2006 AIMS: A new force in luxury performance

[Donut King]

A New Force in Luxury Performance

Ford Performance Vehicles will stretch the boundaries of the local luxury high performance vehicle market with the introduction of its new Force models. For the first time in this class, luxury high performance customers will have the choice of either a quad-cam Boss 290 V8 engine in the Force 8, or a high-tech intercooled F6 270 Turbo in-line six cylinder engine in the Force 6.

“The introduction of the Force 6 and Force 8 models will set the standard for locally produced, luxury high performance cars,” said Sak Ryopponen, Managing Director for Ford Performance Vehicles.

“The Force models will enable FPV to offer our customers a choice of high-performance powerplants – and we are the first to offer a turbo-charged six cylinder in a locally-produced luxury high performance vehicle.

“We recognise the market demands for a traditional V8 powerplant in this segment, which will be filled by the Force 8 powered by the quad cam Boss 290 V8.

“But FPV has always promised to bend the rules and the Force 6, with its 550Nm, high-torque F6 270 Turbo engine, breaks the mould. I am certain a significant portion of this market segment has been waiting for a vehicle such as this, but has never had the choice.

“I have no doubt that the Force models will find particular favour with corporate executives who want an Australian-built alternative to European luxury marques.”

The Force models join the GT-P as the flagships of the FPV range with a recommended retail price of $71,590* for the Force 6, with the Force 8 adding a small premium at $71,990*.

* Excluding dealer deliver and statutory charges
The Force 8 is powered by the quad cam 5.4-litre Boss 290 V8 – built on the only V8 engine production line in Australia – with 290kW of power at 5500 rpm and 520Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. The Force 6 is driven by the intercooled F6 270 Turbo in line six-cylinder that produces 270kW of power at 5250rpm and 550Nm of torque at 2000-4250rpm. The F6 270 powerplant is one of the most powerful production six-cylinder engines in the world.

Both models are available exclusively with the world-class ZF 6HP26 high-torque six-speed automatic transmission and feature 4-piston front and single-piston rear Brembo brakes (with the option of 6-piston front and 4-piston rear Brembo brakes), 19-inch chrome shadow alloy wheels, sports-tuned suspension, limited slip rear differential and a long list of luxury appointments as standard equipment.

A NEW STYLE OF PERFORMANCE

A subtle blend of classic performance car cues sets the Force 6 and Force 8 apart from its more overt siblings, the iconic GT and award-winning F6 Typhoon.

Both models utilise a variation of the modular exterior styling elements of the GT and F6 Typhoon, with colour-keyed bumper inserts and contrasting chrome-finished grille mesh, mirror scalps and driving lights surrounds. The Force 8, as with all Boss V8-powered vehicles, has the performance hood with its iconic bonnet bulge, while the Force 6 is clearly identified by its bright-finish turbo intercooler, visible in the lower air intake. Sports-designed side skirts with chrome-finished flutes and specific badging also provide a unique profile view of the Force models.

At the rear, both vehicles have a subtle lip spoiler mounted on the trailing edge of the boot and feature a chrome finish number plate surround. A reverse-parking sensor system is standard equipment. The Force 8 also has a twin-exhaust system with trapezoidal outlets.

Both the Force 6 and Force 8 ride on five-spoke, 19-inch wheels with unique chrome shadow finish, fitted with 245/35 ZR19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx high-performance tyres. Each model is identified with exclusive Force 6 or Force 8 badges on the bootlid and rear doors.

THE FORCE BEHIND THE WHEEL

The cabin of the Force models is designed to enhance the pleasure of driving. Both vehicles offer a luxuriously-appointed interior with a host of unique features, including Regency Red leather seats available for the first time on any FPV model. Exterior colour selections are limited in line with the exclusive positioning of the model.

