With its thick throaty bi-modal growl, muscle down low and power humped bonnet which is definitely not just for show, the FPV GS is not just a head turner, but a supercharged hot contender in the V8 field.
Your Bush Tele Editior who is traditionally a fan of the Lion, journeyed to the 'dark side' and had the opportunity to sample one of the impressive FPV (Ford Performance Vehicle) range, the FPV GS.
Powered by a Boss 5.0 litre, supercharged DOCH 32 valve all aluminium V8 engine with a maximum power of 315kW and 54.5Nm, the FPV GS is indeed a powerful MACHINE.
The GS comes standard with the FPV high series brakes featuring 322mm front rotors and 303mm rear rotor and a six speed manual transmission. And its performance 5-spoke, 19" alloy wheels look like they are racing when they are just standing still!
The GS which I road tested had an automatic transmission. I am used to, and prefer, a six speed manual, so in driving this GS I felt a bit like a passenger most of the time while the vehicle changed gears for me.
I prefer the control that a manual transmission gives me, however I did delight in the alarmingly powerful yet smooth acceleration of the GS. The FPV GS's power is all down low, so it takes off from the traffic lights like a rocket (all at legal speeds, of course).
I cruised the GS down the F3, stop-started in city traffic and sailed around the streets of the Hornsby Shire. On the F3 in my usual daily drive, I don't spare the horses, but the GS didn't let me down as she took the mountains with V8 ease. So I would describe the GS as a Supreme Tourer. If I had to drive to Perth, I would do so in a heartbeat in a FPV GS!
Yet as a city commute, the GS is a dream. I drove her down to North Ryde in peak hour traffic with all its stops and starts. The GS is such a comfortable ride. I must admit though that I didn't miss the six speed manual in peak hour as the GS auto box did all the driving for me.
Being a V8 owner from way back, the fuel consumption doesn't faze me. You don't buy a V8 for economy driving. Nevertheless, the fuel efficiency for the GS is tipped at a respectable 13.6/100km.
The FPV GS which I test drove looks fast when it's standing still. With its sleek black duco and gold racing stripes the FPV GS turned heads where ever I drove. The interior design works for me, with all the dash dials in easy sight. The red Start Button took a little getting used to and I am still not quite sure of its advantage over a standard ignition key start. The GS has all the comfort of a big car but still conformed to my 5'2" height with ease.
With its sharp price (from around $55 grand) for all that power down under and good looks as well, the FPV GS is a muscle car that doesn't just appeal to the blokes but to the girls like me who demand performance plus.
While I am still loyal to the Lion, the FPV with its exceptional power under the bonnet has seduced me to maybe taking a journey on the dark side when pondering the purchase of my next V8.
Thanks to Titan Ford Brookvale for supply of the FPV GS for The Bush Tele Weekly test drive.
written by Kathie Comb - Editor of the Bush Telegraph
If you'd like to test drive this FPV GS, Call Titan Now on 9191 8000
