A new E-Series engine and several new Transit options are coming down the pipe as part Ford’s van lineup refresh for the 2017 model year.
At the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis last week, Ford announced that it will begin offering the 6.2-liter V8 currently offered on its Super Duty trucks to its E-Series stripped chassis and cutaway models. The V8 joins the standard 6.8L V10 on these E-Series models which are often modified into ambulances, delivery vans and motorhomes, Ford says.
On the Transit side, for the 2017 model year Ford will now offer 64 configurations, up from 58 in 2016. New options for the vans include:
- Walk-through center console
- High-capacity up fitter switches including a heavy-duty alternator, auxiliary fuse box, modified vehicle wiring system, dual heavy-duty batteries and a new interface connector that provides read-only CAN access in addition to a variety of signals useful to upfitters – including power supply, engine start, engine run, stop lamp, door ajar, turn indicators, vehicle speed and handbrake engagement.
- A wider passenger-side power running board on Transit wagons and vans without dual sliding side doors
- Heated driver and front passenger leather and cloth seats
- 10-way power-adjustable seats in cloth
- Base audio system upgraded to include four speakers with a tweeter and woofer
- LED lighting enhanced and made standard for better cargo visibility. 12-bolt powerpoint in the D-pillar is standard
Ford is showing the Transit Connect vans some love too in 2017. These smaller vans will have Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and navigation standard. Plus, the Transit Connect Wagon will now be available in two premium packages on the Titanium and XLT trim levels. These two trims now feature reverse sensing, automatic headlamps, roof rails and six-way power driver’s seat as standard equipment.
A short-wheelbase Connect will be available in the Titanium trim for the first time.