Duel: HSV GTS and FPV GT-P face off Down Under
FPV vs. HSV is basically Australian for "Ford vs. Chevy," but on steroids. The two performance divisions have elevated the production of the muscle sedan to an art form, with audacious looks and big power ruling the day. It's as if the original American muscle car era never ended, but got a passport and moved Down Under. Granted, we in the States don't have much to complain about lately, with Aussie muscle now available in a Pontiac wrapper, as well as the 21st century editions of Camaro, Challenger and Mustang waiting to wreak havoc at stoplights.
Still, the sweetest fruit is that which is forbidden, so you might be interested in the Motoring Channel's super acronym showdown: FPV GT-P vs. HSV GTS. The FPV is based on the new Ford FG Falcon, which arrived earlier this year, while the HSV's Holden Zeta platform underpinnings are now a couple years old. Both have V8s, both look evil, and tires break into cold sweats at the mere thought of being mounted on either machine's rear axle. With these two rides, the differences are such that picking a winner is akin to choosing between porterhouse and prime rib. It's not as if you're going to be disappointed either way, but deep down, you do have a preference. Click here to read which menu item the Motoring Channel likes best. Thanks for the tip, Torrent!
Gallery: HSV GTS
Gallery: 2008 FPV GT-P
[Source: Web Wombat/Motoring Channel]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Flashpoint 8:00PM (9/05/2008)
I think if Ford had styling/quality like that in the picture, Ford's small cars would be HOT.
Then again, it didn't go over well for some of Ford's cars when they tried to imitate European styling (cougar, Taurus,etc).
The MKS is a step in a good dierection but without that Twin Turbo V6, alot of people won't be interested.
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Andrew van der Stock 12:55AM (9/06/2008)
The Falcon is not a small or compact car. On the outside, it's a fair bit bigger than a Taurus or Impala, although not quite as long as a full size US sedan.
However, both the Falcon and Commodore have more interior space and a bigger boot than almost all US intermediate or full size domestic sedans. The Falcon's trunk can hold 535 litres, compared with say the Impala's 526 litres or the Taurus' 481 litres.
Lee 8:33PM (9/05/2008)
FPF F6 FTW
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Acfsambo 3:27AM (9/06/2008)
Its FPV F6 not FPF
hondara 6:12AM (9/07/2008)
Lee i think is pointing out that the F6V F6 Typhoon is better, faster and cheaper than both of these 2 V8's. I agree. (For those who don't know what the F6 is, its the twin turbo inline-6 version of the FPV Range and is agruably the second fastest aussie production car behind the WS427.) Search it up in google.
Matt 12:36AM (9/08/2008)
hondara- The F6 isn't a twin turbo, It's a single Turbo which has extra boost and upgraded components to cope with extra performance. These 2 cars were compared on the fact that both are range topping models, GT-P is the top of the line FPV and the GTS is the top of the line HSV. Doesn't mean they are the fastest.
BlackEmblem 9:16PM (9/05/2008)
HS something GT-S versus F..uh...
TOO MANY RANDOM ALPHABETS
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Torrent 12:04AM (9/06/2008)
HSV- Holden Special Vehicles
FPV- Ford Performance Vehicles
Russell 9:26PM (9/05/2008)
Girls go for the looks, guys choose the engine.
Holden HSV FTW
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Christian 1:56PM (9/08/2008)
Then the girls and guys should be choosing the FPV since the GM LS3 in the Holden is a mass produced piece of junk. The Boss 315 is handbuilt and tested by FPV as are all Ford high performance engines.
Christian 2:58PM (9/08/2008)
Well then, both guys and girls should pick the FPV since the GM LS3 is mass produced junk. The FPV motor is handbuilt and tested, not to mention has performance parts-sourced, all-forged internals, as with all Ford high performance engines.
HankFidel 10:20PM (9/05/2008)
I hope we do get the RWD Falcon up here. And the HSV is better looking than the G8, I'm really hoping the make the coupe concept reality.
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Torrent 10:20PM (9/05/2008)
They're both radical cars, and I would be fine having either one of them.... But if it was my money, the HSV would be my pick.
"Thanks for the tip, Torrent!"
No problem.
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HankFIdel 3:59PM (9/06/2008)
Thank Torrent
Jrejre 10:46PM (9/05/2008)
nice looking cars but I'm not a fan of the alice cooper makeup on the ford.
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Pokey 12:07AM (9/06/2008)
Ha, I was thinking the EXACT same thing!
crappy 11:17PM (9/05/2008)
Damn those Aussies are SO lucky! Beautiful hot cars and beautiful hot swimmers... Stephanie Rice anyone?
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Smeagle 1:34AM (9/08/2008)
We get Stephanie, you get Condoleezza.
We get FPV F6, you get NA Focus.
Yeah, its time for you to move.
hidden_hunter 2:40AM (9/06/2008)
I suspect the ford may of come out ahead if they'd taken the FPV F6 (boosted inline 6) which by all side by side reviews is said to be a better car than the GT-P.
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RLQ 3:42AM (9/06/2008)
I wish the USA would get the FPV GT-P.
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