FPV is not content watching HSV’s glamourous new E-series or Chrysler’s 300C SRT-8 upstart steal the limelight (and sales) from its Ford Falcon-based range. So it is aiming higher – and thinking a little outside the muscle-car circle – by creating the Force 6 and Force 8 series, a duo of BFII sedan variations that might appeal to fans of high-performance European cars, or buyers not wishing to make too much of a ‘look at me!’ statement with what they drive.
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XE Fairmont Ghia ESP
Released: March 1982
Ended: October 1984
Family Tree: F6INTRODUCED during the XD model’s tenure in 1980, the European Sports Sedan was fully realised with the XE facelift in early 1982, thanks mainly to its new Watt’s Linkage rear suspension and improved refinement. A 4.1-litre six-cylinder, 4.9-litre or 5.8-litre V8 (until 1983) powerplants, mated to a three-speed automatic or four-speed manual gearbox, offered competitive – if not GT-style – performance, while firmer springs, fancy paintwork and the Fairmont Ghia headlight treatment helped make the ESP stand out. Like today’s FPV Force models, it was all about combining sports and luxury, in an affordable Aussie package.
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