FPV F6 Tornado BF 2005 review

Delayed for almost four months after clutch problems were found in the sibling F6 Typhoon sedan, the Tornado's performance is well beyond a sports ute - and many sports cars.

Typhoon sales were stopped in December while Tornado production was put on hold for almost four months.

It was five months that FPV would like to forget.

With the F6 program back on track FPV's managing director David Flint is again upbeat about the cars that run the highest torque output of any Australian production engine.

"It offers an unparalleled driving experience and bang for your buck," he said at the Tornado launch.

FPV is coy about acceleration figures but the 0-100kmh dash whips by in under six turbo- loaded seconds.

Given the well documented problems with the Typhoon clutch, FPV decided to re-launch the F6 Typhoon at the same time as the new Tornado, both now with an upgraded clutch and modified engine management system.

While the sedan's suspension is simply sublime the ute is still a ute, albeit about as good as it gets in a vehicle that is shunted around by a prodigious 550 Nm of torque.

The F6 Tornado becomes the entry level vehicle to FPV high performance vehicles.

Like Typhoon the Tornado features the new close ratio Tremec T56 six speed manual trans- mission and will set you back $51,590 before delivery and statutory charges.

FPV believes the F6 Tornado, like the Typhoon, will appeal to those already familiar with turbo charged cars _ young people with a techno leaning, as distinct to the traditional V8 buyers.

Tornado is easily identified as a sibling to Typhoon.

It has the same exterior design cues. Inside the cabin the F6 Tornado has sports seats with suede like bolsters, Technic fabric trim, silver stitching and FPV logos embroidered in the head rests.

The F6 270 engine delivers 270kW of power at 5250 rpm and its peak torque is delivered at just 2000 rpm.

The good news is that torque remains constant through to 4250 rpm. This means the car is suburban friendly in third or fourth gear where it can be driven almost like an auto.

The F6 270 Turbo is based on the turbo intercooled 4.0 litre six engine from the Falcon XR 6 Turbo.

Modifications to the engine have resulted in a 50 per cent boost in peak turbo pressure.

Tornado has a limited slip differential, FPV tuned double wishbone front suspension, sports rear end and 245/40 ZR 18 Dunlop SP9000 tyres.

It was in some ways unfortunate that FPV chose to relaunch Typhoon with Tornado.

The Typhoon's suspension is simply so good that it would embarrass many quality cars, let alone a ute member from its own stable.

Surprisingly Tornado is heavier than Ty- phoon as it is built on Ford's ute platform. It also has a longer wheelbase than the sedan.

These changes add up to a vehicle with quite a different feel to the sedan, the ride is bumpier to start with, but the handling is extraordinarily good. Tornado has a high performance braking package.

In addition a Brembo brake package is available at a premium of $5950.