The new Territory ST will offer customers enhanced levels of performance and driving enjoyment, while maintaining the car-like ride and handling characteristics that are a hallmark of the Territory range.
The engineering team spent considerable time ensuring that the increased power and torque did not negatively affect the refinement or NVH levels of the vehicle. Ford engineers also created a new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) calibration to cater for the variety of driving characteristics of the Territory ST owner.
ENGINE
Propelled by a powerful 4.0-litre turbocharged powertrain, the Territory ST produces a maximum power output of 245kW available at 5 250rpm and reaches a torque peak of 480Nm at 2 000rpm. This translates into impressive off-the-line performance feel and increased drivability, particularly when towing, due to the significantly increased level of torque.
Turbo boost is a relatively low 45kPa, which develops a smooth and sophisticated delivery of power. This allows the vehicle to generate power effortlessly, arriving in an even, polished manner across a long flat torque curve. It provides the driver with a refined luxury sports experience with the performance they desire.
The position of the turbo is a Territory signature, the all important intercooler and associated bonnet scoop, played a major strategic role in the realisation of the final output figures. Locating the intercooler on top of the engine was a functional decision rather than an outcome based purely on aesthetic qualities.
Extensive pre-production testing determined an engine mounted, rather than a front mounted intercooler that would enable superior cooling of the charge air for the Territory ST.
Better control of the air temperature into the engine also leads to improvements in performance and fuel economy, which in this instance has been measured at a respectable 14.2 l/100km for the combined driving cycle.
An additional benefit of the top mounted intercooler is a reduction in the amount of intercooler pipe work. This in turn results in a reduction of the volume of air required to fill the induction system, leading to improved response to acceleration requests by the driver.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS
An innovative dynamics package for the Territory ST was developed in conjunction with the engine program.
The new package complements Territory’s Acutrac Plus handling system, which consists of the Virtual Pivot Control Link front suspension, award-winning Control Blade IRS and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Front suspension
The Virtual Pivot Control Link front suspension is a key component of Territory’s suspension system, which consists of a Short and Long Arm (SLA) with a double lower ball joint, working in tandem with a forward-mounted steering rack.
Traditionally, SLA suspension consists of a one-piece lower-control arm with one ball joint connecting the arm and the knuckle to act as a real pivot. The Territory axle introduces two separate links, which create a virtual pivot point at their imaginary intersection – hence the Virtual Pivot Control Link name.
This allowed the engineering team to place the lower pivot point as far outboard as necessary to achieve the vehicle dynamic targets, irrespective of the physical restrictions of brake rotors, callipers and wheels.
Employing a forward-mounted steering rack allowed for an optimal positioning of the half shafts driving the front wheels, and for dynamics engineers to achieve the desired compliance characteristics.
The Chassis Engineering & Development team has also created an all-new solution for the front suspension stabiliser bar attachment. Precise and early body roll control is crucial, to achieve car-like handling on a vehicle with Territory’s command seating position and consequent higher centre of gravity. By extending the stabiliser bar and attaching it to the knuckle with a stiff double ball joint link the team achieved better efficiency from the stabiliser bar system.
By optimising the upper link position with respect to kingpin axis, unwanted inputs into the steering system were eliminated due to vehicle roll on undulating roads.
The Territory engineering team explored various options for the front suspension architecture, but the adoption of the Virtual Pivot Control Link set-up provided car-like suspension attributes. This meant the Ford DNA of responsive handling and precise steering was maintained. Extensive CAE modelling proved the team could build on this strength – resulting in a no-compromise suspension set-up that gives the best of both worlds to the customer.
Rear suspension
The rear suspension on Territory features the Control Blade IRS that provides an excellent ride and handling platform.
The great benefit of Control Blade IRS is that it’s been designed to separate suspension functions, allowing an optimal tune for varying conditions. As a result, Territory’s Control Blade IRS isolates harshness, while still ensuring excellent handling, superior stability and high levels of driver control.
Drivers will immediately notice a reassuring ‘anti-dive’ under braking force, which means very flat body control and greatly enhanced stability.
The ‘Control Blade’ is the dominant feature of the IRS – a longitudinal trailing arm with a large, plush bush at one end. It provides high levels of ride comfort, while providing the freedom to let the lateral links define toe and camber under traction and cornering loads.
This feature effectively isolates the handling components of the suspension from the road noise and impact harshness components of the suspension. The Control Blade IRS is mounted in a steel sub frame, bolted directly to the under body for increased stiffness.
The Territory ST features Acutrac plus, which includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Hill Decent Control (HDC) as standard features.
It is likely that the Territory ST will attract customers with a wide range of driving requirements and styles – from the family people mover through to the recreational towing vehicle and, of course, the enthusiastic sports oriented driver.
With this in mind Ford developed a DSC calibration that allows the sports enthusiast driver to enjoy the full benefits of the vehicle’s additional performance, while also providing the right level of driver assistance for all drivers. DSC is an active safety feature that can help avoid accidents before they even occur.
The calibration also needed to be applicable to city and highway driving, as well as all-wheel-drive excursions. The DSC calibration was optimised to work in conjunction with the 245kW turbo engine, and the all-wheel-drive system with 18″ alloy wheels and tyres.
The overall driving experience has been further enhanced by the ZF 6 speed automatic transmission. The Territory ST features a unique version of the ZF 6HP26 transmission, which has been specially designed for the turbo all-wheel-drive application.
Territory ST also features upgraded front brakes, complete with a performance calliper and increased front rotor size (compared with other models in the Territory range) up from 322mm x 28mm to 340mm x 32mm. This package provides reliable and stable brake performance and improved pedal feel under all braking events.
