Ford blows its cover

While the turbo plan for the hot-selling Territory was no great secret after being caught poorly disguised in spy shots in Melbourne last year, it is a coup for the local market who have warmed to the wagon.

The blown six was the natural step for Ford to take and it opens the door for Ford Performance Vehicles do an even hotter version.

Ford has announced that the turbo will go on sale in July however price and performance figures will be with-held until closer to launch date.

"The Territory turbo offers Euro inspired styling with a sports edge - it's designed with elegance in mind, coupled with performance attributes," Ford Australia president Tom Gorman said.

Ford's engineering department has reprogrammed the acclaimed ZF 6-speed transmission to cater for the turbo all-wheel-drive wagon.

The blue oval maker will exclusively show a concept truck that gives a strong hint to what the next Courier will look like.

The 4-Trac will feature in an Australian premiere in Brisbane after its world unveiling at the Thailand Motor Expo in Bangkok late last year. Why show it first in Thailand?

Firstly it is the largest market for pick-up trucks outside the United States and Thailand is the regional production hub for Ford's one-tonne trucks with exports assigned to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, Middle East and Europe.

The 4-Trac features clean body surfaces, bulging wheel arches, integrated side indicator lights, 17-inch six spoke alloy wheels with A/T tyres.

At the rear the 4-Trac uses a distinctive double folding, power assisted rear tray with three-step access.

It is a tailgate within a tailgate where inner and outer sections operate together or seperately.

The outer section folds to the ground effectively transforming into a ramp while the inner part folds 90 degrees for trouble-free loading.

There are six portable containers in the rear cargo area that were prompted by offshore rescue craft for carrying a variety of equipment including rescue gear. Ford will also unveil its revamped Escape SUV.

The Escape gains a new grille and bonnet while a new front bumper incorporates an updated skid plate on the XLT Sport and Limited versions.

This houses new recessed fog lamps to match the four chamber chrome-ringed headlamps.

Launched later this year, the Escape will also have an all-new interior layout and safety upgrades.

The two powerplants, 2.3-litre four cylinder and 3-litre V6, remain unchanged.