Ford Territory Turbo Unveiled (Australia)

Ford Territory Turbo

Exhilarating New Turbo Charged Territory Breaks Cover

February 10, 2006 7:55 PM
Filed Under: American, Ford

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:

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

"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.

Show stopper

"Territory Turbo is a marriage between the record breaking Territory SUV and the home grown six cylinder inline turbo engine – both incredibly popular pieces of automotive development in their own right," said Exterior Design Manager, Graham Wadsworth.

Territory Turbo's bonnet scoop, which diverts cool air into the engine mounted intercooler, is the most obvious and immediate point of difference between it and the rest of the range.

"The turbo bonnet scoop provides a real sense of power and sporty sophistication," said Mr Wadsworth.

There are also other external performance design cues and visual enhancements which stand turbo Territory models apart from their peers.

New sports-bred 18" five spoke alloys with a common design theme grace both models, with Ghia Turbo's machined face finish providing the distinction between the two. The larger wheels enhance the stance and proportions of the vehicle.

The introduction of a diamond mesh grille to the front of the vehicle allows for improved cooling, while at the rear of the two models dual exhaust outlets create a subtle performance statement which in turn adds to the overall appearance.

"The two turbo Territory models will feature bodycolour bumpers, cladding, rockers and liftgate moulding, while fog lamps will be standard equipment which helps create a prestigious look for the vehicle," said Mr Wadsworth.

The turbo Territory range colour palette introduces three new colours which have not previously been available on Territory. These are Seduce (Red), Neo (Blue) and Ego (Charcoal).

"These new colours are representative of the elegance associated with these new vehicles, and are created with executive appeal in mind," said Mr Wadsworth.

In keeping with the refined appearance of the design, there is only one piece of nomenclature to indicate that there is something different about either model.

A 'Turbo' badge adorns the rear of the Territory Turbo, while a 'Ghia Turbo' badge is found on the back of the higher specification model.

"Territory Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo offer Euro inspired styling with a sports edge – it's designed with elegance in mind, coupled with subtle performance attributes," concluded Mr Wadsworth.

Interior of New Turbo Territory A Place of Elegant Refinement

While a bonnet scoop, turbo engine, dual exhaust outlets and associated exterior enhancements mark differences between the new turbo Territory models and non-turbo variants, it's when you take a look inside that the real distinctions between the models become very apparent.

"One of the key design principals behind the turbo Territory range is understated elegance and performance," said Debbie Pascoe, Colour and Trim Design Manager.

"Territory Turbo variants are sophisticated and refined, appealing to an even more discerning customer. We wanted the interior to reflect this, and therefore chose a warm charcoal trim to create an interior that is alluring and exciting. This particular interior is sportier than a non-turbo Territory, giving a stronger, more assertive overall image."

The use of intriguing three dimensional fabrics and moody metallics helped achieve the look the Colour and Trim team were striving for.

"We have utilised the successful Eucalyptus palette, but in a new darker form," said Ms Pascoe.

The Interior Command Centre (ICC) of the new Territory Ghia Turbo is perhaps one of the most striking enhancements made to the interior of the vehicle. The Ghia Turbo's ICC is finished in black onyx, with satin chrome highlights.

"The appearance of the new ICC helps create a real sense of prestige and wow factor when opening the door to the new Territory Ghia Turbo," said Ms Pascoe.

"The black interior makes for an impact loaded sports and performance statement, and leaves no doubt that this is a special vehicle."

The instrument cluster is unique to the turbo Territory range, with a slight variation in illumination, colours and finishes between the two models.

Further differentiation between the Turbo and Ghia Turbo is evident in interior appointments. Territory Turbo is fitted with a sports steering wheel, while a luxury sports steering wheel and leather wrapped park brake are fitted to the Territory Ghia Turbo. A leather insert gear lever is standard on both models.

The new colour scheme flows through to other aspects of the interior, including the sporty new supportive seats.

Territory Turbo receives black suede style seat trim and four-way power driver seat, whilst Territory Ghia Turbo features black leather seat trim with a six-way power driver seat. Both models have power adjustable pedals as standard.

The command driving position, a favourite feature for Territory owners, remains a key attribute of the new turbo models.

Both vehicles offer flexible seating arrangements and numerous innovative storage solutions – plus the renowned Territory attribute of being able to transport as many as seven people at once (when fitted with optional third row seats).

With this consideration in mind, Territory's Intelligent Safety System is a vital part of both models.

Territory Ghia Turbo's colour TFT screen enables the use of the Reverse Camera, operating in conjunction with a Reverse Sensing System.

In addition to this, Territory Ghia Turbo receives a number of features over and above the standard Territory Turbo model. These include:

"It was important to create an interior which is representative of what Territory Turbo and Territory Ghia Turbo are as vehicles," said Ms Pascoe.

"It is high end, it is capable, it is refined and offers performance attributes. The use of dark colours in the interior helps convey this particular styling statement."