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Jonathan Hawley30 Apr 2008
REVIEW

FPV F6X

Hot turbo six ensures bulk performance comes with the Territory


Launched: FPV F6X



To you and me, it probably seems a no-brainer that Ford Performance Vehicles would come up with a hot turbo version of the Territory. After all, this is the company that engineered the original Territory Turbo and has had a high-output version of Ford's blown six in the F6 for some years. Getting the two together would seem as natural as Kathy and Heathcliff having a snog on the moors or Wuthering Heights.


Yet it's taken some time. The go-ahead to build what we now know as the F6X was only given in January last year. It first saw the light of day at the Sydney motor show last October, and should be available as you read this. Apparently management was worried about a hot sedan and ute company marketing a family SUV with no link to heritage trail of GT Falcons or connection with V8 Supercar racing.


The result, however, must seem enticing for anyone who's after brute performance in the well-established Territory package of extreme practicality and fine dynamics that enabled it claim Wheels 2004 Car of the Year.


The engine has the same outputs as in any of FPV's turbocharged sedans, meaning there's 270kW at 5000rpm, and 550Nm from as low as 2000rpm - increases of 25kW and 70Nm over the standard Territory Turbo (or 80kW and 177Nm on an atmo Territory.) We're told it took some 2500 hours of dyno work to calibrate the engine's timing, spark and boost control, plus many more of hot-weather testing, so the accelerated development time seems all the more remarkable.


You also get upgraded suspension, with stiffer springs (by around 10 percent) and damper valving tuned to increase roll stiffness for better steering response. The Bosch DSC stability control has been rejigged for the new power characteristics, but also to lessen intervention if you're travelling express.


The brakes are bigger, which is comforting given the weight and potential velocity. The Brembo package provides 355mm front and 328mm rear discs; the fronts gripped by six-pot calipers.


The interior has been re-trimmed, while stripes and charcoal highlights have been added to the exterior. Overall, the look is enough to let anyone know that if this is after-school soccer transport, then there could be a budding Beckham in the back seat. Those who opt for a third row of seats will find it is also trimmed in multi-coloured leather with embroided logos.


Apart from the wagon body, the big differences between this and any other FPV sedan are that the F6X comes only as an all-wheel-drive and only with a six-speed auto. Still, the claim is that the F6X will crack less than six seconds from zero to 100km/h, and it's impossible to think of another SUV anywhere near this car's $75,990 asking price that comes close. It's obviously in a very different league to any Holden Captiva or Toyota Kluger; more a budget alternative to a Porsche Cayenne V8 or X5 4.8.


And damn, it feels quick too. Plant the throttle and the AWD system gives total traction and a neck-bending launch down the road, all accompanied by a vast whoosh of induction noise akin to a Dyson vacuum cleaner plugged directly into a nuclear power plant. And the view from the Territory's high seating is totally different to what any sedan may manage.


FPV's work on the chassis has largely paid off. There's no getting around the Territory's bulk, and when hustled, you are well aware there's more than 2100kg whipping along the road. The 235/55R18 Goodyear Fortera tyres squeal and bring some understeer when pushed. But bodyroll is kept well in check and the F6X responds instantly to steering input, providing the opportunity to eat up any kind of road.


The ride is compliant, with a degree of solidity and far more comfortable than, say, a BMW X5.


But this is no green machine: the official combined fuel figure of 14.9L/100km might not seem outrageous, ut in city driving using anything less than 20L/100km of 95RON would seem a bonus. Whether the typical FPV owner would care is debateable, because after all, this is an alternative to V8-powered or force-fed Falcons that, on first introduction, has an awful lot going for it.


The F6X is tame enough for family duties and wild enough to embarrass virtually any European 4WD at the traffic lights or through the mountains. Given the good-handling, roomy and attractive Territory that forms the underpinnings, it should be no surprise this is more than a muscle-car on stilts; the F6X is comfortable and capable as well as very, very quick.



































FPV F6X
 
Engine: 3984cc in-line 6, dohc, 24v, Turbo
Max Power: 270kW @ 5000rpm
Max Torque: 550Nm @ 2000-4250rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
0-100km/h: 5.9sec (claimed)
Price: $75,990
On sale: Now
For: Stunning performance; great suspension tune
Against: Thirsty; too many logos inside; thirsty; thirsty




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Written byJonathan Hawley
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