Ford to close FPV?

[THABOSS]

Just been on Facebook and the respected Mr Rob Herrod has heard rumours that FoMoCo will make an announcement today regarding the closure of Ford Performance Vehicles?

Can anyone confirm this at this stage?

Mods, if this has already been posted please delete.

[WOTDAH]

Yep, FPV will close and XR8 will be back.

[suttoo]

Definitely something happening today.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by WOTDAH

Yep, FPV will close and XR8 will be back.

Is that official? One would assume it will happen when FH gets here?

[Road_Warrior]

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't this break earlier this year..?

[THABOSS]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't this break earlier this year..?

I think youre right, I vaguely remember something but I think today it becomes "official"

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't this break earlier this year..?

The only thing released earlier this year was the undertaker was deciding which nail to use and when to bang it in, this seems to be announcing he has made up his mind.......

[WOTDAH]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Is that official? One would assume it will happen when FH gets here?

Yep, well soon anyway....

[nstg8a]

Maybe this is an indicator of no fh.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by nstg8a

Maybe this is an indicator of no fh.

I think it is another part of Ford's closure plan being put into effect. Concern was expressed late 2012-early 2013 when Ford took over FPV and Prodrive exited, that it would make it easier for Ford to shut the whole place with FPV now under the one roof. Of course, this was some time before Ford's "closure announcement" so they stayed tight lipped and played up the positives of the move, but in hindsight you could see it was part of Ford's plan, getting all the ducks in a row to allow for an orderly closure.

[PridenJoy]

Those Supercharged GT's will jump a few k's in value as soon as an announcement is made.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by nstg8a

Maybe this is an indicator of no fh.

No its still coming.

[Anchor]

You guys will have to wait for media release in 40 minutes. Or find a dealer who will leak some info.... Lol.

[krypto71]

They can always close Ford Performance Vehicles, and sign out by putting the GT badge back on a Ford Falcon, back where it started.

There was no FPV back in 1967 after all.

[BionicXR6]

"As a loyal Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) fan, we want to inform you directly that late 2014 will mark the end of a celebrated era as we retire the FPV brand.

The retirement of the FPV brand will make way for the return of the Falcon XR8 sedan to the Falcon line-up. We are excited about the return of the XR8 as we have received a large number of requests to bring it back.

We have 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 stand behind you and your FPV, offering service, parts and technical support for many years to come.

We understand that this news may not be what 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.

We thank you for your support of FPV."

http://www.facebook.com/FordPerforma...60874690613878

[stevanford]

[Guzz226]

Reading the last paragraph sounds like some limited edition versions to come perhaps?

[Anchor]

Bring on the GTHO speculation hahahahaha. Just what we need....

[Sinead Phipps]

Sorry - I couldn't find this thread just before so I started another one. Moderators, please delete the other one - thanks.

Here is our announcement, directly from us. Let me know if you have any questions.

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.

[evse82]

I don't think they'll do anything power wise because it would require more money to strengthen the input shaft which they don't have.... I suspect if anything it'll be am R Spec 2 lol

[zoomie]

Originally Posted by Guzz226

Reading the last paragraph sounds like some limited edition versions to come perhaps?

Yeah some more fancy sticker packs on the way, to use up the leftover vinyl....

[XWGT]

The only consolation is the comment that they will celebrate the end of the GT line appropriately.

Having been disappointed by FPV and Ford before I hope they don't let the supporters down. One last big banger would certainly be required to keep the GT name where it should be, on top of the muscle car hill. Good luck with it.

[Guzz226]

Sinead - so what's planned for 2014? Any chance of an exclusive? :-)

[stevanford]

Originally Posted by Guzz226

Sinead - so what's planned for 2014? Any chance of an exclusive? :-)

If anyone at FPV is reading this.

WE WANT A GTHO. GIVE US A DAMN GTHO.

[Elks]

Devastated.

Damn fine cars. I don't see how a Mondeo with a sunroof can replace them. But sadly not enough got sold. It's as simple as that. I look with interest at what the runout pack might be. But I might just wrap the GTE in cotton wool instead.

[Elks]

Mods. Can you please fix the spelling in the header. It's driving me nuts.

[Wretched]

Not unexpected considering all the activities leading up to today's announcement.
To be honest FPV has always been a let down for me especially in light of what Tickford did back in the day.
I think I was more concerned with closing (change of name) of Tickford than I am of FPV.

[PepeLePew]

Heheh dual threads, I'll repost this in here. Just sounds like a close off on both to me..

Reference to "in making the FPV models and engines celebrated successes", I know the curious may read into that the underbonnet of the XR8 may be something fresh?

And yes as per other thread specific mention of XR8 sedan may not bode well for ute....

[Rodge]

Sad but inevitable news. I'll be interested to see what they offer up in terms of a final hurrah but won't hold my breath for anything major. My guess, (as they simply have no real development budget for this), is we will get what effectivly amounts to an R Spec 2, this time with proper sports seats (AKA GT-P seats), and 6/4 Brembo brakes...an oh yeah, some new special stickers...

That said this clearly spells out a series of actions as opposed to one action, make of that what you will but its implies doing more than one thing...special R Spec F6 with a hotter tune as well, anyone ?

be assured that we have planned a series of actions during 2014 to ensure the final FPV models’ iconic status is appropriately celebrated

[roberts]

good long live tickford and long live nismo, hsv your still my enermy