The Ford Transit Connect will be available with front window defrost, by way of embedded hot wire filaments. you can get an idea of what the fine, wavy wires look like below. Ford also indicated the option may appear in other models, depending on the public reception.
Barely perceptible until close inspection, the wires work just like the rear window defrost pretty much every car is already equipped with. We're glad to see Ford finally tossing those of us who inhabit the frozen North a technological bone.

Photos by Chris Doane

All we know is that would make a perfect transit for either a Nash Metropolitan drag racer or a couple of well built supercross motorcycles. For some reason, Ford does not plan on showing versions outfitted as such. This calls into question the junkyard scrapper version and the livin' in a van down by the river version. Oh sure, anything is possible with imagination, but a factory version sure would be nice

CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2008 - Ford is tapping its global product strengths to mobilize and connect small business owners in North America with the European-engineered Ford Transit Connect.

Introduced today at the Chicago Auto Show, Transit Connect is designed to bring American small business owners a new vehicle choice that offers improved fuel economy, bigger load capacity and better cargo accessibility than today's commercial vehicle offerings.

"Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated, commercial vehicle platform to meet the rigors business use demands. This workhorse is like nothing available today in the American market," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development.

"The Transit Connect provides another example of Ford's commitment to deliver 100 percent new or upgraded products that people truly want and value by the end of 2010," he said.

With its standard, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, Transit Connect delivers fuel economy estimated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

Transit Connect will be a truly white-space product for North America. Its closest competitors are cargo vans offered by Chevrolet and Dodge. Transit Connect will provide a significant city fuel economy advantage, while offering more cargo space. Both are increasingly important to small business owners in today's changing marketplace.

"More than ever before, consumers are making the bulk of their purchases from the Internet and smaller, specialty businesses, which is increasing the volume of small package deliveries," said Kuzak. "Transit Connect is ideally suited to meet those delivery needs because of its flexible package, compact size and fuel-efficient powertrain. It will make the delivery process for small business owners easier and more affordable."

Global Product Innovation

Designed, engineered and manufactured by Ford of Europe to beat tough, medium commercial vehicle standards, Transit Connect has been a sales success for Ford across the Atlantic and is an ideal option for small business owners in North America.

"Ford is intensifying its efforts to leverage the best of our Ford product portfolio around the world," Kuzak said. "In Europe, this tough small van has carved out a niche for itself, building on the strength of the Transit name - which is synonymous with commercial vehicle leadership in Europe. Transit Connect can make a real difference to customers here."

Transit Connect was named International Van of the Year by an independent panel of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 19 European countries when first launched in 2003.

Editors credited Ford for listening to the wants and demands of customers, both large and small and heralded the "long list of clever and practical solutions in the areas of handling, accessibility, security and safety" that Ford Transit Connect introduced.

Car+Van+Truck = Transit Connect

Complementing its truck toughness, Transit Connect handles and performs like a car and offers car-like fuel economy, interior comforts and safety features. "It drives like a car, works like a van and is engineered to be as tough as a truck," said Rob Stevens, Chief Engineer of Ford Transit Connect in the U.S.

This compact van was built around the following key attributes:

* Class-leading cargo area functionality and versatility
* High levels of durability through the use of thick, high-strength steel and a reinforced body shell with partial double skin sides and twin side crossmembers
* Responsive and fuel-efficient powertrain
* High levels of security and safety, with a rigid body structure, side impact protection, dual front air bags and an array of security features, including a lockable hood
* Low cost of ownership, from lower fuel costs to powertrain durability

Opening with Versatility

Transit Connect has cargo doors on both sides and at the rear - dual sliding side doors and 180-degree-opening rear doors - that make accessing its generous cargo area convenient. Its front doors have large openings, making getting in and out of the vehicle easy - an important design feature for delivery people.

For its size and urban maneuverability, the Transit Connect cargo capacity is a massive 143 cubic feet. It can accommodate loads up to 6.5 ft. in length and 4.7 ft. in width.

"Transit Connect can swallow far more cargo than its users might think," said Len Deluca, Director of Ford Commercial Trucks.

"Its versatile cargo area gives Transit Connect an unequivocal advantage, accommodating for large, flat-sided loads and providing a totally flat load floor," he said.

