2008 FPV F6X Reviews

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has taken the already rapid Ford Territory Turbo and turned it into something awesome: the F6X.Although Ford plans a revamp of the Territory Turbo to increase its profile amid the new Falcon sedan range, the F6X already has abilities that set it apart.Its turbocharged, four-litre, six-cylinder engine generates 270kW and 550Nm of torque, meaning the FX6's clever ZF six-speed automatic has ample grunt with which to work.Power has risen by 35kW over the Territory Turbo and there's an additional 70Nm of torque on offer, with the full 550Nm available between 2000rpm and 4250rpm.DRIVINGSuburban pace is easy to maintain without punching the turbo six to the redline, making for smooth, unfussed progress.But the temptation to pound the firewall is difficult to resist; giving in causes the F6X to press forward with gusto, raising its nose and sniffing the air with intent.Kickdown from the gearbox follows, accompanied by considerable thrust which doesn't really need to be moderated for corners.The F6X sits reasonably flat for a tall SUV and, despite compromise rubber (it sits on 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 Goodyear Fortera tyres), manages to make short work of corners. Up to a point. Physics still wins eventually, but the FPV F6X can be hustled with remarkable pace.In fact, a Beemer X5 V8, an AMG-tweaked M-Class Benz or a supercharged V8 Range Rover Sport — all costing at least $40,000 more — would be the only SUVs that could keep it in sight.The F6X's nose points into a corner with remarkable accuracy and feel. There are more than a few sedans that could take a leaf from this SUV's book when it comes to handling.Suspension has been upgraded for the extra performance, but the already capable Territory chassis was a good base from which to start.Tweaked dampers have been installed, and revised spring rates — 10 per cent tauter than on the Territory Turbo—have tightened up the handling without sacrificing ride quality.That's where the F6X makes up substantial ground on the Euro hot rods, with a ride quality born from local knowledge and Ford's expertise in getting the ride/handling balance right.The brakes are well up to the task of reining in the F6X's performance. The front end is home to bigger discs with Brembo six-piston calipers.FPV also says the stability control has been reprogrammed in conjunction with manufacturer Bosch to allow for sportier driving before the system interferes.The official ADR fuel-consumption figure is 14.9 litres/100km, but it doesn't take too much lead in the right foot to nudge that number towards 20 litres/100km. More reasonable driving will return that figure to the mid-teens.Based on the Territory Turbo Ghia, the F6X has a comprehensive range of features, although the fat side stripes may not be to everyone's taste.Adjustable pedals are a welcome feature, as is the wide-ranging rear-view camera teamed with rear parking sensors.The sound system, with a six-disc, in-dash CD player, provides good-quality noise.Safety features include ABS brakes and stability control, dual front airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats.The FPV version of Ford's Territory is a versatile package which can cart the family, tow a boat and deal decently with any corners it encounters. FPV F6XPrice: $75,990 (five-seater)Engine: 4L/6-cylinder turbocharged 270kW/550NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, all-wheel driveEconomy: 14.9L/100km claimed, 20.5L/100km tested 

