2014 Ford Transit unveiled in Chassis Cab and Cutaway versions
Fri, 08 Mar 2013
The term "chassis cab" refers to models with a fully enclosed cabin used for box vans or rental trucks, while cutaway models leave the cabin open behind the B-pillars for a pass-through on vehicles such as Class C motorhomes or ambulances. Both will offer three wheelbase options (138, 156 and 178 inches), the choice of single or dually rear axles, and plenty of upfitter-friendly touches including a pre-wired body harness and multiple body mount locations.
The new design will also help make upfitting a little easier since the fuel filler is now built into the cab (just behind the driver's door). Those integrated fuel filler necks will serve to feed either a 3.7-liter V6, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, or a 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel. Transit chassis cab and cutaways will wear varying Gross vehicle weight ratings from 9,000 pounds to 10,360 pounds depending on spec.
Like all US-spec Transit models, the chassis cab and cutaway will be built at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri. About the only thing that has yet to be announced for the new Transit is its pricing.
All-New Ford Transit Chassis Cab and Cutaway Versions Join Widest Range of Commercial Chassis Offerings
-All-new Ford Transit chassis cab and cutaway variations join the nation's best-selling lineup of commercial vehicles, giving Ford customers best-in-class fuel economy, the segment's lowest cost of ownership and increased capability
-Ford offers the industry's broadest lineup of chassis, chassis cab and cutaway configurations, adaptability that enables commercial customers to better optimize vehicles to specific needs and tasks
-Ford Transit chassis cab and cutaway models will be built at the company's Kansas City assembly plant
Ford Motor Company announced today the introduction of the all-new Transit chassis cab and cutaway models, engineered to tackle an almost unlimited variety of specialized jobs and vocations.
Transit chassis cab features an enclosed passenger compartment and bare frame ready to accept aftermarket body modules ranging from custom cargo delivery to utility body. Transit cutaway is similar to the chassis cab, but with the rear of the passenger compartment open so it can be paired with specialty body modules such as shuttle or school bus bodies.
The chassis cab and cutaway will be offered in three wheelbases, 138, 156 or 178 inches, and gross vehicle weight ratings from 9,000 pounds to 10,360 pounds.
"No other automaker offers the variety and adaptability that Ford Motor Company brings to our commercial customers," said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Vehicles. "Transit's best-in-class capabilities are combined with an extensive nationwide network of commercial upfitters to provide an unparalleled number of body choices to suit almost any job."
Transit chassis cab and cutaway models join the industry's broadest lineup of commercial chassis, which include E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis, F-Series Super Duty chassis cab, F-650 and F-750 medium-duty chassis cab and F-59 stripped chassis.
Power of choice
Transit offers a range of fuel-efficient engines, including a standard 3.7-liter V6, the same award-winning 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine proven in the Ford F-150, and an all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke® Diesel option.
Ford will offer the Transit 3.7-liter V6 with a compressed natural gas/liquid propane gas (CNG/LPG) prep kit to assist customers running their vehicles with these abundant, affordable, clean fuels. This 3.7-liter V6 is also engineered for optimal performance with E85 flex- fuel capability.
Each fuel-conscious engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation.
Transit tested tough
The foundation for Transit cutaway and chassis cab variants is an innovative uni-ladder structure that combines the cab with a durable girder frame. The fully welded platform underpins 100 percent of the cab area, with frame rails reaching from the front to the rear bumper mounts.
Extensive use of high-strength steel in the frame, delivering up to 50,700 psi of rigidity, helps shoulder heavy loads while high-strength boron steel in the cab structure helps improve safety.
To increase adaptability, the high-strength steel uni-ladder frame can be extended with support plates, allowing an upfiltted body to accommodate additional cargo through extended length.
This extra-length body support is the result of the Ford Transit development team listening closely to fleet customer needs, responding with thoughtful engineering features that make the versatile Transit platform even more adaptable.
Transit cutaway and chassis cab models can be specified with a factory-installed towing package including hitch and lighting connections, as well as a prewire package for upfitted body lighting.
The cab area and uni-ladder frame rails of cutaway and chassis cab Transit models have been reinforced with boron to add strength and save weight, before treatment with advanced anti-corrosion coatings for maximum durability.
The all-new Ford Transit has been tested to the same standards as the legendary E-Series commercial vehicles at Ford's proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
By Jeffrey N. Ross
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