Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) have revealed the latest addition to their FG range with the unveiling of the all-new F6 E. Setting a new benchmark for luxury and performance, the launch of the F6 E ends months of public speculation of “will they or won’t they”.
Originally launched as a concept vehicle at the Melbourne International Motor Show earlier this year, the F6 E has been designed to satisfy calls from the market for more performance based executive vehicles.
“We launched this car at the Melbourne Motor Show as a concept vehicle and the expressions of interest in it have been enough to warrant us to go into a production run of the vehicle as a full-time addition to the range,” FPV General Manager Rod Barrett said.
“The F6 E will cater for the corner of the market – in particular executives – that want the performance and dynamics of the F6 with some added luxury appointments in subdued styling.
“Feedback from our customers leaves us confident that the F6 E will be a hit with those looking for something more from their performance vehicle,” Barrett added.
Powered by the high performance 4.0 litre turbo-charged DOHC 24 valve in-line six, the F6 E produces maximum power of 310kW at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 565Nm across the range from 1950 to 5200 rpm.
The new F6 E features the ZF six-speed high-torque automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift as standard and boasts a fuel economy figure of 12.1L/100km.
The F6 E receives performance 355 x 32mm cross drilled and ventilated front rotors with Brembo 6-piston calipers and 330 x 28mm cross-drilled and ventilated rear rotors with Brembo 4-piston caliper as standard.
Executive Styling
“The styling of the F6 E differentiates itself from its F6 sibling through the use of a softer colour palette and more luxurious finishes and trim,” Barrett said.
“As opposed to the overtly sporty F6, the F6 E is more subtle, with striking chrome accents and a refined lip spoiler replacing the bright colours, and large rear winds found on the other models – the colour coding of the ‘racoon-eyes’ also helps the F6 E to keep a ‘low profile’.”
The upper radiator and lower bumper grille mesh are finished in black chrome, while the front driving lamps are highlighted with a high chrome bezel and complemented by full body coloured bumpers.
The new FPV badge takes centre stage on both the front and rear of the vehicle and the new F6 E badge features on the rear and side panels.
The 19-inch wheel design was custom matched to the F6 E’s premium Brembo brake package and the ’shadow chrome’ alloy finish completes an understated yet stylish exterior package.
The F6 E is available in a subtle exterior palette of nine colours – Winter White, Silhouette, Lightening Strike, Velvet, Sensation, Steel, Ego, Seduce and the new Mystic.
Inside the cabin, the F6 E features luxury FPV seats in shadow leather with the F6 E logo embossed on the headrests.
The interior environment of the F6 E is charcoal and receives a dark walnut woodgrain finish on the dashboard as well as the doors.
The interior is packed with features to ensure a premium driving experience, including a sports leather steering wheel with cruise control and audio mounted switches, dual zone temperature control air conditioning, front and rear power windows and memory adjustable pedals with alloy pedal controls.
Sports Performance Maintains Ride Comfort
“The F6 E gives increased response to the accelerator pedal throughout the rev range, but also provides around town driveability due to better access to torque,” DPV Head of Powertrain Engineering Bernie Quinn said.
The automatic transmission has a cylinder cut feature during wide open throttle gear changes, which shortens the ‘torque off, torque-back-on’ time between gear changes, enhancing the wide open throttle performance feel.
“The result is a vehicle with outstanding performance, better engine response and fuel efficiency, and improved operating performance under all conditions.
“The F6 E has an improved turn in response and linearity, better steering precision and stability mid-corner and a reduced roll rate, which all work to deliver a smooth and controlled ride,” Quinn explained.
“The FPV performance independent double wish bone front suspension and performance control independent rear suspension teamed up with the new Sachs mono-shock damper provides the perfect balance between a firm, dynamic sports performance feel and maintaining ride comfort while cruising.
Safety is Standard in the F6 E
The F6 E is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and side curtain airbags, both of which are now standard across the entire FPV range.
In addition, the F6 E also features a reverse parking camera and reverse sensing system as standard.
Other safety features include Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and a 4-channel Anti-lock Bracking System (ABS), driver and passenger airbags and Beltminder technology for both the driver and passenger.
The F6 E is protected by a remote alarm and FPV’s ID Datadot identification.
The F6 E will be available in New Zealand from December 2009 and will be priced at $87,990+ on road costs (including GST).
Source : Ford New Zealand www.ford.co.nz
Carbuying.co.nz Motoring News.
Mazda New Zealand helped drive the Big Night In Telethon over the weekend, raising more than $34,000.00 through an online auction where viewers bid on a new generation Mazda3.
