Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Ford, Australia, FPV
Aussie Love: FPV unleashes F6 R-Spec Typhoon
Click image for gallery
Since the next-generation Ford Falcon and its FPV counterparts have garnered much attention of late, it's easy to forget that the current Aussie BF Falcon is very much alive and well. And as if to remind us of that, FPV has come forth with its latest creation, the F6 R-Spec Typhoon. R-Spec refers to the track-tuned suspension the car sports under that bodywork. First implemented on the smashing FPV Falcon GT 40th Anniversary, the R-Spec chassis enhancements are intended to make the cars comfortable, livable daily drivers with excellent handling that are always ready for track days. The F6 Typhoon, with its 370-horsepower/406 lb-ft 4.0-liter turbo I6, was fun on four wheels already. With the improved handling the R-Spec suspension offers, fun probably turns to bliss. One more reason to go take that Australian vacation, folks...[Source: FPV]
Gallery: FPV F6 R-Spec Typhoon
PRESS RELEASE:
FPV Releases Limited Edition F6 R-Spec Typhoon
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has released its new limited edition F6 R-Spec Typhoon, featuring FPV's innovative R-Spec suspension and handling package.
The F6 R-Spec is the first of FPV's six-cylinder models to feature the R-Spec suspension.
The stylish new addition to the FPV stable is identified with distinctive R-Spec badging, and "Dark Argent�"gunmetal accents on the wheels and rear spoiler as standard. With production limited to just 300 units, the new F6 R-Spec will come with a unique build certificate of authenticity.
FPV General Manager Rod Barrett said that the positive response to the GT 40th Anniversary limited edition, which was the first FPV to feature the R-Spec handling package, led to FPV modifying R-Spec for its six-cylinder Typhoon.
"The initial idea behind R-Spec was to provide an FPV vehicle for those people who wanted to be more competitive at track days and club sprint events, but who didn't want to compromise on the comfort of daily driving either," said Barrett.
"The GT 40th Anniversary succeeded in fitting that brief, and now for the first time our customers can enjoy the same superior level of suspension and handling on our award-winning Typhoon model."
Barrett said FPV has customised the R-Spec package to maximise the handling characteristics of the Typhoon, allowing drivers of the limited edition F6 R-Spec to extract the best possible performance out of their vehicle.
"The set-up on the F6 is different to our Boss 290 package to account for the different mass of the Typhoon. The most significant change has been to the front end damper tune."
"Importantly, we have maintained an impressive level of ride comfort. The R-Spec package picks up more road irregularities, however, we have maintained the supple ride that has earned FPV cars an enviable ride and handling reputation."
The cabin of the F6 R-Spec includes FPV�s leather seats as standard, while FPV floor mats with "F6 R-spec" logo inlay match the exterior touches.
An iPod/MP3 audio player connection^ is also fitted as standard and integrates with the FPV audio system.
The F6 R-Spec is available in Winter White, Lightning Strike, Vixen, Neo, Ego and Silhouette.
The FPV F6 R-Spec limited edition will be available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, with a recommended retail price starting from $63,310.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Christine 9:39AM (8/17/2007)
what a dumb name for a car.
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Za 10:58AM (8/17/2007)
I think it's awesome. I'd drive a Cyclone or a Hurricane, as well.
Don 4:27PM (8/17/2007)
It could be named the "Hello Kitty Surprise" for all I care...that car is serious!
Jason 10:05AM (8/17/2007)
Man, what is it with Australian Fords and GMs? While they seem to be pumping out a lot of interesting cars that are a blast to drive, they seem to be living in another decade, in terms of styling and vehicle layout. Are Australians really that much in love with mid-90s styling and drivetrain/body styles of the 1970s and early-80s? In Australia, the El Camino/Ranchero and the bloated RWD family sedan never really went away. What's the deal? Are they really isolated stylistically from the rest of the world? And is gas really cheap there?
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Maestro1 5:44PM (8/17/2007)
Have u seen American cars? Impala? Ford Fusion/Taurus/Five Hundred? This car looks way better than those, and so do a lot of Australian and European cars for that matter. I personally think that some of the 90's style cars look better than some of the bland cars we see on the road today. I wish we could get some Australian models here as it would mean more choice and better models, and the Falcon would seriously make me consider Ford when I normally wouldn't even fathom such an idea.
Also the Pontiac G8; it looks much too bulky and brutish for my taste, if they brought in the Holden Commodore in the more simplistic state that it is, i'd be in line for one!
chris 8:45PM (8/17/2007)
So I suspect Mercedes and BMW are also stupid for continuing to have RWD sedans while American manufacturers are absolute geniuses for making such brilliant cars as the Caliber (which has been labeled one of the worst cars on sale in Australia by the way) and Fusion? Australia also gets a much greater variety of cars from around the world than the US gets, if anyone is stupid for making a certain kind of cars it's the US companies making massive SUVs that have gone out of fashion almost completely while Holden can't make Commodores fast enough for export markets.
Oh and Australians, just like pretty much every other non-Middle Eastern country in the world pay a LOT more for fuel than Americans do.
Jay 10:17AM (8/17/2007)
Well the car that this was originally derived from was from the mid-late 90s.
