danglin Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I think this machine really needs to be made as a hybrid. Much better mileage for a city type of delivery vehicle. This would also really create some buzz!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chucky2 Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 (edited) No kidding. Chucky2 and his mother won't look at this thing twice! Please! Forget the fact that it's hideous looking...it doesn't have a super turbo charged 10000 HP V-24 to get her around town, like the EB 3.5L Flex has. How could she possibly get across town without the EB Flex's power?!?!?! Impossible I say.... You must have a super double turbo charged V-6 to get across town in a family vehicle...anything else doesn't let you scream YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! while you're driving through the explosions and mud!!!! YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! Chuck Edited January 13, 2009 by chucky2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battyr Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I think this machine really needs to be made as a hybrid. Much better mileage for a city type of delivery vehicle. This would also really create some buzz!!!! Cost! Cost! Cost! Hybrid would make it too expensive. In a few years it can get an EcoBoost 1.6 L with 180 hp. I have just read that the EB 1.6 is designed for Mazda Smart Stop Start and some type of mild regenerative braking to keep the standard battery fully charged. Sounds like a very cheap alternative to a hybrid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Jellymoulds Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 (edited) Ford UK don't sell the 2.0 gutless gasoline Transit Connect you are selling Stateside you can only buy a DIESEL version in the UK from Ford, Ford don't sell a gasoline Transit Connect in the UK. A DIESEL ONLY Transit Connect is only used in a city urban environment in the UK, top gear in a 6 speed transmission would never get used all that much at all, and a Hybrid version would be so expensive to buy new you would be better off buying a much bigger non-hybrid E-Series van. Edited January 13, 2009 by Ford Jellymoulds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmm55 Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Well, if the Econoline is only getting 12/18 mpg, 19/24 would be significant savings. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?acti...Econoline%202WD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Please! Forget the fact that it's hideous looking...it doesn't have a super turbo charged 10000 HP V-24 to get her around town, like the EB 3.5L Flex has. How could she possibly get across town without the EB Flex's power?!?!?! Impossible I say.... You must have a super double turbo charged V-6 to get across town in a family vehicle...anything else doesn't let you scream YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! while you're driving through the explosions and mud!!!! YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! Chuck All while getting 65 MPG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Seriously, this vehicle is solely intended for the commercial market.....19/24 is a good number for those fleets. I also thought that the target volume was something in the range of 15,000 annual sales to start. Does anyone know what the projections of sales Ford is thinking with this vehicle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_fairmont_wagon Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 There are OTHER FACTORS aside from MPG that make this vehicle attractive. The cost of maintaining this vehicle should be substantially less than the cost of the E-150. 4 Cylinders instead of 8 (the 4.2L Essex is gone!). Less of each type of fluid. Smaller brakes, smaller wheels, smaller tires, smaller almost everything while still having a substantial cargo carrying capability. For its INTENDED PURPOSE, it is a very good vehicle. Is it perfect? Not hardly! But its a damned site closer than anything else from Ford NA. I believe that the 2.5L/6AT combo from the fusion could likely be forced to live under the hood of this thing. But, I'd imagine that that's not an option given that this thing is currently going to be imported from Turkey for a while. Once we have domestic production, we'll have domestic parts going in it. That means that it will likely get the same engine that the next Focus has. That could be an improved version of the 2.0L that's in the Focus right now, or something like the 1.6L EB or something else. However, at the moment, its still going to be a useful vehicle that will see a certain amount of traffic from its core audience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 However, at the moment, its still going to be a useful vehicle that will see a certain amount of traffic from its core audience. I agree, this isn't a consumer vehicle..its going to be a fleet car ala the Econoline I don't think Ford has huge expectations for it anyways, and compairing it to the Element is stupid, since the Element is geared towards consumers not companies/fleets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I agree, this isn't a consumer vehicle..its going to be a fleet car ala the Econoline I don't think Ford has huge expectations for it anyways, and compairing it to the Element is stupid, since the Element is geared towards consumers not companies/fleets. don't beleive it, think Surfers, mountain bikers, campers....this vehicle has a DEFINITE recreational side to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 don't beleive it, think Surfers, mountain bikers, campers....this vehicle has a DEFINITE recreational side to it They might but I still feel that they won't make up any more then 20K unit sales at most for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J2D Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Would it have been better if Ford imported the Transit, instead of the Transit connect as a replacement to the E-150? