2008 FPV F6 310 Ute Review
November 27, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Unlike the XR6 and G6E turbocharged vehicles though, the F6 doesn’t offer a strong exhaust note, in fact it’s almost disappointing, at least from inside the cabin. What is on offer in terms of a sweet soundtrack is a symphonic induction note, pitched turbo spool whine from the Garret GT3540 and even a little intercooler flutter on release, which is somewhat exaggerated by the front mount air-to-air unit’s aluminium construction.
The ZF (6HP26) six-speed automatic transmission is a work of art and offers quick up shifts, rapid response to throttle input and will even down shift for you by tapping the throttle under brakes. If you’re a three pedal fan, the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual is available as a no cost option. Best of all, a week in the F6 saw a return of 11.8 litres per 100km (combined city and highway use) – that’s 1.2 litres under the ADR claim! Impressive stuff.
The four-pot Brembo brakes offered little in the way of brake fade under repeated application, and stand out as something special with the callipers painted bright red. The pedal feel is brilliant for big brakes, which normally bite hard on initial application almost sending you through the windscreen. Thankfully, these have a much more progressive action and the F6 can be optioned with larger 355×32mm front and 328×26mm rear discs, both crossed drilled rears with six-piston callipers, for some extra coin.
New to FG series Falcons, the independent double wishbone coil front suspension makes for a pointier steering ute that will respond well to cornering at speed provided you remain balanced. The beam type leaf rear end is a little jittery under throttle and will see the limited-slip differential smoke both tyres if you’re a little generous with the loud pedal.
Geometry is a carry over from the XR6 Turbo Ute, but FPV has revised the spring rates and shock absorber calibration to suit both road and track driving. It’s noticeably stiffer than its poorer cousin, but offers surprising levels of control and grip too, provided the conditions are, um … favourable.
To keep you safe and secure the F6 offers ABS with EBD, ESP with Traction Control, dual front and side (head/thorax) airbags, and a four star ANCAP rating along with DataDot protection and remote flip-key central locking with audible alarm – all as standard fit.
As sports utes go – and as a Holden man it pains me to say this – the F6 ute is by far the best option on the market. To any one considering such a vehicle, be you red lion, blue oval or umm, other, I say this; go and drive this thing and take your cheque book. I guarantee after five minutes behind the wheel you’ll be signing on the dotted line.
CarAdvice Overall Rating: 
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 4.0-litre DOHC six cylinder (24 valve)
- Power: 310kW @ 5500rpm
- Torque: 565Nm @ 1950-5200rpm
- Induction: Turbocharged & multi-point
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear (LSD)
- Brakes: Disc with ABS & EBD
- Top Speed: 250km/h (Electronically Limited)
- 0-100km/h: 4.99 seconds
- 0-400m: Not Tested
- CO2 Emissions: 311g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 13.0 litres/100km
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres
- Fuel Type: 98RON petrol
- ANCAP Rating: Four Star
- Safety: Front & side airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP & TCS
- Spare Wheel: Full-size (underbody mount) alloy
- Tow Capacity: 1600kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 11.5 metres
- Warranty: 3 year/100,000km
- Weight: 1825kg (tare)/530kg (payload)
- Wheels: Alloy 19 x 8.0-inch
Road Test the Rivals:
FPV will be hosting an open day on Sunday, March 1st 2009 at:
Ford Performance Vehicles
33 Glenbarry Road
Campbellfield VIC 3061
(Gates open 9am – 3pm)
Matt, no, there have been no announcements on if the Falcon will cease to be produced past 2015. All we know is that come 2013 – 2015 the Geelong engine plant *may* shutdown. That might just mean the Falcon gets the V6 engine from the state. Regardless of what happens to Falcon, the Focus will be produced here from 2011 onwards. And Ford Aus are the lead engineering centre for the light truck that will replace the Ford Ranger/Mazda BT50 worldwide, as well as design the Ford India B-car, which is basically a fiesta type car for the Indian market.
As for Holden, they haven’t made any announcements either, but with their decision to produce a small car in Aus as well, they won’t be going anywhere soon.
Now Real World Testing Results.
FG XR8 = 290 KW & 520 NM Torque
VE SS = 270 KW & 530 NM Torque
(FG XR8) 0 – 100 km = 6.2 sec
0 – 400 m = 14.3 sec
(VE SS) 0 – 100 km = 5.5 sec
0 – 400 m = 13.6 sec
Now for the FPV/HSV specs.
FPV FG GTP = 315 KW & 551 NM Torque
HSV VE GTS = 317 KW & 550 NM Torque
(FPV FG GTP) 0 – 100 km = 5.53 sec
0 – 400 m = 13.62
(HSV VE GTS) 0 – 100 km = 4.96 sec
0 – 400 m = 13.19 sec
WTF? Mate, ur a wanker aye, like seriously. Theyve oulled a 13.4 from the gt’s, only 13.3’s from ur $75,000 gts, n the ss doesnt do 13.6 its 13.8 by wheels, n the xr8 is a flat 14 which is still slower, but ud still be cryin when u see the turbo range fly past lol. G6E turbo=13 seconds flat, XR6 Turbo=13.1 n the all mighty hsv n holden crushin F6 has been said to have gone as low as 12.6 seconds when FPV where developing it, n its been done in stock standard F6 in real world times. So mate, eat shit n die cause times have changed, its the era of the tubo mate. N fpv have a new v8 for 2010, its gonna be either a dohc 5.o litre V8 or a 6.2 Litre dohc V8, both which are all alloy, n itl still sound way better then anything on offer from holden or hsv. Go the FPV/Fords !!!!!! N yes, I do hate anything gm related lol
realworld testing of the GTS at sub 5 secs???
thats HSV’s claim and one which no independant tester has been able to match
Ford Falcon is like a step son, worked so much harder than his ‘brother’ Holden, and never receive his fair credit.