FPV hangs tough

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Aussie GT’s fi nest hour
Limited-run race-spec
model billed as FPV’s
best-handling GT ever
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
FORD Performance Vehicles (FPV)
has released a track-focused GT limited
edition, introducing a launch control
function for the fi rst time along with a
host of suspension modifi cations, but
no performance or brake upgrades.
Dubbed RSPEC (for Racetrack
Specifi cation) and priced from $76,990,
production will be limited to 350 sedans
boasting a paint and stripe package
reminiscent of Ford’s iconic Mustang
of the late 1960s.
In stark contrast to the new entry-level
Holden Special Vehicles ClubSport
models announced just last week, the
RSPEC will sit at the upper end of
FPV’s V8 range of FG Falcon-derived
performance sedans, plugging the gap
between the $70,790 GT on which it is
based and the $82,090 GT-P/$82,490
GT-E luxury fl agship versions.
It is powered by the locally built
all-alloy ‘Miami’ Boss 335 5.0-litre
supercharged V8 petrol engine
introduced two years ago, which
continues to deliver 335kW of power
and 570Nm of torque to the rear wheels
via a six-speed manual or six-speed ZF
automatic gearbox.
The new launch control system –
enabled from ignition – helps optimise
torque delivery for “smooth, consistent
launch on typical road surfaces”,
according the chief engineer of FPV
parent Prodrive Australia, Bernie Quinn.
To that end, stiffer transmission mounts
have also been fi tted to reduce powertrain
and driveline movement under load, as
well as improve ride quality.
The rear suspension gains higher
spring rates, retuned dampers,
reinforced lower control arms and a
thicker anti-roll bar, while the front end
also receives the modifi ed dampers, as
well as stiffer upper control arm bushes
and upper strut mounts.
For improved cornering and traction
capabilities, the RSPEC also adopts
new nine-inch rear wheels shod with
the 275/35 R19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
GT tyres fi rst seen on the 125 GT Black
cars of last year, along with a revised
toe setting on the rear wheel alignment
Aug 15, 2012 Page 3
for better turn-in response.
“From the outset with the GT RSPEC,
we wanted more agile handling with
better traction, and so the suspension
had to be considered holistically, unlike
the aftermarket, where you might bolt
on a set of wider tyres and hope for the
best,” said Mr Quinn.
“The new car thus received a
signifi cant number of component
changes to develop this totally
integrated package.”
Visual inspiration came from the
1969 Boss Mustang, with the RSPEC
brandishing a variation of the American
Pony Car’s ‘C’ stripe featuring a ‘335’
label within it.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
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