Typhoon creates a storm

FPV has released a limited-edition F6 R-Spec Typhoon, debuting the R-Spec suspension and handling package in the turbo-six range.

The R-Spec badge, a rear spoiler and different wheel treatments are standard on the tweaked car, of which there will only be 300.

New FPV general manager Rod Barrett said the positive response to the GT 40th Anniversary limited edition, which was the first FPV to feature the R-Spec handling package, has prompted the new model.

“The initial idea behind R-Spec was to provide an FPV vehicle for those people who wanted to be more competitive at track days and club sprint events, but who didn't want to compromise on the comfort of daily driving, either,” he said.

Barrett has come across from the racing side of the business, having been commercial director of Ford Performance Racing for the past few years.

Before that, Barrett's CV includes sales and marketing roles in Australia, Asia and the UK, including more than a decade of senior management with Coca-Cola and the Fosters Group.

Barrett can also lay claim to an international circuit racing motorsport career in the UK and here from 1979 to 1992.

He said the GT 40th Anniversary had succeeded in fitting the brief for customers looking for the same suspensions upgrade in a turbo-six Typhoon.

He also said FPV has customised the R-Spec package to maximise the handling characteristics of the Typhoon, allowing the F6 R-Spec drivers to extract the best possible performance out of their vehicle.

“The set-up on the F6 is different to our Boss 290 package to account for the different mass of the Typhoon,” Mr said. “The most significant change has been to the front-end damper tune.

“Importantly, we have maintained an impressive level of ride comfort. The R-Spec package picks up more road irregularities.

“However, we have maintained the supple ride that has earned FPV cars an enviable ride and handling reputation.”

The driveline is unchanged, meaning the revamped underpinnings do a better job of getting the turbo six's 270kW (at 5000rpm) and the mesa-like torque curve that shows 550Nm (between 2000 and 4250rpm) to ground.

FPV said the forced-induction six-cylinders represent between 30 and 40 per cent of all FPVs sold.

The interior gets leather seats as standard, as well as FPV floor mats with the F6 R-spec logo, an iPod/MP3 audio player connection, but exterior paint colours are limited to Winter White, Lightning Strike, Vixen, Neo, Ego and Silhouette.

The R-Spec model will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, with a starting price of $63,310, up from the standard F6 price of $61,810.

While 2144 sales for 2006 was a record year for FPV, 2007 numbers are about 170 units down in year-to-date terms.

The company is aiming to make up for the shortfall with several limited-edition models in the next six months to finish off the year with ' strong sales result.'