No more playing games: Territory finally launched

[fpv_gtho]

CONTROL AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON

Ford AWD Territory owners will have the option of including the added safety feature of a Hill Descent Control system on their vehicle.

In essence, the system regulates the speed at which Territory travels downhill, particularly in steep, or difficult, off-road conditions.

The system – available only on the all-wheel drive version of Territory – is engaged by the driver via a dash-mounted switch.

Once engaged, the system automatically applies the brakes if a hill is detected, controlling the vehicle's descent speed.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) automatically operates if changes in surface occur and the wheel sensors detect different wheel speeds.

Ford Vehicle Dynamics Manager Stephan Presser said the system provided greater levels of confidence and an extra level of control for the driver.

"Once the system is engaged, the driver doesn't need to use any of the pedals.

"The system takes charge, and individually brakes each wheel to maintain a steady 4 km/h descent. The driver only has to steer the car."

Presser said the speed of the descent could be increased using the steering wheel-mounted cruise control buttons.

"The default speed is 4 km/h, but the driver can set a preferred speed simply by using the cruise control buttons in steps of 1 km/h, up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

"The speed selected by the driver remains the set speed until the system is switched off or until the brakes are applied."

Presser said the cruise control speed set function was unique in the Ford world.

"If the driver presses the accelerator, the system will shift into 'stand-by' mode and the vehicle will pick up speed.

"When the driver takes his foot off the accelerator, the system is engaged again and the brakes will be applied to slow the vehicle back to the previous target speed."

Presser said the system would switch into stand-by mode when the driver accelerates above 35 km/h.

The Hill Descent Control system automatically switches off when vehicle speed passes 90 km/h.

[fpv_gtho]

THE QUIET TERRITORY

It may take Territory customers a few hours' driving before they appreciate the thousands of hours' work that has gone into producing one of Ford Australia's most refined vehicles.

"Ours is a science of addressing the magnitude, quality and balance of the complete set of acoustic and tactile sensations experienced by the customer," said Vehicle Refinement Supervisor Clive Humphris.

"Territory gave us the opportunity to improve on the very high standards we set in the BA program. It also provided the challenge of coping with new sheet metal and interior and exterior designs.

"We've taken giant steps in recent years with greater use of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) to virtually plot energy flow and noise paths, and then to correlate that against real world test data.

"This process has allowed us to optimise designs for minium noise and vibration much quicker than with previous models."

Humphris said his team worked on seven specific areas for refining Territory.

Road noise

"Specially tuned tyres were developed for Territory with the aim of optimising steering and handling.

"In addition, the Goodyear Integrity (RWD) and Fortera (AWD) tyres on Territory were also designed with the aim of keeping road noise to a minimum.

"Working in tandem with the Control Blade IRS and Virtual Pivot Control Link front suspension, Territory has very low road noise levels."

Powertrain noise

Humphris said his team were delighted with the choice of the Barra 182 as the powerplant for Territory.

"As we found with the Barra program, the DOHC I6 is a key element in improving powertrain noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

"The Barra 182 has a sweet note that doesn't deteriorate with increased revs.

"It gives us an engine that means occupants feel very comfortable travelling at highway cruising speeds."

Humphris said the basic architecture of the engine was the same as in BA, but the Territory featured optimisation for every mounting, bracket and cover.

The development team also invested many hours in minimising noise through the exhaust and inlet system design.

Wind noise

"We spent a lot of time benchmarking premium AWD vehicles from Europe and Japan for wind noise, setting levels we wanted to better with Territory, or at least to equal.

"Using CAE we employed 'digital buck' technology to review numerous design and assembly issues before prototype parts were even constructed.

"This attention to detail highlighted some potential wind noise issues very early in the development stage, leaving us ample time to find a suitable remedy."

Humphris said the all-new door design in Territory proved a blessing in disguise.

"The 'clean sheet' approach gave us not only a challenge, but also the opportunity to engineer a door design for extremely low wind noise levels.

