Official: New FPV F6 to offer 565Nm of torque

IT'S official: Ford Performance Vehicles' new FG Falcon-based range, due to go on sale in June following its media launch in four weeks, will be headlined by a 315kW Boss V8-engined GT.

The FG-series FPV flagship's peak power output now comes 1000rpm higher up the rev-range than the current Boss 302 engine, indicating a significant hardware upgrade for the all-new sedan and utility range, while maximum torque of 551Nm (up from 530Nm) also occurs 250rpm higher, at 4750rpm.

The Boss 315 engine's output was revealed indirectly last week, when the press launch invitation was issued containing a full-frontal shot of the new FPV GT, complete with aggressive new bonnet bulge decals. FPV says the "Boss 315" logo will also appear on new engine covers for the GT E, GT-P and GT sedans, as well as the FG-series Pursuit and Super Pursuit utes.

The 13kW peak power hike for FPV's 5.4-litre DOHC V8 may or may not come as welcome news to Ford faithful, however, given that HSV announced two weeks ago that all of its Commodore-based vehicles will come powered by a 317kW/550Nm 6.2-litre LS3 V8 from this month.

The HSV running change will be accompanied by relatively small fuel consumption and price increases, but only time (and power to weight ratios) will tell whether the revised HSV V8s will continue to offer real-world performance advantages over their opposite numbers at FPV.

Two FPV models that HSV will not have answers for are the wild new turbocharged F6 sedan and ute stablemates.

The F6 twins will come with an extra 40kW of peak power, with performance rising from 270kW at 5000rpm to 310kW at 5500rpm - falling just 5kW short of the FPV V8, but bettering the output of Ford's blistering new XR6 Turbo by 40kW.

Biggest news, however, is that peak torque for FPV's 4.0-litre DOHC inline turbo six rises from 550Nm between 2000rpm and 4250rpm - figures that saw it produce more torque than any Australian-made vehicle ever - to a bullocking 565Nm from just 1950rpm and extending all the way to 5200rpm.

While full details, including fuel consumption, are yet to be revealed, FPV says the I6's superior outputs come courtesy of stronger pistons, more turbo boost pressure and a larger intercooler mounted in front of the radiator.

Both F6 models will wear "F6 310" badging on their sides and rear-ends, as well as on their airboxes.

"After two years of testing and development we have two new engine variants that will deliver big performance," said FPV general manager Rod Barrett today.

"The F6 is an amazing car with performance equal or better to many European sports cars, but at a fraction of the price. Those who enjoy taking their vehicles to track days are going to really benefit from this car.

"With the new Boss 315, our engineers broadened the torque curve, which consequently delivers better pick and drive at a lower rev range, as well as better get up and go from a standing start.

"As a result, the V8-powered cars feel lighter and more responsive," said Mr Barrett.

"The power upgrades are significant on both our V8 and F6 engines and they perfectly complement the aggressive styling of our new range."

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