Straight and square side walls of the Transit Connect also mean business on the outside. They provide a clean surface and perfect positioning for commercial branding logos and messages.

Inside, storage systems can make Transit Connect ideal for specific businesses.

For the Chicago show, Ford kitted out Transit Connects highlighting three local businesses - including a catering and event planning company, a wine wholesaler and home technology integration firm - as well as a five-member Chicago blues band.

The Windy City is a fitting place to debut the versatile Transit Connect. Its maneuverability makes it ideal for urban use, where streets are congested and parking space for delivery or service vehicles is limited. Its tight turning radius makes Transit Connect as nimble as a compact car. And its height makes it ideal for tight parking garages with limited-height clearances - Transit Connect gets in and out of garages with as little as 6 ft. 8 in. clearance.

Established Credentials

Transit Connect is part of a family of Transit commercial vehicles offered across Europe. Since the introduction of the Transit Connect, Ford's share of the European light and medium duty commercial vehicle market has doubled to 34 percent. In record-setting 2007, Ford sold 109,900 Transit Connects and 224,915 Transits in Europe.

For more than 40 years, the Transit brand has synonymous with commercial vehicle excellence, a success which continues to grow. In 2007, Ford achieved an all-time record European commercial vehicle retail volume across its 19-market region, including individual model volume records for Transit Connect and the Ford Transit medium commercial van. More than 5 million Transit units have been manufactured since 1965.

Thanks largely to E-Series, Ford is the reigning Commercial Vehicle leader in the U.S. with 40 percent share of the total commercial vehicle market and has been the full-size van leader with E-Series for 29 years running.

Transit Connect is manufactured in Kocaeli, Turkey, at Ford's most advanced light commercial vehicle assembly plant. It will be available in select North American markets in mid-2009.

This isn't a new rumor and this is something supported by the picture of the Ford Transit spotted in So-Cal with Michigan manufacturer plates. Not only could this debut in Chicago, it could go on sale as soon as the fall as a 2009 model. [The Car Connection]

Related:
God Save the Packages: The Ford Transit SportVan [internal]

Ford Europe is going after a yet-untapped market with a new class of vehicle, the sport commercial urban delivery vehicle (SCUD), and it's created a squarish missile to represent. Unfortunately that van's been retired. But no worries, the company's just launched its new Transit SportVan at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. It's just a reliable, old Transit spec'd up with 18" alloy wheels, dual exhaust (pipes), leather seats and an aero kit. It's powered by a TDCi Duratorq engine that gets all of 130 metric horsepower (128 hp). N rburgring frauline Sabine Schmitz reprised her "Top Gear" role of van pilot for the kickoff ceremonies. Ford also showed off a similar, though sportier Transit Connect minivan concept that may get a similar wide release. (Sorry, it's not the Transit with the Focus RS engine.) – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

NEW FORD TRANSIT SPORTVAN REVEALED AT CV SHOW

* Unique Performance Blue paintwork, wide bonnet stripes, 18" alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, leather seats and spoilers. Powered by a 130PS TDCi Duratorq engine

* A limited edition of 500 will go on sale in June. On-the-road price 18,750

BIRMINGHAM, NEC, 24 April, 2007 - The covers came off the unique new Ford Transit SportVan today at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham. Famous for her televised 'race' around the N rburgring in a Ford Transit, professional driver, Sabine Scmidtz, was the first to test the new Transit Sportvan and joined Ford's commercial vehicles director, Steve Kimber, for the unveiling.

Steve Kimber said: "I think this stunning new van will appeal to a part of the British market we've not seriously courted before - the single or small operator. Transit SportVan is all about style and individuality. It's for people who love Transit and want to be a bit different - and there's plenty of our customers who feel that way!"

The limited edition Transit SportVan has been created for those who want to make a bold statement. The additions have been made to the popular 260, short wheelbase, front wheel drive, 130PS model.

The exterior comes to life with the unique performance blue paintwork, Le Mans style white bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18-in 'snowflake pattern' alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, body colour grille and front bumper, front and rear spoilers side skirts, extended wheel; arches and mudflaps all around.