"The door structure in Territory has been extensively tested in CAE and then in the wind tunnel for maximum stiffness, improving NVH performance even in strong, gusty crosswinds.

"The 'inset' door design we chose for Territory has resulted in an extremely stiff door, ensuring noise is kept out – even at high speeds where the doors can come away from the seal.

"We also employed improved door seals, minimising the number of different corner moulds and extrusions."

Humphris said body sealing was a key design input throughout the design stage of Territory.

"New high-technology paint shop measurement systems will ensure all vehicles have a high level of body sealing.

"This gives lower interior noise levels, adds to the quality feel of Territory and has the added benefit of minimising dust and water entering the vehicle even in Australia's harshest environments.

"We also worked closely with the styling studio on the exterior mirrors to produce a good-looking mirror that directs wind noise away from the door glass."

Shake

Territory's all-new body shell proved significant in achieving high refinement levels.

Forty per cent stiffer than a BA Falcon wagon, it has resulted in low shake levels in high feedback areas, such as the steering column and seats.

"The steering column stiffness has been significantly increased to cope with the powertrain vibrations inherent in an all-wheel drive system and the seats have been tuned for low shake response on all road surfaces.

"The end result is much less vibration fed back to the driver and passengers."

Driveline

Humphris said the two-piece driveshaft employed in BA would be used in Territory.

"It isolates excess powertrain noise which would otherwise be transferred into the cabin.

"In addition, we have designed all the suspension mounting points to be as stiff as possible, to ensure any compliance would occur at the suspension bushes and not in the body structure.

"This reduces vibration levels throughout the body, minimising the chance of even minor vibrations being transferred to the vehicle occupants."

Squeak and rattle

Extensive use of CAE technology allowed refinement engineers to identify potential sources for rattles in Territory long before the construction of prototype parts, resulting in several significant changes.

"We have increased dash stiffness to eliminate excess movement in the instrument panel, and ensured all wiring looms and cables were properly clipped to body structures.

"We also investigated sheetmetal joins and areas where plastic parts join to eliminate further potential vibration and squeak issues."

Sound package

Static sealing has been improved with Territory employing foam blockers to stop any potential noise transmission from the body.

[fpv_gtho]

TERRITORY LIFTS CURTAIN ON NEW ERA OF SAFETY

Ford's exciting new Territory will be one of the safest vehicles on Australian roads when it goes on sale in June.

Territory boasts an exceptionally strong passenger safety cell and will be the first locally manufactured vehicle available with a head-protecting side curtain airbag.

The side curtain airbag will be standard on Territory Ghia and TS variants and available as an option on Territory TX.

"The inflatable side curtain airbag on Territory adds a new dimension of safety in an Australian built vehicle," said Ford Australia Environmental and Safety Engineering Manager Bruce Priddle.

"It works in concert with other side impact protection features such as the vehicle body structure and door intrusion beams, to provide new levels of interior safety.

"The curtain provides head protection for both front and second row occupants in side impact crashes, helping to greatly reduce the risk of potentially serious head injuries.

"The curtain retains the occupant's head inside the vehicle, reducing the risk of injury from impact with objects outside such as power poles, trees or even the front of a high-riding vehicle."

Priddle said extensive research into car accidents revealed the benefits of head protection offered by an inflatable side curtain airbag.

"Australian studies show that 35 per cent of all crashes involve a side impact. The employment of a side curtain airbag results in a 45 per cent reduction in the probability of a fatality.

"In a US study, the number of deaths from side impacts in cars without a head-protecting side airbag was more than double those where a side curtain airbag was fitted. The study also found that a side airbag results in a 45 per cent reduction in the probability of a fatality."

The inflatable side curtain airbag on Territory runs from the A-pillar to the C-pillar and, when deployed, drops down to the belt line of the vehicle to help protect the occupant's head.

Packaged behind the head liner, it flips the lining inboard and deflects past the B and C-pillars, while a retaining clip in the A-pillar holds it in place.

