Ford formally unveiled its new 2012 Ford Transit powertrains at the CV Show, with additional green technologies claiming to offer significantly lower cost of ownership as well as environmental benefits.
A new generation of Duratorq TDCi engines as well as new ECOnetic technologies, including optional auto-start-stop and speed limiter systems, are on the menu.
Christine Lund, chief programme engineer for the Ford Transit, explains that 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.
It includes higher pressure common-rail direct injection, new variable nozzle turbochargers and an improved exhaust gas treatment, via a new EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and coated DPF (diesel particulate filter) unit, to help meet Euro 5 emission levels.
New measures, such as an additional engine top cover and specifically cold air duct, also contribute to significantly improved sound levels.
The range of available Ford ECOnetic technologies has also been expanded, with: smart regenerative charging; advanced battery management system; and an optional ECO Pack, including switchable auto-start-stop and 110km/h speed limiter function, available for most powertrain combinations.
Front-wheel drive versions will be available with 100, 125 and 140ps. For rear-wheel drive derivatives the most powerful engine will deliver 155ps, and torque increases such that even the 100ps entry level engine delivers 310Nm, while the 155ps rear wheel drive version delivers 385Nm.
Lund also points to the now standard six-speed transmission, with its longer gearing for lower noise and fuel consumption, saying that the new 2012 Ford Transit is targeted to provide further improved cost of ownership and better sustainability.
Putting some detail on fuel consumption and emissions, the front-wheel-drive Transit ECOnetic 100ps FT280 in short wheelbase low-roof version provides average CO2 emissions of 178g/km, reducng to 173g/km when equipped with the 100kph speed limiter.
"The new 2012 Transit range is a clear statement of Ford's commitment to superior commercial vehicle low cost of ownership and improved sustainability," comments Lund.
"The new Transit ECOnetic FT280 is set to emit up to 16g/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," she adds.
