With an awesome 310kW of power, Ford Performance Vehicles’ (FPV) new turbo-charged F6 sedan is one of the best performing six-cylinder vehicles on the Australian market.
“The F6 is a phenomenal car with performance equal to or better than many European sports cars, but at a fraction of the price,” Ford Performance Vehicles General Manager Rod Barrett said.
“This is the ultimate driver’s car with a fantastic combination of performance and dynamics making it an amazing car to drive.”
Powered by the high performance 4.0 litre turbo-charged DOHC 24 valve in-line six, the F6 produces maximum power of 310kW at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 565Nm across the range from 1950 to 5200 rpm.
To achieve the significant 40kW increase, FPV engineers strengthened the piston design and cranked up the boost. A new intake system has improved airflow from the air intake to the engine head inlet, which substantially reduces pressure drop without a loss of boost capability.
“Importantly, while we’ve delivered a vehicle with impressive power and torque figures, we haven’t compromised on driveability and fuel efficiency,” said Mr Barrett.
The F6 boasts fuel consumption figures of 12.3L/100km in manual transmission and 12.1L/100km in automatic guise, a seven percent auto and nine percent manual increase in fuel efficiency over the previous model.
In another first for FPV, owners will have the option of the performance TR6060 six-speed manual transmission or the ZF six-speed high-torque automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift at no extra cost.
Matching the increased power is a premium FPV performance brake package, featuring 335×32mm front rotors with Brembo four piston calipers and 328×26mm rear rotors with single red piston caliper.
In order to reach the new performance figures, the engine features re-designed inlet and exhaust systems, a strengthened piston and conrod assembly and a totally re-calibrated engine to maximise response and driveability.
More than 23,000 hours were spent in design and validation, with durability testing and calibration conducted across Australia and track testing performed at Winton Raceway in regional Victoria.
“The F6 gives increased response to the accelerator pedal throughout the rev range, but also provides around town driveability due to better access to torque,” FPV Head of Powertrain Engineering Bernie Quinn said.
The automatic transmission has a cylinder cut feature during wide open throttle gear changes, which shortens the torque off, torque-back-on time between gear changes, enhancing the wide open throttle performance feel.
“The result is a vehicle with outstanding performance, better engine response and fuel efficiency, and improved operating performance under all conditions.”
Carrying over the suspension geometry from the FG Falcon XR6, FPV revised the spring rates and the ZF Sachs monotube damper calibration to create a performance suspension that suits both road and track driving.
“The F6 has an improved turn-in response and linearity, better steering precision and stability mid-corner and a reduced roll rate, which all work to deliver a smooth and controlled ride,” Quinn explained.
From the front the F6 is powerful and imposing; distinguished by its dark headlight accents and titanium mesh grille.
The grille on the lower air intake has been removed, making the mechanicals of the larger intercooler a visible and an integral part of the F6’s tough exterior presence.
A prominent feature of the new generation F6 is the FPV badge, which is placed on both the front grille and rear bootlid. Unique F6 310 badges are positioned on the sides and rear of the vehicle.
The new graphite headlight accents are matched to the 19 inch machine faced alloy wheels with Graphite accents, and an optional F6 Graphite wheel is available.
The F6 is available in 11 exterior colours – Winter White, Vixen, Silhouette, Lightning Strike, Sensation, Steel, Ego, Breeze, Nitro, Octane and Dash.
Inside the cabin, the F6 is distinguished from Ford’s XR6 by its charcoal environment with optical check accents, the unique FPV starter button and blue illumination dial with unique FPV graphics.
The F6 features F6 logo embroidered sports seats in Shadow cloth with suede-feel bolsters and silver stitching. Shadow Leather sports seats are an option.
The interior is packed with features to ensure a premium driving experience, including a sports leather steering wheel with cruise control and audio mounted switches, dual zone temperature control air conditioning, front and rear power windows and alloy pedal covers.
For the first time, the F6 is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and side curtain airbags, both of which are now standard across the entire FPV range.
Other safety features include Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and passenger airbags, and Beltminder technology for the driver.
The F6 is protected by a remote alarm and FPV’s ID Datadot identification.
The recommended retail price for the F6 is $65,990^ and will go on sale nationally from June 2008.
CarAdvice will be driving the FPV range later today and we will bring you our driving impressions of the new cars at the earliest possible moment.
By DAVID TWOMEY
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