The trim on the A-pillar was specially designed to cater for the retaining clip with high strength plastics.

The airbag itself is similar to the airbag found in the steering wheel, but is a multi-chamber design as it covers a far greater area.

The side curtain airbag is linked to four sensors – one in each B and C-pillar – which are controlled by the Advanced Restraints Module.

When the sensor detects a change in lateral, or sideways, acceleration of sufficient magnitude, it deploys the side airbag to fully inflate in just 24 milliseconds.

The driver's airbag mounted in the steering wheel takes 40 milliseconds to deploy.

"This rapid deployment of the side curtain airbag is necessary because of the limited space between the occupants and the side of the car," Priddle said.

The sensors are finely tuned so the side curtain airbag will only deploy when necessary. It will not deploy if, for example, a stray shopping trolley hits Territory in a car park.

Development on the side curtain airbag began almost five years ago.

"It was always designed to be an integral part of the Territory program."

Priddle said the inflatable side curtain airbag added another feature to the award winning Intelligent Safety System (ISS) in Territory, which made its debut in the BA program.

"The ISS tailors airbag deployment according to the type and severity of the crash. It is a fully integrated, computer-driven system that 'thinks' about, and responds to, different accident conditions.

"ISS features integrated seat belt buckle pretensioners, energy management retractors, seat belt usage sensors, a driver's seat position sensor, dual stage inflating airbags and a special crash severity sensor."

Priddle said the sensors were constantly feeding data to the vehicle's Advanced Restraints Module (ARM) – the 'brain' of the system.

"The module takes into account the seating position of the driver, whether the front driver and passenger seat belts are being used and the severity of the accident before deploying appropriate safety technologies during frontal collisions."

The ARM controls the variable front airbag inflator output and pyrotechnic seat belt pretensioners according to the severity of a frontal crash.

It also controls the deployment of the inflatable side curtain airbags and tells the Body Electronics Module (BEM) to unlock the doors in the event of a crash.

"In essence, the system determines the severity of the crash and deploys the airbags accordingly.

"For example, the driver seat sensors 'know' how close the driver is sitting to the wheel, and vary the inflation rate of the driver's airbag accordingly.

"It all adds up to optimum levels of protection for all the occupants inside Territory."

"Territory also features the acclaimed beltminder system, which provides an intermittent visible and audible warning if the driver's seat belt is not fastened with the vehicle in motion."

All seatbelts in Territory are three-point lap-sash, for enhanced safety in the front, second or optional third row of seats.

Structural safety was paramount in the minds of engineers when it came to designing and building Territory.

"A strong passenger safety cell is fundamental to structural safety, but the key element is management of energy load paths at the front, side and rear of the vehicle.

"Territory's structure has been engineered to protect the passenger compartment by spreading energy during a crash, directing it through complementary parallel paths in the body."

Priddle said Territory was the first Australian vehicle to utilise locally manufactured tailor welded blank technology.

"This technology laser welds different gauges of sheet metal together prior to the stamping operation, efficiently customising the structure to maintain the safety cell.

"This distributes the load and helps preserve the integrity of the passenger safety cell in a collision," Priddle said.

Territory also includes anti-intrusion pedals that decouple the brake pedal from the brake booster shaft in a frontal crash.

"Drivers often hit the brakes hard in a crash, stiffening their leg while pushing on the pedal. In a severe crash, the pedal can be forced backward, resulting in potentially serious leg injuries.

"The anti-intrusion pedal system allows the other safety features in Territory to provide protection unimpeded by a deformed brake pedal."

Priddle said one of those features was the Laminated Impact Protection Panel (LIPP).

This laminate of steel and energy absorbing foam is located under the carpet in the driver's footwell, providing improved lower leg protection.

"Territory features excellent active safety features such as stability control on AWD models, traction control and ABS to help the driver avoid an accident.

"However, in the event Territory is involved in a crash, the superb passive safety features have been engineered to produce one of the safest vehicles on our roads."

