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Several container loads of spoilers, stripes and day-glo paint have been spotted at the gates of Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV), which must mean a new range of go-faster Falcons, based on the latest FG-series.
The biggest change is to the 4.0-litre turbo F6, which has been re-engineered to make an incredible 310kW/565Nm. But the 5.4-litre "Boss" V8 gets a tweak, too: 315kW/551Nm. Sedans are the main focus, but the slightly mad ute versions - complete with old-school rigid rear axle - also continue.
Price realignments have made the F6 and GT V8 the same $69,990 price. The rest of the range is V8-only - the low-key luxury-oriented GT-E and the high-spec GT-P are both $78,990.
The company line "The F6 is a phenomenal car with performance equal to or better than many European sports cars, but at a fraction of the price," says FPV boss Rod Barrett.
"This is the ultimate driver's car with a fantastic combination of performance and dynamics making it an amazing car to drive.
"Importantly, while we've delivered a vehicle with impressive power and torque and figures, we haven't compromised on driveability and fuel efficiency."
What we say Agreed on the performance/dynamics issue - the F6 is a unique selling proposition for FPV (HSV doesn't have a hot-six) and a car that has to be experienced to be believed.
But talk of efficiency doesn't get around the fuel-economy issue in these days of rising fuel prices - consumption of 12.3/14.0 litres per 100km (F6/V8) looks acceptable given the performance, but there's no point having one of these things unless you want to put your foot down. And when you do, they then develop a real drinking problem.
On the road About 70 per cent of buyers are expected to opt for the V8 and that's something we simply don't understand. The F6 trounces the Boss V8 in every area except the number of cylinder and (perhaps) image.
The six has better mid-range performance, with peak torque at just 1950rpm (V8 4750rpm). It turns into corners better because there's less weight up front, and even sounds the business with a high-pitched woosh from the turbo as you slither down the road.
Stability control is now standard across the range, as it needs to be. The F6 and Boss V8 possess a delicacy you wouldn't think is possible in such large, heavy cars. But get carried away and you can't argue with the laws of physics.
So what's stopping you? A sense of social responsibility, perhaps - the power outputs and ease with which these cars will slide sideways are sobering to say the least.
Still, there's an argument for enjoying these cars while they're around - they are staggeringly good to drive and there's no guarantee we'll see their like in the generations to come.
