Ford pumps up performance

Ford Performance Vehicles, the go-fast arm of Ford Australia, is flexing its V8 muscles by adding a Super Pursuit high-performance utility to its Falcon-based line-up.

The ute will join the GT and GT-P sedan and standard Pursuit Ute as part of FPVs "Boss 290 family", an in-house reference to the 290kW (390bhp) quad cam 5.4 litre V8 that powers the line-up.

FPV says the Super Pursuit is designed to extend the reach of the Pursuit ute range following the introduction of the Mk II family of Falcons last year.

"We think its mix of luxury and performance will certainly appeal to customers who want the ultimate Ford utility," said FPV managing director David Flint. The Super Pursuit is expected to cost $66,590 when it lands in New Zealand later in the year.

FPV says the new ute comes with exclusive luxury add-ons, including 19in, five-spoke alloy wheels and an upgraded centre console finished in satin alloy with dual-zone, climate control air-conditioning, large colour screen and six-disc, in-dash CD player.

Outside, the Super Pursuit is directly linked to the GT-P sedan, with satin alloy grille inserts and a solid splitter in the front bumper. It also has sports side skirts and comes standard with a lockable hard tonneau cover.

Under the bonnet, the V8 engine develops 290kW at 5500rpm and 520Nm of torque at 4500rpm.

It drives the rear wheels through either six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes. Brakes are by specialist Brembo, cross-drilled and ventilated.

Meanwhile, Ford Australia is to export its Territory sports utility vehicle to South Africa.

Ford Australia managing director Tom Gorman said he expected to ship about 2000 models a year, starting next month.

"The decision by Ford South Africa to add the vehicle to their line-up is testament to the strength of the Territory concept and design and the quality of the product," he said. "The SUV market in South Africa has grown more than 60 per cent since 2002."

Gorman said the programme to fine-tune the car to meet South African requirements began last July.

"South Africa has unique driving conditions involving high altitudes and high speeds, but the excellent work of the Australian development team involved with Territory meant little change was required."

Ford South Africa will have three models in its line-up - the rear-wheel-drive TX and Ghia, and the range-topping all-wheel-drive Ghia.

Ford Australia's only other export market for Territory is New Zealand, where it has clocked up more than 1400 sales since its launch last June.

In Australia over the same period, more than 15,000 Territory models were sold.