New Ford Territory takes shape

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

New Ford Territory takes shape

Toby Hagon

December 14, 2010 - 2:07PM

New turbo diesel Territory to get modern shape as part of major model overhaul.

A teaser of the first major update to Ford’s popular Territory softroader has been released almost six months before the car will arrive in dealerships.

Clearly keen to drum up more interest in the vehicle that was once Australia’s best-selling SUV (or 4WD-style wagon) Ford has given a hint of how the new Territory will look with a telling sketch that shows the vehicle will adopt a styling theme based around the blue oval's European-influenced 'kinetic' design language.

The sketch comes months after Drive snapped the largely new Territory testing at Ford’s You Yangs proving ground south of Melbourne.

The new Territory is believed to share its basic platform with the current Territory, which is based on the Falcon large car and in 2004 was the first Australian-made soft-roader to go on sale and only received a minor styling update in 2009.

However, as the sketch reveals, the new Territory will get fresh front and rear styling as well as new details to give it a more modern look than the current shape that has started to age.

Inside, too, the Territory is said to be gearing up for a major freshen-up to enliven the ageing plastics and add increased functionality to what is already a genuinely thoughtful wagon.

But the big news for the updated new Territory is the arrival of a much anticipated new turbo diesel engine. The Land Rover-sourced 2.7-litre V6 is expected to significantly improve efficiency, addressing one of the Territory’s main criticisms – relatively high fuel use from the Falcon-sourced 4.0-litre six-cylinder, which will continue in updated form.

The 2.7-litre diesel is expected to produce close to the 140kW and 445Nm available in the Land Rover Discovery that used the same engine. While its power will be less than the 4.0-litre six-cylinder (currently 190kW), its torque promises to make it the more logical choice for buyers looking to tow or reduce their fuel bills.

While the Territory was a game changer when it went on sale in 2004, it’s since been attacked by all-corners, with imported rivals – and even Holden’s locally made Commodore Sportwagon – chipping away at its market share.

The basics of the successful Territory formula are expected to remain unchanged with the new model.

It will still be offered in both two- and four-wheel-drive variants. Two-wheel-drive Territorys will be aimed at families and those who don’t need any off-road capability, while four-wheel-drive Territory models will allow light-duty off-roading and extra traction in slippery situations, such as snow, mud and wet roads.

The Territory will also continue to be offered in either five- or seven-seat layouts, with the latter a popular option.

When it was launched the Territory was pitched as an Australian-designed wagon ideal for Australian families. It had a removable rubbish bin, a wine bottle holder and a reversible floor on five-seat models.

It also boasted car-like roadholding that only the likes of the BMW X5 have got close to in a high-riding seven-seat wagon.

Still, age has not treated the Territory well. Since its first full year on sale in 2005, sales have almost halved, from a full-year high of 23,454 to an estimation of less than 12,000 for 2010. Whereas it once accounted for almost one in three medium SUV sales (32.6 per cent) this year it’s so far achieved only 13.1 per cent.

link:

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/new-ford-territory-takes-shape-20101214-18w1e.html

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Aussie Ford Territory SUV Previews Styling For U.S. Escape Replacement

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Editor

December 13th, 2010

Ford Territory preview sketchEnlarge PhotoFord’s Australian division has released an official teaser sketch of its second-generation Territory SUV, which is set to be released next year. While this particular model won’t be sold in the U.S., its styling may very well feature on models arriving in local showrooms in the near future.

Featuring the latest take on Ford’s kinetic design language, the new Territory is instantly recognizable as a member of the Blue Oval’s expanding vehicle family and according to the automaker it provides a glimpse into the future of its global SUV styling.

You can take this to mean that the replacement for the Ford Escape and European Kuga, a concept of which will be appearing at next month’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show, is likely to feature a design very similar to this aggressive looking SUV from Down Under.

As mentioned, this is the second-generation Ford Territory SUV, which has been fully designed and engineered in Australia. It will be powered by the same 4.0-liter straight-six that appears in the Ford Falcon sedan on which it’s based or an optional turbodiesel engine that’s set to be announced next year. A high-performance turbocharged version of the gasoline model should be released further down the track.

[Ford]

link:

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1052501_aussie-ford-territory-suv-previews-styling-for-u-s-escape-replacement

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Ford marks out bold new Territory for Australia

by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on Dec 14th 2010 at 1:30PM

Ford Australia has released a preview of what customers from Down Under can expect from the next-generation Territory. The automaker is using the new crossover to launch a massive refresh program, with 85 percent of the company's wares receiving a significant update over the next 18 months. Along with a more stylish front fascia and aggressively-flared front fenders, the Territory is expected to bring a new turbo-diesel engine to the fray. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval hasn't released any details on power figures or fuel consumption for any of the available power units in the 2011 Territory.

FoMoCo's Australian arm has plenty of big changes headed its way. The company just recently introduced the 2011 Fiesta sedans and hatchbacks, and both the new Focus and global Ranger will be landing on the country's shores within a few months. Needless to say, it's a good time to be a Ford fan in Australia. Something tells us that the suits over at rival Holden are going to be scrambling to keep up the pace over the next year and a half. Hit the jump for the press release.

[source: Ford]

Show full PR text

First Glimpse: New Ford Territory

Ford Australia today fired the first big shot in its 2011 new-model assault.

The company has revealed the first official image of its new-look Territory SUV, set for release next year. The eagerly awaited preview signals what will be an unprecedented new-model onslaught Ford has planned for 2011.

"The Ford Territory set a new benchmark when it was first released and it is set to achieve this again – and more," said Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia.

"This is an exceptional SUV. It wears an exciting new look and will boast an extensive list of technical highlights. The Ford Australia team is taking the Territory to an all-new level of performance, refinement and quality, and customers will definitely experience these advancements when they drive it."

With more than 90,000 Territory SUV customers curious for a glimpse of the new model, Ford Australia has responded with a sneak preview. The multi-award-winning SUV is dressed to impress wearing a stylish suit based on Ford's kinetic design language, making it instantly recognisable as a member of the Ford vehicle family. It also provides a glimpse into the future of Ford's global SUV styling.

New Territory's design overhaul is significant both inside and out. Its fresh new look will include a major interior update and boast a number of technology highlights, including the introduction of turbo-diesel power, details of which will be communicated in 2011.

For Ford Australia, the next 18-month period is set to be one of the company's busiest in its 85-year history. Approximately 85 percent of the entire Ford Australia new-model catalogue will either be replaced or updated during this time.

The Blue Oval bolstered its line-up this month when the new WT Fiesta hatch and sedan ranges hit Australian roads. Immediately following this has been the arrival of the updated MC Mondeo range.

Next year will see the arrival of the stunning new Territory SUV as well as the all-new Ford Focus, which made its world premiere earlier this year. In addition, Ford's iconic Falcon will be even further enhanced with a stylish new look and new powertrain options, including the introduction of Ford's global EcoBoost engine and ultra-efficient LPI (Liquid Phase Injection) technology.

Also entering Australian Ford showrooms will be the highly anticipated all-new Ranger, the Australian-designed-and-developed "Built Ford Tough" truck. The all-new Ranger took the recent Australian International Motor Show by storm and will be sold in more than 180 markets around the world. This new-from-the-ground-up compact truck range will be available in a variety of body styles and drivetrain configurations. It will also offer customers the choice of highly efficient turbo-diesel and petrol power.

Further details about Ford's extensive 2011 new model line-up will be revealed in the coming months.

link:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/14/ford-marks-out-bold-new-territory-for-australia/