Territory staked out

The upgraded Ford Territory for 2011 is out and about. As recently as three nights ago, next year's model of the blue oval's indigenous SUV was seen heading in the opposite direction as two members of staff for the Carsales Network were returning a press vehicle.

Apparently more than just one of Ford's mules, the vehicle in question looked production-ready and featured daytime running lights. It was lightly disguised with bra (and panties), but there was little around the flanks or the rear of the vehicle pointing towards a comprehensive restyle. While the frontal styling remains in the province of guesswork, we've reproduced a couple of artist's impressions that we believe depict how the new model will look.

Due to introduce the 2.7-litre JLR turbodiesel V6 that also powered the Land Rover Discovery 3 in the past, the next Territory will mark the start of a new seven-year lifecycle, based on what Ford insiders have suggested.

New lifecycle or not though, the next generation of Territory is unlikely to be built on an altogether new platform . It's been reported that the 2011 model will be based on a substantially upgraded version of the current car's platform.

We believe that the Territory will incorporate a number of upgraded features engineered originally for the FG Falcon, including improved electricals and the Falcon's high-end HMI infotainment system. Expect also some changes to suspension, steering and drivetrain -- with possibly across-the-board adoption of ZF six-speed as for the Falcon range for example.

While this last item of speculation is a bit out there, the Coyote V8 -- a much more compact package than the old long-stroke Boss V8 it replaces -- is a chance for high-end variants of the Territory starting from just below the Luxury Car Tax.

Word is that the new Territory will reach market in the second quarter of next year and we're taking bets on the SUV's first public unveiling at AIMS in Melbourne from July of next year.

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