2007 FPV BF II Typhoon R-Spec Future Classic

Date: 17.10.2013

2007’s F6 Typhoon R-Spec: A limited edition with only 300 examples built, the R-Spec Typhoon remains the purest expression of six-cylinder Aussie performance since the Chrysler VH Charger R/T E49...

Future Classic: 2007 FPV BF II Typhoon R-Spec

2007 FPV BF II Typhoon R-Spec

Arguably Ford’s most influential ‘hot-six’, the BA XR6 Turbo lobbed in late 2002 with a technically-advanced 240kW/450Nm turbocharged version of the ‘Barra’ 3984cc DOHC, 24-valve straight-six.

Overnight, the XR6T put the XR8 in the shade. For the BA Mark II, which came on-stream in late 2004, the newly born Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) waved its wand over the XR6T’s powerplant to create the F6 Typhoon. With power out to 270kW and 550Nm of torque, the six-speed manual Typhoon could whip the best of the Aussie V8s, both on the straights and when carving corners. Incidentally, at release the Typhoon housed the torquiest motor ever produced in Australia. It was also more subtle than the V8 FPVs, with no external stripes and a subtle rear wing/18-inch alloy wheel combination.

Despite early cars suffering from clutch issues, the success of the Typhoon ensured the model continued as part of 2005’s BF Falcon range. For the first time Typhoon could be optioned with an automatic transmission (the six-speed ZF unit) and it received the previously optional four-piston Brembo front brake package as standard; a phenomenal six-piston front/four-piston rear Brembo package was optionally available. The wheel design was changed and the bodykit evolved into something showier, ensuring the Typhoon stood out from the Ford product it was based on.

The Typhoon received no further mechanical upgrades with BF Mark II, though there was yet another alloy wheel design. It was as if FPV was planning something special for the BF’s finale…

Enter 2007’s F6 Typhoon R-Spec. A limited edition with only 300 examples built, the R-Spec Typhoon remains the purest expression of six-cylinder Aussie performance since the Chrysler VH Charger R/T E49.

Though it came with a ‘unique certificate of build authenticity’ this was no sticker special. Instead, it followed the R-Spec formula previously laid down by the 40th anniversary FPV GT. "The initial idea behind R-Spec was to provide an FPV vehicle for those who wanted to be more competitive at track days and club sprint events, but who didn’t want to compromise on the comfort of daily driving either," said then-FPV General Manager, Rod Barrett.

The F6 R-Spec Typhoon achieved its intent with a bespoke suspension setup, specifically tuned to the mass of the six-cylinder super sedan. Front damping rates were a key focus, the goal to improve turn-in response while retaining ride quality. ‘Dark Argent’ (read: gunmetal-accented) 19-inch alloys and a rear spoiler lifted the exterior, along with specific badging.

Inside, the R-Spec gained FPV’s leather seats and iPod connectivity as standard, along with further model identification. It was priced $1500 above the ‘base’ car, at $63,310 in manual or auto form.

Despite some wags suggesting it was merely a pre-FG runout special, the R-Spec’s blend of rarity and sharper handling makes it highly desirable. This is reflected in the asking prices, with Typhoon R-Spec’s hovering around the $30K mark, almost double what you’d expect to pay for an equivalent XR6 Turbo.

 

*****

More reviews:

> Test: FPV GT review here

> FPV BF GT Cobra/Falcon XC Cobra review here

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