Standard AdvanceTrac with RSC and available traction control among safety items
The Ford E-Series is the only vehicle in its segment to offer standard Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) on all E-350 wagons with the 5.4-liter V-8.
This industry leading technology is an active stability enhancement system that significantly builds upon existing electronic stability control systems in the market.
Conventional stability control systems are designed to help a driver maintain control and avoid fishtailing or spinning out. While some systems can help reduce the potential for rollover, these conventional systems do not directly measure a vehicle's roll motion or the side-to-side tilting that can occur during an accident-avoidance maneuver. Ford's Roll Stability Control rises to the next level by responding to the potential of a rollover, in addition to helping a driver avoid fishtailing or spinning out. Ford's system marries sophisticated electronics and advanced software to mitigate the chances of a rollover during an extreme maneuver.
The 2008 E-Series utilizes an engine only traction control (EOTC), available on all models that are not equipped with the AdvanceTrac with RSC system. The EOTC system uses the anti-lock braking system and engine torque to monitor wheel speed and vehicle speed to detect wheel spin and slip. When wheel spin or slip is detected, the electronic throttle control system reduces engine torque to the optimal level to help retain traction. With the exception of a warning light that reminds customers that conditions have become slippery, the system works in a near seamless manor.
"Engine-only traction control offers several benefits over brake-based systems," said Stevens. "Brake-based systems often cause vehicle shudder and unexpected noise from the wheels. Brake-based systems will also reduce brake pad life as they essentially replicate power-braking maneuvers when used."
All single rear-wheel models come standard with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The system mounts a sensor in each wheel that monitors tire pressure. When the system senses that a tire is low on pressure, it sends a signal to the computer that lights a warning lamp on the dash.
Passenger vans feature all-new seats, and all rear center position occupants now have seat-integrated three-point safety restraints.
A driver and front passenger air bag provides protection in frontal collision while side-door intrusion beams provide additional protection in certain side collisions.
Standard four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps provide steering control in hard-braking situations.
E-Series provides a versatile, capable lineup to meet all needs
E-Series vans, passenger wagons and cutaways are available in a variety of models, wheelbases and interior configurations to meet the demands of a wide selection of users.
E-Series vans come in E-150 regular-length and E-250 and E-350 regular- and extended- length with maximum payload ratings from 3,170 to 4,090 pounds. All E-Series vans, including the E-150, are rated as heavy-duty trucks with gross vehicle weights of over 8,500 pounds. The E-150 made the move to the HD class last year and increased the maximum payload by 70 percent.
E-Series passenger wagons, America's most trustworthy, versatile wagon comes in E-150 regular- and E-350 regular- and extended-length models offering seating options for 7, 8, 12 or 15 passengers plus a new 11-passenger optional seating configuration for the extended-length XL and XLT. Payloads range from 2,525 to 2,995 pounds. An XLT Premium package replaces the Chateau for 2007 and features first and second row leather captain's chairs, power driver seat, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, privacy glass, special two-tone exterior paint, forged aluminum wheels, overhead console and running boards.
E-Series cutaways are available in E-250, E-350 and E-450 Super Duty and E-350 and E-450 stripped chassis with 138-, 158- and 176-inch wheelbases and three axle ratios (3.73, 4.10, 4.56) in both single rear wheel and dual rear wheel configurations. Gross vehicle weight ratings range from 8,600 to 14,500 pounds for cutaways and 9,000 to 14,500 pounds for stripped chassis.