Ford to close FPV?

[jamies]

How good are the Brembo's but replacing the pads and rotors pulls a lot of people up.

[XBv8mmm!]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I'd say the seats would be a no, Brembos slight chance?

Brembo's, please.
It's the one option I would jump at when I buy the new XR8 next year.

[TC200six]

Saw some beat-up article by Paul Gover in The Telegraph today. He condemns Ford over the FPV closure announcement. I haven't found it online, but you don't need to see it anyway. I'd like to see how he would've better handled the closure of FPV if he was in charge.

[GASWAGON]

What I am wondering is how long will it be before HSV pull out of the game too.....
If you think about it their end is only just down the line also...

I worked at HSV in Clayton for two weeks.....Bloody **** place to work on $21 casual rate..... Not HSV's fault more the labour hire company.

They kept running out of cars to fix on the production line and then whinged that i was standing around too much....****in idiots!

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by TC200six

Saw some beat-up article by Paul Gover in The Telegraph today. He condemns Ford over the FPV closure announcement. I haven't found it online, but you don't need to see it anyway. I'd like to see how he would've better handled the closure of FPV if he was in charge.

Even as a Ford fan, I agreed with what he said!!!

[TC200six]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Even as a Ford fan, I agreed with what he said!!!

Fair enough. Us Ford fans are used to being frustrated by the company.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Even as a Ford fan, I agreed with what he said!!!

I agreed with it too. Probably the first thing he's said that wasn't stupid.

Ford PR have taken a leaf out of the pollies handbook, and tried to paint a picture that bad news was somehow good with ridiculous spin Julia Gillard would have been proud of. The really must thing their supporters are stupid.

[stevefreestyle]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Listen to the butt-hurt GT owners realising that 'their' motor will be in a lowly XR8

Reminds me of the VT GTS owners when the VT II SS came along

Short memory XR6 M ? Ford Au have done this before. Try 290 Kw XR8 with introduction of the FG, displacing the 290Kw BF GT.

[Bossxr8]

Or 220 kw XR8 displacing the T series 220, or ED Sprint with basically a GT motor. It's been going on forever.

[stevefreestyle]

Originally Posted by Iggle Piggle

Have they announced what the high-performance Mustang will deliver, as I reckon a bit would hinge on that?

You'd think they would want to avoid a situation where the outgoing sentimental favourite out-guns the new hero, so can't see them going all out on a last tribute to Falcon. Not unless Mustang will be quicker again.

I'd be surprised if they allowed a supercharged Falcon to be sold alongside Mustang if the Falcon packed a bigger punch.
Totally different in terms of looks and 2-door versus 4-door, but if all you wanted was a fast Ford...they wouldn't want the orphan potentially taking sales/traction from the new platform on its launch.


Or you may get both a crazy Falcon and an insane Stang??

The current Mustang GT500 has 662 Hp (493Kw), and the 420hp (313kw) N/A GT is rumored to go between 450and 475Hp in the impending S550 iteration next year with DI.

[responsef6]

the last gt will be another rspec with another name, different stickers but absolutely nothing else new, we will be charged 10-15k than what you can get a current gt drive away, I don't care about any of this, I'm getting one.

I will have one of the last Australian built gt falcons , and I will have it for the next 60 years until I pass, I have a Porsche 911, great car, but falcon is my life, my heart, its who I am. I don't give a toss the same motor will be in an xr8, I hope as many of us can grab ever different piece of falcon history left and treasure it, keep this brand and pride alive for generations to come. Please guys, let's make the best of bad situation, cut trash talking ford, FPV, falcon etc. we are so lucky to have lived in this generation of Aussie cars. Boy have we been spoilt, xr8 xr6t, typhoon, , gt, f6, g6et, force6/8, gte, utes, sedans, all backed up by watching our own cars on the track every fortnight in the amazing v8 supercars. Gratitude and respect is what we need at this time... And go out and buy something with a ford badge and treasure it. Long live ford and FPV on the roads and in the hearts of Aussies

[40RDT]

FPV closing down really sux the more I think about. If they bring out a decent ltd edition F6 I may just sell my car and buy one. Even if they dont have a ltd edition F6 I might just buy a normal F6 anyways, having a car with probably the last and best Aussie made / designed performance engine would be pretty sweet imo

[strik9]

going to be alot of quick xr8,s getting around with just a tune. wont make the ss look too good.

[scotty_dee]

Not sure I agree with what Paul Gover said at all, I just saw it as a last chance to take yet another swipe at Ford Australia. Yes, Ford probably didn't handle it as well as it could have, but that guy is the most bias reporter going round, any chance to publicly knock Ford he takes! Would love to see his comments about Holden in the future, pretty sure he will be pulling out the "oh poor Holden" on that story.

[Nikked]

I dont see why people are so angered over the whole thing...did anbody really think that Ford were going to spend millions to create new body kits etc for the FPV range? Imagine the fire and brimstone if a FU GT was jothing more then a FG body and an updated wheel choice.

