Ford Australia Falcon FPV GT GT-P 5.4 V8
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) was established in 2002 as a joint venture between Ford Australia and Prodrive (later Tickford), tasked with creating high-performance versions of the Ford Falcon to compete directly with Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). The FPV GT-P represented the pinnacle of this program — a supercharged V8 sedan that combined brutal straight-line performance with chassis sophistication.
The heart of the FPV GT-P was the Miami-built 5.4-liter (330 cubic inch) DOHC V8, based on the Ford Modular engine family but fitted with an Eaton M122 roots-type supercharger for the later models. In GT-P specification, this produced 421 horsepower and 570 Nm of torque — figures that placed it squarely in the same territory as European sport sedans costing three times as much. The Tremec T56 6-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a ZF 6-speed automatic available.
The chassis received comprehensive upgrades over the standard Falcon. Brembo brakes with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers provided exceptional stopping power. The suspension was retuned with stiffer springs, unique shock absorber valving, and a quicker steering ratio. 19-inch alloy wheels shod with performance tires completed the dynamic package. The independent rear suspension, derived from the Ford DEW98 platform shared with the Lincoln LS, gave the Falcon a handling finesse that belied its full-size dimensions.
The GT-P (Grand Tourer Premium) added luxury features over the standard GT, including premium leather interior, enhanced audio system, satellite navigation, and unique exterior styling elements. The combination of muscular performance and luxury appointments made it the Australian executive express par excellence.
FPV produced GT variants across the BA, BF, and FG platform generations, with each evolution bringing improvements in power, refinement, and technology. The supercharged 5.4-liter V8 was unique to FPV — no other Ford worldwide used this engine in this specification. When Ford ceased Australian manufacturing in 2016, the FPV GT-P became an instant collectible, representing the final chapter of an uniquely Australian high-performance tradition.
The FPV GT-P's legacy extends to motorsport, where the Ford Falcon, in V8 Supercars specification, competed fiercely against the Holden Commodore for over two decades. The road cars served as the spiritual connection between the factory sedans and the race cars that thrilled millions of Australian fans.
Check the supercharger for whine, bearing noise, or boost leaks. The 5.4L DOHC V8 has cam phaser issues — listen for rattling on cold start. Verify service history — supercharged engines require diligent maintenance. Check Brembo brakes for warped rotors. The Tremec T56 is robust but check for gear whine. IRS bushings wear and affect handling. Check the diff for noise under load. Later FG models are more refined. The FPV GT-F 351 (final model) is the most collectible.
Produced at FPV's facility in Campbellfield, Victoria, using Ford Falcon shells from Broadmeadows. The 5.4L DOHC V8 was imported from Ford's Romeo engine plant in Michigan. Eaton supercharger added locally by FPV. Available across BA (2002-2005), BF (2005-2008), and FG (2008-2014) platforms. The final FG FPV GT-F 351 produced 421kW and was the most powerful Australian production car ever made.