Ford Performance Vehicles will re-write the rules in the Australian high-performance car segment with its first turbo-charged production concept car – the F6 Typhoon.

Unveiled today at the Melbourne Motor Show, the F6 Typhoon is certain to establish FPV as the technical leaders in the tribal high-performance market and reinforce the six-cylinder engine as a worthy alternative to FPV’s class-leading Boss 290 V8 engine.

The F6 270 Turbo is a turbo charged and intercooled 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder powerplant with double overhead camshafts and a four-valve aluminium cylinder head. It produces its maximum power of 270kW at 5250rpm while its maximum torque of 550Nm is on tap from 2000rpm and remains constant all the way through to 4250rpm.

It produces more than 80 per cent of its maximum torque at 1500 rpm and over 98 per cent at 1750rpm, ensuring exhilarating performance while also providing an extremely flexible and relaxed nature for everyday city driving.

The F6 Typhoon will join the GT, GT-P and Pursuit Ute as part of the FPV range with production scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2004.

It is expected to retail between $56,000 and $59,000 when it goes on sale, further emphasizing FPV’s philosophy of providing outstanding value and performance. It is anticipated that all F6 Typhoon owners will also experience the benefits of the FPV Performance Driving Course. FPV is the only manufacturer in Australia to offer a defensive driver training course with every new vehicle purchased.

The F6 Typhoon production concept is instantly recognizable as part of the FPV family with its standout styling. However, it has a range of unique styling cues, including pewter highlights on the front and rear bumpers, high-tech mesh grille inserts and a rear bootlid spoiler with FPV’s trademark three-pillar design.

Inside the cockpit, the car has sports seats with a technical design, suede bolsters and FPV identification in the headrests. It also features aluminium pedals and interior highlights and the unique FPV dash-mounted starter button.

Additional product information will be released closer to the final launch date.