GP confirms no V8 Territory - Page 4 - Ford Forums

RPO83 · 05-07-2003, 08:13

No need to apologize, they aren't the same :)

Mr Sparkle · 05-07-2003, 15:48

Quote:

Originally posted by Ford4Eva
It would be an image builder to have a V8 version but GP has stated that he's into making a profit.

Doesn't cut it I'm afraid. Do you think that those after the V8 AWD option will sit happily in their XT-spec I6, grinning with pride and satisfaction in the knowledge that their forced downgrading has generously provided a few more bucks for the Ford coffers? I think not! They will be grinning with pride and satisfaction in their brand new V8 AWD Holden.

I posed a question in the initial discussions of this topic a while back, and I will pose it again for all of you defending this decision by Ford Aus - by NOT having options like V8 AWD, what will make the Territory any different from the glut of mid-roaders already available?

RATT · 05-07-2003, 16:08

Quote:

Originally posted by trx440
Your Territory is our Freestyle and it's under pinnings will actually be the same as our midsized Five-Hundred sedan. It is designed for AWD here in the states and thought I read it would accept the 4.6L - 16v. That's 260hp / 300 ft/lb.

Here in the States it will be a definite 'Cross-over' or 'Soft-Roader'.

Now, if we could get some XR6T engines from ya for the Five Hundred AWD version, I might quit cryin' like a soiled child over the lack of XR/GT at my dealership.

Very good point there. The 4.6l SOHC engine may fit. But we'll have to wait and see.

Funkypig · 05-07-2003, 16:08

Quote:

Originally posted by trx440
Your Territory is our Freestyle and it's under pinnings will actually be the same as our midsized Five-Hundred sedan.

The Freestyle and Territory will look very similar (As J Mays has directed this), but they are completely different cars. Unfortunately since they will look so smlilar, and hense be perceived as being the similar, neither will be able to be sold together in the same market as consumers would be confused.

The Territory is based on the current long running Falcon RWD platform. While the Freestyle will use an all-new platform design specifically for AWD, with it engine mounted transversely ala FWD (instead of north-south in the Falcon and Territory).

Also, how long after the Territory comes out do people think it will take for an enterprising individual to drop in a Boss 290?? Not long I think, and before you say it, they will MAKE it fit. Bigger bonnet, no AWD, whatever it takes.

Funkypig · 05-07-2003, 16:11

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr Sparkle
by NOT having options like V8 AWD, what will make the Territory any different from the glut of mid-roaders already available?

ummm... shitty Australian build quality???

Aussie Pete · 05-07-2003, 16:18

Well, a simple issue now for where I sit. If Ford doesn't come out and say there'll be a performance V8 version of the Territory within around two months I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go for the SS Wagon while it lasts.

In any case, the Territory with the 220 V8 also won't be good enough given the weight of this thing.

If you think people don't like wagons and won't buy sporty wagons why do we see so many ML55 mercedes, the 4.4 litre X5 BMW etc etc? Then there's the success of the Liberty sports style wagons which do very well based on sports themes.

AP hangs his head in shame at the thought of no decent V8 in the Territory.....

ricecooker · 05-07-2003, 16:26

Quote:

Originally posted by subsbligh35
why would you want a territory anyway? Don't you see they are making everything smaller

V8 and 4wd conjures up images of tall goofy Land Rovers with soccer mums in 'em......BORING

I *personally* think cross over SUV whatevers are ugly, pointless half breeds.

But dropping the V8, all i have to say is remember the XF and how V8 culling lost many generations of bogans to Holden.

And dropping the falcon for a popularised, americanised, bastardised half cast that isnt quite as good as a 4wd yet not quite as good as a sedan is, sadly, a case of the sum of the parts being a lot less than the whole.....well that will lose you an entire Australian market.

I think it would be nice, and quite userfull to have the v8 under the territory, cos its going to be a heavy thing no doubt, and will find many uses in towing boats etc probably, so it cant be a gutless whimp of a car, but I accept while im sure it can be done, there are issues.. for one, they cant make every model that every one wants, or else the development dosh will be spread too thin and we'll have a lot of shit products rather than a few good ones like at present., but also.. think how tall the barra donk is, esp in boss form, and imagine that placed above the front diff of a 4wd..
It 's gonnna make it have an undesirablly high center of gravity, you'll need "windscreen by wire" to see where the hell your going with that big donk sticking up in front of you, it'll suck juice like its going out of fashion, and satisfy only a portion of the market all for v8 bragging rights....

Sure it'd be nice,but its not worth the opportunity cost of its implementation, esp when there are more pressing projects to undertake, like maybe lightening the ba for example.

You cant have it all at once..
Besides the turbo 6 will fit in there so it wont be short of grunt once they get 300 rwkw or whatever crazy amounts of power they can extract from it in teh future..

As far as losing sales to holden , well do they even have a territory competitor to lose people to? that pumped up commie isnt in the same class i dont think..

I disagree with you subligh though on the need for a crossover vehicle.. They are good for somepeople who need a vehicle that they can take camping, go around town in, tow their caravan with, and not get stuck in the mud as easily as teh sedans etc, pack a lot of shit into,, have a commanding driving position, and occassionally take offroad without fear of getting stuck in the first soft patch.. all at the same time as beign able to carry several adults

To do this anyother way would surely require two vehicles..

Its definatly not a bad thing... a compromise sure , but with it a handy vehicle for more situations that just a sedan or normal wagon..

Funkypig · 05-07-2003, 16:45

Will the Territory have low range?

RAPTOR · 05-07-2003, 16:49

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr Sparkle
........ by NOT having options like V8 AWD, what will make the Territory any different from the glut of mid-roaders already available?

Built in Australia
(I DO NOT agree with Funky Pigs description of Aussie build quality however, I see this as a good thing)
Genuinely designed to cope with Australian roads/tracks
Not imported from the home of the SUV and the strong US Dollar, inflating prices &/or limiting equipment.
Not default FWD with gimmicky AWD actuation (think Honda CRV)
INLINE 6 motor of 4l capacity
INLINE 6 motor of 4l capacity WITH OPTIONAL TURBO!!!!
Slightly bigger than a 5-seater Escape/Tribute
Configurable to a 7-seater (or so we have been led to believe)
Without the drawback of the "real" 4WDS (Patrol/Cruisers) with full frames, very heavy, poor dynamics etc.
More Falcon like than anything else available!

In reality it may be closest to something like a Pajero which these days is monocoque contruction with independant front & REAR suspension, though the sportiest engine is a 3.5( 3.8?) V6.

Should Ford have the V8? YES! Why? Because without it Holden get a free kick with their AWD's and will likely win the marketing battle on this point alone.

Am I a likely buyer? YES!

Given the option would I choose a Turbo 6 Territory or a more expensive V8?
(based on relative XR6T vs XR8 pricing).

I would choose the T6 Territory every time!

RAPTOR · 05-07-2003, 17:04

Quote:

Originally posted by ricecooker
..... think how tall the barra donk is, esp in boss form, and imagine that placed above the front diff of a 4wd......

Imagine if the front diff, axle tubings and engine sump were integral components!!!

That'd fix that problem.