FPV back on Pursuit

FORD Performance Vehicles has resurrected the Pursuit nameplate after almost two years for its new go-faster utility model.

Based on the FG Series II GS ute, the $57,990 special edition commands a $5000 premium over the donor vehicle, but hits back with exclusivity, since only 75 will be built before the end of the year.

In addition to the Pursuit name spelled out across the tailgate, the car features a GT-spec colour-coded front bumper, black exhaust tips and fatter five-spoke alloy wheels finished with red ‘Vixen’ highlights.

Like Henry’s original Model T as well as the racy new Fiesta Metal that will also surface in early September, the Pursuit is available in any colour as long as it’s black (or ‘Silhouette’ in FPV-speak) – though ‘Vixen’ is applied as contrast in the upper and lower grille surrounds, fog light bezels, exterior mirror cappings, and as part of the body stripes.

The side stripes are C-shaped in deference to Ford’s 1969 Boss Mustang.

Inside, the Pursuit gains piano-black finish for the dashboard, tissue box and door spears, an upgraded audio system, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning and leather sports seats.



Unlike the GT RSPEC sedan unveiled alongside it this week, there are no chassis improvements for the Pursuit ute, nor an upgrade to the 5.0-litre supercharged Miami V8 engine, which develops a nevertheless considerable 315kW of power and 545Nm of torque.

Buyers can order a ZF six-speed automatic transmission at no extra cost over the standard six-speed manual.

The last FPV Pursuit ute series disappeared with the old naturally aspirated 315kW/551Nm 5.4-litre Boss V8 in October 2010.