R-Spec Typhoon heads FPV limited edition drive

The first of a series of Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) limited editions, the F6 R-Spec Typhoon is officially unveiled today.

Expected to head at least three special models ahead of the rollout of the new Orion-based FPV models in the first half of 2008, the R-Spec Typhoon features the Blue Oval go-fast arm's own high-performance suspension package.

Dubbed R-Spec, the revised damper package was first used on the GT 40th Anniversary model announced and sold out earlier this year.

Priced at $63,310, the R-Spec F6 is $1500 more than the standard Typhoon. Just 300 R-Specs will be built and each owner will be presented with a unique build certificate of authenticity. Indeed, so tightly held are the numbers that press test vehicles will not be 'numbered' cars but rather development mules.

The F6 R-Spec is the first of FPV's six-cylinder models to feature the upgraded suspension package. It is available in six colours: Winter White, Lightning Strike, Vixen, Neo, Ego and Silhouette.

Distinguishing features include R-Spec badging and 'Dark Argent' gunmetal accents on the wheels and rear spoiler as standard. Inside, the R-Spec gets FPV's leather sports seats as standard and logoed floor mats. The audio system is also upgraded with an iPod connection.

FPV's R-Spec suspension system features unique valving that the maker claims better controls roll and pitch. Though it is firmer than the standard F6, the company claims ride comfort is retained and the car exhibits better turn-in on the road and track.

In testing with V8 Supercar veteran John Bowe at the helm, the F6 R-Spec proved the fastest factory FPV ever round Winton. According to FPV Programs Manager Paul Cook, the R-Spec lapped between 1.5-2.0sec faster than the standard F6 on the same road-oriented rubber. More gains can be made on R compound tyres, he said.

FPV boss Rod Barrett said that the positive response to the GT 40th Anniversary limited edition was one of the factors that led to the decision to introduce an R-Spec for the 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 level of suspension and handling on our Typhoon."

"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," Barrett said.

The F6 R-Spec limited edition will be offered in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic variants.

Look out for The Carsales Network's first drive of the R-Spec F6 Typhoon next month.

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