America's best-selling van for 35 years - the Ford E-Series, will be replaced this summer when the all-new Transit is slated to arrive in showrooms nationwide.
Boasting better gas mileage than its predecessor, best-in-class gas engine torque, configuration options and cargo capacity, the upcoming workhorse is shaping up to be the next best seller in the Ford Commercial lineup.
The Transit nameplate has proven its legacy with more than 7 million units sold around the world since the model was introduced in Europe back in 1965. As for the latest iteration of the hauler, Ford announced that the low and medium-roof regular wheelbase wagons equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine are capable of returning as much as 46 percent better fuel economy than the 6.8-liter V10-powered E-Series.
Specifically, the EPA-estimated rating is 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The improved gas mileage translates to annual savings of approximately $1,700. That's pretty good for a six-cylinder turbocharged mill rated at 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. But the engine lineup also consists of two other units: the entry-level 3.7-liter V6 mill or a frugal 3.2-liter Power Stroke oil burner. All powerplants are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The naturally aspirated Ti-VCT 3.7-liter V6 promises similar fuel economy figures as its EcoBoost brother, while the frugal 3.2-liter inline-five turbo diesel comes with 185 horsepower and 350 lb-ft (474 Nm) of torque available between 1,500 to 2,750 rpm. Cost-conscious customers can also opt for a compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas prep package available with the entry-level 3.7-liter mill.
Extensive use of boron steel keeps weight as low as possible without compromising torsional rigidity and long-term durability. Because Built Ford Tough is part of the Transit DNA's, Ford testers put the all-new model through its paces for more than 7 million miles. But the biggest improvement compared to the largest E-Series van is the sheer cargo capacity of it. When properly equipped, the Transit can swallow up to 487.3 cubic feet of cargo, which is 75 percent more than the biggest E-Series model ever made.
Another aspect that is certain to make life easier for the Transit customer is the available 270-degree swing-out rear cargo doors that offer quick and effortless access for loading. Customers are offered a wide range of body styles to choose from: van, wagon, chassis cab or cutaway. The van and wagon versions are available in three body lengths and two wheelbases, along with three different roof heights.
Last but not least, the 2015 Ford Transit van is laden with smart technology. Just to name a few that might interest potential fleet customers, the highlights are the Crew Chief telematics system which helps with keeping track of service and mileage costs, the Ford MyKey safe driving suite, as well as a lane-keeping alert system that detects markings on the road and vibrates the steering wheel to alert the driver when he strays off his lane.
The heavily-anticipated 2015 Ford Transit van is manufactured at the Blue Oval's Kansas City Plant. Unfortunately, Ford didn't offer any info on pricing just yet, so expect to find out more on the Transit in a few weeks time.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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