Ford Falcon gets Prodrive developed supercharged V8

Ford Falcon gets Prodrive developed supercharged V8
Click to enlarge

Prodrive has developed a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine for the Australian Ford Falcon, a full sized RWD rival to the Holden Commodore. There will be two states of tune for this ‘Miami’ engine – 422 hp in the Falcon GS and a 449 hp version in the Falcon GT, GT-E and GT-P.

“The old 5.4-litre ‘Boss’ unit used by Ford Performance Vehicles was a tough act to follow but it had reached the limit of its emissions development and mechanical strength,” explains Bryan Mears, MD of Prodrive’s Asia Pacific division. “It took three years and AUD 36 million but the result is a new benchmark for a high-performance V8.”

Following the downsizing trend, the Miami replaces a 5.4L NA V8, saving 47 kg yet providing more power. The supercharger also delivers more torque at lower rpms. The 449 hp/570 Nm (from 2,200-5,500 rpm) unit does 0-100 km/h in under five seconds. 47 kilos is quite a lot saved, and it allows a more neutral front/rear weight bias, according to Ford.

Ford Falcon gets Prodrive developed supercharged V8
Click to enlarge

The Miami started life as a ‘Coyote’ V8 block and DOHC cylinder heads from America’s 402 hp Mustang. By optimising the supercharger installation, especially the drive ratio and intake runners, it was possible to reach targets without an intercooler. “This leaves untapped potential for future upgrades using higher boost levels with an intercooler,” Prodrive says.

New parts include uprated exhaust valves, pistons, connecting rods, the complete intake and exhaust system, a high-capacity sump and oil cooling jets to control piston temperature. Parts that were carried over from the Mustang’s 5.0 have been optimised for this application and to gel with the new bits. Unlike a ‘bolt on’ supercharger conversion, long term reliability is ensured here.

All engines are hand-built at FPV in Australia and they’re expecting to churn out 1,500 of these brawny Miamis per year.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • jackspeed on Jan 10, 2011 at 9:34 am

    at first i though it was Proton Jebat! looks alike

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • vertigo on Jan 10, 2011 at 9:58 am

    why don’t tuners like Prodrive or HKS tune Proton cars – that would be awesome

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • comrade on Jan 10, 2011 at 10:32 am

      proton boleh ke masuk enjin 5000cc??

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • littlefire on Jan 10, 2011 at 10:42 am

        If there is a will & lots of $$$ why not? Even Merc B-class can fit in V8 AMG engine..

        http://uk.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/mercedes-shows-off-v8-powered-b-class/

        I think Paul posted in here not long ago only..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • in case of V8 B-class, steering angle is limited due to engine size and its mounting. turning radius increases a lot. doable : yes. drivable : like a truck?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • vertigo on Jan 10, 2011 at 5:16 pm

        tuners doesn’t mean they have to swap the engine – enough with their own “blend” to make the proton car special in its own way. at least with international tuners doing their magic on proton, i might see Proton carmaker in Gran Turismo 6 later, who knows?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • fierce looking.. awesome.

    the blue is also like the Ford Mustang 302 Laguna Seca!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Schnider on Jan 10, 2011 at 10:52 am

    P1 put in 5.0? impossible….in term of stability and also the durability of the body structure.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • civic on Jan 10, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Hi Paul,

    9PM today, Detroit Auto Show will unveiled the new CIVIC. Can’t wait maa…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Prodrive should produce its own car..Prodrive P2 was awesome, sadly its not for production..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • DICKYBIRD on Jan 10, 2011 at 11:52 am

    i want my aussie PR! LOL

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required