AIMS: FPV unleashes black attack

FORD Performance Vehicles’ first ever concept car could herald a piping-hot new limited-edition model to appear as part of a facelifted FPV range due on sale later this year.

Alternatively, the unnamed concept that debuted at the Melbourne motor show on Friday may preview a range of hard-core performance options to become available from Ford’s performance brand, in the same way the Walkinshaw Performance catalogue complements HSV.

Either way, GoAuto understands the one-off show car’s aggressive new front bumper - featuring big new air inlets that currently cool the front brakes but will also feed the supercharged 5.0-litre V8’s water-to-air intercooler – offers an accurate glimpse of what to expect on the FGII.

FPV has made it clear that customer demand will dictate what form – if any – the show car’s range of modifications will take in showrooms.

“Taking our iconic FPV GT, we have put together a package of performance and design enhancements to demonstrate what could be done by FPV in the future,” said FPV general manager Rod Barrett.

“That's what this concept car is about - we wanted to demonstrate the possibilities, explore the future and gauge public opinion to assist us with the evolution of FPV product.”

Left: FPV general manager Rod Barrett.

Unlike the white ‘Black Edition’ ClubSport limited-edition revealed by HSV at the same show, the all-black FPV concept is finished in Silhouette black paint and features a new matt-finish stripe package on its bonnet, rear wing and bodysides.

The matt-black theme continues to the rear diffuser and black-framed tail-lights, while a full stainless steel high-flow twin exhaust system terminates in quad black outlets and unique black GT badges are fitted.

Also black are the car’s 19-inch lightweight one-piece forged alloy wheels, measuring 8.0 inches wide at the front and 9.5 inches at the rear, shod with 275/35 R19 Dunlop SP Sportmaxx GT tyres.

Naturally, a performance brake package comprises larger six-piston front and four-piston rear brake callipers – also painted black – and joins a “track-tuned” suspension specification including shorter, firmer springs.

Apart from incorporating the most popular FPV options, the concept’s interior features black leather trim and an all-black dash treatment that extends to the car’s interior command centre (ICC).

“We’ve equipped the vehicle with the GT’s most ticked options, such as leather trim and reversing camera,” said Mr Barrett. “That way, it’s a reflection of what our buyers are choosing and gives us a real-world basis to get people thinking.

“The black-on-black treatment looks spectacular and it really changes the look of the car, so I'll be very interested to hear what FPV enthusiasts think.”Despite its full stainless twin exhaust system, the concept is understood to deliver the same 335kW output as the supercharged Boss V8 that powers FPV’s GT range.

However, the new exhaust would almost certainly be part of both an engine performance upgrade kit and the born-again GT-HO flagship also believed to be under development at FPV.

With Falcon sales continuing to decline and the FPV line-up attracting about 150 customers per month in 2011, about one in every 10 Falcons made this year is powered by a blown ‘Miami’ V8 - which some claim has eclipsed Ford’s homegrown turbo six to become the best engine ever developed in Australia.