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By
EWAN KENNEDY
31 December 2007
Force 8 is aimed at Ford enthusiasts who want a
high-performance car, but who don’t want to call unwanted attention to
themselves. So the Force 8 falls into the ‘sleeper’ category of cars
that are a lot quicker than they look.
Not that it’s too subtle, the Force 8 has the bonnet bulge
needed to clear the twin-cam cylinder heads of the 5.4-litre Boss
V8 engine. At the rear, a small spoiler tailors the airflow as it
leaves the car to provide aerodynamics for safe, high-speed
stability.
FPV has come up with interiors that are part Australian and
part American in their makeup, with just a hint of European style
by way of variety. Leather trim can be specified in either
charcoal or red. There are dark woodgrain inserts and chromed
highlights that lift the interior nicely.
Instruments have the FPV design touches and FPV's Prestige
sound system, using six speakers and a six-disc CD changer to
provide plenty of quality entertainment. Taking pride of place on
the dash is FPV's engine starter button. Not something that we
particularly like we must admit, it seems redundant, but to each
his own.
The Force 8 uses a ZF-designed, six-speed automatic
transmission with settings specifically set up for the FPV range.
With useful manual over-rides it enables the keen driver to get
the best from the performance engines. We love the fast change
action provided by the tiptronic-type shifter.
The engine is a real delight to sit behind no matter what the
driving conditions. There's torque for the asking at almost all
revs, though it really gets into stride once you are over about
1800 rpm. It’s a willing powerplant and a touch of the throttle
is all that’s required to give immediate dynamic action for safe
overtaking or effortless hill climbing.
The sound quality from the big Ford V8 engine is great and
there's no doubt you have something special under that bulging
bonnet.
An average fuel consumption of 14 to 16 litres per hundred
kilometres when working it moderately around town isn’t too bad.
But it can go over 20 litres per hundred if you put it to extreme
use. Then again, if you potter along easily on motorways and level
country roads and you can get it below 10 litres.
Road grip is tremendous and the Force 8 turns in positively,
provides reasonably subtle feedback through the steering and is
easy to control by use of the throttle. This is a heavy car so it’s
not all that happy to change direction fast, but does move in a
positive and predictable manner.
Ride comfort is pretty good for a car in this class. Really
sharp bumps can create a shudder at times, but moderately poor
roads are pushed aside with ease.
The FPV Force 8 has a recommended retail price of $72,240 and
is on sale at specialised FPV dealers Australia wide.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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