This fire snorting, head turning machine was an ideal choice for a cruise from Sydney to Newcastle. The 'run' being an easy mix of suburban highway and regional freeway.

The cruise control made the 150 kilometres, or so, even easier! Additional running around put another 1,000 kms on the odometer.

A feature of the test car was the 'Octane` colour scheme. It looks fast in the standing still position! And it certainly made the car stand-out, from a spectators point of view.

With a price around the $61,810.00 mark, plus options and statutory charges, many spectators will remain just that. But those well-heeled enough to contemplate Aussie muscle will enjoy the abundant delights of this machine.

But firstly, let's look at the maker of this upmarket Australian performance car. Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) looks like the blue oval’s branch for factory-enhanced performance cars. But it is in fact, a partnership between Ford Australia (49% share holding) and Prodrive (51% share holding). The Prodrive connection provides valuable motor sport experience and certain experiences with automotive technology. This is one partnership that looks like a win-win type deal.

The F6 Typhoon is FPV's entry level car and it is a fine specimen at that. Typhoon is based on the Ford Falcon XR6 turbo sedan with a performance and body makeover. This car is built for the driver. The suspension has been finely tuned. The ride is superb, not too firm, but certainly comfy and providing the right grip.

Importantly, the driver should have the capability to drive this car, more so than just the ambition to drive it.

The test car was fitted with the no cost optional 6 speed automatic transmission (with sequential sports shift), which this consultant found to be super-smooth through the up and down shifts. The F6 270 engine produces 270 kW and 550 Nm of torque and it is transferred to the road surface by the rear wheels. A limited slip differential is standard equipment. Stopping power is by Brembo with cross drilled and slotted front rotors of 335 mm by 32 mm with Brembo 6 piston calipers with 330 mm by 28 mm crossed drilled rear rotors with Brembo 4 piston calipers. Naturally, this excellent example of performance machinery is fitted with a four channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) including traction control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

This is a drivers car with very good seat positioning, reach and rake adjustable steering column and a leather bound steering wheel that is comfortably designed for the hands to be at the ten to two position. For a race car effect FPV have placed a starting button on the dashboard. The vehicle's keys must be in the ignition switch and turned-on to operate the push button starter. It takes a little getting used to and this driver thought it a retro-style inclusion as most turn key and push button starting mechanisms were done away with in the 1960s. Having said that though, the system does not detract from the sporty effect of the package.

The F6 Typhoon is a drivers car as I have indicated, but passengers are not forgotten. All on-board can enjoy the premium sound system, which includes a 6-disc CD stacker (in dash) and climate control dual zone air conditioning. The peace of mind offered by driver and passenger front and side airbags is included.

The embossed leather sports seats have suede-feel bolsters that offer extreme comfort. Both front seats offer adjustable lumbar support. A good ride with sporting characteristics and a comfortable, roomy interior equals a very satisfying experience.

FPV do not offer a lot of optional equipment for the F6 Typhoon and why should they? The vehicle is comprehensively equipped as standard. The purchaser can choose from either manual or sequential sports shift automatic (both 6 speed) and there is a choice of alloy rims. A DVD satellite navigation system is available at additional cost, if required.

Team members who drove this excitement machine found that this was one of the first Fords that had a good feel of the road through the front end, not the previous vague floating sensation of earlier models. That has to be a big plus for the F6. Control blade independent rear suspension (IRS) keeps the back end firmly on the road surface, which is another plus. The F6 subject to this test was fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 245/35ZR19 tyres on 19x8 spoked alloy rims. Driving within the legal speed limits of New South Wales as per our normal driving standard, this driver could not entice the package out of line or get the back-end to lose its direction. Way to go, FPV!

Fuel consumption, whilst not tested by the team at Next Car, is quoted by FPV at 13.5 litres per hundred kms. If my thoughts are worth anything, I think the fuel usage was in the normal range for this type of machine. A lot depends on the driver and how the vehicle is treated. Lead-footed drivers will need to top up more frequently without a noticeable increase in the performance.

This car is a very satisfying drive, it's a performance machine with good street credentials and predictable road manners.