Inside the cab the features are just as impressive: leather seats, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote steering column-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, power and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass and leather gearshift knob.

Further standard features include: power door deadlocks with second key fob, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights, passenger airbag and load area protection kit.

Sabine Scmitdz, one of the N rburgring's official 'taxi' drivers, reached international fame when she challenged BBC Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson to a time race around the 'ring' in a Ford Transit.

Related:
Speedy Delivery: The Ford Transit Connect X-Press [internal]

Americans take horribly large trucks (H2s, Excursions, etc) and make 'em bigger, while our British cousins (apparently) do the same thing with Ford Transits. Only instead of being able to transport an entire water polo team plus dates to the junior prom and back, the stretched van only seats seven passengers. Is that luxury, or insanity? And petrol prices being what they are in the land of hope and glory and silent pubs, the builder (FoMoCo themselves) retained the stock 2.2L diesel. Wait.... diesel is not petrol, is it? What's that? Diesel costs more than petrol now? Ha ha — take that you Queen lovers! Naturally, we just got off the phone with Sabine Schmidt and she's saying ten minutes flat, no problem. – Jonny Lieberman

White van man's vantasy drive [autocar.co.uk]

Related:
Make-Outs to My Left, M5s to My Right [Internal]

When it absolutely, positively has to get from zero to 60 in under 7 seconds, think Ford Connect X-Press. And speaking of Europe-only vehicles we're coveting, Ford just revealed that very van. The X-Press incorporates the running gear of the Ford Focus RS WRC (yes, among the hottest of hatches) to make it possibly the fastest stock minivan in Blighty. Lowered by 70 mm and fitted with 18" OZ alloys and brembo four-pots, the X-Press, according to press quotage, "handles, steers and stops like a sports car." Its antecedents are the Cosworth-powered Supervan models 2 and 3, which begs the question, How long until someone sends one of these over to the Coz for some serious tweaking? Yes mum, I would like to borrow the minivan, thanks ever so much for asking. – Mike Spinelli

Press release:

TRANSIT CONNECT X-PRESS - AN UNLIKELY MARRIAGE OF PERFORMANCE AND PRACTICALITY

Dunton , England - 3 January 2007. What would result from the unlikely "marriage" of a low-roof, highly practical Ford Transit Connect van with the power unit and brakes from Ford's legendary high-performance Focus RS? The answer is the 'vantastic' Transit Connect X-Press - the fastest and most dramatic version of Ford's tough and highly versatile small commercial to hit the tarmac.

Lower (by up to 70 mm), meaner (with 18-inch OZ alloys) and emitting an exhaust note more akin to that of Ford's Focus RS WRC, X-Press is an undeniably special Transit Connect. Even if you fail to spot the integral, "race-spec" roll cage fitted inside this one-off vehicle, it would be almost impossible to ignore the pearlescent white paint job set off with tri-colour X-Press graphics.

Built Ford Tough

Ford of Europe's Chief Engineer for Commercial Vehicles, Barry Gale, explained: "Transit Connect is such a strong and dynamically capable vehicle to begin with, that we knew this project would be feasible from the outset. Certain drivetrain and suspension components are common with the first generation Ford Focus, so the transformation was relatively straightforward from an engineering point of view. We now have a unique commercial vehicle that performs like no other. If pushed, it is capable of a 0-60mph time in less than 7 seconds and a 130mph top speed. As you might expect from a Ford, it handles, steers and stops like a sports car."

Once having seen and heard Transit Connect X-Press, the casual observer would be entitled to wonder why a small and otherwise apparently sensible group of Ford engineers, based at Ford of Europe's Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium, would have devised a plan to build such an unlikely machine. The same observer may be surprised to learn that there are perfectly credible reasons behind the creation of Transit Connect X-Press!

Above all, the team of dedicated engineers who developed the Transit Connect range was eager to demonstrate, in a memorable way, the inherent strength and versatility of the base vehicle. Clearly, it would not be possible to contemplate fitting a high performance, turbocharged and intercooled 215PS engine into such a vehicle with just minimal changes required, unless it was constructed very robustly in the first place.