The 23-hour event on TV3 generated more than $2 million for the charity KidsCan StandTall which supports young New Zealanders who are financially disadvantaged.
“Mazda is thrilled to have been able to support such a much-loved Kiwi event and raise some needed funds for KidsCan. The charity does some fantastic work in the community, providing opportunities for children in need to reach their full potential and succeed. We enjoyed bringing some of the highlights of past Telethons back to life through ‘Mazda Moments’,” said Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director, Mazda New Zealand.
‘Mazda Moments’ saw John Campbell speak to ten well-known Kiwis who played signficant roles in earlier Telethons. Celebrities including Paul Holmes, Dougal Stevenson, Sean Fitzpatrick, Phillip Sherry and Tim Shadbolt discussed their memories of previous all-night Telethons.
Mazda supplied the event organisers with three sign-written Mazda3 vehicles in stunning velocity red, indigo lights and graphite mica for promotional use in the lead up to the Telethon.
It has been 15 years since New Zealand’s Telethon first appeared on our screens raising money for children’s causes. The Big Night In Telethon 09 didn’t disappoint, drawing an audience of more than two million viewers and featuring New Zealand celebrities including the KidsCan StandTall ambassadors The All Blacks along with actors, comedians and musicians.
About the KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust: www.kidscan.org.nz . The KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust (KidsCan) is a national charity dedicated to ensuring Kiwi kids less fortunate than others have a bright future. KidsCan provides three targeted programmes; ‘Raincoats for Kids’, ‘Shoes for Kids’ and ‘Food for Kids’, which remove the barriers preventing financially disadvantaged children from getting the most out of their education and life. Kidscan is the official charity of the All Blacks.
Source Mazda New Zealand www.mazda.co.nz
Carbuying.co.nz Motoring news.
Mazda3 MPS, the headline model of the new-generation Mazda3 range, delivers unrivalled performance and handling in one of the world’s most powerful front-wheel drive compacts.
The MPS takes motorists to new levels of driving excitement with an updated MZR 2.3-litre Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo petrol engine, increased body shell rigidity and evolved suspension.
“The Mazda3 MPS features everything that is loved about the Mazda3 – strong performance and handling with plenty of style but with even more Zoom-Zoom,” said Andrew Clearwater, Mazda New Zealand Managing Director.
The MPS’ revised engine boasts high levels of performance in a front-engine, front-wheel drive sports compact with increased maximum power and generous torque. The combination of direct-injection with a turbocharger sees the MPS achieve performance that is on par with a larger displacement engine, with acceleration of 0-100km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Easy to control torque combined with an optimised gear ratio ensures smooth shift operation for sporty driving.
Insightful engineering not only means advanced power delivery, but improved fuel consumption and cleaner emissions than that of the previous model – an outstanding feat for a car of this power. The world’s first underfloor single-nanotechnology, fast-reacting catalyctic converter delivers cleaner emissions and achieves Euro Stage V compliance – the first for a Mazda vehicle.
Numerous local reinforcements have been added to the MPS to increase body rigidity and improve the new model’s overall performance. High-tensile steel sheeting is used throughout the vehicle for a stiffer body based on the Mazda Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption (MAIDAS) system. The new model has added localised reinforcements inside the front cowl member gussets to strengthen the joints between the rear suspension towers and rear floorboard.
Improved performance goes hand in hand with improved safety. Drivers can be sure of improved suspension and handling with the addition of larger stabilisers to reduce vibrations and provide greater strength in the event of the car rolling. Power assisted steering which adjusts control according to vehicle speed and steering angle means more precise, controlled handling and assured driver confidence.
The MPS also features specially tuned brakes for powerful and stable braking. Electronic brake assist replaces the previous mechanical system, and four-wheel ABS and DSC are also standard equipment, giving solid handling stability under all surface conditions. Bi-Xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) enhances night time visibility.
In addition to class-leading braking systems, all models are equipped with Front, Side and Curtain airbags with active headrests and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)/Traction Control
(TCS) as standard safety equipment across the model range to ensure a confident driving experience.
The Mazda3 MPS is available in four exterior colours including Black Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Aluminium Metallic and the new Celestial Blue Mica.
The Mazda3 MPS is now available at a recommended retail price of $48,545 which includes mazdacare genuine servicing for the first three years or 100,000kms (whichever comes first).
Arrange a test drive at Dunedin City Motors www.dcmotors.co.nz
For more information visit www.mazda.co.nz/models/mazda3-mps.aspx.
Carbuying.co.nz Motoring news.