FPV GT R-spec

The biggest upgrade comprised new suspension dampers supplied by Delphi, which provided better steering feel, turn-in and response without compromising general road comfort.

FPV also added a higher capacity separate oil cooler to automatic transmission models to cater for track use.

This upgraded handling package was tested by legendary Australian racing identity John Bowe, who was able to cut 3 seconds a lap over the normal GT models at Winton Raceway.

[2] The FPV GT-P "40th Anniversary" model commemorates 40 years of the Falcon "GT" nameplate in Australia, commencing with the original XR series of 1967.

Each car was fitted with a unique build number badge in the centre console and all vehicles sold came with a certificate of authenticity, FPV floor mats, Recaro GT-P front seats and integrated iPod/MP3 player input.

Additional upgrades also included leather seats as standard, "R-Spec" floor mats, Interior Car Console MP3 accessory port and F6 R Spec build plates and badging.

Colours that the "R-Spec" Typhoon was released in included Winter White, Lightning Strike, Vixen, Neo, Ego, Bionic and Silhouette.

On release, FPV dealers were charging vastly more (up to an additional $44,000) than the recommended retail price, with early buyers also selling their cars at a premium.

The suspension gained stiffer upper control arm bushes, stiffer upper strut mounts and retuned dampers at the front, with the rear gaining higher spring rates, retuned dampers, a larger anti-roll bar and reinforced lower control arms.

Many existing FPV owners were quick to down play what was actually quiet a good package which significantly improved drive and performance.

In total, 175 units were built painted Silhouette black with red accents and a "C" stripe down each side, echoing the 2012 Ford Mustang "302 Boss" Laguna Seca.

This time, however, "351" nameplate which was used as a tribute to the original Ford Falcon GTs referred to the engine output in kW rather than the forebear's historic cubic capacity.