In preparation of the Transit's North American launch, Ford wanted to make sure that its E-Series customers wouldn't miss the old van by making the new one that much better. One area where the E-Series really lags behind is in fuel economy -- in its most efficient form with its 4.6-liter 225-hp V-8 and four-speed auto the E-Series is only good for 13/17 mpg city/highway. Ford said the Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy than the Econoline, "Thanks in part to smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds from the Transit." We're inclined to believe that the other part of the Transit's fuel savings will be due to a more modern transmission and possibly one or more diesel engine options.
The other key for Transit success in North America is durability. The Econoline may be a dinosaur, but has an enviable reputation for durability. To make sure the Transit is up to snuff, Ford is currently testing the Transit at its Michigan Proving Grounds, out on the streets with contractors, and is currently building a new test course to impart even more abuse on the Transit. Ford said that the new road will feature many curbs that the Transit will have to jump thousands of times in testing. Why all the curb jumping? Ford said that in Europe, many delivery drivers are forced to hop curbs all day long due to narrow European streets, so it's testing all Transits to make sure they can handle the abuse.
As previously reported, Ford will be building the 2013 Transit in its Kansas City Assembly Plant where the F-150 is currently built.
While Ford is currently mum on engine options for the Transit (which will be called the T-Series here in the United States), in Europe it currently offers the choice of three diesels: a 2.2-liter turbodiesel I-4 that produces anywhere from 98-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, to 153-hp and 284 lb-ft of torque, as well as a larger 2.4-liter turbodiesel I-4, and bigger still 3.2-liter turbodiesel I-5. Ford also sells the Transit in front, rear, and all-wheel drive form in Europe. While there's no word on specific engine or drivetrain configurations for the T-Series, we expect at least one diesel option and rear-drive. What engine and drivetrain options would you like to see in the North American Transit?