Sydney show: FPV unleashes its super-SUV

CONSOLED by the fact that its archrival’s show star was also leaked ahead of its world public debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney today, Ford Performance Vehicles still attracted plenty of fanfare for its ballistic new Territory-based, production-ready F6 X hyper-SUV.

Due for release early next year, the F6 X hopes to attract new customers to the go-fast Blue Oval brand by winding up the wick considerably on Ford’s blistering Territory Turbo, which itself offers German V8 SUV performance for half the price.

Though it was conceived and developed under FPV’s previous short-lived management team, the F6 X was presented in Sydney this morning by new chief Rod Barrett, who proudly presented what will be one of the world’s wildest SUVs, as well as FPV’s first non-Falcon-based model.

“FPV has always had the goal to extend the brand beyond Falcon-based product and I’m very pleased to be able to showcase the first new offering today,” said the FPV general manager. “The new F6 X is designed for the family that enjoys performance vehicle motoring and appreciates a true sports luxury feel.” Powered by the same 270kW/550Nm turbocharged 4.0-litre DOHC inline six that powers the F6 Typhoon sedan and F6 Tornado ute, the F6 X will drive all four wheels exclusively through a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a single variant that promises blistering straightline speed and 0-100km/h acceleration in a sportscar-like six seconds, as well as the seven-seat interior flexibility that was absent in its HSV rival’s previous attempt at a homegrown super-SUV: the Adventra-based Avalanche.

Keeping the high-performance two-tonne-plus wagon in check is four-channel ABS with EBD, and F6 X will be the first FPV model to feature standard DSC stability/traction control and side curtain airbags as standard equipment.

Along with FPV-tuned suspension damping that aims to deliver “a firmer sports feel”, the F6 X adds Brembo six-piston front brake callipers and specific ABS/DSC calibration.

Upping the cabin’s visual ante over the Territory Turbo is unique “Shadow and Pumice” two-tone seat trim, which extends to the third row on seven-seat versions.

There are also alloy pedals, FPV scuff plates, FPV instrument clusters with blue illumination, a unique build plate mounted on the gearshift surround, “Pumice”-coloured leather door trim inserts and a “Molten Metal” finish for the premium Interior Command Centre (ICC), which combines dual-zone automatic climate control with a large colour screen.

Externally, there is the obligatory front mesh grille insert, as well as a rear spoiler, alloy running boards with matching body colour surrounds and Molten Metal accents for the front and rear skid plates, bonnet scoop and door mirrors.

Rounding out the F6 X look are similarly-sized five-spoke 18-inch alloys with a unique “Alpine Silver” finish, while seven exterior paint choices underline the FPV SUV’s production readiness: Winter White, Platinum Haze, Seduce, Dash, Nitro, Sensation, Ego and Silhouette.

The F6 X is expected to be priced around $75,000 (about $10,000 more than the Territory Turbo Ghia) when it goes on sale in early 2008 as FPV’s most expensive model.

FPV also used Sydney to show off its new special-edition GT Cobra and Cobra Ute, which were revealed during a parade lap of Mount Panorama before the start of the Bathurst 1000 last Sunday (see previous story), as well as the limited-edition F6 R Spec Typhoon.

Three hundred individually numbered examples of the first six-cylinder to receive the R Spec suspension package will be produced – in Winter White, Lightning Strike, Vixen, Neo, Ego and Silhouette paint colours – and the F6-R sedan is available now, priced from $63,310.

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