Ford has released a deluge of details for the upcoming 2015 Transit, which will gradually replace the durable but dated E-Series as the Blue Oval’s offering in the full-size van segment.
As one would expect given the advanced age of the E-Series’ powertrains, the Transit delivers significantly improved mileage. For regular-length Transits equipped with the low- or medium- roof, fuel economy with the 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engines is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Those figures compare with 13/16 mpg, 12/16 mpg and 10/13 mpg for the E-Series’ 4.6-liter V8, 5.4-liter V8 and 6.8-liter V10 mills, respectively. Efficiency ratings for Transits fitted with the high roof, medium and jumbo lengths, and 3.2-liter turbodiesel have not yet been released.
While smaller than the engines they replace, the Transit’s motors have ample power for towing and hauling. The 3.7-liter produces 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the EcoBoost is good for 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel churns out 185 ponies and 350 lb-ft of twist at 1500 rpm. All three powerplants send output to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic.
Should towing be a priority, buyers can lug up to 7,600 lbs. by opting for the low-roof, medium-length Transit with the 3.2-liter and 3.73 rear axle ratio. While impressive, that can’t quite match the V10 E-Series’ 10,000-lb. towing capability. However, the Transit does best its predecessor’s 4,050-lb. payload max with a 4,650-lb. rating for HD models with dual rear wheels, the high roof and jumbo length.
The 2015 Transit will begin arriving in dealerships this summer with a starting price of $33,095.
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