FPV customers rush dealers for Limited-Edition GT F Sedan

[russellw]

FPV dealers already holding deposits for celebration FPV GT F sedan

Several FPV dealers have already sold out of their allocations

Individually numbered new-edition GT F sedan will be limited to just 550 units

MELBOURNE, 02 May, 2014 – FPV dealers throughout Australia have been inundated with orders and expressions of interest for the celebration FPV GT F sedan.

With confirmation that the individually numbered new-edition sedan will be limited to just 550 units – with 50 heading to New Zealand – FPV dealers across the country and in New Zealand have already been taking deposit cheques and responding to daily inquiries for both manual and automatic models.
Several FPV dealers have already pre-sold out of their allocations with diehard FPV customers putting down deposits to secure a car.
One dealer who has sold out of their FPV GT F allocation of 12 vehicles has already turned away six prospective customers. The same dealer has sold three out of the four Pursuit ute allocations.
Other customers are playing a wait-and-see game to view the GT F sedan in the flesh before they make a decision to buy.
Of those customers who have already sought an allocation, many are favouring the manual GT F sedan over the automatic.
Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano, said FPV customers were particularly keen to snare specific numbers in the FPV GT F build.

Some of those numbers are 007, 011, 022, 040, 075, 077, 017, 101, 117, 192, 300 and 302 with existing FPV customers lining up to order specific numbers that correspond to the build numbers in their Ford car collections.

One collector with a stable of Falcon GTs and anniversary GTs – all build number 40 – has requested build 40 of the GT F sedan. Another customer owns a classic XY Falcon GT with the build number 75 and has requested the corresponding build number for the GT F sedan.
Another collector has bought a brand new GT of every model since the EB Falcon and has one as his daily driver. He currently has 10 GTs, with most having build number 22.
“We knew the FPV GT F sedan and the Pursuit ute were going to be important celebration vehicles for us but more importantly our loyal FPV customers,” Graziano said. “But the response has even amazed our dealers.
“The passion and enthusiasm being displayed by our customers for these vehicles is a reflection of the passion our design and engineering team have brought to the table in developing and building these cars.”
Currently FPV dealers have received customer build number requests for more than 200 vehicles even though the cars are not launched until June.
Alongside the 550 GT F sedans, just 120 high-performance FPV V8 Pursuit utes will also be released through the FPV network and interest has been keen on the celebration V8 utes too.

The complete GT F sedan specifications will be released closer to launch.
The GT F sedan has a Manufacturer’s List Pricing of $77,990* and the FPV V8 Pursuit Ute is $52,990.*
Ford has 68 FPV dealers nationally with 10 dealers in NZ.

[Blem]

McNews posted that earlier today Russ.
There is a lot of hype for this LAST GT.
Seems fair value with full Brembo package, suspension, rear rims etc.
There will be for the last Falcon also
FH model with s/c & upgraded ZF but no GT badge.
Pity Ford didn't do a FGF6-F.
That would have been an awesome piece of machinery that would eat most if not all competitors...sigh

[Motorbreath310]

Originally Posted by Blem

McNews posted that earlier today Russ.
There is a lot of hype for this LAST GT.
Seems fair value with full Brembo package, suspension, rear rims etc.
There will be for the last Falcon also
FH model with s/c & upgraded ZF but no GT badge.
Pity Ford didn't do a FGF6-F.
That would have been an awesome piece of machinery that would eat most if not all competitors...sigh

It'd be too awesome. Can't have a six stealing the thunder from the last GT. Even if it was/is the best car they've ever made

Ever.

[Rodge]

Having owned a BF2 Typhoon and FG F6 and a SC GT-P I completly agree with the other two blokes above. Its a real bloody shame there is no final hurrah for the F6.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Having owned a BF2 Typhoon and FG F6 and a SC GT-P I completly agree with the other two blokes above. Its a real bloody shame there is no final hurrah for the F6.

Its good that they put their final efforts into the GT and not spread the coin over 2 last models. Hopefully this translates to something special. As good as the F6 is, the peak interest has always been about GT and the biggest shame is not that we dont have a final F6 , its more about what the GT potential might have been without the dilution of having 2 models. We may have had boss 315 in BF2 and supercharged miami in FG1. So FG2 may have bought about the gadgetry ala GTS style and this last iteration of GT may very well have been something gobsmacking.
IMHO , F6 diluted the efforts and left FPV resting on its laurels for too long.
When they did eventually wake up, they had to spend big to catch up which left no time for a return on investment..... so out they go.
So, by necessity then , this last model MUST be GT as they are still looking for a return on that 40 mill , and hence why there will be an FHXR8 and probably no 6T.

