Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 15:33:38 +0100
Reply-To: Raimund Feussner <ray@V6BUS.DE>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Raimund Feussner <ray@V6BUS.DE>
Subject: Re: Friday NVC: Ford Transit alternatives?
In-Reply-To: <CAAVfiVF=s5pVmDrjsoBDpQ8qWFtfwCKNTho_6hYHAk0P98GoZQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
I have been working on the Transit Custom (Euro FWD equals T5, "362")
and the Transit (RWD Euro and America, "363"). Those are full grown
Transporters like VW T5 (FWD) and Sprinter/LT/Crafter (RWD).
The Transit connect is "only" a C-platform vehicle, based on the Focus.
Then there´s the Courier, based on B-Platform (Fiesta, colleague´s project).
All took the name Transit as commercial version.
The 362 is, as stated, a competitior to the VW T5 (a bad one, if
interested, I can give details!). Not available in the states.
The 363 will be available in different version as usual and replaces the
econoline E-series after...errm... "a lot of" decades.
Long wheel base, medium wheel base, Jumbo...low, mid, high roof. Panel
van, Bus, etc.
There are also going to be cut-aways to convert into fully integrated
campers.
Europe also will get 4WDs.
While Europe has only I4 Diesels from 100-150PS, the 363N will have an
I5 Diesel (200PS, I think 3litre).
Only North America will also get Gas V6 as 3,5 biturbo 350PS and 3,7
naturally aspirated with 300PS (Mustang engine).
I have been working on the Transits USA as wiring supplier since 2012
and I saw and sat in numerous versions in Ford prototype factory in
Dearborn, MI.
Job1 production start should be around May in Kansas City, MO.
I think, if you want to compare these with the Vanagon,
then compare a Vanagon to an E-Series, but with better driveability
(more like a full sized car) and better mileage than E-series (at least
in Europe).
Typical modern Ford "wasp-like" instrument panel, SYNC available, rear
view cam etc.
Things I would expect from a modern transporter are missing:
No HID headlights,
no electric park brake,
only leaf springs rear (possibly because of Transporter layout)
no rear washer/wiper in USA
no brake pad wear indicator in USA
no rear liftgate in USA, only cargo doors
etc
However, the 3,5 biturbo is more fun than Europe´s Diesel´s :-)
Regards
Raimund
Am 29.03.2014 01:02, schrieb Peter DiFalco:
> (LVC) I've just investigated the redesigned Spain-manufactured 2014 Transit
> Connect Wagon, which comes in a Long Wheelbase config that seats 7 and has
> fully-fold-flat cargo bay. If/when there is a pop-top available for this
> long wheelbase version, I might seriously consider looking at it as a very
> decent alternative to a Weekender / Multivan. However, it lacked some
> long-drive comforts that I've come to expect from my Vanagon, things like
> armrests and comfortable back-row seating. However, If you're a two-person
> camping couple, especially taller humans, you might well go take a look at
> them as they start being delivered to dealerships; they're very cool. For
> us as a young family wanting the creature comforts, we're now looking at a
> Nissan Quest as a future replacement for our non-pop top Vanagon. Le sigh.
>
> Cheers,
> Peter
>
>
> On Fri, Mar 28, 2014 at 9:54 AM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>wrote:
>
>> I rejected the Connect too, it's barely 6' from the back of the font seats
>> to the rear doors. I'm just wondering if the LWB Connect would be closer
>> to the Vanagon in size, since the full size Transit is probably too big.
>>
>> Stuart
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>> Of Dave Mcneely
>> Sent: Friday, March 28, 2014 9:49 AM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Friday NVC: Ford Transit alternatives?
>>
>> It is the full sized Transit that I am waiting to have a look at. Ford
>> keeps delaying that one. The little jobs are all over. mcneely
>>
>> ---- Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>> RE: Ford Transit Campers
>>> It's already been done. One of our WetWesties members has
>>> outfitted/modified a Ford Transit for camping. He did that about
>>> three years ago.
>> --
>> David McNeely
>>
| 
