FPV F6 Typhoon 2005 Review

A slushbox in an Aussie muscle car? Sacrilege, some die-hard enthusiasts might cry, but in reality the availability of a world-class six-speed auto to go with the existing six-speed manual further increases the appeal of FPV's hi-tech turbo six.

Not all who lust after a high-performance sedan wants to change gears themselves, after all, at least not all the time -- just ask any AMG Mercedes owner. A few days battling peak hour traffic in the latest auto Typhoon was enough to convince us of the merits of the 'slushbox' alternative.

Visually, the current Typhoon is still a bit underwhelming in the metal, despite some exterior changes, although there's no doubting its handsome looks.

Fortunately for those who like to stand out in the crowd, there's a new palette of 'glow in the dark' colours that if not guaranteeing instant recognition from the neighbours, will at least ensure attention on the road. Our test car's fire engine 'Vixen' red is one of the milder hues on offer, yet still turned a few heads.

Slip into the heavily cushioned driver's seat and behind the chunky, Momo steering wheel and you quickly realise this is a car aimed at big, beefy blokes.

The thick, leather-lined wheel is not suited to petite female hands, nor is the bulbous Momo gearknob. Finding the ideal driving position is easy, particularly with the optional pedal adjustment (great for longer legs). The leather sports seats are a treat to spend time on, but the same sporty treatment in the back means taller passengers (185cm-plus) might find the lack of headroom a pain.

The last Typhoon we drove raised some question marks over the fit and finish of some interior trim, but this car appeared better screwed together, with no rattles or loose plastic bits to speak of.

Like everything else, most knobs and switches are 'oversized' and easy to use, although the 'traction control' button on the centre console was a bit confusing; after pressing it there was no visual indication as to whether TC was now off or on...

That the Typhoon is an accomplished sports machine is well established. Its willingness to turn-in, superb grip and strong brakes allow for some serious speed through corners. But it's just as impressive in traffic, quiet and refined although the low-profile Dunlops are noisy on coarse bitumen. It's also an excellent highway cruiser, the turbo six lazily turning over at 1500rpm at 100km/h in sixth gear.

Even tottering around town the Typhoon is a hoot, the sharp throttle response, clever auto and prodigious amounts of low-down torque mean you're rarely stuck in the wrong gear or wishing for more acceleration. Average fuel economy was just over 16l/100km; expect even higher consumption if you really enjoy putting the boot in.

While we enjoy a manual shifter as much as the next bloke, by sacrificing little in performance or enjoyment the auto is the sensible choice for those planning to spend more time commuting than racing around a track. At just $1250 extra for the auto, it's worth trying both 'boxes before you buy.