Ford unleashes the big guns...

This time two years ago, most people, especially Holden people, were laughing at Ford Australia. While Ford won't openly admit to its mistakes, it was in a sad state of affairs, regardless.

But that's not to say that the AU Falcon range was a complete write-off. Take the utility range for instance - it outsold the Holden utes almost every month. But things have been changing at Broadmeadows...

The new BA Falcon's designers, formerly Jaguar and Audi men, have helped create what is arguably one of the best best-looking Falcons ever.

But let's not forget the others, either. The new interior design, which we'll touch on in the news section later this week, is also a significant improvement over the older AU model.

The revised engine range, too, has had a severe kick in the cods, with the base model Falcon now getting the 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 182kW of power and 380Nm of torque.

But the big news concerning Ford's new BA Falcon range is the launch of FPV, or Ford Performance vehicles, which will see the re-introduction of the famed Falcon GT.

Ford Australia big-chief, Geoff Polites, had this to say: "The launch of Ford Performance Vehicles will see the retirement of Tickford branding on all Ford vehicles from September.

"Only vehicles that have been designed and engineered by Ford Performance Vehicles will carry the FPV badge.

"While Ford Performance Vehicles will continue to supply engineering input and V8 engines to XR models, these vehicles will carry solely Ford identification."

Mr Polites also announced that a key part of ensuring that the ultimate Ford performance icon would have a strong Ford identity, is the launch of a new operation, that being Ford Performance Vehicles.

"Today, we're announcing the next exciting stage in our evolution to become the undisputed leading high-performance vehicle manufacturer in Australia, with the launch of Ford Performance Vehicles – the new home of performance activities for Ford."

Mr Polites said the creation of Ford Performance Vehicles sent a clear message that Ford Australia was embracing its rich performance heritage.

Ford Performance Vehicles will link key areas of activity – high performance vehicles, high performance parts and premium quality merchandise.

The new Ford Performance Vehicles Managing Director, Mr David Flint, said Ford Performance Vehicles would produce cars that were "the total package".

"High performance is more than just top speed or the biggest power number. At FPV we are committed to producing a car with total driving dynamics, a car that performs just as well through corners as it does in a straight line.

"Ford Performance Vehicles is all about engineering integrity and design innovation. Tickford has never been just about bolting on bits out of a box. And nor will Ford Performance Vehicles.

"An FPV car will be re-engineered and built from the ground up by a group of dedicated technicians with an obsession for perfection."

Mr Flint said the specialised engineering and hand-assembled approach established by Tickford would continue under the new brand.

"In fact, Ford Performance Vehicles will operate the only V8 engine assembly line in Australia."

Is Ford Performance Vehicles HSV's new competitor, then? You better believe it.

Mr Flint said only cars meeting strict criteria would earn the right to be badged a Ford Performance Vehicle. "First and foremost, it must deliver a substantial power increase over its mainstream Ford equivalent."

Music to our ears, Flinty boy!

"However, that power must be balanced by developments to the chassis, driveline and brakes to produce a vehicle that is exhilarating, yet safe, to drive – a vehicle that doesn't scare its driver.

"It also has to deliver a look and feel that mirrors Ford's motorsport heritage. And with Ford and Prodrive's considerable racetrack heritage to call on, we're confident the product will deliver on all fronts."

Interestingly, Mr Polites went on to say say that this commitment to total performance and driving dynamics would also apply to a new high-performance ute range, and possibly even smaller cars, to boot.

"And we won't stop there. The Ford Performance Vehicles umbrella could ultimately consist of a range of high performance four, six and eight-cylinder models." Mr Polites said the number of Ford Performance Vehicles outlets would increase from the current 18 FTE showrooms. He said that authorised Ford Performance Vehicle dealers would cover metro and major regional centres around Australia.

"The Ford Performance Vehicles strategy allows us to conduct marketing and engineering activities around a superb range of high-performance Ford vehicles, in conjunction with our renewed presence in motorsport, and in tandem with the launch of the best Falcon we've ever seen.

"Customers and Ford fans will be left in no doubt that Ford Australia has returned to the core values of dynamics, passion and excitement that made it the first choice of enthusiast drivers."

So with new ammunition, Ford is taking the fight back to Holden - and what a fight it will be! The 2003 V8 Supercar season is also likely to hot up considerably as well, with HRT's dominance likely to slip with the arrival of new BA Falcon underpinnings, expected to give Ford drivers more of an edge in the handling department (as power output is governed by AVESCO).

Which brings us back to the GT, likely to be very similar in appearance to the car Craig Lowndes will be hooning around in next year.

Ford tells us that the new BA Falcon-based GT, GT-P (a more luxurious, cruisier model) and Pursuit Ute will be unveiled at this years Sydney Motor Show in October, and we'll be there to give you all the info.

