FPV F6 Territory

[AWD Chaser]

source: http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2728098.aspx

FPV's hot on-again, off-again SUV has been given the green light


Australia's first-ever uber-SUV is just around the corner. Finally! Despite Ford's attempt to hose down expectations (more here), Blue Oval dealers are now talking openly about the long-awaited FPV-fettled Territory. Indeed, the Carsales Network has been told dealers are gearing up for a Sydney Motor Show unveiling and the hi-po all-paw's general release later this year.

FPV operator Prodrive is believed to have accelerated the 'Territory Plus' program in case sales of its F6 and V8 models slide prior to the Orion's arrival in March-April 2008.

Since Ford's top Territory Turbo Ghia currently retails at $65,490, the new FPV model is expected to be priced higher than $80,000 by the time on road costs are added. This is consistent with the premium that the FPV F6 Typhoon commands over Ford's XR6 Turbo with a similar lift in specification. Likely to exceed the LTD's current $75,525 list price, it is expected to be the most expensive locally-built passenger vehicle Ford has sold Down Under.

The rationale is that it will represent an almost $40,000 saving over the BMW X5 4.8i which it will closely shadow in performance.

The new X5 4.8i delivers 261kW and 475Nm from its V8 engine. FPV's F6 turbo 4.0-litre six-cylinder generates 270kW and 550Nm (currently!) so expect FPV to deliver an on-paper specification that presents a compelling case for the new top end Territory.

Released in July 2006, the Territory Turbo's conservative looks and specification have left plenty of room for an FPV version.

Liberating the F6's extra performance in the Territory's packaging is unlikely to present too many problems, despite the fact the AWD has an 'engine-top' intercooler location. However, the significant boost in performance may have forced mechanical changes further 'downstream'.

The main concern for Prodrive engineers is that an FPV Territory would more likely see heavy towing duties and extended low-speed slogging through soft surfaces (perhaps together), than FPV's sedan or ute range. For the standard Territory Turbo, a special version of the high torque ZF 6HP26 six-speed auto combines XR6 Turbo/F6 internals with the SY Territory's outer casing. This will have required further tweaking for the FPV version.

As a new DSC vehicle stability program had to be specifically calibrated for the Territory Turbo's larger 18-inch wheels and all-wheel drive, it is uncertain how far FPV has been able to deviate from this wheel and drivetrain specification.

Expect the FPV Territory to also feature major changes to the grille with a deeper and wider intake area, a heavily revised front fascia and a larger, more aggressive bonnet scoop. A new, more radical alloy wheel design will help lift the FPV Territory well clear of the standard models. And because there will be strong family links with FPV's F6 models, expect triangular inserts and grille mesh to make an appearance in the lower fascias front and rear -- as for the F6 Typhoon -- along with a roof spoiler and revised exhaust outlet.

Although specific Territory Turbo brakes with a performance caliper design and bigger rotors were added to the Ford version, expect the AWD to feature a variation of the Brembo systems as fitted to other FPV models.

The Territory Turbo's suspension was left standard apart from a small upgrade to the front springs to carry the turbocharged engine's slight weight increase. It is in this area that FPV will make the biggest advances with a firmer, more agile damper specification.

Given the target market and the already luxurious Territory Ghia Turbo interior, the overall feel of the exterior and cabin will be somewhere between the sporty Typhoon and sports-luxury Force 6.