This is now about GT so leave it be. It deserves a send off. It sacrificed itself in the early FPV years to lay a foundation for F6, so its befitting it gets a proper selfish send off as payback.

[fgpsi]

Are they still building F6? and until when ?

[The G6ET Spot]

Originally Posted by russellw

We knew the FPV GT F sedan and the Pursuit ute were going to be important celebration vehicles for us but more importantly our loyal FPV customers,” Graziano said.
“But the response has even amazed our dealers.
The passion and enthusiasm being displayed by our customers for these vehicles is a reflection of the passion our design and engineering team have brought to the table in developing and building these cars.

I find it hard to believe that they are amazed by the response to the last GT to EVER be produced here.

[Charliewool]

I didn't know that XY GT had a build number?

[mcnews]

Originally Posted by Charliewool

I didn't know that XY GT had a build number?

Most people with collectible cars from the body and engine numbers etc. can work out when in the run their cars were built. I knew with my E49 what number in the order the chassis was built and what number the engine was built. I know this was pretty easy with the R/T Chargers like I had, don't know how much harder it is to work out with the Fords but I am sure it can't be too hard.

[40RDT]

So are these the last ever GT's made here or just the last FPV GT's made here? Is it possible that ford could release a FH falcon GT?

[au2000]

Originally Posted by 40RDT

So are these the last ever GT's made here or just the last FPV GT's made here? Is it possible that ford could release a FH falcon GT?

This is it, ford themselves did a press release confirming the death of the GT & the re introduction of the XR8 for the FH,

No FH GT. . . . . .

[40RDT]

Originally Posted by au2000

This is it, ford themselves did a press release confirming the death of the GT & the re introduction of the XR8 for the FH,

No FH GT. . . . . .

So after all these GTF's are built there wont be any more regular FG GT's? Or will they still be building GT's until the FH is released?

[GT014]

Originally Posted by 40RDT

So after all these GTF's are built there wont be any more regular FG GT's? Or will they still be building GT's until the FH is released?

Thats it, these are the last ever of ANY GT's, once they are done they will be tooling up for the FH for Sep/Oct release

[neptune blue]

The most collectable GT ( of the modern era ) will be the last one that comes off the line

[rancidpunx]

I dont believe there has been and official Last GT announcement to say its the last GT and definitely no more, only that there will be no FPV after FG. If you read through the press release about the GTF its all about the sending FPV off, nothing to say this is the last GT. It mentions celebrating the GT and its history but also mentions Fords performance vehicles past and any in the future. I would be happy if someone can post sometihng official from Ford in regards to there not being any future GT Falcons.

GTF Press release,
"MELBOURNE, 08 Apr, 2014 – Ford Australia will release a limited-edition FPV GT Sedan later this year to celebrate the iconic performance brand."
"Developing this FPV sedan and ute has been a project of passion, a combined effort by many dedicated and passionate Ford engineering staff and suppliers to produce a model that celebrates the FPV brand for our customers and fans,” Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia."
"The entire team has worked tirelessly to develop a GT that will forever pay homage to the FPV brand and celebrate its iconic status among enthusiasts."

A few hints at the last GT could be taken but nothing concrete. I know F stands for Final but that could also taken as final FPV GT.

This was the announcement about FPV being closed
"Today, we are announcing that the Falcon XR8 sedan will return to our Falcon line-up in late 2014. We’re excited about the return of the XR8 as we have received a large number of requests to bring it back. However, as some of Ford and Falcon’s most dedicated supporters, we also wanted to inform you directly that this will also mark the retirement of the FPV brand.

Late 2014 will mark the end of a celebrated era, a wonderful history going back 12 years as FPV and of course many years before that in our performance relationship with Tickford. You have been a part of this journey, this history and we thank you for your loyalty and support in making the FPV models and engines celebrated successes.

We will continue to offer service, parts and technical support for FPV vehicles for many years to come.

We understand that this news may not be what some of you have wanted to hear. However, be assured that we have planned a series of actions during 2014 to ensure the final FPV models’ iconic status is appropriately celebrated. We look forward to sharing more details of those plans next year."

Again nothing to say the GT is no more, just FPV.

