Ford Performance Vehicles has recently unveiled its latest and claimed fastest Falcon GT named the limited edition R-Spec. It still sports a supercharge 5 litre V8 with similar power and torque figures as the previous model released in October 2010 -335 kW and 570 Nm.
However with an improvement in traction through the introduction of launch control, improved suspension components and wider rear wheels and tyres, 9-inch wide and run a 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sports Maxx tyre can take the car to a factory claimed 0-100 kph in 4.5 seconds, an improvement of 0.4 of a sec on the older model.
The premium high performance six-piston Brembo front brakes are an optional extra at a shade under $6000 with satellite navigation another expensive option not included as standard equipment, when it should have been. FPV alos claimed that 20-inch wheels and tyres are not available on the new GT because they wouldn’t have enough clearance in the wheel arches.
The rear suspension has higher spring rates, dampers, larger anti-roll bar, reinforced rear lower control arms and a revised toe setting on the rear wheel alignment, while the pointy end has stiffer upper control arm bushes, upper suspension strut mounts and re-rated shocks.
Just 350 GT sedans will be made, along with 75 Pursuit utes which finally receive the 335kW engine for the first time, but miss out on the R-Spec suspension goodies, decals and badges.
The GT R-Spec is available in four colours – 175 in black with red decals, mirror housings and rear bumpers, and another 175 GTs in white, red or blue with a black decal treatment.
The GT R-Spec will sell at $76,990. In comparison, the HSV GTS which goes just as hard and is slightly more fuel efficient sells for around a similar price, but gets the MRC (magnetic ride) suspension, 20 inch wheels, Sat-Navigator, Enhanced Driver Interface, competition mode ESC and six-spot calliper brakes as standard.