The inlet and outlet features of the Boss 290 surpass expectations for what is essentially a factory car. Fully manufactured in Oz, the inlet manifold has been developed as a truly multi-purpose component. Meticulous research into trumpet length matches the cylinder heads perfectly, helping create the amazingly wide rev range. A fly-by-wire throttle system links up to a 75mm throttle body, with the filter system again based on the SVT Mustang Cobra. The fuel system uses a Bosch 4.0 bar pressure regulator and multipoint spray injectors. A Delphi high-flow pump with a rate of 150 liters per hour is also used. The factory exhaust is made of stainless-steel and features a 4-into-1 style with 13/4-inch diameter. While it bellows a beefy growl, the local exhaust manufacturers have quickly set about making some aftermarket units that sound even better.
The final result is a V-8 configured unlike any other in Ford's global empire. In terms of performance, the Boss 290 really proves it is in a class of its own. In addition to the 388 hp, the torque figures are just as spellbinding, with 383 lb-ft of pure pulling power. These figures easily surpass an American V-8-powered Ford in straight-out-of-the-factory mechanical trim, bar the Cobra and GT supercar.
As president of the Western Australian FPV Club and the proud owner of the stunning FPV GT-P used for this photo-shoot, Andrew Green knows a thing or two about driving a Boss 290-powered car.
"It's a lot of fun; you can say that much," Andrew says. "It's really smooth. Your mother could go shopping in it, or you could race it around a circuit."
According to Andrew, it's the motor's capability to rev hard while still making big torque that makes it the leader of the V-8 pack. "The 290 is a very revvy motor, but it still pulls hard from down low," he says. "It really flies from nothing to 6,000 rpm, and if you were really serious about racing, it would rev harder than that."
While the Boss 290 is available in four FPV models (two utilities and two sedans), it's the GT-P that presents the most complete package.
In terms of rolling stock, the GT-P packs an impressive setup. The suspension package was developed in Australia with the help of Ford's professional touring-car race drivers. The product was definitely competition-inspired, with double wishbone front suspension and independent rear suspension. To make managing the power a little easier, Ford also developed a torque-sensitive LSD and a trick traction-control program.