Maybe reading to much into it and its unlikely that Ford would do a final GT in 2016 you would think. I think there is still enough of a door left open should they decide to revive the badge down the track.

[GSPSI]

So everyone that ran to their nearest dealer to finalise a deposit on what they think is the last GT and a peice of history may not be!
That would be stupid if they brought out more. Defeats the purpose of calling it GT-"F" in the first place.
My opinion though.. It will be the last GT.

[stevefreestyle]

[

B]Final Ford Falcon GT sells out
[/B]
By Joshua Dowling
Carsguide
02 May 2014


The Falcon GT-F is sold out before it has even been unveiled.

FORD has sold all 500 examples of the last ever Falcon GT before the first one has even been built -- and dealers and enthusiast buyers are pleading for more.

All 500 Falcon GT-F (for "final" edition) sedans destined for Australia have been wholesaled to dealers and most cars already have customer names against them.

Even though Ford built an extra 50 GT-Fs for New Zealand -- and 120 special edition "Pursuit" utes -- dealers say Ford has not built enough GT sedans and have asked for the number to be doubled.

But Ford says there will be no more because it is restricted by how many supercharged V8s it can assemble by hand at a temporary assembly area alongside the six-cylinder engine line in Geelong.

"Ford has massively under-called this," said one dealer, who asked not to be named in case it would affect his allocation of cars. "This is a massive missed opportunity. I really don't think Ford understands the enthusiast market."

When Ford unveiled a special batch of "Cobra" edition Falcon GTs at the 2007 Bathurst 1000 -- to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Allan Moffat and Colin Bond 1-2 finish -- all 400 cars were wholesaled to dealers within 48 hours.

"Did they learn nothing from that experience," said another Ford dealer, who also asked to remain anonymous. "The Cobras sold out in a flash and they weren't the last ones ever. This Falcon GT is the last one ever, the least they could have done was given more people the opportunity to buy a car."

Dealers insist that all Falcon GT-Fs are being sold at the recommended retail price, of $77,990 plus on-road costs. "We're not allowed to charge over-the-odds for them, but they are all going out at full price," said one Ford dealer. "There is not a dollar coming off these cars because someone else will snap it up." Dealers are also concerned because, they say, Ford got the mix of manual versus automatic transmissions wrong.

The GT-F build is reportedly 62 per cent automatic and 38 per cent manual, but Ford dealers say this figure should have been reversed because enthusiast buyers favour manual transmissions.

For its part, Ford says that over the life of the modern Falcon GT, manual transmissions have accounted for only 26 per cent of sales. "All the manuals are gone," said one Ford dealer. "If you want one now, you've got to take an automatic and not be picky with colour."

However, contrary to dealer feedback, Ford Australia has told Carsguide that there is time to increase the mix of manual variants before production starts within the next two months.

There will be five colours available, including two that will be exclusive to the GT-F -- a bright blue and a gun-metal grey. And all cars will come with a unique sticker pack.

Ford is yet to release photos or details of the Falcon GT-F; it is due to be unveiled in June. The GT-F is expected to carry the 351 badge, a reference to its power output in kilowatts but also a nod to size of the V8 in the iconic 1970s Falcon GT-HO.

Ford says the GT-F will be based on the limited edition R-Spec version of the Falcon GT released 18 months ago, just before Ford Performance Vehicles closed its doors and Ford Australia took over the skeleton of the operation, namely the engine building team.

The GT-F is expected to be the fastest Falcon GT ever built. Thanks to its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 and wider rear tyres to help it blast off the line with a race-car style "launch" control, it should be able to do the 0 to 100km/h dash in 4.5 seconds.

Once the 351kW Falcon GT-F goes, the 335kW Ford XR8 will be introduced with the updated Falcon range from September 2014, until Australia's oldest automotive nameplate reaches the end of the line no later than October 2016.

As reported earlier, Carsguide has been told there were secret plans to make the power output for the last-ever Falcon GT significantly higher than the 351kW high note it will finish on.

Confidential sources claim the now defunct Ford Performance Vehicles had extracted 430kW of power from the supercharged V8 while it was in development, but those plans were vetoed by Ford because of concerns about reliability -- and the ability of the Falcon's chassis, gearbox, driveshaft and differential to handle so much grunt.

"We were at 430kW long before anyone knew HSV was going to have 430kW on the new GTS," said an insider. "But in the end, Ford put the brakes on it. We could get the power easy enough, but they reckoned it didn't make financial sense to make all the changes to the rest of the car to handle it."

