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Limited-edition ‘Panther’ GT just the beginning of a new model rollout from a streamlined Ford Performance Vehicles
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Ford Performance Vehicles is about to launch the first in a series of new models designed to reinvigorate the Blue Oval’s recently “right-sized” performance brand.

First up next month will be a limited-edition GT-based model codenamed ‘Panther’ and inspired by Ford’s limited-edition black-and-red 2012 Mustang Boss 302 sold in the US (pictured).

Billed as “the most advanced GT to date”, Panther will be officially unveiled at a media event in Melbourne on August 13, before first examples are offered to the press from August 27.

Although it will be powered by the same 335kW/575Nm supercharged 5.0-litre V8 seen in the standard GT, next month’s limited-edition is said to deliver improved acceleration courtesy of wider 275-section rear tyres on wider 9.0-inch wheels, which should improve traction over the regular GT on its standard 19x8.0-inch alloys with 245/35 R19 tyres.

Also like the first ever FPV concept revealed at last year’s Melbourne Motor Show – but not the production-ready GT Black limited-edition released a month later in August - the Panther is also expected to feature firmer ‘R-spec’ track-tuned suspension and a performance brake package, making it the most focussed GT ever offered to the public.

FPV’s Mustang-inspired GT will look as fast as it accelerates (to 100km/h in less than five seconds, if recent reports prove correct), with an all-black paint scheme featuring red decals and highlights like the Mustang Boss 302 and a more aggressive front bumper design worn by last year’s limited-edition GT Black.

FPV included a strategically lit teaser image of the new limited-edition in its media launch invite, in which a red grille surround and wing mirror caps can be clearly seen.

The more aggressive front bumper design doesn’t feature the larger brake cooling ducts seen on the Black concept, however, and it remains to be seen whether the limited-edition features the Mustang Boss 302’s black-painted Brembo brake callipers and bold red side decals, red wheels and red roof.

While just 125 examples of the GT Black were built – priced $3000 higher than the standard GT at $74,290 plus on-road costs – it’s believed about 185 versions of the GT ‘Panther’ will be made available.

The good news doesn’t stop there for FPV fans, however. Motoring understands the Panther will be a precursor for another, hotter limited-edition, this time dubbed ‘Tempest’ and motivated by a more powerful 375kW intercooled version of FPV’s locally developed ‘Miami’-spec supercharged 5.0-litre Boss V8.

Like Panther, Tempest is expected to ride on firmer R-spec suspension and 275-section rear tyres, which will also help make it the quickest production FPV ever.

Spotted testing at Melbourne’s Calder Park Raceway in recent weeks, Tempest is expected to be revealed at the Sydney Motor Show in October and should be available in three exterior paint colours, while a limited run of 85 FPV Super Pursuit utes is also expected to emerge soon.

FPV, which sacked general manager Rod Barrett and several employees as part of a company restructure in June, launched its FGII Falcon-based line-up earlier this year and the 310kW/565Nm 4.0-litre turbocharged F6 sedan/ute and F6E sedan models continue to be available alongside the GS sedan/ute and GT, GT-P and GT-E sedans.

However, rumours of an upgraded permanent FPV range, the return of the long-lamented Falcon XR8 nameplate and even a factory right-hand drive version of the latest Mustang refuse to go away.

Ford and FPV, which to May this year sold just 379 vehicles compared to 891 for its most direct rival in Holden Special Vehicles, are desperate to increase sales of their homegrown models in the face of downward-spiralling large-car sales, and a reinvigorated V8 model line-up from both brands would play a small but symbolic role in reviving Ford’s sales fortunes.

The last Ford-badged V8 model was built in June 2010 when new emissions regulations forced Ford Australia to pull the rug on its 5.4-litre V8-powered XR8, and the future of Ford Australia’s Broadmeadows-built rear-drive Falcon is guaranteed only until 2016.

But motoring.com.au understands there are plans afoot to reintroduce the XR8 after a three-year hiatus next year, powered by the same ‘Laguna Seca’-spec version of the naturally aspirated ‘Coyote’ 5.0-litre V8 that powers the Mustang Boss 302.

That engine develops 328kW in standard form, which would be more than a match for the 270kW 6.0-litre GM V8 that powers Holden’s Commodore SS, but has thus far been incompatible with the Falcon, for which Ford Australia has not developed an upgraded ECU capable of handling the Coyote crate engine’s variable exhaust valve timing system.

For its part, FPV is keen to recoup the $40 million it invested in the blown Miami V8 made available in the GT from October 2010, so we expect the current GT’s 335kW/575Nm V8 to continue in an upgraded version of the FPV GS, which ironically replaced the XR8 in 2010.

The current supercharged GS engine produces 315kW/545Nm and continues to open the existing FPV sedan range at $57,990. If they eventuate, Ford’s atmo XR8 and FPV’s upgraded GS would both ride on the same 245-section rear rubber currently employed by the GS.

The upgraded GT, GT-P and GT-E models, meantime, are likely to employ an intercooled and supercharged V8 to deliver at least 355kW to the road via 275-section rear tyres.

Of course, a more powerful version of FPV’s blown Miami V8 again raises hopes of a born-again GTHO range-topper, which had been expected to emerge at last year’s Bathurst 1000 – exactly 40 years after Allan Moffat’s famous 1971 Bathurst win in the Falcon GTHO.

Mr Barrett - who was replaced as FPV general manager by Bryan Mears, the Asia Pacific chief of British-based Prodrive, which owns a controlling 51 per cent stake in FPV – never hid his enthusiasm for a reborn GTHO, but motoring.com.au sources remain quiet on that front.

“The good news is that FPV is set for stronger sales this year than last, and we have some very exciting new product to talk about later in the year,” said Mr Mears in June.

Before he left FPV, Mr Barrett confirmed to motoring.com.au that at least one new FPV model – powered by “a version” of its localised ‘Miami’ blown V8 – was in the offing.

“FPV is currently working on new product due for release sometime within the next 12 months,” he said. “A version of the supercharged Miami engine sits at its heart and whilst we are excited by the opportunities we cannot say any more at this moment.”


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words - Marton Pettendy Published : Monday, 16 July 20