Ford debuts another Australian hot rod

Ford's Australian-based Performance Vehicles operation has unveiled its fastest car to date—the Falcon-based FPV GT R-spec.

To be assembled at Ford Performance Vehicle's headquarters on the outskirts of Melbourne, the rear-wheel drive GT R-spec packs the same engine as the earlier GT335, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing 449 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

But, a range of chassis modifications, including a retuned suspension, wider 19-inch rear wheels and tires and new launch control system are claimed to provide the greater off-the-line speed than any previous model from Ford's Australian outpost.

Ford Performance Vehicles, a joint venture owned and run by Ford Australia, has not revealed any official performance claims for the GT R-spec—owing to fears they may breach Australia's strict advertising standards code. Officials hint the machine is capable of running the benchmark 0-62 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds,

about two-tenths of a second faster than the GT335. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

Just 350 examples of the right-hand drive only GT R-spec are planned—all in four-door guise. Australian deliveries are set to start in September.

By Greg Kable