As it stands today the Falcon GT briefly gets up to 375kW in an "overboost" mode which lasts up to 20 seconds, but Ford is not allowed to claim this figure because it doesn't comply with international testing guidelines.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and...?origin=hpspot

[rancidpunx]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

This is the LAST Falcon GT produced by FoA.

After this there will no more FoA produced GT.

FoA will NOT be making any more Falcons with a GT badge.

After the GT-F, there will be no more GT's produced by FoA.

The GT-F will be the last Falcon GT made in Australia

The NEXT GT available in Australia will be the 5.0 GT Mustang.

The FH will only have the XR8 and a GT will not be available.

A standard GT is still available to buy. They are 64k drive away.

If anyone has not placed a deposit for the FINAL GT, they can still get a standard FG GT .... or they can pay stupid amounts from unscrupulous dealers hanging on to the few.

Whilst I don't disagree, do you have something Official from FOA to back it up? We all assume that this is the last GT based on media speculation, history, bits of info from Ford themselves but as far as I am aware there is nothing anywhere from Ford that clearly states "The GTF is the last GT Falcon". Whats that phase that goes with assumptions again? The F stands for Final, thats clear but the same assumption logic could also mean its just the final FPV. Its going to be badged FPV according to the press release. Until Ford come out and say no more Falcon GT thats it, its done, or we get to a date in the future when production of the Falcon grinds to a halt, there is still the chance of a comeback. I think it would be unlikely but don't write it off just yet.

Originally Posted by stevefreestyle

[

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and...?origin=hpspot

That is an interesting article from the idiot. Should the GTF be a limited edition or something that should have been widely assessable to more than the first 500 punters? But then would they have sold 500 in the 3-4weeks its been since its announcement if it hadn't of been announced in limited numbers? Dealers are loving it because they are making full margins with some cream so of course they want more of the same, but I wonder if another 500 would shift as quickly? I also think the excitement surrounding the GT will have Ford sitting up taking notice. 500 cars shifted in 3 weeks is a big achievement and brings us back to the possibility of one last pull of the GT heartstrings in 2016 with FH to shift all remaining body shells, engines, gearboxes and everything else that might be left over at Broadmeadows depending on sales. Again unlikely, but certainly not an impossibility.

[Iggle Piggle]

Originally Posted by stevefreestyle

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/final_ford_falcon_gt_sells_out_83430_20140502?orig in=hpspot

Dealers insist that all Falcon GT-Fs are being sold at the recommended retail price, of $77,990 plus on-road costs. "We're not allowed to charge over-the-odds for them, but they are all going out at full price," said one Ford dealer. "There is not a dollar coming off these cars because someone else will snap it up."

If the above is true re all cars being sold at RRP + ORC, does that mean that if you have paid more then you are possibly the second owner - dealer buys GT-F from the dealership and then punter buys GT-F from the dealer who is acting as a private individual?

Or are they 'demonstrators'. "Head in to our Demonstrator Clearance Sale where the mark-up on our GT-F's has been slashed to only $20k more than RRP"

[Blem]

Originally Posted by Iggle Piggle

If the above is true re all cars being sold at RRP + ORC, does that mean that if you have paid more then you are possibly the second owner - dealer buys GT-F from the dealership and then punter buys GT-F from the dealer who is acting as a private individual?

Or are they 'demonstrators'. "Head in to our Demonstrator Clearance Sale where the mark-up on our GT-F's has been slashed to only $20k more than RRP"

[XD 351 Ute]

Originally Posted by GSPSI

So everyone that ran to their nearest dealer to finalise a deposit on what they think is the last GT and a peice of history may not be!
That would be stupid if they brought out more. Defeats the purpose of calling it GT-"F" in the first place.
My opinion though.. It will be the last GT.

It IS the last run of factory V8 Utes too...

Ed

[GTP534]

It has intrigued me as to why no Vixen Red was offered with the GT-F.

I'm just wondering if Ford will do something with the numbers it's not putting up for sale at this stage and make them Vixen?

[Auslandau]

This is the LAST Falcon GT produced by FoA.

After this there will no more FoA produced GT.

FoA will NOT be making any more Falcons with a GT badge.

After the GT-F, there will be no more GT's produced by FoA.

The GT-F will be the last Falcon GT made in Australia

The NEXT GT available in Australia will be the 5.0 GT Mustang.

The FH will only have the XR8 and a GT will not be available.