The Range Rover Vogue and the Porsche 911 are always welcoming, and welcomed, vehicles. And a handful of utes, two- and four-wheel-drive, have grinability.These have class and character that extend beyond a simple collection of mechanicals.Now FPV's F6X 270, pictured, must be added to this list of vehicles which feel right from the get-go and encourage driving smiles.It is no secret that Ford's Territory is a favourite around here, a well-designed Australian wagon with ability on both good roads and bad while carrying a family in comfort. There is the option of seven seats and the option of either rear-or all-wheel drive.Some quibble about the Ford's fuel consumption — and a diesel power plant would be most welcome — yet for the breadth of its capabilities the Territory remains in a class of its own among home-grown vehicles.So a superhot Territory built by FPV has to be a bit special.Here it is not only about the extra power and torque of the remapped turbo engine, not only the sharp turn-in and great ride/handling balance of the F6X but also about the leather seats, the comfort, convenience and safety gear plus all those slick finishing touches.These add an ambience which lifts the Ford above the pack and this plushness plus refined driving dynamics put the F6X into exalted company.For the FPV F6X 270 is a worthy — and cheaper — rival for a number of European machines in the premium SUV set.There is more than enough go and stopping power here, more than enough finesse to the all-wheel drive and the Ford's chassis.All that and the attention to detail give the F6X a tonne of credibility; it brings smiles whether leaping off the line into a sprint, cruising around with big-time stereo working overtime or being hurled up a mountain pass with brio.Some may believe the F6X needs a little more cosmetic work to differentiate it from other Ford Territorys, some are happy to travel in a handsome, understated machine.This FPV wagon is based on the turbocharged Ford Territory Ghia, itself no slouch on the open road.Here that original turbocharged wagon's 245kW is taken out to a neat 270kW, thanks to recalibrated engine mapping, fuel delivery, spark timing and boost control. There is also 70Nm extra.This means that the F6X gets away that bit quicker than the donor machine.This is much appreciated just after the wagon leaves the line and lifts away under acceleration for a claimed 0 to 100km/h time of 5.9 seconds. Here there is a seamless rush of boosted power, quite refined and most pleasant with 550Nm of torque from 2000rpm coming into play.There is a determined.push and fine note to the exhaust; and all this brings the first round of smiles.The wagon's forward progress is aided here by a six-speed transmission with smooth and eager shift. While a driver can shift to sports mode and play with sequential gear changes, left alone the gearbox is quick enough for most moves.The exception is where there's the perception that quick downchanges are needed for overtaking or attacking particular corners.This is the next deal where the F6X can bring a big and wide smile.For the wagon likes to attack corners with a panache that, for the most part, belies the F6X's bulk.Indeed it is most easy to have those 18-inch tyres howling through the turn and then grabbing hard as the F6X straightens up and runs hard to the next turn.FPV engineers have left enough excitement in the electronic traction and stability controls for a driver to have a little fun.Now as much as a press-on driver will appreciate all this performance, as much will some appreciate the leather-clad luxury of a quite practical machine, the real clever work is on the suspension.Here the FPV F6X is ahead of some big-name German rivals.Here, while retaining the standard Territory's ride height, engineers spent a deal of testing time on returning the damper rates and the springs.The result is an excellent compromise, one of the best, between hard-core performance needs and ride comfort. Overseas engineers do not always understand the state of Australian roads or how some people may use their premium SUVs; some of these more expensive machines offer great dynamics on racetracks but a little too much lumpiness on local highways.This suspension work by FPV (on what was already a decent chassis package) steels the chassis and steering to the point where it betters any other SUV at this price point.Indeed the FPV F6X, with the backing of Ford dealers spread a little wider than imported products, could be the perfect hot-rodded SUV for this country.It has power, grip, balance and all-wheel drive. And it has a full-sized, matching spare alloy wheel, something not always found in European machines and yet another little pointer to the suitability of the FPV F6X as a great Australian sports tourer.FPV F6X 270PRICE: $75,990BODY: Four-door wagonENGINE: Four-litre, turbocharged, inline sixPOWER: 270kW @ 5000rpmTORQUE: 550Nm from 2000rpmTRANSMISSION: Six-speed sequential automatic, all-wheel-driveWHEELS: 18-inchTOWING: 2300kg 

There's no doubting it's quick, but we can't help wonder whether FPV has gone far enough with its cosmetic changes to please the revheads?The turbocharged F6X 270 (the number denotes the engine's power output) looks decidedly under tyred, riding on the same 18-inch Goodyears as the donor Territory Ghia Turbo.FPV boss Rod Barrett admitted he had reservations about the car's styling, but only until he saw the finished product.After seeing and driving the finished car, we still have our doubts.Of course, it's nothing a little optioning and accessorising won't cure and we're sure plenty of that will go on.The F6X is priced from $75,990 for the five-seat version, with a third row of seats bringing the figure to $78,445.That's $10,500 more than a Territory Ghia Turbo, with the only options the third row of seats, satellite navigation and the stripe kit (the latter will set you back $385).The GT-style side stripes in most promotional photographs are not standard.As with the Territory, there will be no V8 because there is no room for one under the bonnet.To put this in context, 67 per cent of FPV buyers opt for a V8.In terms of price and performance, Barrett believes the car has no real competitors, either imported or locally built.“It's got Porsche Cayenne performance, but it hasn't got a Porsche Cayenne price on it,” he said.The F6X arrives on the eve of the launch of an all-new Falcon, codenamed Orion, due to make its debut at the Melbourne Motor Show later this month.The Falcon will herald new Typhoon and GT sedans to come from FPV at the beginning of June, undoubtedly with larger, more powerful versions of the turbocharged six and V8.FPV's version of the turbo puts out 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque and that, as far as the F6X is concerned, is the way it's going to stay.The Turbo Territory dishes out 245kW but a lot less torque.The turbocharged six is teamed with the familiar ZF six-speed auto from Territory that allows the driver to change manually.There is no manual.Apart from the more powerful engine, $75,000 buys you bigger, beefier Brembo brakes and suspension that has been retuned to reduce body roll.Inside, there's two-tone leather upholstery, but no gauges as in the sedan.Four airbags and a reversing camera are standard.A full-size matching alloy spare is under the back.Surprisingly, the wagon has not been lowered, still riding at 179mm the same height as the standard Turbo.Together with the smallish 18-inch tyres, you get the impression that FPV had Mum and the children in mind when it put this one together.Having said that, at 2125kg, the F6X can still sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.95 seconds.FPV's engineers worked with those from Bosch to recalibrate the electronic stability control system which is described as less intrusive.The size and weight of the wagon demand that it exhibits more body roll than a sedan in corners.Regardless of this, it still exudes confidence and it takes a lot to get the wagon out of shape.Fuel economy using premium unleaded fuel is rated at 14.9 litres/100km, but this can vary greatly in either direction depending on how you drive.All in all, it's an appealing package, but one that perhaps doesn't go far enough in terms of styling.The F6X 270 goes on sale on 29, February 2008.