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.)
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]