Autoblog

2014 Ford Transit unveiled in Chassis Cab and Cutaway versions

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ford, Specialty

As a leader in commercial vehicles here in the US, we knew Ford wouldn't take too long to show off the chassis cab and cutaway versions of its 2014 Ford Transit van. Set to go on sale this fall, Ford already revealed the full-body version of the Transit, and now it has pulled the cover off exposed-frame models just in time to to compete against the all-new Ram Promaster.

The term "chassis cab" refers to models with a fully enclosed cabin used for box vans or rental trucks, while cutaway models leave the cabin open behind the B-pillars for a pass-through on vehicles such as Class C motorhomes or ambulances. Both will offer three wheelbase options (138, 156 and 178 inches), the choice of single or dually rear axles, and plenty of upfitter-friendly touches including a pre-wired body harness and multiple body mount locations.

The new design will also help make upfitting a little easier since the fuel filler is now built into the cab (just behind the driver's door). Those integrated fuel filler necks will serve to feed either a 3.7-liter V6, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, or a 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel. Transit chassis cab and cutaways will wear varying Gross vehicle weight ratings from 9,000 pounds to 10,360 pounds depending on spec.

Like all US-spec Transit models, the chassis cab and cutaway will be built at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri. About the only thing that has yet to be announced for the new Transit is its pricing.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Transit unveiled in Chassis Cab and Cutaway versions

2014 Ford Transit unveiled in Chassis Cab and Cutaway versions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Transit gets Combinator to build van of your dreams

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Marketing/Advertising

With the 2014 Ford Transit coming with more available factory configurations than the E-Series ever offered, Ford has come up with a quick and easy way for customers to choose from numerous build combinations. To help display which body styles, wheelbases and roof heights can be equipped with one another, the "2014 Transit Combinator" gets the job done.

The Euro-style Transit allows for an amazing number of options including four body styles, four roof heights and six wheelbase/frame options, and the Combinator offers an easy drop-down menu allowing potential customers to research the van before it goes on sale this fall; of course, this doesn't even factor in the Transit's three possible engine options. Even if you're not sure which version of the full-size van you might need, the self-explanatory random configuration button is always there for assistance.

Ford Transit gets Combinator to build van of your dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Would you like your Ford Transit in Large, XL or XXL?

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Truck, Work, Ford

Get ready plumbers, ambulance drivers and airport shuttles; the 2014 Ford Transit is finally here... almost. Ahead of the truck going on sale next fall, Ford dropped most of the details for its new fullsize van, but, as is the case with any vehicle unveiled so far ahead of its release date, pricing, engine power and fuel economy figures were not announced.

Using the Transit's European styling to its advantage, Ford is actually able to offer more build configurations including two wheelbases, three overall lengths and three roof heights. In base form, the Transit will ride on a 129.9-inch wheel base with an 83.2-inch tall roof, and the biggest version will add almost 20 inches to the wheelbase and almost 30 inches to the roof height. Customers will also be able to choose from folding or sliding side doors and side panels with or without side windows as well as chassis cab and cutaway models.

Under the hood, the Transit will replace the thirsty V8 and V10 engines from the E-Series with a trio of smaller engines aimed at improving fuel economy without sacrificing capability. The base engine is the 3.7-liter V6 that is able to run on E85, but Ford also designed it to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane gas (LPG). Optional engines includes the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and the 3.2-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel five-cylinder. All engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The big advantage the Transit will have is its interior. The high-roof version will be able to provide 80 percent more cargo volume than the E-Series, and for easier loading of cargo, the rear doors are able to swing open a full 270 degrees; all of the cargo versions have been for easy upfitting of shelves, racks or just about anything necessary to make it easier for companies to get the job done. The long-wheelbase passenger model can accommodate up to 15 passengers, and the Transit will be available with MyFord Touch and navigation displayed on a 6.5-inch touch screen.

Scroll down for the official press release for Ford's all-new van.

Continue reading Would you like your Ford Transit in Large, XL or XXL?

Would you like your Ford Transit in Large, XL or XXL? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford confirms 3.2L diesel five-cylinder for US-spec 2014 Transit

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Ford, Diesel

To ensure that its new 2014 Ford Transit will be able to get the job done when it goes on sale in the US next year, Ford announced that its new work van will be offered with a diesel engine that balances power and fuel economy. The Transit is already on sale with the diesel in other markets, but Ford confirmed that the 3.2-liter I5 Power Stroke will mark the return of a diesel engine to its full-size van for the first time since the 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8 was phased out of the E-Series in 2010.

Power ratings for the US-spec Transit Power Stroke have not been announced yet, but Ford says these engines in European versions of the van are rated at 197 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque - 90 percent of the engine's torque will be available between 1,700 rpm and 3,500 rpm. Although these figures are far less than the most recent Power Stroke in the E-Series rated at 235 hp and 440 lb-ft, this new engine is expected to be cleaner and more efficient. Ford expects the new Power Stroke to be able to run on B20 biodiesel fuel.

The 3.2-liter Power Stroke will be built in South Africa and exported to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant where the Transit will be built. In addition to the new diesel engine, the Transit will also be available with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and all engines will be paired with six-speed automatic transmissions.

Scroll down to read Ford's official press release.

Continue reading Ford confirms 3.2L diesel five-cylinder for US-spec 2014 Transit

Ford confirms 3.2L diesel five-cylinder for US-spec 2014 Transit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Ford Transit offers big utility with EcoBoost and diesel power

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Ford

The redesigned 2014 Transit Connect isn't the only commercial van news coming out of Ford today. For heavy-duty haulers, the automaker has officially pulled back the cover on its larger Transit van, which will eventually replace the older-than-dirt E-Series here in the United States.

In both North America and Europe, Ford will offer the new Transit in a wide variety of body styles, incorporating both long and short wheelbases, as well as standard- and tall-roof variants. And as we've already learned, Ford will build the U.S.-spec Transit in Kansas City, Missouri, right alongside the F-150 pickup.

European customers will be able to choose between front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive versions of the Transit, powered by Ford's 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel inline-four. In the United States, however, only rear-wheel drive will be offered, though in addition to a "powerful diesel option," we'll be able to spec our Transit models with Ford's tried-and-true 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

Like the smaller Transit Connect, Ford will launch the big daddy Transit near the end of 2013. Read the full details in the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Transit offers big utility with EcoBoost and diesel power

2014 Ford Transit offers big utility with EcoBoost and diesel power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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