! LOL.

XR Martin · 03-10-2005, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCXR8

Huh? New Zealand? I thought they already sold cars there! LOL.

A 'little West' he said, not 20000 miles West

:

SSbaby · 04-10-2005, 09:41 AM

Guys,

Heritage means very little today. If that's all that FPV will cling to then they've lost the hearts of the Ford performance enthusiast.

And I've read heaps of messages of disappointment here of members complaining about the lack of performance improvement over BA GT.

Btw, Holden/HSV have taken performance to a new level, exceeding what is supposed to be Ford's best attempt at performance motoring... so in that context, the GT era was just a great era of the past. Today, GT is true to its name... Grand Touring. It has very little to do with outright performance... despite the marketing slant on the racers.

b2tf · 04-10-2005, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSbaby

Today, GT is true to its name... Grand Touring.

.....and the problem with this is?

Unlike Monaro - game over (due to sound file corruption)

SSbaby · 04-10-2005, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by back2thefutura

.....and the problem with this is?

Unlike Monaro - game over (due to sound file corruption)

Problem? GT is/was a moniker that Ford used to identify it's race-bred models. FPV is attempting the same with a car that really isn't of the same ilk as the GT of yesteryear, yet for the BF range, FPV are willing to spend money limited to just a badge upgrade and on a marketing campaign at Bathurst.

I gather you are content with FPV's latest effort to revise the GT badge for BF?

MITCHAY · 04-10-2005, 10:19 AM

Why do people say Holden dont have any heritage? Ford have the GT and Holden have the Monaro.

flappist · 04-10-2005, 11:01 AM

FFS what the hell do you guys want...

If there are changes, you whinge.
If there are no changes, you whinge.

Oh no, the 2006 XT has better brakes than the 2003 GT....
What are you saying?
Should all of the lower models be restricted in safety features to preserve the **** value of older models.

Oh and this "copycat" mentality.... I wonder if calling the 'performance falcon' a "GT" rather than a "TE54 T4" had anything to do with its success?

New badge... GREAT
Minor upgrades... GREAT
FPV.... GREAT

My only problem is will my fourth FPV be a GT-P, F6 or XX-XX (notice I did not use a previously used 4 character acronym of a high end falcon because that would be copycat and people would whinge)

HSE2 · 04-10-2005, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSbaby

Guys,

And I've read heaps of messages of disappointment here of members complaining about the lack of performance improvement over BA GT.

You have? Where? We don't know what performance improvements are on offer yet!