Priddle said Territory was designed to meet the highest safety standards.

"Unlike many imported 4WD vehicles, Territory RWD and AWD variants comply with the same stringent passenger car safety standards that Falcon does, and employs a further development of the Falcon ISS that was awarded a gold medal at the 2003 SAE Australasian Engineering Excellence Awards

"Territory fully meets Australian Design Regulations 69, 72 and 73 which involve a full frontal crash test, side impact crash test and offset impact crash test.

"With its combination of excellent safety structure, collapsible pedals, optional side curtain airbag and the latest active safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control on AWD models, Territory is one of the safest vehicles we have ever put to market," Priddle said.

[fpv_gtho]

TERRITORY PRICING

Territory TX RWD $38,990
Territory TX AWD $42,990
Territory TS RWD $44,790
Territory TS AWD $48,790
Territory Ghia RWD $49,290
Territory Ghia AWD $53,290


SPECIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE RWD AWD
Engine 4.0-litre DOHC VCT in-line six 4.0-litre DOHC VCT in-line six
Capacity 3984 cc 3984 cc
Bore x stroke 92.26 mm x 99.31 mm 92.26 mm x 99.31 mm
Compression ratio 9.7:1 9.7:1
Power 182 kW @ 5000 rpm 182 kW @ 5000 rpm
Torque 380 Nm @ 3250 rpm 380 Nm @ 3250 rpm
Valvegear Roller finger follower Roller finger follower
Fuel consumption ADR 81/01 13.1 litres/100 km 13.5 litres/100 km
TRANSMISSION
Description Four speed automatic with SSS
Ratios 1st 2.50 1st 2.50
2nd 1.49 2nd 1.49
3rd 1.00 3rd 1.00
4th 0.675 4th 0.675
Rev 2.073 Rev 2.073
Final 3.73:1 Final 4.10:1
SUSPENSION
Front Virtual Pivot Control Link with forward mounted steering rack
Rear Control Blade IRS
Turning circle 11.4 metres 11.4 metres
Turns lock to lock 3 3
BRAKES
Rotor size – front 322 mm x 28 mm vented disc
Rotor size - rear 322 mm x 26 mm vented disc
ABS Standard Standard
Traction Control System Standard -
Dynamic Stability Control - Standard
Hill Descent Control N/A Optional
Tyres Goodyear Integrity P235/60 R17 Goodyear Fortera P235/60 R17
DIMENSIONS
Kerb weight
TX 5-seat 2005 kg 2085 kg
Ghia 5-seat 2020 kg 2100 kg
Length 4856 mm 4856 mm
Front overhang 926 mm 926 mm
Rear overhang 1088 mm 1088 mm
Wheelbase 2842 mm 2842 mm
Height 1676 mm 1676 mm
Width 1898 mm 1898 mm
Front track 1626 mm 1626 mm
Rear track 1597 mm 1597 mm
Approach angle 23 degrees 23 degrees
Departure angle 20 degrees 20 degrees
Ramp over angle 16 degrees 16 degrees
Ground clearance 178 mm 178 mm
Front legroom 1122 mm 1122 mm
Front headroom 1074 mm 1074 mm
2nd row legroom (5-seat) 1041 mm 1041 mm
2nd row headroom (5-seat) 1006 mm 1006 mm
Luggage volume (behind 2nd row) 523 litres 523 litres
Cargo area length (behind 2nd row) 1113 mm 1113 mm

[motorsportnerd]

The proof of pudding will be in how well it drives and how well it sells. We'll have to see what the press say about it and how fast it shifts from the showroom floors. It may be an early candidate for Wheels Car of the Year though.

[Matra et Alpine]

SH!T fpv, are you on commission or what !!!

Too many words, gave up after the third and that one was only skimmed

Is the idea to put us to sleep and then send subliminal messages rthough the computer to make me buy this ???

Where's the pictures ????

[Matra et Alpine]

The proof of pudding will be in how well it drives and how well it sells. We'll have to see what the press say about it and how fast it shifts from the showroom floors. It may be an early candidate for Wheels Car of the Year though.