The unique Regency Red leather seats are standard on vehicles finished in Winter White, Lightning Strike (silver), Silhouette (black) and Ego (dark metallic grey), and not available on Vixen (red), De Ja Vu (dark green) and Neo (blue). An alternative Dark Charcoal leather is available as a no-cost option and is the standard choice for Force models finished in Vixen, De Ja Vu and Neo.

All seats feature the FPV logo embossed in the front seat backs, and the driver’s seat includes eight-way power adjustment with in-built memory that is linked to the electronic mirror and pedal settings.

Building on the exclusivity of the Force models, both vehicles feature dark woodgrain dash inserts and door spears combined with door trims incorporating high chrome finishes.

Both models come equipped with a Performance Steering Wheel, FPV floor mats, Prestige Sound with 150-watt six-speaker system and six-disc in-dash CD player, automatic dual-zone climate control, unique FPV instrument panel, dash-mounted starter button, sports gauges and power adjustable pedals.

Buyers also receive a leather compendium, choice of exclusive gift and a one-day FPV Performance Driver Training Program.

[Donut King]

And the pics

[Donut King]

FPV Reveals Revised BF Range
Ford Performance Vehicles has today revealed exciting new luxury models as part of its revised BF MkII vehicle lineup at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

Building on its reputation for innovation, FPV has introduced a pair of luxury performance models, Force 6 and Force 8.

The Force models – powered either by the F6 270 Turbo in the Force 6 or the Quad Cam Boss 290 V8 in the Force 8 and available exclusively with the world-class ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic transmission – are designed to extend the appeal of Ford Performance Vehicles, blending the ultimate in performance with luxurious interior appointments and subtle exterior styling.

“These exciting additions to the FPV family build even further on our reputation for delivering exceptional performance vehicles that meet the demands of our customers,” said Sak Ryopponen, Managing Director of Ford Performance Vehicles.

“The Force 6 and Force 8 models are intended to drive a new generation of prestige performance car customers to our business.

“While these new models are the centrepieces of our revised BF MkII range, we have made a host of improvements and value additions to our existing models which continue the evolution of the legendary GT and award-winning F6 variants.”

For the first time, the highly praised ZF high-torque six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift will be offered as a no-cost option across the entire FPV range. Leather seats, formerly a $2750 (RRP) option in sedans and $1850 (RRP) in Utes, will be available across the range for just $995 (RRP) with the exception of the GT-P and Super Pursuit where leather seats are now standard.

The F6 Typhoon and F6 Tornado now feature 19-inch alloy wheels, fitted with high-performance Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 245/35 ZR19 tyres, as standard equipment. The striking new five-spoke wheel design features a contrasting Dark Argent rim against a machined alloy face for maximum visual impact. The popular 19-inch Dark Argent five-spoke alloy wheel introduced with the BF model last year will remain as an option on F6 models at a recommended retail price of $795.

The F6 Typhoon and F6 Tornado also receive styling improvements with the introduction of accent-coloured driving light surrounds providing greater impact and instant recognition of the BF MkII F6 variants.

The iconic GT and GT-P both feature an updated stripe package, the design of which was inspired by the legendary Bathurst-winning XY GT, with a bold line highlighted by a thin keyline that links together in the rear section. The stripes and hood decal are available as a $595 (RRP) option on GT and remain a no-cost option on the GT-P.

The optional stripe package has also been revised on the Pursuit and Super Pursuit utes with a unique design that incorporates an element of the ‘Bird of Prey’ featured in the FPV brand logo. The revised stripe package for Pursuit is available as a $595 option and is a no-cost option on the range-topping Super Pursuit ute.

Inside the cockpit, all FPV models now come with the high-quality performance steering wheel as standard equipment, while the air conditioning vents feature upgraded chrome adjusters to further emphasise the premium nature of the FPV range.

FPV will also introduce, as part of the BF MkII upgrade, an optional integrated in-car Bluetooth®* mobile telephone system and MP3 player/iPod®* adapter kit. These features will be available as accessories through FPV Dealers.

