Mumkin wrote: And still not clear on which transit... of course, they may not yet have decided for sure
Agreed.
I was just happy there was some cause for hope. The "Sprinter-like" version of the Transit is available as a front-wheel-driver, or rear-wheel-drive. The FWD, has a lowered cargo floor - which would be wonderful for what I use a van/class B for. Obviously, not as good for towing - but I don't need/use that. With the right engine and tranny (small diesel and maybe a dual clutch manual) this thing might get 30 mpg if driven modestly. That would make long trips more affordable.
I think one of the articles said there would more details later in the summer.
Shane
I doubt there will be a manual tranny with clutch on any Transit van. Just do not believe there will be that much of a market in the US for a manual tranny.
Not sure I would have much use for a small underpowered gasser either. If I were getting a Sprinter, I would want the diesel. If I want a gasser, I'll go get the Chevy 6.0L.
Erroll, Mary, Duffy the Wonder Doxie & "Ollie"
1996 RoadTrek 210 Popular, on 1995 Chevy Chassis
Quote: Ford Transit Connect, Europe’s Truck Staple, Headed to States: Live at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show
Ford Transit
CHICAGO — Ford has seen the success of Dodge’s Sprinter commercial delivery van and decided it too should have a cleverly packaged European import van in its lineup. Ford says the Transit will offer better fuel economy, bigger load capacity and better cargo accessibility than competitive commercial vehicles when it hits select North American markets in the middle of next year.
The Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform. It uses high-strength steel and a reinforced body shell with partially double skinned sides and twin side crossmembers to increase side impact protection.
It runs a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine and automatic transmission. Ford says the Transit Connect delivers fuel economy estimated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Transit Connect has cargo doors on both sides and at the rear. The dual sliding side doors and 180-degree-opening rear doors make for convenient access to its cargo area. Ford lists cargo capacity at 143 cu. ft, while accommodating loads up to 6.5 ft. long and 4.7 ft. wide. It comes with dual front air bags and an array of security features, including a lockable hood. —Jim McCraw
Although this article on the same date says a gasser & 4-speed automatic.
Quote: Ford Transit Connect, Europe’s Truck Staple, Headed to States: Live at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show
Ford Transit
CHICAGO — Ford has seen the success of Dodge’s Sprinter commercial delivery van and decided it too should have a cleverly packaged European import van in its lineup. Ford says the Transit will offer better fuel economy, bigger load capacity and better cargo accessibility than competitive commercial vehicles when it hits select North American markets in the middle of next year.
The Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform. It uses high-strength steel and a reinforced body shell with partially double skinned sides and twin side crossmembers to increase side impact protection.
It runs a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine and automatic transmission. Ford says the Transit Connect delivers fuel economy estimated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Transit Connect has cargo doors on both sides and at the rear. The dual sliding side doors and 180-degree-opening rear doors make for convenient access to its cargo area. Ford lists cargo capacity at 143 cu. ft, while accommodating loads up to 6.5 ft. long and 4.7 ft. wide. It comes with dual front air bags and an array of security features, including a lockable hood. —Jim McCraw
Although this article on the same date says a gasser & 4-speed automatic.
the transit connects that ford announced in february
and are going on sale in 2009, are going to be imported from
Turkey. They will have a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder gas engine.
The transits that are (hopefully) being alluded to in this weeks
newsmedia appear(?) to be the regular transits. these supposedly
will be built in the plant now making E-series.
althouth vanner B owners might prefer a diesel engine most commericial
vans want gas.
the new emissions controls started in 2007 make a diesel engine
far less efficient in stop and go driving than a gas engine.
this is because the dpf must use continuous sprays of diesel
to burn emissions a low speeds/temperatures. a diesels
advantage now is in higher speed/long distance highway.
Most businesses are not like this
thats why i think it will be a standard gas engine, which is
an option in U.K.
Atlee wrote: doubt there will be a manual tranny with clutch on any Transit van. Just do not believe there will be that much of a market in the US for a manual tranny.
I was referring to the Dual-clutch tranny from Borg Warner - it is automated (no clutch pedal), and shifts directly from 1-2 gears (for example) (hence no power interruption). It actually has 3 shafts, so one input shaft, one shaft in 1st gear, and another in second. One (automated) clutch disengages the shaft with 1st gear, and at the same time a second clutch engages the shaft with 2nd gear. (so one shaft has odd gears (1,3,5,etc), the other has even gears(2,4,6,etc) - the computer preshifts the next gear.
It is going to be used on the 2009 Nissan GT-R sportscar.
Bottom line is the fuel efficiency of a manual - but without the needing to do the shifting yourself. Also, manufacturer can select gearing for efficiency, and allow the system to do a downshift (automatically) when more power is needed.
gerrym51 wrote: would you want a diesel if it is priced like adding diesel to
american van. extra price of 6000.00 dollars
The Sprinter has a ~$1800 premium for the diesel (actually bookkept as a discount if you get the gas engine) For that difference, yes, I'd get the diesel. But, yes, depends on the pricing points Ford chooses for it's vehicle.
if the difference in price for a gas engine was 6000.00 less than
a diesel would you buy gas . i think most would. I believe MB knows
it too. so they don't make the price of a gas engine that much lower
they want to encourage diesel use and were subsidizing the
sprinter in usa to build volume.
The price difference for diesels in Sprinters is lower because MB builds most (about 85%) of their Sprinters with diesels. Everywhere, except the USA, diesels are the engine of choice for Sprinters. MB does not subsidize the diesel at all.
US manufacturers don't build many diesels, so they charge a large difference.
david_42 wrote: The price difference for diesels in Sprinters is lower because MB builds most (about 85%) of their Sprinters with diesels. Everywhere, except the USA, diesels are the engine of choice for Sprinters. MB does not subsidize the diesel at all.
US manufacturers don't build many diesels, so they charge a large difference.
actually if you go to the sprinter-forum(sprinter-source)
and read Richard form australia(altered sprinter) posts he
says that they actally do subsidize sprinters in USA to increase
market share. this has caused some griping from overseas.
in these toughtimes i don't think you'll se this much longer.
Offline