Ford could have easily dropped the V8 all together, but no, they are continuing it...it think people seem to forget that Ford are in the process of winding up production, so of course changes will happen.


Ford just can't win, even with their own supporters...no wonder they are packing up and going....

[stevefreestyle]

Originally Posted by strik9

going to be alot of quick xr8,s getting around with just a tune. wont make the ss look too good.

The XR8 won't need a tune to make the SS Commondoor look stupid - so long as they put some decent brakes on it (not the crap outdated GS brakes).

[GASWAGON]

The other thing that worries me is they're saying they're going to find jobs for the FPV employess in Ford dealerships or something like that....

Seriously how are they going to do this....the dealerships are already full?

[jamies]

Dealerships are privately owned franchise's..

[csv8]

In the FPV article Paul Gover last paragraph ,he says " he will be surprised if a new model Falcon appears in 2014, if sales keep sliding" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GASWAGON]

Originally Posted by csv8

In the FPV article Paul Gover last paragraph ,he says " he will be surprised if a new model Falcon appears in 2014, if sales keep sliding" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geesus really......Thats bloody bad news then.

[csv8]

This is the news article.apologies for sideways post...print and read.
Last paragraph reads 'Provided , of course, sales of Broadmeadows locals don't slide any further in the first half of 2014". "Right now, we wouldn't bet on that updated Falcon making it to the showrooms."

[GASWAGON]

Originally Posted by csv8

This is the news article.apologies for sideways post...print and read.
Last paragraph reads 'Provided , of course, sales of Broadmeadows locals don't slide any further in the first half of 2014". "Right now, we wouldn't bet on that updated Falcon making it to the showrooms."

Well at least Ford are hopefully goin to pay full redundency packages to the employees and not try to move the goal posts and change the EBA....

And how the bloody hell is an XR8 going to top an FPV GT anyways?

[Guzz226]

Originally Posted by Rob 18

Mate I couldn't give a ****! The more people who get to experience this great engine the better imo. Go the XR8 & what better idea than to have a Dick Johnson special edition XR8!!
Wouldn't part with my GTP for it but I would consider buying one for the mrs.
I will probably get shouted down for this but I totally understand Fords logic! Why bother spending/ wasting millions on developing a new GT Falcon when the Mustang is just around the corner! Especially when the money is not there in the first place & secondly they will only sell a handful anyway in reality.
I love my GTP FPV & in my opinion is everything & more than I want or probably need in a performance car & I see no reason to ever part with it but......I am in a declining minority!
I think most of us knew the FG was the last of the GT's so I am not sure what all the fuss is about. The FH will be the new XC & speaking of sticker packs, there is a certain white XC with pretty blue stripes that most of us on here would like to own.
I think with all that is happening with Ford Australia & todays economy, we probably should be thankful that Ford is going to provide us with a V8 powered sedan at all with the FH.
My 2 cents worth.

Totally agree.

Everyone complains about the beancounters - but maybe they aren't idiots. If the ROI was there they would be after it - the fact is the profit isn't there for them to make it worthwhile.

If they hadn't have taken Fed cash that they have to deliver on, they would have shut up already - clearly cheaper to soldier on than refund to the Feds.

We are in the minority - it sucks but it is reaility.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I'd say the seats would be a no, Brembos slight chance?

Thanks, No GT-P seats in a FH XR8 would be a deal breaker for me, don't care about the brembo option as its much cheaper to fit them after purcahse through another supplier anyway..

Originally Posted by Express

For some it is a very deep wound.
It is indeed. Some of us have had several FPV's and were really hanging out for the possibility that Ford might run with the ball for a FH FPV upgrade.
.

All they really had to do was roll across existing R Spec kit onto the FH Falcon, wouldn;t have cost a fortune, but lets be honest here, the Govt made substaintial contributions too Ford to facilitate the FH makeover so they are obligated to have done that but nobody is handing them money to facilitate an FPV update so they've taken the cheap option.

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Your call of course. Exit the brand if you want. But dude, if you love driving that GT-P of yours, don't worry about what's happening or about to happen and keep enjoying what you have. They are great cars and we as in our generation have had the privilege of driving large rear wheel drive big engine high powered sedans. Just remember that cause the kids of tommorow will be driving stuff that is built with the envoriment in mind and we all know that can't be as fun now don't we?

Originally Posted by NX74205

This.

If you love driving your car, why sell it and worry about what to buy next? Just keep it for as long as you're enjoying it. I see no point in selling your FG GT-P then complain that an FH GT is not available. Keep the FG. If no manufacturer offers you something you want more than your current car, keep your current car.

