The Verdict
There is plenty to like about the FPV GT. It’s a fast, comfortable and relaxed highway hauler, with a bruising athleticism brooding just below the surface. It also possesses the balance to thoroughly entertain on a winding mountain pass.
Thanks to a combination of effortless V8 power and the happy medium that FPV has struck with the suspension tuning, it is a genuine Gran Turismo through and through. The 5.4 Boss is at the top of its game and the ZF six-speed auto is difficult to fault. Even the fuel consumption was surprisingly reasonable, averaging 13.2 L/100 across a week-long mix of country and city driving that included our requisite performance testing.
But honestly, in 5th Anniversary guise, you could be forgiven for buying the GT just on looks alone. Unlike the ferocious but fabulous kidney-punching Ford GTs of a generation or more ago, the FPV GT is pure class.
It may not be the quickest, or dynamically the most hard-edged of Australia’s performance sedans, but it is the coolest Aussie Gran Turismo out there.
The Last Word
If you’re shopping for some Aussie V8 performance, prefer wine to beer, a good steak to pizza, and white rimmed sunnies aren’t really your thing, then the limited edition 5th Anniversary GT is where your search will likely end. Like the hot girls at school, everyone who sees it will want one, there just aren’t enough to go ‘round.
Likes
- Stylish good looks
- Impeccable highway manners
- Well sorted GT ride
- More grunt from the Boss for FG FPV’s
- Predictable, capable handling
- Outstanding brakes
- Added Limited Edition value and collectability
Dislikes
- ‘Skinny’ instrument cluster
- Lack of steering wheel height adjustment
Gallery
GALLERY » 2009 Ford FPV GT 5th Anniversary
Specifications
| Engine: | 5.4 litre V8 |
| Type: | Boss 315 - high performance quad-cam 32 valve V8 |
| Displacement: | 5400cc |
| Bore x stroke: | 90.2 x 105.8mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:01 |
| Maximum power: | Maximum power (DIN) - 315kW @ 6500rpm |
| Maximum torque: | Maximum torque (DIN) - 551Nm @ 4750rpm |
| Performance: | N/A |
| Max. Speed: | N/A |
| Transmission: | • ZF 6-speed high-torque automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (NCO) • TR6060 6-speed Manual with leather and satin chrome gear knob |
| Suspension: | Front: FPV Performance independent double wishbone front suspension Rear: Performance Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) |
| Brakes: | Front: 355 x 32mm cross drilled and ventilated front rotors with Brembo 6 piston calipers Rear: 330 x 28mm cross drilled and ventilated rear rotors with Brembo 4 piston calipers |
| Steering: | Rack and Pinion - Power assisted |
| Wheels: | Front: FPV 19″ multi spoke Alloy wheel fitted with 245/35ZR19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres Rear: FPV 19″ multi spoke Alloy wheel fitted with 245/35ZR19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tyre |
| Kerb Weight: | 1852 kg |
| Safety / Security: | • Driver airbag with dual stage inflator (ARS) • Passenger airbag with single stage inflator • Curtain airbags plus front seat side thorax airbags • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) • Traction Control System (TCS) • 4-channel Anti lock Braking System (ABS) • Reverse sensing system • Reverse parking camera • Remote keyless entry - door lock/unlock and boot release • FPV ID Datadot identification • Alarm |
| Fuel consumption: | 14.2 L/100km – manual 14 L/100km - automatic |
| Price: | $71,890 |
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Comments
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This car looks even better in the black paint scheme. Hard to go past the F6 although FPV still sell more V8’s than sixes, so I’m in the minority on that.
“although FPV still sell more V8’s than sixes” with petrol what it was last year I thought V8’s were going to die in the aussie car market but with the price returning realistic again, maybe they will be more popular.
Gotta love a 6 cyl with a turbo though the XR6T is good value when you look at it’s performance
Agree with the look of the dash Steane, it looks like it’s been squeezed in.
Have to say, still not a fan of the ‘Racoon eyes’ though, I think euro styling strikes a deep chord with me.
How about driving on the correct side of the road!
Trev we do drive on the correct side of the road….I have no idea what your talking about.
Great article guys! Actually i dont mind the racoon eyes i think without them the cars front end would look a bit weird? Trev if you dont have anything constructive to say then dont say anything at all! Idiot!
Sounding better inside than out is certainly preferable to sounding better outside than in. Also, if people can’t hear you driving like a tool that’s a definite bonus.
Oh yeah, NORSK ARYSK BLACK METAL. The resemblance is uncanny.
Great car; bad legs.
Adam, I believe Klosey will be deeply offended by that remark!
I, on the other hand, thought it was excellent
still if you were to put a 2003 BA XR8 Boss 260 4 speed auto right next to this there would be only 100th of a second difference and if you’re a good driver you can easily out sprint rather pretty much the same to Boss 260 the Boss 315. Why is this? , it is because i own both and the only real difference is that the Boss 315 is 6km/h faster top speed than Boss 260.