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 Would it have been better if Ford imported the Transit, instead of the Transit connect as a replacement to the E-150? Imported? No. Built in NA to supplement and/or replace the E-series? Sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Would it have been better if Ford imported the Transit, instead of the Transit connect as a replacement to the E-150? Anyone who thinks a Transit Connect is a "replacement" for a E150 has never seen one ! It's tiny in comparison. And yes, the Transit is coming to the US. Let's hope that Ford learns a lesson and puts a "reasonable" engine and transmission in it for US consumption ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 They might but I still feel that they won't make up any more then 20K unit sales at most for it. I think you may be surprized, think Caterers, DHL, flower shops, small parcel delivery....who knows, I'm serious, gal may be buying a flower business and to get a recreational vehicle with the dog etc in the back, with no worries of damaging speny carpet etc floats my boat.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 My thoughts are with the new "religion" at the Glass Palace of "One Ford"...the next generation of E-150 and Transit (full size) will share the same chassis design to help spread costs over a wider base. The E-150 is in desperate need of a chassis upgrade from the old style "C" channel frame, to the solid rear axle, and the god forsaken twin "I" beam front suspension.....I mean, how long is that front end going to be around?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 My thoughts are with the new "religion" at the Glass Palace of "One Ford"...the next generation of E-150 and Transit (full size) will share the same chassis design to help spread costs over a wider base. The E-150 is in desperate need of a chassis upgrade from the old style "C" channel frame, to the solid rear axle, and the god forsaken twin "I" beam front suspension.....I mean, how long is that front end going to be around?? You'd be surprised how many upfitters actually LIKE the simplicity of the E-series suspension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 ... and the god forsaken twin "I" beam front suspension.....I mean, how long is that front end going to be around?? When was the last time you were under an E-Series ? Your only 17 years behind times ! The Twin I Beam died in 1992. As for the C channel frame, the full length body helps a lot in preventing twisting so a fully boxed frame would not help much. I will admit, it would be nice to see a 6 speed automatic and the 5.0L will be a welcome replacement for the old 2V 4.6L modular. The Transit and E-Series are very different and fill different niches. They will never share the same frame. The base Transit is FWD !! The real question is will they continue to build both ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F250 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 There are OTHER FACTORS aside from MPG that make this vehicle attractive. The cost of maintaining this vehicle should be substantially less than the cost of the E-150. 4 Cylinders instead of 8 (the 4.2L Essex is gone!). Less of each type of fluid. Smaller brakes, smaller wheels, smaller tires, smaller almost everything while still having a substantial cargo carrying capability. For its INTENDED PURPOSE, it is a very good vehicle. Is it perfect? Not hardly! But its a damned site closer than anything else from Ford NA. I believe that the 2.5L/6AT combo from the fusion could likely be forced to live under the hood of this thing. But, I'd imagine that that's not an option given that this thing is currently going to be imported from Turkey for a while. Once we have domestic production, we'll have domestic parts going in it. That means that it will likely get the same engine that the next Focus has. That could be an improved version of the 2.0L that's in the Focus right now, or something like the 1.6L EB or something else. However, at the moment, its still going to be a useful vehicle that will see a certain amount of traffic from its core audience. Here in America the cost of maintaining the proven E-Series is it's biggest advantage over the Transit Connect. The E-Series has been in service many years and its standard 2-valve 4.6L has an outstanding service record in both Ford trucks and cars. The chassis can be speced from a standard van up to motor home or ambulance service. And most importantly it is a real truck capable to enduring abuse employee drivers inflict on the company vehicles while greatly exceding the little 'Connect's ability. the Transit Connect is a little front wheel drive station wagon with an extended height cargo area...big deal. It's chassis, drivetrain and even trim parts share nothing with any other vehicle in the U.S. which means every part has to be supplied from Europe and if/when sales tank you might as well drive it to the junk yard to save the tow bill. It is grossly underpowered for American roads and and the overloading that frequently occurs on the job. Let's see 2.0L front wheel drive 4-speed trans...it's...it's ...a brand new 1988 Escort station wagon with a high top and tall doors! What a breakthrough design! