Is the GT-HO closer than we think after a potential test mule was spotted in Melbourne yesterday? While it looked like an ordinary XR8, according to our spy, there was an unmistakable supercharged whine emitting from the bonnet and unique quad exhaust pipes at rear.

But what makes this really interesting was not the noise or pipes (after all, various aftermarket tuning companies have supercharger kits for the Falcon V8) but that the car carried official Ford Motor Company markings on its number plate; suggesting it was almost certainly an official Blue Oval car.

This is perhaps the best confirmation yet that Ford or Ford Performance Vehicles has begun working on the GT-HO.

A supercharged version of the new Ford 'Coyote' V8 engine is widely tipped to be the engine of choice for the reborn GT-HO. The Coyote is being developed in various capacities but Ford is most likely to opt for the 5.0-litre or the 5.8-litre variants.

Prodrive (FPV co-owners with Ford) has plenty of knowledge with superchargers and developed the TRD Aurion locally, so it would seem to be the technology of choice for FPV's new HO. Bolting a supercharger onto the 5.8-litre Coyote V8 should push power beyond 350kW and torque above 600Nm.

FPV boss Rod Barrett has made no secret of his desire to bring the legendary name back to life. But he has always maintained it would only happen if the timing, market and economic conditions were right.

Officially an FPV spokesman denied knowledge of any GT-HO test mule, telling the Carsales Network: "There is still noting to say."

However, with the 40th anniversary of the GT-HO Phase III in 2011 on the horizon the stars may be aligning for FPV. And if the company did want to have a GT-HO ready in time for 2011 -- most likely at the spiritual home of the GT-HO, Bathurst -- then development work would be well and truly underway... perhaps in an XR8.

Stay tuned.

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