The fastest stock Ford Falcons are widely considered to be a tie between the FPV GT RSPEC, the FPV GT-F limited editions, and the final Ford Falcon XR Sprint models (XR6 Sprint and XR8 Sprint). These vehicles represent the pinnacle of factory-produced performance for the Ford Falcon platform.
Pinpointing the Fastest Falcons
While various Falcon models offered impressive performance throughout their history, the GT RSPEC, GT-F, and the XR Sprints are frequently credited with being the quickest ever produced in Australia. They share a similar blistering acceleration pace, with unofficial figures suggesting a 0-100 km/h sprint time of around 4.5 seconds. This places them firmly at the top tier of Falcon performance.
These models achieved their remarkable speed through a combination of high-output engines, advanced engineering, and specific performance enhancements.
Key Models and Their Performance Highlights
To better understand what made these Falcons so quick, here's a breakdown of their characteristics:
| Model | Engine Type | Nominal Power (kW) | Overboost/Peak Power (kW) | 0-100 km/h (approx.) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FPV GT RSPEC (FG) | Supercharged 5.0L V8 | 335 | N/A | ~4.5 seconds | Designed for track performance with enhanced handling, stiffer suspension, and wider rear wheels for improved traction. |
| FPV GT-F 351 (FG) | Supercharged 5.0L V8 | 351 | 400+ | ~4.5 seconds | The ultimate and final FPV model, often producing more power than its nominal rating, equipped with significant performance upgrades. |
| Ford Falcon XR6 Sprint (FG X) | Turbocharged 4.0L I6 | 325 | 370 | ~4.5 seconds | The most powerful inline-six Falcon ever, featuring a refined turbocharged engine and a sophisticated overboost function. |
| Ford Falcon XR8 Sprint (FG X) | Supercharged 5.0L V8 | 345 | 400 | ~4.5 seconds | The last high-performance V8 Falcon sedan, leveraging the supercharged V8 with an overboost mode for immense power. |
What Made Them So Fast?
- Engine Power: All these models featured engines at the peak of Ford Australia's development. The V8s were supercharged, providing instant and massive torque, while the XR6 Sprint showcased the incredible potential of the Barra inline-six engine with its advanced turbocharging.
- Performance Tuning: Beyond just raw power, these vehicles received specific tuning for their engine management systems, transmission, and suspension to optimize acceleration and handling. This included revised gear ratios, launch control systems, and upgraded braking components.
- Limited Production: Being special or limited-edition models, these Falcons often benefited from more focused engineering efforts and specific component upgrades not found on standard models, cementing their status as collector's items and performance legends.
These Falcons represent the zenith of Australian automotive engineering, delivering performance figures that rivaled high-end sports cars of their era.
