Ford Territory Turbo Unveiled (Australia)

Press Release

Exhilarating New Turbo Charged Territory Breaks Cover

The award-winning Ford Territory is about to add another string to its bow - two new sports enhanced turbo charged models destined to redefine levels of SUV performance.

The new model will be offered in two all-wheel-drive specification levels – Territory Turbo, and the more luxuriously appointed Territory Ghia Turbo. Both will be powered by Ford's 245kW turbo engine.

"Territory Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo build on the many fine attributes inherent in the original Territory and then adds additional performance," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

Enhancements introduced on the recently released SY Territory range will also feature on the Territory Turbo, including a slick shifting six speed automatic transmission as standard.

"Our design engineers had a brief to create a Territory Turbo with enhanced performance but not to compromise functionality and versatility," said Mr. Gorman.

Another SUV making its debut at the show is the new Ford Escape. The Escape's exterior has been dramatically refined and features distinctive Ford DNA, giving the vehicle a very stylish urban SUV look.

Ford's popular BF Falcon and SY Territory ranges are also on display at the show, the new models offering exceptional driving enjoyment and improved fuel economy.

Ford Performance Vehicles' aggressive new-look BF range also features, with all Boss 290 V8-powered models boasting more aggressive overall styling.

The sophisticated new ZF six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on all models - including the turbo-charged F6 Typhoon and F6 Tornado models.

Ford's smallest new car offering – Fiesta – will showcase a distinctive new look, including new exterior styling, fresh new interiors, three vibrant new colours and an impressive list of cutting-edge technology and features.

Only months away from its official Australian launch, the Focus XR5 Turbo also appears in Melbourne for the first time.

A powerful 166kW 2.5-litre five cylinder engine, partnered with a slick-operating six-speed manual gearbox, combines with a dynamics package which offers exceptional handling, road holding ability and braking – whilst remaining refined and practical.

"The combination of new and exciting local and international new models creates a huge amount of customer appeal for visitors to the Ford stand," said Mr Gorman.

Territory Turbo offers much in the way of standard features, including:

• 245kW Turbo engine

• Exterior visual enhancements including bonnet scoop and dual exhaust outlet

• ZF Six Speed Automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS)

• 4-way power driver seat

• All-wheel-drive capability

• 18" alloy wheels

• Cruise control

• Over thirty storage compartments

• Body colour bumpers

• Turbo badge

Territory Ghia Turbo offers the same features as found on the Territory Turbo model, but also adds the following as standard:

• Colour TFT screen

• Reverse Camera, operating in conjunction with a Reverse Sensing System

• 6-way power driver seat

• Side curtain airbags

• Premium ICC & audio system

• Dual zone climate control

• Ghia Turbo badge

"The elegant refined appearance of turbo Territory belies the true potency of this impressive new vehicle," concluded Mr Gorman.

The turbo Territory range will go on sale in mid 2006. Pricing and further specification related details will be released closer to launch.

Territory Turbo - A Local Engineering Innovation

The all new turbo Territory models are a Ford Australia engineering innovation – it's no small task mating one of Ford's most popular engines to Australia's most successful Sports Utility Vehicle.

"The turbo Territory project provided us with many challenges, and the end result is a world class vehicle," said Trevor Worthington, Vice President Product Development.

"It was an extensive engineering project that involved a lot more work than simply slotting an engine into a space under the bonnet.

"Our engineers undertook a full development program to ensure the total vehicle outcome based around the iconic turbo engine was optimised."

The development program has resulted in unique engine and transmission calibrations, a unique DSC calibration, unique exhaust system and new 18" alloy wheels and tyres.

Extensive thermal testing and subsequent engine modifications involving heating and cooling performance comprised a large proportion of the testing procedure.

"The DSC calibration has been optimised to work in conjunction with the 245kW turbo engine, and the all-wheel-drive system with the 18" wheels and tyres," added Mr Worthington.

The new Territory Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo will also incorporate some of the latest hardware developments which featured on the recently launched SY Territory – not least of which is the silky smooth ZF six speed automatic complete with Sequential Sport Shift (SSS).

"Ford's popular 4.0 litre DOHC DIVCT 6 cylinder turbo engine powers this new model, and it was vital we had the very best six speed automatic transmission available to ensure that it maintained a world class pedigree," said Mr Worthington.

"With 245kW and 480Nm available, there was only one transmission we seriously considered – the proven ZF 6HP26."

The two turbo Territory models feature a unique version of the ZF 6HP26 transmission, which has been specially designed for the turbo all-wheel-drive application.

The transmission's internals and torque converter are common with the BF XR6 Turbo and FPV F6, while the transmission casing is common with the SY Territory AWD.

A unique transmission calibration makes optimum use of the turbo engine's power and torque in both on and off road driving conditions. The transmission oil cooler has also been upgraded, maintaining a 2300kg maximum towing capacity *.

Both the Territory Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo are shod with new sports-bred 18" five spoke alloys and new P235/55 R18 tyres. The new tyre has been engineered to deliver optimum balance between grip and comfort.

The turbo Territory also features upgraded front brakes, complete with a performance caliper and increased rotor size (compared with SY Territory). This provides reliable and stable brake performance, and increased thermal capacity. The revised caliper package offers improved pedal feel and modulation of pedal pressure under all braking events.

Further details of the turbo Territory engineering program will be released closer to launch.

*Based on standard 5 seater models with 5 occupants (@ 68kg) and no luggage, using Genuine Ford heavy duty tow pack with load levelling kit.