FPV F6: the turbocharged six from Ford Performance Vehicles

The FPV F6 was a full-size sedan and coupé utility built by Ford Performance Vehicles from 2004 to 2014. Based on the Ford Falcon, it used the turbocharged 4.0-litre Barra straight-six instead of the V8 of the GT, and in the BA and BF series its sedan and utility versions were called the Typhoon and Tornado.

FPV F6 at a glance

Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the FPV F6.

History of the FPV F6

BA MkII, 2004–2005

The F6 was introduced in 2004 as part of FPV’s BA MkII series, based on the Ford Falcon BA MkII sedan and utility. Its 4.0-litre turbocharged straight-six, the Barra 270T, produced 270 kW (362 hp) at 5250 rpm and 550 N·m (406 lb·ft) between 2000 and 4000 rpm. It was offered only with a six-speed Tremec T-56 manual gearbox, and it came with a bonnet scoop, 18-inch alloy wheels, no body stripes and PBR 325 mm brakes with two-piston callipers; Brembo brakes were optional. The sedan was called the Typhoon and the utility the Tornado.

BF series, 2005–2008

The BF F6 arrived in 2005 with the same Barra 270T engine and 270 kW, now with a ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic gearbox as well as 19-inch wheels. The BF MkII of late 2006 brought wheels of 19 inches (483 mm). In 2007 FPV released the limited-run R Spec Typhoon, of which 300 units were produced.

FG series, 2008–2014

The FG F6 of 2008 used the Barra 310T engine, rated at 310 kW (416 hp) and 565 N·m (417 lb·ft), with a Tremec TR-6060 manual gearbox; the Typhoon and Tornado names were dropped. The F6 E of 2009 was an executive variant with Brembo brakes as standard, a wood-grain dashboard, a reversing camera and leather seats, but no mechanical changes. The FG MkII of 2011 revised the front fascia and grille and added a reversing camera shown on an eight-inch touch screen. The F6 was discontinued in 2014.

Recall

In 2005 the FPV F6 Typhoon was recalled because of clutch failures. The problem had been noticed by Motor magazine during testing, but Ford Performance Vehicles initially dismissed it as driver abuse.

Design and features

• Turbocharged Barra six: the 4.0-litre engine made 270 kW in the BA and BF and 310 kW in the FG.
• Manual by default: the BA came only with a six-speed Tremec manual; an automatic followed in the BF.
• Sedan and ute: the Typhoon and Tornado covered both Falcon bodies until the FG series.
• Executive alternative: the F6 E of 2009 added leather, wood trim and a reversing camera.

FPV F6 versions

• F6 Typhoon: the sedan, from 2004 to the end of the BF series.
• F6 Tornado: the utility version of the same period.
• R Spec Typhoon (2007): a limited run of 300 cars.
• FG F6: the 310 kW version without the Typhoon and Tornado names.
• F6 E (2009): the executive variant with extra equipment.
• Force 6 and F6-X: a luxury version of the F6 and a Territory-based model developed alongside it.

The F6 was the six-cylinder alternative to the V8 FPV GT, and both were based on the Ford Falcon. More cars from the same maker are in the FPV collection.

Sources

• FPV F6, English Wikipedia: engines, gearboxes, variants, recall