The Australian car market is not big enough to justify a complete reskin every 5-6yrs so they are forced to simply update forward the A pillar and rearward the C pillar. Also if the car is too 'out there' the car will flop as the poverty pack models that this is the basis of this model are/were in the similar market as the Camry and they don't design them like a corvette do they.
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Snerd 5:36PM (8/22/2007)
The VE is actually a clean-sheet design - nothing to do whatsoever with the VZ except for the engines and transmissions, and even then they're either all-new or updated.
ryan 10:23AM (8/17/2007)
i kinda think it's an ok looking car. wonder how much has to be done to get a turbo inline 6 to the states....
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Matt 10:43AM (8/17/2007)
Sadly, not going to happen. The Australian-only straight-6 is getting axed under the One Ford plan. Instead they'll be using US-built Duratec V6s starting in 2010.
Personally I'd rather see the Duratec remain FWD/AWD and the Falcon straight-6 replace the US RWD V6s.
Michael 10:44AM (8/17/2007)
What do people see wrong with the styling of this car? Have you actually seen the styling of cars in America... for the most part they're all much more plain and boring! (minus a few models like the Chrysler 300C). The pictures of the Chevy Imapala on here the other week I think looked so old and outdated that did kinda look on par with the 1995 model Falcon.
We have tried American cars here, but they fall apart too quickly. Australia has it own version of the Camry because overseas models fall to bits, and thats the same reason why certain models have failed here. The Ford Taurus failed here because they literally had bits falling off them (imported from the US). The ford Explorer was here for a while too (it didn't go to well). People had to get aftermarket suspension upgrades because the suspension was too soft. The Australia Pajero (made in Japan mind you) is the same as the Montero in the states, but the suspension setup was different. On a test years ago the Montero rolled whereas the Pajero held it ground and was rock solid.
This is not the standard model Falcon, its a special edition updated by the sports fpv section. Now the Commodore and Falcon would be much bigger sellers, however its almost impossible for them to sell to the states. They've tried but their are so many restrictions on importation to protect the American manufacturers (same goes for Europe). Other manufacturers have found ways around that but unfortunately it does not apply to Australia. So yes, you could have the RWD Australian cars over there, if it weren't for the market manufacturing protection!
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Nick 10:55AM (8/17/2007)
Jason, as an Aussie living in the US for 5 years, I see it differently. I often ponder why American's drive these HUGE trucks when a small "Ute" (El Camino) would suffice for 95% of people. Not to mention they drive them to work on a daily basis, and maybe haul something once a year.
The styling cues are subtle, no doubt. But these cars are what 90% of the population drive, think of the Falcon as a 4 door Mustang, and the Typhoon as a Cobra so to speak.
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flynn 11:01AM (8/17/2007)
Believe me, Australians have as hard a time understanding why Americans consider the look of a car to be so much more important than handling, interior, engine, brakes, etc.
300hp V8, solid rear axle: you can keep your "modern" Mustang.
I'd take the slightly dated 370hp I6 Falcon anyday.
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Tagg 11:37AM (8/17/2007)
Theres the obligatory Mustang slam by someone who has never driven one and therefore has NO clue.
Andrew 11:52AM (8/17/2007)
$63k for the Typhoon vs. $25k for a mustang GT. gimme a friggin break. and if you want to get closer in prices, the GT500 does 500hp/475ft-lb.
Rob 12:19PM (8/17/2007)
Don't need to go to the Antartic to know that it is cold
>Theres the obligatory Mustang slam by someone who >has never driven one and therefore has NO clue.
simianspeedster 5:34PM (8/17/2007)
Here's the obligatory Mustang slam from someone who *has* driven one and thinks it's a complete POS. Thank you. Good night.
This Falcon, on the other hand, is extremely intriguing. I'd seriously consider a turbocharged AWD sports sedan if a domestic manufacturer offered one in the US. Right now, this is the domain of Subaru, Mazda, Audi, BMW, etc. where Ford/Lincoln dare not tread.
Hell, I'm still bummed Pontiac isn't going to offer a manual transmission on the new G8 in V-6 form (not everyone wants a 350HP+ V-8 for everyday driving). If Pontiac offered an AWD G8 manual, that would be even better.
-SimianSpeedster
simianspeedster 5:38PM (8/17/2007)
Oops, the 2nd paragraph should say RWD/AWD.
-SimianSpeedster
Sam 7:22PM (8/17/2007)
i have driven a mustand and they are shit. not bad priced, but shit.
"$63k for the Typhoon vs. $25k for a mustang GT. gimme a friggin break. and if you want to get closer in prices, the GT500 does 500hp/475ft-lb"
i hope you're being that retarded on purpose. Best way of comparing prices is to give equivalent cars i.e the typhoon is about the same cost as an evo i think, so it'd be in that price range here
Tagg 7:50PM (8/17/2007)
BS, you've never driven one. Of everyone I know that has driven one found it to be a fun car to drive. Unless you drive Ferraris or Porsches everyday then you would find it a fiun car to drive. You just flat out don't like the Mustang and feel the the need to justify your opinion.
Sam-
As for calling Andrew a retard you need to sit and spin my friend. You should really check you facts before you call someone out. The F6 costs about $59,000 in Australian Dollars or about $47,000 US Dollars which is nearing GT 500 territory. Thats with out the import taxes and shipping costs as well as the cost to switch it to left hand drive.
Look here, then convert:
Retard