FPV extends F6 appeal

ALMOST six months after revealing it in concept guise at the Melbourne motor show in February, Ford Performance Vehicles has released the production version of its turbocharged F6 E luxury sedan.

Extending the appeal of its single turbo-six sedan model, the F6, as well as increasing the number of models in its range from seven to eight, FPV says the F6 E’s existence is a direct response to customer demand.

“We launched this car at the Melbourne motor show as a concept vehicle and the expressions of interest in it have been enough to warrant us to go into a production run of the vehicle as a full-time addition to the range,” said FPV general manager Rod Barrett.

“The F6 E will cater for the corner of the market – in particular executives – that want the performance and dynamics of the F6 with some added luxury appointments and subdued styling.

“Feedback from our customers leaves us confident that the F6 E will be a hit with those looking for something more from their performance vehicle.” While the V8-powered GT E arrived as a new luxury flagship at the top of the redesigned FG Falcon-based FPV line-up launched last year, the F6 E now combines the turbocharged performance of the F6 sedan (and ute) with the same luxurious accoutrements as found in the GT E.

The F6 E’s $79,740 pricetag matches that of the GT E, making it $1000 more expensive than the GT-P ($78,740) sedan.

FPV’s move echoes that of Ford, whose G6E replaced the Fairmont Ghia in the new Falcon range, and whose G6E Turbo replaced the Fairmont Ghia V8 as a luxury version of the XR6 Turbo sedan.

Speculation and even grainy brochure images of a seemingly production-ready ‘GS’-badged FPV sedan have also emerged across various online media outlets recently, suggesting Ford’s performance division is also planning to release a lower-output entry-level V8 that, if its rear spoiler decals are anything to go by will produce 302kW.

Suggestions that the additional FPV model will effectively replace Ford’s long-serving XR8 when strict new Euro 4 emissions regulations come into force next July appear wide of the mark, however.

While an all-new 5.0-litre aluminium V8 dubbed ‘Coyote’ is expected to debut in various states of tune in 12 months under the bonnets of both Ford and FPV models, our sources indicate the new 302kW GS will soon slot in between the $47,990 XR8 sedan and FPV’s base F6 and GT sedans, which are both priced almost $20,000 higher at $67,890.

FPV has previously committed to releasing two additional models this year, including the top-shelf-turbo F6 E, and the new entry-level GS is clearly designed to fill a similar performance disparity between the XR8, which is powered by a 290kW/520Nm 5.4-litre V8, and FPV’s F6 and now F6 E, which deliver 315kW and 551Nm.

For the moment, the F6 E comes fitted with the same turbocharged 4.0-litre inline six as the F6, which offers 310kW at 5500rpm and a tyre-shredding 565Nm of torque between just 1950 and 5200rpm. That’s up from 270kW/533Nm in Ford’s XR6T and G6ET.

Combined with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard, the F6 E’s official ADR 81/02 fuel consumption is rated at 12.1L/100km.

The F6 E wears ‘shadow chrome’ 19-inch alloy wheels, while braking is via cross-drilled and ventilated front and rear discs, measuring 355 x 32mm with Brembo six-piston callipers up front and 330 x 28mm with Brembo four-piston callipers at rear.

As previewed by the Melbourne show car, the F6 E features black chromed upper and lower front grilles, chrome bezels for the front foglights, more subtle body-coloured ‘racoon eyes’ on the front bumper and FPV logos at the front and rear, accompanied by new F6 E badges at the side and rear.

“The styling of the F6 E differentiates itself from its F6 sibling through the use of a softer colour palette and more luxurious finishes and trim,” said Mr Barrett.

“As opposed to the overtly sporty F6, the F6 E is more subtle, with striking chrome accents and a refined lip spoiler replacing the bright colours, and large rear wings found on the other models – the colour coding of the ‘racoon-eyes’ also helps the F6 E to keep a low profile.” Nine subtle exterior paint colours are available for the F6 E, including Winter White, Silhouette, Lightning Strike, Velvet, Sensation, Steel, Ego, Seduce and the new Mystic.

Inside the F6 E’s charcoal-themed cabin, luxury FPV-embossed seats are trimmed in shadow leather, with a dark walnut woodgrain finish for the dashboard and doors. Other standard equipment comprises a sports leather steering wheel with remote cruise and audio controls, dual-zone climate-control air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and adjustable alloy-faced pedals with memory function.

As with all FPV models, the F6 E comes standard with DSC electronic stability control and twin front and side curtain airbags, but adds a reversing camera and reverse parking sensors.