FPV GT R-spec
| Company type | Performance car series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2007 |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Enhanced FPV GT, GT-P, F6 Typhoon models |
The FPV GT R-spec series represents a collection of enhanced FPV models, which incorporate an upgraded handling package applied to the base GT, the premium GT-P, and the turbocharged F6 Typhoon. Upon release, the GT and GT-P "R-spec" variants were recognized as the fastest Australian production vehicles.
Overview
Debuting with the Ford Falcon BF Mk2, the "R-spec" package introduced advanced Delphi suspension dampers that heightened steering precision and responsiveness while maintaining ride comfort. Automatic transmission models were equipped with an enlarged oil cooler to improve endurance during track use. Racing icon John Bowe showcased its capabilities by shaving three seconds off lap times at Winton Raceway compared to standard GT versions.
GT "40th Anniversary"
Launched in April 2007 to commemorate four decades of the Falcon GT lineage, the FPV GT-P "40th Anniversary" carried a price tag of $65,110 (excluding dealer and statutory fees). Limited to 200 units—175 allocated for Australia and 25 for New Zealand—this model was both the inaugural "R-spec" and the rarest in the lineup.
Each vehicle came with a distinctive build number plaque, certificate of authenticity, FPV-branded floor mats, Recaro GT-P front seats, and integrated iPod/MP3 connectivity. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission featuring over-rev upshift capability. An optional $7,000 upgrade package offered Brembo brakes (6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers), fitted on 14 manual and 9 automatic examples.
The exclusive Silhouette black finish was paired with contrasting stripes—except for one unit that sported promotional 'Brembo red' striping—and all cars rode on 19-inch alloy wheels with black detailing. Build numbers 1 and 40 were withheld from sale due to their symbolic importance.
F6 Typhoon "R-Spec"
In 2007, FPV introduced a limited run of 300 BF MKII F6 Typhoon "R-Spec" vehicles featuring firmer suspension tuning alongside 19x8-inch alloy wheels to optimize handling performance. Standard equipment included leather upholstery, "R-Spec" branded floor mats, an Interior Car Console MP3 interface, plus unique build plates and badges. Colour selections encompassed Winter White, Lightning Strike, and Bionic, accented by Thunderstorm Grey highlights on bumpers, fog light surrounds, spoiler supports, and wheels. Custom paint options were available; notably, at least nine units were finished in Ford's Conquer Blue metallic with Dark Argent accents. The BF F6 Typhoon remains FPV's sole turbocharged "R-Spec" variant without a V8 engine, enhancing its collectible status.
GT "Cobra"
In 2008, FPV released 400 Cobra "R-Spec" sedans alongside 100 Super Pursuit "Cobra" utes (which did not carry "GT" or "R-Spec" badging), showcasing a blue-on-white colour scheme inspired by the 1978 XC Falcon Cobra. Engine output rose from to , making it the only "R-Spec" model combining both handling upgrades and increased power. Initial dealer pricing surged up to $44,000 above MSRP, with early purchasers reselling at premiums. This iteration has since become highly prized among enthusiasts.
GT "R-Spec"
At the 2011 Sydney Motor Show, FPV revealed the GT "Black," featuring updated wheels and suspension; however, production models were limited to a black paint scheme with matte black striping. The true advancement came in 2012 with the release of the track-oriented GT "R-Spec" (codenamed "Panther"), powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine producing /, establishing it as Australia's quickest accelerating production car. Despite official figures, dynamometer testing suggested outputs closer to , with rear-wheel power around .
This GT "R-Spec" is widely regarded as the modern spiritual successor to the original early-1970s "GT-HO" models, though Ford/FPV chose not to employ the historic "HO" designation. It remains the fastest Australian-made Ford over a quarter-mile distance.
Performance enhancements included launch control systems, reinforced engine and transmission mounts, retuned suspension featuring upgraded control arm bushes, strut mounts, dampers, larger anti-roll bars, strengthened lower control arms, and wider rear wheels measuring 9 inches fitted with 275/30 R19 tires. The exhaust note was notably louder despite no mechanical modifications. While opinions on the package varied among enthusiasts, it delivered significant improvements in both handling and performance.
Production was limited to just 175 units finished in Silhouette black with red detailing and side stripes inspired by the 2012 Ford Mustang "302 Boss" Laguna Seca edition. Additional colour options comprised Kinetic blue, Vixen, and Winter white accented with black trim.
For its 150th anniversary in 2012, the NSW Police Force acquired a Winter White GT "R-Spec" (build number 150), upgraded to , marking it as the most powerful Australian highway patrol vehicle deployed for public engagement at motorsport events.
- Performance
- Quarter mile: completed in 12.5 seconds at
- Acceleration from 0–100 km/h achieved in 4.5 seconds
These metrics surpassed those of the HSV W427 from 2008—the previous holder of Australia's fastest production car title. Some owners have recorded even quicker times: quarter-mile runs as low as 12.1 seconds and sprints to 100 km/h in approximately 4.3 seconds.
FG GT-F "351"
In 2014, FPV introduced a limited run of 550 units of the GT-F "351" as the ultimate iteration of the GT series. The "351" designation referred to the engine's power output in kilowatts rather than the original Falcon GT's engine displacement. This model combined suspension and drivetrain enhancements derived from the FG "R-Spec," along with a 4% remap that elevated power to , featuring an "over-boost function" capable of temporarily raising output beyond , depending on driving conditions—adding approximately 10-15 kW (13-20 hp) more at the rear wheels. Its exterior styling closely resembled the "R-Spec" but was distinguished by a unique single stripe and black-painted trim, notably lacking the R-Spec badge. Despite the increased horsepower, performance tests by the media indicated no gains in acceleration from 0-100 km/h or in quarter-mile times compared to earlier R-Spec variants. Due to constrained development resources, the entire project was completed within a two-month timeframe. The final model (#500), featuring a distinctive color scheme and customized details, was sold through a charity auction on eBay for $234,000; additionally, 50 units were designated for the New Zealand market.