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.