The arrival of the BF MkII range also coincides with the introduction of three bold new colours to the palette: Neo, Breeze and Octane. Neo is a vivid blue, Breeze is a deep turquoise, while Octane sees the return of orange to the colour range.

* iPod®/MP3 device not included. iPod® is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.

Recommended retail pricing across the BF MkII range reflects FPV’s ongoing commitment to offering outstanding value for money for Australia’s leading high performance sedans and utilities.

PRICING (recommended retail)*:
F6 Tornado: $54,170
F6 Typhoon: $61,810
GT: $62,210
GT-P: $70,410
Pursuit: $54,170
Super Pursuit: $59,200
Force 6: $71,590
Force 8: $71,990

* Excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges

[Donut King]

more pics

[FPV8U]

Man the Octane GT looks bloody nice.

Like the look of the Force 8, if they had a manual option i would consider this concept in the future.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

Like the look of the Force 8, if they had a manual option i would consider this concept in the future.

Do you want to open that chesnut again...im keen...lol
:

[FPV8U]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Do you want to open that chesnut again...im keen...lol
:

LOL nah mate, welll leave that.

[GreenMachine]

1998 called - the FBT wants its grille back!

I really love them, have just spent the last hour configuring them on the FPV site - unfortunately, my Ego Force 8 with premium brakes and sunroof will set me back $79k + ORC. 0wn3d.

My only issue is that realistically, there seems to be F-A difference between the Force 8 and a fully-optioned GTP, apart from the more subtle kit. Happy to be proven wrong on that one, but that's about all I can see...

[Polyal]

No mate thats it, different spoiler, slightly different seats, no stripes, gay badging, no manual option. Your better off in a GTP.

How exactly they can justify the extra expense is beyond me, other than status.

[GreenMachine]

See, this is what I love about Ford. They build awesome, awesome cars that no one is going to buy. 100 cashed-up pseudo-bogans buy them. In 10 years time, they're worth nothing, and rare as ****. And then I buy one.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

See, this is what I love about Ford. They build awesome, awesome cars that no one is going to buy. 100 cashed-up pseudo-bogans buy them. In 10 years time, they're worth nothing, and rare as ****. And then I buy one.

ROFL!!!!


Its sad but true!

[drcook]

i suppose i dont mind them (Force 6 & 8).

the one thing i personally dislike about the typhoon is the front bar (much rather the gt bar), so with the force 6 i can get a typhoon with a gt front bar!

but whats in the force 6 thats worth $10k more than the phoon?

[Dezza]

I love them all! I would prefer the Force models to have unique bumpers, but they still look cool. The GT looks great in Octane

[bigAl]

not worth the extra dosh, doesnt go further enough to seperate them from other models, more features is needed

[MrSparkle]

Well they do look good IMO, and to be fair, they HAVE delivered something that has been asked for for a long time now - the "luxury" FPV variant.

My thoughts after some deep lunchtime analysis:

1) The value proposition - for the features, they are overpriced - they could have at least chucked in sat-nav as standard, for starters...and the seats aren't anything to crow about, only being coloured Ghia items, they could have at least done the colour treatment to the GTP seats or something interesting. Sunroof could have also been an NCO to improve the value equation.

2) Lack of manual box - that is pretty presumptuous by FPV and NOT a good thing to exclude, and it's something that I would be wanting to get were I interested in one. Luxury doesn't immediately mean you strike the manual box from your options - or is FPV saying Audi doesn't know what it's doing with models like the RS4????!?!?!?!?!?!?

3) Lack of drivetrain updates - but this is across the board for all models so I can't relate this to these particular models.

As a pair of models they are actually a good concept BUT NOT AT THAT PRICE AND NOT WITH THOSE MISSING OPTIONS THAT SHOULD BE STANDARD. At that price point there are some VERY stiff competitors like the 300c SRT8 and that definitely has standout qualities which push it a lot closer to the front of the pack. FPV should have introduced these two either at a much lower price, or absolutely loaded with NCO's and customisations (as per Ians idea in the FPV forums).

