Sydney 2007: FPV crosses over, unveils F6 X

click either image to view more high-res shots of the Ford FPV F6 X

Ford just announced a hot new CUV for the Australian market called the FPV F6 X. Based on Ford Australia's Territory SUV, the F6 X is the very first non-Falcon model modified by the brand's high-performance FPV division. Applying their trade to the Territory yields an SUV packing a turbocharged 4.0L inline six-cylinder engine producing 362 HP and 405 ft-lbs. of torque. Power is funneled through a ZF six-speed automatic, the only available transmission, and ends up at each wheel through a full-time all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the FPV F6 X features a host of acronyms like DSC, EBD and tractional control. Brembo six-piston calipers are responsible for scrubbing off speed while the suspension has been retuned by FPV for a firmer ride.

Check out more info and the official press release after the jump, as well as the gallery below with exclusive live shots and official images from Ford.

[Source: Ford]

Live photos ©2007 Siddharth Raja / Weblogs, Inc.

The exterior of the FPV F6 X has also been upgraded to reflect its brutish mechanicals. A mesh grille up front leads the way, while a rear spoiler and alloy running boards portend the SUV's sporty nature. There are Molten Metal accents dotted about the exterior that match the 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels that are exclusive to the FPV F6 X.

Inside there are Shadow and Pumice two-tone power leather seats with six-way adjustments, and the leather color combo continues into the second row and optional third rows. Special gauges and sill plates emblazoned with the FPV logo, as well as a unique plaque for each vehicle mounted near the gear shift, round out the interior appointments.

The Territory is based on the same platform as the rear-wheel-drive Falcon sedan, which means that if Ford ever imports the Falcon platform for a new rear-wheel drive sedan in the States, the Territory could have a shot at seeing sales in the U.S. Yeah, we doubt it will ever happen too, but the FPV F6 X makes us hope for the best.


PRESS RELEASE:

2007 Australian International Motor Show: FPV Unleashes New F6 X

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today unleashed the highly anticipated FPV F6 X at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.
The new F6 X is the first non Falcon-based vehicle introduced by FPV, which will extend the FPV brand into new markets and offer customers a unique opportunity in Australian performance motoring.

"FPV has always had the goal to extend the brand beyond Falcon-based product and I'm very pleased to be able to showcase the first new offering today," FPV General Manager Rod Barrett said.

"The new F6 X is designed for the family that enjoys performance vehicle motoring and appreciates a true sports luxury feel."

Derived from Ford's Territory vehicle family, the FPV F6 X is equipped with the class leading high-performance F6 270 Turbo 4.0-litre DOHC in-line six-cylinder engine, producing 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque, matched to the ZF six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time All-Wheel-Drive system.

The F6 X is fitted with a number of the advanced active and passive safety features, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control and four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Side curtain airbags and dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags are also fitted as standard equipment.

The braking performance of the F6 X is enhanced by the fitment of Brembo six-piston front calipers and a new FPV calibration for the ABS and DSC systems.

FPV engineers have re-tuned the ride and handling to produce a firmer sports feel, further enhancing the primary ride control of the vehicle.

Exclusive two-toned leather interior

The cabin of the F6 X includes a unique Shadow and Pumice two-tone seat trim, along with six-way power adjustment and three position memory for the driver's seat.

"The unique styling of the leather seats is a standout, eye-catching feature of the F6 X and contributes to the sports luxury feel that permeates the entire vehicle," said Barrett.

The two-tone treatment is continued through to the third row on the seven-seat variant.

The instrument cluster features the FPV logo, an engine speed red line and distinctive FPV blue illumination, while FPV scuff plates and alloy pedals add to the list of interior appointments.

Each vehicle comes with its own unique build plate mounted on the gear selector surround.

The premium Interior Command Centre (ICC), with dual zone automatic climate control and large colour screen, is finished in a unique Molten Metal accent colour, while the leather door trim inserts are finished in Pumice.

External accents stand out from the crowd

Unique F6 X exterior styling cues include a high-tech front mesh grille insert, as well as a rear spoiler and alloy running boards with a matching body colour surround.

The exterior design also features Molten Metal accents on the front skid plate, bonnet air scoop, door mirror scalps and rear skid plate, while 18-inch five-spoke alloys in an Alpine Silver finish are also exclusive to the F6 X.

Exterior paint colours on the F6 X include Winter White, Platinum Haze, Seduce, Dash, Nitro, Sensation, Ego and Silhouette.

The new FPV F6 X is due to go on sale in early 2008. Full pricing will be released closer to launch.