A standard GT is still available to buy. They are 64k drive away.

If anyone has not placed a deposit for the FINAL GT, they can still get a standard FG GT .... or they can pay stupid amounts from unscrupulous dealers hanging on to the few.

THE GT-F

[fgpsi]

So how about that FH GT ..... :p

[Blem]

Ford still left the most kick **** & all Australian engine package out of it's final production run.
I fully understand why.
NUFF SAID.
But still shame on any Barra in house ppl to not push for an EPIC model to leave the stage with...!
all about leaving with the tail firmly planted/INSERTED.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Just wondering. If Ford do punt another final GT in 2016 to sell off the remaining shells etc there would be a few angry enthusiasts out there. Could they take legal action if their 'last' GT becomes second last?

[rancidpunx]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Just wondering. If Ford do punt another final GT in 2016 to sell off the remaining shells etc there would be a few angry enthusiasts out there. Could they take legal action if their 'last' GT becomes second last?

This is the reason I think the GTF press release dodges the issue. If its not written down anywhere there can be no claim as I dont believe FOA have officially gone on record to confirm that its the last one. I could be wrong which is why I asked for a link to something official rather than just peoples opinions and speculation. All may be revealed with the next GTF announcement next week.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by rancidpunx

This is the reason I think the GTF press release dodges the issue. If its not written down anywhere there can be no claim as I dont believe FOA have officially gone on record to confirm that its the last one. I could be wrong which is why I asked for a link to something official rather than just peoples opinions and speculation. All may be revealed with the next GTF announcement next week.

People getting all hung-up on a badge or two.
Nothing to stop FOA building a final run of 500 or 1000 FH XR8's with the same SC engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension along with the fresh shape and some new tecnology included in the FH vehicle. Not a GT but potentially a technically better vehicle with XR8 badges.
Might even have the option of GT-P seats.
Might not have a GT as a badge but it will be a more technically up to date vehicle with the fresher shape if its built...and seeing as FOA know there's now huge money to be milked from emotionally charged enthusiasts, I'd bet my last dollar they'll line people up at the cow shed for another emotional / financial milking before the party's finally over.
Also nothing to stop them building a final run of special turbo engines (AKA F6 engines) to lubricate their financial results even better...

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Rodge

People getting all hung-up on a badge or two.
...

Of course 'GT' means alot to some ...... more so than others apparently but I wanted a GT for years, waited for the right GT and now have a GT. There are also clubs I can join because I have a GT, can drive with other GT's and talk GT's with other GT owners. I like my GT and 1 reason is because it is a GT, has a gadge to prove it and does everything for me that a GT should.

Nothing wrong with that?

...... and nope. Haven't got it in writing that there will not be an FH GT but have been convincingly told.

As said above ...... imagine the egg on face if another one came out? Would it be the FH GT FF?

If they want to move stock at the end, could imagine a 300 Cobra run? But would be amazed if they did. FH will come, will sell well quickly and most unfortunately, after a short marketing exercise will pitter away with marketing then being directed to Mustangs and the Falcon replacement, the second the original numbers are sold.

I too would like to see the name 'Falcon' on the bum of the GT-F, the XT dropped from the bum of the FH 'Falcon' and 'Falcon' also on the bum of the XR models.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Of course 'GT' means alot to some ...... more so than others apparently but I wanted a GT for years, waited for the right GT and now have a GT. There are also clubs I can join because I have a GT, can drive with other GT's and talk GT's with other GT owners. I like my GT and 1 reason is because it is a GT, has a gadge to prove it and does everything for me that a GT should.

Nothing wrong with that?

Fair enough mate. My beef with the Falcon is how far behind they are with technology compared to their competitors but they do go hard and some people get into the club scene as you suggest.

But leaving aside the badge matter, as whether they put a FPV or Ford badge on it makes no difference to some, myself included, there's nothing to stop Ford releasing a more technically complete FH vehicle, either in turbo six or SC V8 form or is there ?, what am I missing here...I suspect I'm missing nothing and the price point in N.Z. at circa late $90K's is simply too high for a technology package that's really very dated.

My hope is they'll release a more up to date FH Falcon with a modernised version of the F6 turbo engine and some more tech at a better price. I think there's a reasonable prospect of this happenning.

I speculate that people thinking they've missed the boat here, (or for those that this release doesn't sit favourably with their replacement cycle timing), needn't be that concerned...there's almost always something better down the track even if it does come with a different badge.