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Detroit, 11:40 AM
Sun Nov 29
8 posts in the last 24 hours
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02/09/09
02/09/09
I've driven 125 miles in a day just running errands.
02/09/09
Yup. I've got a client who needs to replace a copper roof. It's a high quality, 100 year roof. But it's been about 135 years now... The numbers are better than they used to be, but it's still not pretty.
02/09/09
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Looks like Ford went with load floor.
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This is a lot posher than any Econoline I've ever owned. Looks like it would be pretty comfy and have a more car like driving position.
Now, my old Econo would get about 20 mpg on the highway with the six and a three speed manual, singing like a sewing machine all the way. And it had 150 cu. ft. of cargo space, before I folded up the passenger jump seat.
02/09/09
No business over here would even look at a commercial vehicle returning less than 40mpg. The diesel Connects running round everywhere probably get about 50.
Sweet Jebus.
02/09/09
If "here" is the UK, don't forget that an imperial gallon is around 20% larger than a US gallon.
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02/09/09
Two things this vehicle needs:
1) The upgraded 2.5 four cylinder matches with a 6speed
2) An option of a manual if only the 2.0 liter is offered.
02/09/09
02/09/09
I think this is a great idea. First, it allows Ford to say they have an electric vehicle. A real one. Second, it will allow Ford to really test the market for electric vehicles on a platform that is capable of both IC and BEV powertrains. Should the BEV version not really do well they have not wasted a lot of time, effort and dollars developing a vehicle without an engine.
GM, on the other had, has a dedicated BEV coming. What if it doesn't sell? They're screwed.
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02/09/09
That said, I'd still park the Ford Club Van to drive this instead. The Van gets 15mpg highway - maybe - and usually isn't called on to carry anything bigger than a washer and dryer. The Connect could swallow that, easy.
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02/09/09
Playboy bunny, or classic round?
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02/09/09
This is a good start, but Job #1 isn't over.
02/09/09
Will said fancy transmission hold up to commercial duty with a heavy cargo load? Will said transmission be cheap and easy to repair? Does said transmission add any real benefits in an urban environment? Is said transmission cheap?
Unless all those are yes then Ford made the right choice by keeping it simple.
02/09/09