In short, X-Press provides a clear reminder that Transit Connect is not based on a modified passenger car platform; rather, it was developed, from the ground up, to cope with the tough, unremitting demands made of hard-working commercial vehicles everywhere.

It also underlines the fact that Ford's commitment to developing vehicles that offer a rewarding driving experience applies not just to passenger cars, but equally to Ford commercials. Given that the production Transit Connect has been much praised for its overall driving quality the X-press team had no problems leaving the original suspension system largely intact.

Performance Van Heritage

Transit Connect X-Press joins a memorable line-up of dramatic, one-off Ford commercials created over the years both to entertain and to remind the general public of the roles these much-loved workhorses play in everyday commercial life.

These ranged from the original Transit Supervan of the late-1960s, with its mid-engined, Ford "big-block" V8, through the 1980s Cosworth-powered, Formula One-inspired Supervan 2 and 3 models. More recently, the rally-oriented Ford Transit WRT proved that Ford Transit is as tough as ever, even taking a key supporting role in a Playstation 2 rally computer game alongside the Ford Focus RS WRC. The latest Transit 'special' is the stretched Transit XXL limousine, which joins the Transit Connect X-Press in showing off the fun side of Ford's European CV range.

Classic Focus RS power still excites!

The base ingredients from the renowned yet still exciting 2004 Focus RS and the tough Transit Connect Light Commercial combine perfectly in the X-Press.

From the 2004 Ford Focus RS, engineers took the powerful 215PS 2.0 litre turbocharged and intercooled 16-valve Duratec RS engine. Its 310Nm of maximum torque is fed to the front wheels through a heavy-duty AP racing clutch, a robust, five-speed gearbox with a short-throw shifter and a motorsport-inspired Quaife limited slip differential. Also recognisable from the Focus RS are the Brembo 325mm ventilated front disc brakes teamed with 280 mm solid discs at the rear.

In terms of its suspension the X-Press is almost pure Transit Connect with the McPherson strut front end matched to a classic light commercial vehicle beam axle at the rear.

It has to be said, though, that the front suspension is redesigned and lowered with up-rated offset coil springs and Sachs-provided racing dampers. There are revised lower A-arms with increased roll-centre height and 23 mm anti-roll bar incorporating unique roller bearing locating fixings. At the rear, along with the lowered ride height there are up-rated leaf springs from Olgun Celik and a 22 mm anti-roll bar incorporating roller bearing locating fixings.

Inside, the cabin is unmistakably Transit Connect, but obvious changes like the Sparco race-style leather/Alcantara trimmed bucket seats in black and white, plus a Ford Racing driver / co-driver intercom give the game away. There is a unique-to-the X-Press steering wheel and a flocked interior and centre console with an engine start button, plus a revised instrument binnacle with new graphics and instrumentation incorporating a turbo boost gauge and change-up light.

Labour of Love

The Transit Connect X-Press was created by a small team of Ford engineers at Ford's Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium in 2004, and was updated in late-2006 to reflect the latest exterior detail changes to the Ford Transit Connect range.

Since its creation, the Transit Connect X-Press has been seen all over Europe at key motor shows and Ford events, as well as starring in many magazine and newspaper stories at the hands of the media.

A team of key specialists gave up their spare time to develop the vehicle.

"It wasn't difficult really," said Gale. "Once everyone understood what we were doing they all offered to help in their spare time to make special parts or work on the vehicle. It became a true labour of love and as we're basically all car nuts, we're very pleased with the end product."

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT X-PRESS: SPECIFICATION
Engine Data
Engine type: 2.0-litre, 16v Duratec RS, air-to-water intercooled turbo
Displacement: 1988cc
Bore, mm: 84.8
Stroke, mm: 88.0
Fuel type, grade: Unleaded petrol
Max power ISO kW/PS: 158 / 215PS (212 bhp)
At engine speed (rev/min): 5500
Torque ISO Nm: 310 (229 lb-ft)
At engine speed (rpm) 3500

