I've covered the Ford Performance Vehicle (FPV) products from Australia before and it remains a favorite part of the Ford world for me. Here's a line of Falcon-based vehicles offering both a twin-turbo inline 6 (native to Australia) as well as a naturally aspirated 5.4 DOHC V-8 (basically sourced from the USA but locally assembled and spec'd). The 6 makes more torque than the V-8.
And unlike FPVs crude cousin in the states (the Mustang work done by the former SVT), these cars are completely equipped: handling suspension, double-wishbone front suspension, IRS, Brembos, 6-speed (auto or manual), good sport seats. Even the option of 6-piston Brembos. A truly complete car, performing all-around (rather than to a single test - straight line - as in the 'states). This is a car that even in non-FPV form doesn't require excuses ( such as this one ).
The link is a video introducing the engine.. I selected it because it shows the tubular headers on the engine. What I don't have - and have never seen - is an image of the unique intake manifold. It was designed in Australia and is produced there. It's not the usual 5.4 intake, and it's not the Cobra-R unit. Does anybody out there have a link to a picture?
FPV has an extensive and well-done website: http://www.fpv.com.au Note the screensavers and merchandise - I've even ordered FPV shirts and had them delivered right to my home in the 'states. I'll guarantee that you don't see too many Ford fans in the 'states walking around in an FPV shirt!
What does the future hold for FPV? We do know that we'll never see this particular car in the United States (has anybody here imported one?). We may see it's replacement, we know the Australians plan to export the upcoming all-new replacement for this car outside of Australia (but it has not been said where). It would be nice to replace the absurdly decrepit Crown Vic with this car, as well as the stone-age Mustang platform. One can only hope.
You may also have been following the recent Holden announcements. GM's equivalent to this car will be coming to the United States - GM will announce it and show the car at the Chicago Auto Show in a couple of months. With a 400-HP 6-liter V-8 and choice of transmissions (and a rear IRS), it'll be in a unique place in the market. And unlike the rediculously out-dated chassis of the last Pontiac GTO, this time the care is all-new and purpose-built (no more Catera parts!).
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Reference: engine headers. Note the lack of restriction, and the inferred width of the engine compartment.