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker16 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Here in America the cost of maintaining the proven E-Series is it's biggest advantage over the Transit Connect. The E-Series has been in service many years and its standard 2-valve 4.6L has an outstanding service record in both Ford trucks and cars. The chassis can be speced from a standard van up to motor home or ambulance service. And most importantly it is a real truck capable to enduring abuse employee drivers inflict on the company vehicles while greatly exceding the little 'Connect's ability. Sir The TC is rated to carry up 1800lbs. IT is a purpose built commercial vehicle, it is durable. The Van should have a manual and a Diesel. Again TC is not The E-series. the Transit Connect is a little front wheel drive station wagon with an extended height cargo area...big deal. It's chassis, drivetrain and even trim parts share nothing with any other vehicle in the U.S. which means every part has to be supplied from Europe and if/when sales tank you might as well drive it to the junk yard to save the tow bill. It is grossly underpowered for American roads and and the overloading that frequently occurs on the job. Let's see 2.0L front wheel drive 4-speed trans...it's...it's ...a brand new 1988 Escort station wagon with a high top and tall doors! What a breakthrough design! Define Grossly underpowered??? I would not worry about parts. The TC will be built in the US in 2 years, It is Ford Electric/hybrid/ PHEV Van It is here to stay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F250 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Sir The TC is rated to carry up 1800lbs. IT is a purpose built commercial vehicle, it is durable. The Van should have a manual and a Diesel. Again TC is not The E-series. Define Grossly underpowered??? I would not worry about parts. The TC will be built in the US in 2 years, It is Ford Electric/hybrid/ PHEV Van It is here to stay. Underpowered? For comparison the standard Ranger with a larger 2.3L AND the benifit of a 5-Speed transmission has a 4320 GVWR while the Transit Connect with the 2.0L 4-Speed is rated at 4950 GVWR. And that Ranger gets better mileage. Ford has said the American Transit Connect gets a 2.0L gas engine and 4-Speed automatic transaxle...not a manual and not a diesel, do you have proof of other powertrains and when they will be available? Has Ford said the Transit Connect will be built in the U.S. in 2 years? I missed that. What plant. Link? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 Has Ford said the Transit Connect will be built in the U.S. in 2 years? I missed that. What plant. Link? Making the Assumption that the TC will move to a C2 platform, I'd say that Louisville would be the best candidate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 When was the last time you were under an E-Series ? Your only 17 years behind times ! The Twin I Beam died in 1992. As for the C channel frame, the full length body helps a lot in preventing twisting so a fully boxed frame would not help much. Wiz....better check the Ford website, the Twin I Beam front end is still in use under the Econoline....read the specs for yourself man. If Twin I Beam died....someone better call Ford and let them know..... Also, Twin I Beam was in use in F series up until 1996 before the big redesign. http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/eseries/features/specs/ Ford needs to bring Econoline into the 21st century....the full length body doesn't help much when you get into cutaway chassis sales... (AKA ambulances, U-Haul trucks, etc, etc)...come up with a better argument than that friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 It would be nice to see them make a regular height version available in NA. A 1.6 EB with a 6-speed and RevoKnuckle. How hard can this be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang_sallad Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 i don't know who started the idea that the TC would replace the Econoline, but whoever first said that is confused, that's not going to happen. The Transit Connect simply fills a hole in the market that doesn't have an existing vehicle in the US currently, unless you count PT Cruiser panel wagon or something. A lot of businesses can use a vehicle like the TC, and those businesses would not need much power, I'm talking bakeries, flower delivery, postal service, general deliveries all over cities. The Econoline is a totally different vehicle. Whether or not the full size Transit will come to America, I haven't heard anything lately myself, but Transit's in Europe do get pretty intense, and I think it could probably fulfill a good deal of the Econoline market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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