Ford Transit powertrain combats cost of ownership and emissions
Ford takes another big step towards a more cost efficient and sustainable future for freight logistics, with its new 2012 Ford Transit. New powertrains and additional green technologies will offer both significantly lowered cost of ownership and environmental benefits.
A new generation of Duratorq TDCi engines and comprehensive range of new ECOnetic technologies, including wide availability of optional Auto-Start-Stop and Speed Limiter systems, ensure that the iconic Ford Transit remains a top choice for commercial vehicle operators. With its low cost of ownership and improved environmental performance the new Transit further enhances its legendary durability and versatility.
The new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine has been designed to power all Transit derivatives regardless of driveline configurations – front-, rear- and all-wheel drive.
The design of the new engine includes higher pressure common-rail direct injection, new variable nozzle turbochargers and an improved exhaust gas treatment, via a new Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and coated Diesel Particulate Filter (cDPF) unit, to help meet the stricter Euro Stage 5 emission levels. New measures such as an additional engine top cover and specifically designed cold air duct, contribute to significantly improved sound levels.
The range of available Ford ECOnetic Technologies has also been expanded to ensure the best possible efficiency can be achieved. These technologies include:
Smart Regenerative Charging
Advanced Battery Management System (BMS)
Optional ECO Pack, including switchable Auto-Start-Stop and 110 km/h Speed Limiter function, available for most powertrain combinations.
The power levels and characteristics of the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine have been carefully developed to match the requirements of the various driveline combinations on offer. Front-wheel drive versions will be available with 100, 125 and 140PS. For rear-wheel drive derivatives the most powerful engine choice unit will deliver 155PS. Perhaps even more important are the increases achieved in torque, delivering superior pulling power: even the 100PS entry level engine delivers maximum torque of 310Nm, while the 155PS rear wheel drive version delivers an impressive 385Nm of maximum torque.
Combined with the now standard six-speed transmission, with its longer gearing for both lower noise and fuel consumption levels, the new 2012 Ford Transit is targeted to provide further improved cost of ownership and better sustainability through sub-segment leading CO2 and fuel economy figures.
Exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions are delivered via two new front-wheel-drive Ford Transit ECOnetic versions, a 100PS FT280 in a short wheelbase low-roof version, and the 125PS FT350 with long wheelbase and medium roof, both equipped with the ECO Pack as standard. The more compact version will provide average CO2 emissions of just 178g/km, which reduces further to 173g/km when equipped with the optional fixed 100 km/h speed limiter.
Christine Lund, chief programme engineer for the Ford Transit, said: "The new 2012 Transit range is a clear statement of Ford's commitment to superior commercial vehicle low cost of ownership and improved sustainability. The new Transit ECOnetic FT280 is set to emit up to 16 g/km less CO2 than its already impressive predecessor. This clearly means an improvement to both the environmental performance and the operation expenses by cutting fuel costs by up to 10 per cent."
Significant additional improvements in the cost of ownership will also be achieved by extended service intervals. The new Transit models are offering a service interval of up to 50,000 km / 30,000 miles, or every two years. Internal calculations made for selected markets have shown that the annual costs for scheduled maintenance can be reduced significantly in comparison to the current model Transit, covering a range of savings from around 25 per cent to more than 40 per cent depending on model variants.
The new Transit range also demonstrates how Ford's European Commercial Vehicle team is providing a laser-sharp focus on customer needs. "The first Transit ECOnetic version was launched in 2009 and was very well received, but professional customers also told us that the fixed implementation of the speed limiter was not the best solution for all daily drive cycle situations," explained Christine Lund. "With the new optional ECO Pack available for most of the new powertrain applications, Auto-Start-Stop and the Speed Limiter are automatically engaged on start up, but can be switched off if required.
However, for best possible fuel economy the fixed 100 km/h speed limiter is still available as an option, also helping the Transit ECOnetic FT280 version to achieve the best-in-class figure of 173g/km CO2."
The new 2012 Ford Transit, making its public debut at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show, also features subtle exterior design revisions to signal the change and underline the major powertrain upgrade actions. Market availability across Europe will be before the end of 2011.
"With the new 2012 Ford Transit we are ensuring that the Transit range remains a top choice for commercial customers in Europe and around the globe," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. "After more than 45 years and more than 6.3 million vehicles built so far, Transit remains synonymous with a consumer focused, dependable and cost effective commercial vehicle. With the latest developments we will ensure that Transit continues to be true to its legendary virtues."
"And this is only the exciting starting point. From late 2011 through to 2014, we will be looking to dramatically transform ourentire commercial vehicle business, as waves of new products are launched. We will also expand the range with products that allow us to enter new markets and exploit new niche opportunities, and we will also develop the global availability of our commercial vehicles as part of the product-driven One Ford strategy," he added.