GS Ute

An all-new supercharged 5.0-litre Boss V8, developed by Ford’s FPV partner Prodrive for a total investment of $35 million, was the centre piece of the new FPV models and provided 335kW in the GT, while the entry level GS became a permanent member of the line-up with 315kW at 5750rpm and 545Nm of torque from 2000rpm to 5500rpm.

Like the 5.4-litre Boss it replaced, the new 5.0-litre engine was assembled at FPV’s Campbellfield headquarters from local and imported ingredients. FPV re-engineered several key parts of the engine to ensure optimum performance, economy and durability.

It used many components from the Ford Mustang's Coyote V8, including the all-alloy block that delivered a huge weight advantage of the old engine’s cast iron block, and its four-valve heads.

These included unique conrods, pistons and pins, a custom alloy winged oil pan, high flow metal matrix catalysts, special camshafts and a massive air intake system with a funnel that took up a fair chunk of the engine bay.

The supercharger used the latest generation Eaton TVS components (as used by Audi and Jaguar) fitted in a custom housing produced by Preston (Melbourne) performance engineering outfit Harrop.

It pumped 1.9 litres of air per revolution using a new four lobe system that was designed for greater thermal efficiency, preventing the air from warming up and spoiling the effect of the supercharging.

The entry-level GS was based on the XR8 (which at the time was out of production) with a premium centre display and FPV instrument cluster and special black seat trim. It ran 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and was available in 11 colours (10 for the Ute).