Ford's Cargo Van Gets an Extreme Makeover
You see them at convention centers, airports, hotels, resorts and spas. Your mechanic, cable guy and even your favorite band will probably pull up in one. Even America's celebrities get carted around in them on movie sets; and, if you're unfortunate enough, it'll be your police wagon on your way to jail.
Of course, we're talking about the Ford E-Series (formerly called the Econoline/Club Wagon). The E-Series, which is by far the best-selling full-size cargo van, is due for a complete overhaul. When the new model goes on sale here later this year, it will adopt a much more international look and get a new name: behold the 2014 Ford Transit.
The Ford Transit has been on sale in Europe for nearly 50 years and is offered in several body lengths and body styles, including the compact Transit Connect. The Transit we'll be getting in the U.S. is the heavy-duty full-size model offered in Europe. There's also the Tourneo Custom, which isn't coming here.
The Transit still will be rear-wheel drive but now features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and a diesel option. That's a big step down in power compared to the two V-8s and the V-10 in the current E-Series. It'll be interesting to see if the new models are as capable and versatile as the old vans.
On the flipside, it certainly looks more elegant and modern than the E-Series, and the new Transit is said to be 25% more efficient. No word yet if it will be available in a passenger version like the current E-Series. So far, all the photos we've seen show the cargo model.
The next-generation Transit will be built at Ford's Kansas City, Mo., plant, which is a part of a $1.1 billion investment to build the full-size van plus the next-gen F-150 at the assembly plant. The current E-Series is built in Ohio. The new model will go on sale sometime in fall 2013.
Related
New Ford Transit and Transit Connect Debut (Pickuptrucks.com)
Ford Drops E-Series Van, Replaces with Transit
Ch-Ch-Changes: 2009 Ford E-Series
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Is there any word on what size and configuration the diesel will be? This is one cool van.
Is it just me, or does this look like a smaller Mercedes-Benz Sprinter? I don't like the taller height, compared to the old version.
From the article: "The Transit...now features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and a diesel option. That's a big step down in power compared to the two V-8s and the V-10 in the current E-Series."
Having checked the specs on the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and the V-10, I don't see how the 3.5L is "a big step down in power." Can you elaborate?
A 25% increase in fuel economy equates to barely 20mpg. And we have to wait a whole year for this.
Vw has a 2011 four cylinder turbo diesel Crafter (Sprinter) which gets 30 to 35 mpg. Granted less horse power but torque is 400@1800rpm.
Once again, we see one step forward and then two steps back.
Bold initiative by Ford.
Will be very beneficial for business which transport lot of goods and want to save on gas. So another V8 and V10 are going down.
Will there be a Ecoboost V8 that will replace V10 in those F Series vehicles above 250 like F350, F450 and so on.
nice cargo vans, these vans are smaller then the trucks but they are also very useful for shifting cargo..