Engine Construction
Cylinders: Four in-line, with forged pistons and connecting rods
Cylinder head: Cast aluminium alloy
Cylinder block: Cast iron equipped with improved oil system
Valve gear: DOHC, modified valve seats, sodium-filled exhaust valves
Camshaft drive: Belt
Engine management: Ford EEC-V
Induction: Garrett stainless steel, water-cooled turbocharger, 1-bar maximum boost, large bore stainless exhaust system, water-cooled intercooler, new throttle body with improved sealing, redesigned air induction system
Injection: Sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI) High flow rate injectors
Fuel System: 60 litre fuel tank
Ignition: Ford electronic distributor-less
Exhaust: Tuned low back-pressure, increased volume, sports exhaust system, supplied by Bosal
Emission controls: Closed-loop; 3-way catalytic converter with close-coupled catalyst
Cooling: Increased capacity water pump, high efficiency oil cooler, water-cooled intercooler, upgraded engine cooling fans, turbo heat shielding

Transmission:
Five-speed, with revised gear ratios, Quaife automatic torque biasing differential, up-rated drive shafts. New sports short-throw shifter mechanism
Clutch Heavy duty AP Racing

Suspension and Body
Front Redesigned and lowered McPherson strut suspension with up-rated offset coil springs/Sachs racing dampers. Revised lower A-arms with increased roll-centre height and 23 mm anti-roll bar incorporating unique roller bearing locating fixings.
Rear Hotchkiss beam axle with up-rated Olgun Celik leaf springs and lowered ride height. Revised elasto-kinematics for optimised high-speed stability. Unique shackle design featuring tapered roller bearings and 22 mm anti-roll bar incorporating roller bearing locating fixings. Bespoke Sachs twin-tube dampers.

Brakes
Front: Brembo 4-pot, twin-opposed piston callipers and 325 mm ventilated discs
Rear: Two pot callipers and 280 mm solid discs
Anti-lock braking: MK25 Bosch ABS system

Steering: Rack-and-pinion with hydraulic assistance, 2.6 turns lock-to-lock

Wheels and tyres: OZ alloy 18 x 8inch rims with bespoke Michelin 225/40R/18Pilot Sport low profile tyres

Body: Short wheelbase low-roof, 2 door with tailgate for optimum stiffness/weight ratio. Exterior finished in pearlescent white with tri-colour X-Press graphics. Unitary-welded high-strength steel body incorporating safety roll cage, under-body bracing and reinforced front sub-frame. Front and rear energy absorbing crumple zones. Side impact protection system.

Interior: Sparco race-style leather/Alcantara trimmed bucket seats in black/white. Ford Racing driver / co-driver intercom. Unique steering wheel. Flocked interior and centre console with start button. Unique door handles and matching window regulator handle. Revised instrument binnacle with new graphics and instrumentation incorporating turbo boost gauge and change-up light.

Equipment: Air conditioning, six-stack dashboard mounted CD player, fire extinguisher, 2 spare wheels to accommodate the directional tyres

Security: Ford Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) immobiliser

Related:
Bouwvakkerslimousine! Stretch Ford Transit; Supervan 2 to Get Disembowled, Jalopnik Unhappy [internal]

While the news pertinent to Americans is that Ford is planning to bring the small, Turkish-built Transit Connect van to our shores, we think this thing is like 80 kinds of better. Less lame than a Hummer limo and less likely to get high-centered on Potrero Hill than a Town Car-based model, we think this stretched Transit, much like Baby Bear's porridge, is just right. And yes, you can call us Goldilocks for five bucks. – Davey G. Johnson

Ford bouwt bouwvakkerslimousine [Autovisie]

Related:
Somehow Much Better than an Excusion Limo [Internal]

Cripes. We're about to march across the United States, ford the North Atlantic, and roll heads over at Ford Europe. Some numbskull has decided that the stillborn C100 racer chassis underneath the Supervan 2 is somehow more important than the coolest van this side of B.A.'s GMC. As such, the Transit bodyshell will be removed and the vehicle will be restored to its original form for vintage competition. But who gives a flying toss about a Group C car that never turned a wheel in anger? We have a freaking Supervan Matchbox car. We beg of you, Ford, do not do this. Do so, and we will cut you. You've been warned, wrongheaded dummkopfs. You've been warned. – Davey G. Johnson

End of the Road for Ford's Legendary Supervan? [Winding Road]

Related:
Banger Van Racing on Boxing Day! [Internal]