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Ford Transit SuperSportVan

12th April 2011 Print
Ford Transit SuperSportVan

Ford has taken the wraps off the next evolution of its iconic SportVan bloodline – the one-off Transit SuperSportVan (SSV).

For this special project, the largest has been partnered with the smallest – Ford’s range-topping, five-cylinder 3.2-litre, 200PS Duratorq TDCi engine has been shoehorned into a short wheelbase Transit, for maximum power-to-weight ratio.  The engine, normally to be found in bigger Transit models like the 4.25 tonnes Transit Jumbo, delivers 470Nm at 1700-2500 rpm and mates with a six speed gearbox. Under the striking livery, the rest is fundamentally the base SportVan.

The regular Transit SportVan is based on the popular 260, short wheelbase model with front wheel drive, the 140PS 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and a six-speed transmission. The exterior features Le Mans-style bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches. Standard safety features include ABS, ESP and driver and passenger airbags.

Power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights and a load area protection kit similarly come on every SportVan. Optional are leather seats, Satellite Navigation FX system with 5in colour screen, LED cargo lights in rear and LED daytime running lights.

The SuperSportVan takes centre stage at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, at the NEC, Birmingham, but is strictly a limited production of one.

Steve Clary, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, explained: "Transit has a strong reputation for its robustness and practicality.  We wanted to add some contemporary fun and also showcase our engineers’ skill and enthusiasm. SuperSportVan demonstrates just how far you can go with a white Transit van by mixing and matching regular technology in a different way."

The creation of the SuperSportVan is the latest chapter in the story of fast Transits, which began in 1971, with the creation of the GT40-based Supervan 1.

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Ford Transit SuperSportVan