Perhaps there's a willing market in those who can make the price more realistic through leasing and all it's discounting and tax benefits... well, at least until it comes time to sell..!

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by MrSparkle

2) Lack of manual box - that is pretty presumptuous by FPV and NOT a good thing to exclude, and it's something that I would be wanting to get were I interested in one. Luxury doesn't immediately mean you strike the manual box from your options - or is FPV saying Audi doesn't know what it's doing with models like the RS4????!?!?!?!?!?!?

Mate Ive been crowing about that for ages, and everyone tells me that the older generation want an auto only; which we all know is BS.

How the bean counters let these through amazes me, although I guess they really haven't done much. But to exclude the manual option will hurt them in sales, which are going to be bugger all anyway so they should do anything possible to attract people.

[Dezza]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Mate Ive been crowing about that for ages, and everyone tells me that the older generation want an auto only; which we all know is BS.

How the bean counters let these through amazes me, although I guess they really haven't done much. But to exclude the manual option will hurt them in sales, which are going to be bugger all anyway so they should do anything possible to attract people.

I agree with you as well. When I think performance, I think manual. I'd love a manual Ghia, just like I'd love a manual Force6. Unfortunately less and less cars are available with manual these days. I've been driving an auto for four years and I hate it. I want to convert to manual.

[Bossxr8]

Love the look of the dark woodgrain inserts in the doors of the Force cars. Very classy.

[chich]

LMAO at the chrome plastic mirror caps, Audi has had these (real metal by the way) on their S and RS cars since the late 90s. Here's a suggestion FPV, why not try and come up with something unique and original for a change instead of trying to emulate something you're clearly not?

They seriously believe that someone would spend $80K (incl on roads) on this rubbish when you could buy a used M3 coupe for the same money??? Noooo worries

[mark180227]

now this is a range of awesome vehicles...i know im biased being a ford fan, but seriously the BF Range dominates the VE. Looks, Style what ever you want...the falcons **** all of the commodores

[GlennBA]

for those prices.. they won't sell. The GT-P is already a ripoff.. why would anyone pay extra?
They suck in my opinion.. i'd rather a typhoon any day. They look heaps better.

[Scott]

I'm claiming rights to this concept. I sent an email to Ford in 04 (a feedback link) saying that they should whack a GT bodykit minus the wing on a Fairmo because they look to boring when compared to the sportier Calais. I am happy for Ford to claim rights on the idea of putting in the FPV engines. So there you go, thank me anytime you wish.

[CSV_LS1]

Took a look at the force models today at FPV.
Here is what i think.

*The rear wing is nothing new and is an old ford item (even AWC have been selling it for a long time). Can't believe even with money restraints they couldn't get something from the bloody parts bin.
*Doesn't come with the bigger brakes. You would expect it to get the better brakes for the money.
*Should of used the new typhoon wheels for the force models. You spend good money and you are given rehashed wheels from previous model.
*Standard seats is just stupid. There are plenty of manufacturers that have sporty looking seats that still suit the type of market they aim for.

Here's a quick example.

[Falcon Freak]

Originally Posted by chich

LMAO at the chrome plastic mirror caps, Audi has had these (real metal by the way) on their S and RS cars since the late 90s. Here's a suggestion FPV, why not try and come up with something unique and original for a change instead of trying to emulate something you're clearly not?

They seriously believe that someone would spend $80K (incl on roads) on this rubbish when you could buy a used M3 coupe for the same money??? Noooo worries

WTF? You complimenting Ford products?

FF

[Scott]

That photo of the back of the Force 8 is about the best photo I have ever seen Ford release.

[WASP]

Originally Posted by GMH8TR

That photo of the back of the Force 8 is about the best photo I have ever seen Ford release.

Agreed. Looks absolutely tough.