Probably I should do the right thing and explain some of my comments in this thread and reiterate what I said in the SC section by way of explanation.
It was a very tough and emotional week for me. The day before my birthday on Wednesday we had the FPV announcement. This has been my favourite brand for six years and Ford Falcon's for the preceeding nine years before that and i've been a very passionate supporter and bought three FPV's and several Falcon's and was hoping FPV would go out with a real final bang with some genuine technology updates in the FH. The next day was my birthday and unfortunatly this coincided with the first anniversary of my fathers funeral last year. Too much drink was also a contributor. I wasn't really understanding where my emotions and anger came from until sitting down and thinking about it once I was sober the next day. The memory of my dad's funeral and being reminded of that and losing my favourite car brand almost at the same time became a bit too much for me on Wednesday night after too much to drink and I probably vented too much on here. My way of thinking is that my Dad has been taken away from me and now my favourite car brand.

A few days later and after re-gaining my composure I'm still sad about it but resigned to the inevitable. My dad had a good run for 88 years and as an extended family we got together today and had a nice lunch at the RSA and visited his grave. He did his best to be a good father, nobody is perfect and I guess Ford has done somewhere near the best they can do with the rapidly falling sales in the large car sector.

Life goes on, I have all my memories with my family and I still have a superb car.

[GTP534]

Good on you Rodge.

Glad to hear you've had a couple of better days since Wednesday.

[PepeLePew]

Originally Posted by csv8

In the FPV article Paul Gover last paragraph ,he says " he will be surprised if a new model Falcon appears in 2014, if sales keep sliding" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gover while the article isn't bad is in this case a overly speculative scare story mongering peckerhead. Whatever happens with sales they won't be zero and FOA won't have come this far without having the rosy glow of the new model. How long it is produced is open to speculation. IMHO.

[JG34JA]

Originally Posted by jimt3te50

Damn right it would. Think T3 T Series, the first Australian Ford to take it to arch nemesis HSV at the time. Worthy of the GT moniker, absolutely, did it need it, no.

The ED XR8 Sprint also wiped the floor with HSV back in the day.

[Crazy Dazz]

I don’t understand why so many think it is oh so clever to say “oh Ford can’t win with its own supporters,” “damned if they do, damned if they don’t,” etc. Does this give you some feeling of moral superiority?

I think what people object to, is being jerked around. Ford has made an announcement, filled with drivel, for the express purpose of manipulating its loyal fans. They obviously KNOW what they are going to do with the GT next year, so why not tell us?
I don’t EXPECT Ford to invest big bickies revamping the GT. I might have liked a FH, but if the FG is the last of GT’s, then so be it. So why not just let fans get in and order now, at 2013 prices, and Ford can build to order. If people want the premium brakes they can order it, if they want an GT-P, they can order it.

And since they have “announced” the return of the XR8, why not tell us what will be in it?
Naturally somebody who forks out $90k for a 2014 FG GT, will be justifiably ****ed if the FH XR8 comes out with the same level of kit, in the updated body, at a fraction of the cost.
Or if the XR8 will simply be a poverty pack XT with loud seats, or it will be a GT replacement AT GT PRICES, maybe I won’t wait.

Ford are deliberately keeping people in the dark to encourage a feeding frenzy on the 2013 & 2014 FPV’s.

Ok, so Falcon wasn’t making money and has to end, along with Australian production. Is it so bad to ask that Ford actually spare a thought for their legions of loyal fans? And maybe say “thanks for buying our Falcons for the last 50+ years.” Instead of just seeing this as one last chance to gouge our wallets?

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Probably I should do the right thing and explain some of my comments in this thread and reiterate what I said in the SC section by way of explanation.
It was a very tough and emotional week for me. The day before my birthday on Wednesday we had the FPV announcement. This has been my favourite brand for six years and Ford Falcon's for the preceeding nine years before that and i've been a very passionate supporter and bought three FPV's and several Falcon's and was hoping FPV would go out with a real final bang with some genuine technology updates in the FH. The next day was my birthday and unfortunatly this coincided with the first anniversary of my fathers funeral last year. Too much drink was also a contributor. I wasn't really understanding where my emotions and anger came from until sitting down and thinking about it once I was sober the next day. The memory of my dad's funeral and being reminded of that and losing my favourite car brand almost at the same time became a bit too much for me on Wednesday night after too much to drink and I probably vented too much on here. My way of thinking is that my Dad has been taken away from me and now my favourite car brand.

A few days later and after re-gaining my composure I'm still sad about it but resigned to the inevitable. My dad had a good run for 88 years and as an extended family we got together today and had a nice lunch at the RSA and visited his grave. He did his best to be a good father, nobody is perfect and I guess Ford has done somewhere near the best they can do with the rapidly falling sales in the large car sector.

Life goes on, I have all my memories with my family and I still have a superb car.

No disrespect intended but you are drawing a ridiculously long bow comparing the death of a family member to a car company. Good lord I'd hate to see how you handle having to replace a television.

[Rodge]

Just because you start a sentence with No disrespect intended doesn't exempt the content of the post from having that effect. Until you've been there mate you probably wouldn't have a clue...