Review: FPV BF F6 Tornado (2005-08)

Review: FPV BF.I F6 Tornado (2005-06)

Overview

Released in October 2005, the FPV BF Mk.I (BF.I) F6 Tornado was a rear-wheel drive, performance utility. Manufactured in Campbellfield, Victoria, the FPV BF F6 Tornado was powered by a 4.0-litre turbocharged six cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

FPV F6 270T engine

The F6 Tornado’s FPV F6 270T engine had a cast iron block, a cast aluminium cylinder head, a Garrett GT35/82R turbocharger which had engine oil-lubricated and water-cooler bearings, an air-to-air intercooler, an electronic single bypass wastegate, double overhead camshafts (DOHC, simplex chain-driven), dual independent variable camshaft timing, four valves per cylinder, Duratec-style finger followers, a dual resonance inlet manifold, coil-on-plug ignition, electronic throttle control and a compression ratio of 8.8:1.

To comply with Euro III emissions standards, changes for the BF F6 270T engine – relative to its BA predecessor – included:

• The introduction of twin knock sensors;
• A revised engine calibration; and,
• New camshaft profiles on the variable cam timing system with five degrees longer duration on the inlet and 10 degrees longer on exhaust.

Relative to the Barra 245T engine in the BF Falcon XR6 Turbo , the F6 Tornado engine had:

• A 50 per cent larger twelve-core intercooler and dual entry ram airbox that increased boost pressure by 50 per cent to 0.64 bar (9.28 psi);
• Revised internals parts including high-strength valve springs and heavy-duty connecting rods; and,
• A unique FPV oil cooler.

For the BF range, ‘transient rpm’ limits were introduced which enabled the engine to momentarily exceed the prescribed rev limit of 6000 rpm during upshifting by 250 rpm (i.e. to 6250 rpm). This enabled wide open throttle upshifting of gears to be scheduled at an engine speed closer to the rev limiter than would otherwise be possible.

Transmissions

The FPV BF F6 Tornado was available with either:

• A six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission which had a twin-plate clutch that was supplied by AP Racing; or,
• Newly-introduced six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmissions. The F6 Tornado was fitted with the high-performance version of this transmission – which had upgraded clutches with extra plates in the clutch packs – and a torque capacity of 600 Nm.

The FPV BF F6 Tornado was fitted with a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission and a twin-plate clutch supplied by AP Racing. The close-ratio six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission had double synchromesh on all forward gears and single synchromesh on reverse, linear bearings in the shift rail, direct linkage shifters, an electronic reverse gear lockout and a final drive ratio of 3.73:1.

The ZF 6HP26 transmission featured adaptive ‘Driver Recognition’ behaviour, including brake support downshifts, gear holding when cornering, gear holding for uphill and downhill driving and gear holding for fast-off throttle driving situations. Furthermore, the ZF 6HP26 transmission had a remote transmission oil cooler (RTOC) – with a three-way coolant thermostat – that was mounted to the engine block. Acting as a heat exchanger, coolant lines (or tubes) passed through the radiator to warm-up the transmission fluid on start-up and provide cooling under high load/high temperature operating conditions.

Development and dimensions

Like the BF Falcon Ute range, changes for the BF F6 Tornado included:

• The introduction of a two-piece, lofted outer dashboard;
• The addition of bitumastic pads to the body for damping of low- and mid-frequency noises;
• The introduction of an absorptive roof-liner;
• Improved static sealing;
• Body structure improvements through the fitment of a reinforcing box section to the transmission cross member and centre bearing body reinforcement;
• New engine and transmission mounts; and,
• Redesigned exhaust hangers to isolate muffler vibration from the body.

Other developments for the BF range included:

• The introduction of Bosch ABS 8.0 (previously 5.3) which included electronic brake force distribution;
• An upgraded traction control system and the introduction of electronic stability control and cornering brake control;
• A revised pedal map for the electronic throttle control; and,
• A higher-output alternator for improved fuel economy, lower rotational speeds and lower fan speeds.

The F6 Tornado was 5123 mm long, 2141 mm wide, 1515 mm tall and had a 3095 mm long wheelbase. Compared to the BA F6 Tornado , the BF F6 Tornado had an upgraded standard braking package (see ‘Brakes’, below) and could be identified by its deeper front bumpers, fog lights and ‘jewel-effect’ tail lights.

Suspension

The BF F6 Tornado had double wishbone front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the FPV BF F6 Tornado included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The BF F6 Tornado had 355 mm by 32 mm cross-drilled and slotted front brake discs with four-piston Brembo calipers and 330 mm by 28 mm rear discs with single piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the FPV BF F6 Tornado included 18-inch alloy wheels, a 100 watt sound system with six speakers and a six-disc CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, a power adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, soft tonneau cover and immobiliser.

The F6 Tornado was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

Review: FPV BF.II F6 Tornado (2006-08)

Overview

Released in October 2006, the BF Mk.II (BF.II) F6 Tornado introduced minor changes with an FPV performance steering wheel and chrome highlights for the air conditioning vents.

Features

Compared to its BF.I predecessor, the BF.II F6 Tornado was fitted with 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Related links

• Specifications: FPV BF.II F6 Typhoon and BF.II F6 Tornado (October 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: FPV BF F6 Tornado