The machined, metallic start button on the centre dash sets the mood for the new Ford Performance Vehicles range.
Turn on the ignition and a red glow appears in the starter button inviting the driver to fire up the potent Boss 290 engine.
FPV interiors reflect the proud racing heritage of the GT nameplate.
The detail work in the interior evokes the feel of a race car, with satin alloy highlights and technical surface finishes.
FPV buyers have a choice of race check patterned cloth or an optional leather design, which incorporates a fine perforated alloy inlay embossed into the leather to create a similar effect.
Stitching on the seats, console lid and manual gear lever boot is colour coded to the exterior colour. The model level is embroidered in the backrest of the front and rear seats in the same thread colour.
Dash and door highlights continue the race check pattern on an alloy-coloured background. The same race check theme also appears in the instruments.
The striking FPV satin alloy finish on the command centre extends through the centre console to the rear passenger compartment and continues on the gear lever knob, door handles, dash controls, sill scuff panels and the special FPV build plate on the centre console.
This prominent FPV alloy-look centre panel also separates the driver from the rest of the vehicle to create a control centre or cockpit feel.
The FPV performance steering wheel (standard on GT-P, optional on GT and Pursuit) has spokes with a matching alloy finish and a coin-like embossed FPV badge set in the left side lower spoke as a mark of its performance design.
Plush FPV floor mats are attached with similar alloy discs embossed with the FPV logo, complementing the alloy finish of the scuff plates with their FPV identification and model name. The mats are standard on GT-P and optional on GT and Pursuit.
The racing theme is carried through to drilled alloy pedals, although the holes are filled with rubber to meet road car legal requirements. This rubber extends around the pedals to facilitate heel and toe gear changes. Power pedal adjustment is standard on the automatic GT-P and optional on the automatic GT.
Wherever possible, distinguishing FPV interior features are branded with an FPV logo to avoid forgery.
“The emphasis throughout the FPV interiors is a subtle but purposeful blend of appointments and performance hardware with exquisite detailing,” Ford Design Director, Simon Butterworth said.
GT and Pursuit
The emphasis in the GT and Pursuit is simplicity of function. Everything a driver needs is close at hand.
FPV Sports seats feature suede-feel bolsters with chequered flag pattern cloth inserts or stunning leather with perforated alloy look highlights. The optional leather trim also has suede feel locating pads in strategic locations to provide lateral support to the driver when cornering.
GT rear seat passengers enjoy similar levels of comfort.
“The GT lives up to the promise of its Grand Tourer name for all occupants,” Mr Butterworth said.
Instruments are back lit with the performance blue lighting that distinguishes a sports model in the BA range but in the GT and Pursuit it illuminates striking FPV lettering. The instrument cluster features a 270 km/h speedometer and 8000 rpm tacho in keeping with the awesome performance.
Other standard appointments include air-conditioning, a 100 watt audio system with single in-dash CD slot, cruise control, split fold down rear seat, four way electric driver’s seat adjustment and adjustable lumbar support in both front seats.
GT-P
The premium GT-P version shares the same interior theme as the GT, with subtle differences in the fine details that establish it as the flagship model in the FPV range.
The GT-P Performance front seats have the aggressive contours of a racing seat with pronounced side bolsters and wings. These are highlighted by twin lines of colour coded stitching. While the contours look aggressive and add extra lateral support, they feature soft extremities for ease of entry and exit in everyday use.
The seats retain the separate head restraints of other designs yet they are integrated into the seat back for a one-piece high back competition look.
The luxurious GT-P cloth inserts have a check pattern embossed into the weave compared to the flatter weave in the GT. The optional leather inserts feature the same perforated alloy pattern running through the leather for a striking technical look.
The GT-P command centre shares the same satin alloy look surround as the GT but is based on the prestige level with dual climate control, large LCD screen, trip computer and the prestige audio system with 6 disc in dash CD.
The operation of each of these items is represented in simple, large graphics in the centre screen for ease of operation while on the move. Instrument panel lighting continues the blue theme of Ford’s performance models, complete with the FPV logo.
The GT-P’s premium appointments are immediately distinguished by the special FPV performance steering wheel with its alloy finish spokes and FPV medallion, comprehensive command centre and its race-bred performance seating.
Options
Although all FPV models offer a level of appointments to match their premium performance, each model can be tailored to meet a customer’s personal tastes.
Leather trim is available on all models and the GT-P’s performance steering wheel can be ordered on the GT and Pursuit.
For music lovers, a premium sound system with colour TFT display, 6 disc in-dash CD, 150 Watt amplifier, 150 Watt Sub-woofer is available on GT and GT-P models. Pursuit models can be fitted with a 6-disc prestige audio system.
Sunroof and DVD Satellite Navigation System are also available on the GT and GT-P while a REX DVD Entertainment system can be ordered on GT and GT-P models without the sunroof option.
I havn't sven heard of starter buttons before now. What happens you have you turn your key to acessories and then press the button which will sqitch the ignition on or how does it work mechanically?
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O.F.R #12
1999 AU XR8
14.594 @ 94.40mph
152.2RWKW (APS dyno)
Switchable Shift Kit, K&N panel filter, Lukey straight thru mufflers, momo gear and steer,
DBA slotted rotors/Bendix ultimate pads (front), Pioneer MP3 head unit and BA XR carpet mats.
The oldies (I am one , born in the first half of the last century) know what a start button is - most cars prior to about 1955 had the start button , even the FX/FJ Holdens had them . The start button dissapeared about the same time as the tail light switch that was mounted next to the tail lamps (this stopped the baddies from turning the tail lights off if they were being pursued by the cops (no brake lights or indicators in those days , just hand signals)
Something NEW !! NO , it's been in use for about 110 years .
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