Not sure about car of the year but it certainly is nuber one candicate for Biggest Cross-Post of the Year.... and the award goes to fpv ,,, hurraaaaaaaah

[fpv_gtho]

SH!T fpv, are you on commission or what !!!

Too many words, gave up after the third and that one was only skimmed

Is the idea to put us to sleep and then send subliminal messages rthough the computer to make me buy this ???

Where's the pictures ????

lol, the whole lot was over 90,000 characters long and after realising the hard way the limit for one post was 10,000 characters, i just put it all on MS Word and cut it all up into the sections. that way i guess its easier to avoid sections you dont want to know about, like the colours, safety equipment etc.

mi gunna try and round up a few more pics than what ive already got then i'll edit them all in

[fpv_gtho]

Not sure about car of the year but it certainly is nuber one candicate for Biggest Cross-Post of the Year.... and the award goes to fpv ,,, hurraaaaaaaah

The Territory's biggest competitor is the Toyota Klugar/Highlander, but the Subaru Outback and Holden Adventra are in the same crossover category. Last years Wheels COTY award, the Klugar was still there at the last round which was only 4 cars, and the pre production test drives of the Territory have suggested its a better car. With the local introduction of the Fiesta in April, Ford will have 2 top quality contenders for the award this year, the same award the BA Falcon won in 2002.

Its good to see more global interest in the Australian cars section though.....

[fpv_gtho]

here are some of the pics that accompanied the article

[fpv_gtho]

the first of these were on the article as well, but i had the rest beforehand

[Matra et Alpine]

here are some of the pics that accompanied the article

That looks not too bad.

Better than the Explorer

Maybe if the Monaro sells well we'll see more Aussie imports - just before you become a republic and higher import taxes stop it !!!

[fpv_gtho]

well the new Ford Australia president Tom Gorman (the former president here, Geoff Polites just got promoted to vice president of sales in europe, probably because of how he turned Ford's fortunes around here with the BA and introducing the Focus and Fiesta) said that Ford Australia doesnt need exports to survive, but if he had any hopes of competing with holden he'd be shipping Falcon's out to every country that Holden sends commodores. success out of the monaro in the UK though could trigger ford to rethink their position on exports hopefully. unfortunately, since the war on terror started, i think the australian public is wanting less to do with the Commonwealth, but then again, they probably just dispise the government as usual as well so it could just all blow over

[GT500]

Wow, it looks....quite nice!
i bet they'll sell like hotcakes *reserves one*

[crisis]

Hows your new job at Ford going anyhow?
I have no doubt this will bve a fine car. The rear whell drive version makes lots of sense. Interestingly he did not make such a strong case for the AWD version as we all know their is not much justification for these type of vehicles other than to ensure you have one in you stable of products too. Several statements in the press release require some reply (by me anyway).

"The idea for Territory began – as all great cars do – by recognising a customer need," said Vehicle Director Russell Christophers
As I said, the idea came from ensuring Ford has an AWD. To their credit they saw that the AWD aspect is really a distraction and sensibly added a RWD version to the mix.
"SUV owners loved the command driving position and the interior versatility, but wished their vehicle could handle more like a car than a truck – particularly in city driving. Most freely admitted to never exploiting the off-road capability of those vehicle's 4WD systems and said they weren't happy with the upfront and ongoing costs.
SUV owners who take theri cars off road understand that you cant be everything to everybody. Therefore they accept the on road limitations and enjoy the off road experience to the full.
Those who freely admit to never going off road should have bought a sedan or a people mover.
As for upfront costs, up until now, all 4x4s were imports and as such rather keenly priced in comparisom to similarly specced sedan cousins due to the disparity in the import duties on them. Ongoing costs on a 4x4 SUV will be no different to a true off road 4x4 if both are used the same.
Just had to get that off my chest. I admit I nodded off half way through. Congrats on the sites longest post.