F6X - it's here, but will anyone notice?

Ford Performance Vehicles has officially launched its Territory based, F6X. Driven by the auto media this week and due on sale on the opening day of the Melbourne Motor Show (Feb 29), the F6X is FPV's first non-Falcon-based model.

Based on Ford's Territory Turbo Ghia, it features the same 270kW inline six fitted to the F6 Typhoon and Tornado models. The car was unveiled in 'concept' form at last October's Australian International Motor Show.

At that time the SUV was criticised for its lack of differentiation from the 'standard' Ford offering.

FPV is promoting the F6X as the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in the local market. With 550Nm of torque, it will also challenge some competitive V8 models. That torque peak is on hand from 2000 to 4250rpm, with power peaking at 5000rpm. Official fuel consumption is 14.9L/100km and the engine emits 357g/km of CO2.

The F6X is priced below the level of many premium SUVs available locally, but is FPV's most expensive product at $75,990.

FPV has specified the same six-speed ZF auto fitted to the Ghia Turbo donor car. The F6X is a full-time 4WD SUV, but boasts unique engineering in respect of suspension calibration and braking and stability system upgrades.

In hardware terms the F6X gets top-notch Brembo six-piston calipers and 355 x 32mm ventilated front discs -- a hefty upgrade over the standard Turbo's set-up. Single-piston calipers and 328 x 26mm ventilated disc rotors are fitted at the rear .

Lack of suitable Ford-approved rubber sees the FPV retain 18-inch wheels, however. Looking under-tyred in this 'big-wheel' world, the F6X does get a unique five-spoke design (finished in Alpine Silver), however.

Inside there's FPV specific instrumentation and monogrammed two-tone leather trim (Shadow and Pumice). A seven-seat variant extends the flash pews to the third row.

With rumours FPV would upgrade the exterior after the car's Sydney show unveiling, the finished car's exterior differentiation (over the standard Ghia Turbo) is, frankly, still underwhelming. FPV points to alloy running boards, a rear spoiler and mesh grille insert. The body side striping is optional.

Colours options are: Ego, Lightning Strike, Nitro, Seduce, Sensation, Silhouette, Velvet and Winter White. New colours will be phased in during the year -- Sensation from March, Nitro from April and Velvet from August.

The Carsales Network was present for the launch of the new model -- and a launch review will be published soon.