Ford to Offer EcoBoost in Upcoming North American Transit Van

Ford today says it will offer the 3.5L direct-injected turbocharged V-6 EcoBoost engine in the upcoming Transit commercial van, which is scheduled to go on sale in North America next year.

The auto maker says the Transit will achieve 25% better fuel economy, compared with similar E-Series vans, due in part to its 300 lbs. (136 kg) lower weight. The Transit is scheduled to replace the E-Series in North America starting next year.

The same engine has proven a competent performer in Ford’s F-150 pickup truck and popular among customers. The current take rate for the 3.5L V-6 in the F-150 is 42%.

Ford spokesman Mike Levine says the auto maker expects the EcoBoost to be as successful in the Transit as it is in the F-150. Last year, more than 100,000 F-150s were sold with the EcoBoost engine.

It’s unclear whether the engine will receive any modifications for use in the Transit. However, in the F-150 the engine makes 365 hp and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm) of torque, helping the 1-ton pickup achieve 16/22 mpg (17.6-12.8 L/100 km) city/highway.

Ford has not specified what other engines might be offered in the Transit, but it has said there will be a wide variety, including a possible diesel mill.

Ford has invested $1.1 billion in its Kansas City, MO, assembly plant to prepare for production of the Transit in North America. The commercial van will be built alongside the F-150.