As far as the new GT is concerned, not a lot is known about it, save from the fact it is expected to go, stop, turn and look better than any Falcon before it.

"We've always said that when the time was right and we had the right car, Ford would revive the iconic GT nameplate," continued Ford boss Geoff Polites.

"And with the imminent launch of the BA Falcon, that time is now.

"It's a red letter day for the company, and the realisation of a personal dream for me," Mr Polites said.

Ford Performance Vehicles managing director, David Flint, said the new GT was the car Ford fans across the country had been waiting for.

"The GT nameplate deserves the very best car as a starting point. Having been part of the planning for BA since its inception, I knew it provided the perfect launching point.

"However, Ford fans can rest assured that this car will deliver on all fronts, and will be more than worthy of carrying such a prestigious nameplate."

Indeed, the new GT's heritage dates back to the 1967 XR GT, which had a four-speed manual transmission hooked up to a 4.7-litre V8, worth some 168kW @ 4800rpm, and 414Nm @ 3200rpm, sitting on 14-inch wheels.

The new look GT, however, will likely sit on massive 20-inch wheels, with a bodykit designed not just for an aggressive look, but also serious aerodynamics and downforce. We reckon quad xenon globes in the headlight cluster will also replace the XR's halogen jobbies.

There's a good chance the new GT will make use of forced induction, possibly in the form of an intercooled supercharger. We shudder at the thought of the sound one of these will make...

Mr Flint said the Ford Performance Vehicles GT would become the most attainable sedan in the range, and represent the majority of Ford Performance Vehicles sales. Should Holden be scared? We'll wait until its unveiling before we make that call...

"GT represents a performance sports car that goes beyond the standard Australian-built sports car," said Flint.

"Its aggressive looks and powerful engine will be balanced by developments to the chassis, improvements to the driveline, and bigger brakes. The combination of all these elements will give the driver a true sense of what high-performance cars are all about - power, handling, braking, looks, masculinity, and status."

The initial Ford Performance Vehicles line-up will consist of three cars – the GT, the GT-P (Performance Spec) sedan and the Pursuit Ute.

The Ford Performance Vehicles GT-P (Performance Spec) will blend performance, safety, and luxury equipment with an aggressive visual appearance, while the FPV Pursuit Ute will represent the pinnacle of performance utes in the Ford range.

It will be the ultimate "work and play" vehicle, offering exceptional performance and driving dynamics that build upon the success of the previous Pursuit Ute vehicles - plus it will be the only 2-door high performance FPV model on offer. Here's hoping for a FPV coupe, though.

"It will share its driving dynamics and front end looks with the GT sedan, while continuing to offer the versatility only a ute can provide," said Mr Flint.

But what will the new BA Falcon GT family lob with - a V12? Probably not, but we could take a stab in the dark and say that Ford's new Canada-sourced 5.4-litre Windsor V8 would be stroked to 5.6-litres and push out, perhaps, 320kW of power and maybe 530Nm of torque.

But while we're on the topic of Ford's brand-spanking V8, in which the BA Falcon is the first Ford in the world to make use of, let's look at the base engine, which will be available as a cost option across the sedan and ute range.

With three valves per cylinder (two intake valves, one larger exhaust valve), a roller finger follower valvetrain, DOHC and VCT, or continuously variable camshaft timing over 60 degrees (relative to the crankshaft) the basic, un-fettled 5.4-litre V8 has a power output of 220kW and 472Nm of torque - that's five less kWs than GM's Gen III V8, but 12 more Newton metres.

Peak torque arrives between 3250rpm and 4000rpm, which Ford reckons is perfect for Aussie buyers who appreciate huge reserves of low-down torque, ideal for towing but also offering a great sound.

Also, the use of two intake valves enhances fuel-air mixing prior to combustion. This helps to squeeze all the energy out of each combustion event, improving power delivery and fuel efficiency. Multiple valves also enhance the engine's ability to “breathe” – that is, to move large volumes of air in and out of the cylinders – which is a key to generating maximum power from any given amount of fuel.

So, will the new GT make use of the next generation Windsor block? We think so, yes, but we'll have all the details after the Sydney International Motor Show - set to be the biggest and bestest yet.

Together the launch of Ford Performance vehicles, comprising Tickford, Prodrive and of course Ford, the new GT is looking seriously hot - and we don't even know what it will look like, save for the sketches and silhouettes. How's that for highly anticipated?

The Ford Performance Vehicles Falcon GT will be launched at the Sydney Motor Show on October 17, 2002. The new car will be available for sale through the chain of Ford Performance Vehicles dealers early in 2003, while Ford says specifications and prices would be released closer to the launch of the vehicle.