Ford of Europe's commercial vehicle range continues to grow with the addition of an all-new engine and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) capability improvements which are applicable to the Ford Transit – International Van of the Year 2007. These new models mark the culmination of a year of significant activity for Ford of Europe's commercial vehicle programme resulting in even greater customer choice.
All-new Engine for the Transit
For customers seeking extra power, increased payload and driving comfort, Ford Transit is now available with an all-new five-cylinder in-line Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel engine. This 3.2-litre power plant develops a maximum of 200 PS, while torque peaks at 470 Nm and is sustained between a wide band of 1,700 – 2,500 rpm. Consistent with other engines in the Transit portfolio it meets European Stage IV Emissions standards.
The engine is a new addition to the Ford of Europe powertrain line-up. Exclusively developed for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Transits and available for the wheelbase and payload derivatives it will benefit most – the 350+ series mid wheelbase (MWB), long wheelbase (LWB) and extended wheelbase – the engine is built at Ford's Inonu engine plant and complete vehicles using this engine are assembled in Kocaeli, both based in Turkey.
Scheduled service intervals of 50,000km/30,000m or two years, whichever comes first, make Transit an attractive proposition to fleet managers and owner operators.
The new engine has been mated with an upgraded Durashift 6-speed manual transmission. Featuring a new dual mass flywheel and clutch assembly for the higher torque of the new engine, the durability requirements of the new gearbox have been engineered specifically to meet the needs of the commercial vehicle segment.
"The new addition of the 3.2-litre 200 PS Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder engine to the Transit powertrain line-up adds further versatility to the Transit range. Combined with the upgraded transmission long-haul driving, towing capabilities and overall driving quality are all significantly enhanced," explains Simon Palmer, Powertrain Programme Manager.
Further detail actions elsewhere on Transit have been taken specifically to match the new engine to the vehicle. These include a new front bumper and bumper beam, new heat shields, a modified grille opening panel and front grille with new design, a modified air intake which includes additional 'ribbing' to improve Sound Quality and Vibration (SQ&V) behaviour, a new exhaust system and a new cooling system.
The suspension has also been tuned for the weight distribution of the new engine and the redesigned front bumper used on models fitted with the 200 PS engine is uniquely one-piece. A further action to contribute to the best possible SQ&V is the fine tuning given to the engine mounts. The reduction of vibration through so-called 'noise transfer paths' further contributes to the car-like driving quality of the Ford Transit.
Assisted by the increased engine capacity, Ford's turbo diesel common rail injection technology (TDCi) helps give the new 200 PS engine its smooth performance and low fuel consumption, serving to provide better performance tuning and smoother running characteristics.
"Many of our customers told us they needed a more powerful engine for their long-haul deliveries, and our new 200 PS Duratorq TDCi engine is bound to impress both in terms of performance and efficiency," said Henrik Nenzen, Director Commercial Vehicles, Marketing Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.
The 200 PS engine, with its excellent torque of 470Nm gives great performance, irrespective of the load or road gradients. It contributes to less 'driver fatigue' by reducing the frequency of gear changes as it can be driven in a higher gear for longer. Lower cabin noise and improved SQ&V characteristics contribute to a smoother, more comfortable drive and ride.
"With one of the largest capacity engines in its class, the new 200 PS delivers more power than any of its two tonne segment key competitors," said Simon Palmer.
Higher Payload for Transit
Ford is further expanding its already comprehensive Transit range by adding 460 (4.6 tonne) GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) and 350HD (3.5 tonne) GVM (Heavy Duty) model derivatives to the line-up, enhancing its tough, dependable image. Both the 460 GVM and 350HD models bring greater towing capacity to the Transit and are available across a range of wheelbases in van and chassis cab bodystyles with dual rear wheels. -Ford
