Interesting article on Ford's new Transit Van
 

Spied: All-New Rear-Drive Transit on Course to Replace E-Series - PickupTrucks.com News

The van will reportedly come with the 3.5L Ecoboost or a turbo diesel. The article fails to give any details on the diesel.

Anyone have any insight or other knowledge of this well kept secret?

Sorry, I know nothing, but the article was more interesting than I thought it might be -- as were some of the comments.

Two areas commented on were especially interesting
- several mentions of small tires .
- one fellow claimed that Dodge's Euro (Mercedes) influenced Sprinter tanked their van sales. Hope that it's just a mopar thing.

Also, I spotted the dreaded 'Design Language' term. I've always thought of it as a vague fluff term used by the Cool People to show that they're cool.

hj

Large wheels are fashion statement and these are strictly work vehicles. Smaller diameter tires mean smaller wheelhousings = more interior space and footroom for the driver.

The Sprinter was a lot more expensive than the Ram Van. If Ford prices the Transit similarly high compared to the Econoline the same thing will happen. GM's Express/Savanna will take most of the market share. US assembly and a gasoline engine as standard will hopefully keep the price in line.

Now that Fiat owns Chrysler, I would expect a Fiat-based Ram Van as well.

Not that much of a secret. The van in the photo is a preproduction, not full production spec, model built in Dearborn. Kansas City assembly is completing a massive retool to start building these. Production prototype builds start next spring.

I was referring to which diesel engine will be used as the article didn't say.

I heard they are looking at several options including the 3.2 liter 5 cylinder diesel they sell in the Ranger overseas. I really am hoping for that one. I'd like to see it offered in the F150 in the future.

Perfect in town car...to haul bicycles