FPV to put F6 on ice

FORD Performance Vehicles (FPV) will be without its series-leading turbocharged F6 model from mid-2010.

The tuning house has just launched the storming new F6 turbo, which sets new standards in Australian six-cylinder performance, belting out 310kW and 565Nm from just 1950rpm.

Ford Australia will cease production of its Geelong-built inline six-cylinder which FPV uses as a basis for its F6 powerplant just before the Euro IV emissions standard comes into force in July 2010.

A senior FPV source has told GoAuto that FPV will not have a replacement engine ready by the time production of the Australian I6 winds-up.

The lack of a replacement engine means the F6 model will be put on ice. Asked whether FPV would stockpile some I6-powered F6 cars before production ceased, the source said: “No, when it’s over, it’s over.” While it is expected FPV will in time develop an extreme version of the twin-turbo version of the imported Duratec Ecoboost V6 for an F6 replacement, it is not yet clear when it will appear.

There is also some concern as to whether an FPV version of this engine would be able to produce the same whopping torque of the existing F6 I6.

Ford Australia has expressed confidence it will have an engine to match the characteristics of the Turbo I6 that currently serves in the XR6 Turbo, but will not discuss what form the powerplant will take.

The twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 is expected to be introduced in the US next year, making its first appearance in the Lincoln MKS, and is likely to be made available for Australia at some stage - but it might not be mid-2010.

Ford Australia already faces a hectic schedule for the 2010 model year and is currently working on packaging the 3.5-litre petrol Duratec V6, which will replace the locally-made I6 in both the Falcon and Territory.

It is also working on installation work of the new turbo-diesel V6 engine in both those cars for release mid-2010.

Furthermore, there is a strong likelihood Ford Australia will also replace the ageing 5.4-litre Boss V8 with a 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 in time for the new regulations in 2010.

A naturally-aspirated version of the new V8 is slated to make its debut in performance versions of the Jaguar XF and XK next year and is expected to power the Ford Mustang.

There is also supercharged version of the same engine that could used for the FPV GT models, although the local go-fast outfit is keeping it cards close to its chest.

While refusing to discuss the specification of its next-generation V8, FPV is confident the powerplant will have the necessary power and torque to more than match whatever HSV introduces.

“We will be in a very strong position,” said the FPV source.

The big advantage of the new Ford V8 engines is that they will arrive ready to run in the cars, which will save Ford and FPV a lot of money.

Currently, the Boss V8 used for the XR8 and GT models are essentially hand-built with imported and local components, adding considerable time and cost to the process.

In other engine-related news, Ford Australia may not upgrade the six-cylinder engine in its Territory before 2010.

The big SUV will be given a facelift late this year or early 2009 and was expected to take on the I6 mechanical upgrades of the FG program that include a new cylinder-head and intake manifold,as well as a substantially upgraded turbo engine and new five-speed automatic transmission.

While the Territory will still be given a new nose, and possibly a fresh interior, Ford Australia Falcon and Territory vehicle line director Russell Christophers has told GoAuto that the SUV’s engine may not necessarily be upgraded at the same time.

While it seems odd that Ford Australia would build two types of I6 engine, pre-FG and post-FG, that is exactly what is currently happening as the company is continuing to produce the pre-FG I6 for the BFIII Falcon wagon and all LPG-equipped Falcons.

If this is the case, the Territory would go straight to the new V6 engine in mid-2010.

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