So where will the new Transit Connect be built--and a LWB!!
#1
So where will the new Transit Connect be built--and a LWB!!
This link came up in the thread about the full size Transit; it looks like both the big Transit and the new Transit Connect (including a long wheelbase version!!!) will be introduced in late 2013 as 2014 models. Officially on the US Ford website!
The New 2014 Ford Transit Commercial Vans | The Biggest Transformation of the Full-Size Van in 50 Years | Ford.com
It looks like the new Transit Connect may be on my wish list for a logical replacement for my 2002 E150 (which is still running fine but I would like to use less fuel), especially because there is a LWB version. I have not found anything with regard to whether the new TC will be built in the US, or still in Turkey, or elsewhere (Mexico?) Anyone got any inside news on this?
Thanks,
George
The New 2014 Ford Transit Commercial Vans | The Biggest Transformation of the Full-Size Van in 50 Years | Ford.com
It looks like the new Transit Connect may be on my wish list for a logical replacement for my 2002 E150 (which is still running fine but I would like to use less fuel), especially because there is a LWB version. I have not found anything with regard to whether the new TC will be built in the US, or still in Turkey, or elsewhere (Mexico?) Anyone got any inside news on this?
Thanks,
George
#2
The Connect is now being built in Valencia, Spain. The full size Transit is being built in Kansas City, Missouri along side the F150.
Also worth mentioning, the Connect gets a new six speed automatic, as well as two new engines. A 1.6L Ecoboost I4 or 2.5L naturally aspirated I4. No reported hp/tq numbers yet though.
Unfortunately, we won't get a diesel in the Connect here in the states. We will get a diesel in the full size Transit though.
Also worth mentioning, the Connect gets a new six speed automatic, as well as two new engines. A 1.6L Ecoboost I4 or 2.5L naturally aspirated I4. No reported hp/tq numbers yet though.
Unfortunately, we won't get a diesel in the Connect here in the states. We will get a diesel in the full size Transit though.
#3
Thanks, SVT! The combination of 6 speed trans, the bigger (or more powerful but smaller turbo) engines, and the lower roofline--plus the LWB, will likely improve the economy more than a bit. I want one already! I guess we will have some time to see how well the 1.6 EcoBoost does in the new Escape before the new TC is out.
Somehow Spain sounds better than Turkey, but I sure wish they'd build them in the US. I'm a lifelong Detroiter and really like to support my neighbors.
Thanks again,
George
Somehow Spain sounds better than Turkey, but I sure wish they'd build them in the US. I'm a lifelong Detroiter and really like to support my neighbors.
Thanks again,
George
#4
Here are the lengths/wheelbases of the old Connect vs. the new Connect:
Current Connect: Length-180.6" Wheelbase-114.6"
2014 Connect SWB: Length-173.9" Wheelbase-104.8"
2014 Connect LWB: Length- 189.7" Wheelbase-120.6"
So the new connect is either 6.7" shorter overall or 9.1" longer overall depending on which wheelbase you choose. I'm hoping the long wheelbase model is just long enough to fit a full sheet of plywood/drywall in the back. That would make a great replacement for the old GM Astro van, which found a lot of love with the handyman/small contractor crowd.
Edit: I also hope the new Connect is rated to tow something, even if it's only 2,000lbs. The current one not being able to tow anything is a real bummer.
Current Connect: Length-180.6" Wheelbase-114.6"
2014 Connect SWB: Length-173.9" Wheelbase-104.8"
2014 Connect LWB: Length- 189.7" Wheelbase-120.6"
So the new connect is either 6.7" shorter overall or 9.1" longer overall depending on which wheelbase you choose. I'm hoping the long wheelbase model is just long enough to fit a full sheet of plywood/drywall in the back. That would make a great replacement for the old GM Astro van, which found a lot of love with the handyman/small contractor crowd.
Edit: I also hope the new Connect is rated to tow something, even if it's only 2,000lbs. The current one not being able to tow anything is a real bummer.
#5
Here are the lengths/wheelbases of the old Connect vs. the new Connect:
Current Connect: Length-180.6" Wheelbase-114.6"
2014 Connect SWB: Length-173.9" Wheelbase-104.8"
2014 Connect LWB: Length- 189.7" Wheelbase-120.6"
So the new connect is either 6.7" shorter overall or 9.1" longer overall depending on which wheelbase you choose. I'm hoping the long wheelbase model is just long enough to fit a full sheet of plywood/drywall in the back. That would make a great replacement for the old GM Astro van, which found a lot of love with the handyman/small contractor crowd.
Current Connect: Length-180.6" Wheelbase-114.6"
2014 Connect SWB: Length-173.9" Wheelbase-104.8"
2014 Connect LWB: Length- 189.7" Wheelbase-120.6"
So the new connect is either 6.7" shorter overall or 9.1" longer overall depending on which wheelbase you choose. I'm hoping the long wheelbase model is just long enough to fit a full sheet of plywood/drywall in the back. That would make a great replacement for the old GM Astro van, which found a lot of love with the handyman/small contractor crowd.
My son is now grown, and with just my wife and me, it's gonna be time to travel when she retires, and the E150 passenger seat does NOT work for her left knee (or mine)--the Astro sucked there too. And gas mileage would be helpful. Almost bought a mini in 1996 (but did a Savana with my late dad's GM discount) and almost got a mini in 2003 (but got my E150). Next time it's gonna have to be a minivan I think, unless the short big Transit is affordable.
I do think the Odyssey/Sienna will take 4x8 sheets, but they are well over 200" long. I'd rather sacrifice the 4x8 to get a blue oval.
Thanks,
George
#6
Yea, I'm thinking the same thing. The current Connect has 81" behind the front seats. If they added all of that 9.1" inside, that would make for 90.1" behind the seats or a tick over seven and a half feet. Close but no cigar.
Guess they don't want to cut into full size Transit and F150 sales.
I do have to say though, I'm glad they're keeping barn doors. Trying to load stuff into a vehicle with an overhead hatch door (like most modern suvs/cuvs) is near impossible with a forklift.
Guess they don't want to cut into full size Transit and F150 sales.
I do have to say though, I'm glad they're keeping barn doors. Trying to load stuff into a vehicle with an overhead hatch door (like most modern suvs/cuvs) is near impossible with a forklift.
#7
Trending Topics
#8
I would personally buy a diesel very willingly especially in any truck or van.
George
#9
I would love to see that diesel engine here. The 5 cyl vesion in Europe gets better mpg and is almost equal in the emission of a 6 cyl gas. Bring it on, cause they last longer too.
#10
#11
You mean they used to last longer. I havent seen many 6.0 or 6.4 outlasting 5.4/6.8 have you?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nance459
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
13
04-20-2015 04:44 PM
PStruwing
2014+ Transit
10
09-07-2014 04:16 PM