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September 20, 2006

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Unique All-Wheel-Drive System Joins New Ford Transit Line-Up - The new Transit AWD


Photo: Ford

Ford now broadens the acclaimed Transit line-up with a new All Wheel Drive (AWD) option. The AWD system is purely mechanical and automatically provides stepless torque flow to the front wheels when required on slippery surfaces.

This new option is specifically targeted at customers who frequently face low friction surfaces, adding more flexibility and reliability to their transportation needs. The new derivative will make its public debut in September at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany.

Just recently introduced, the Ford Transit range showcases what versatility for commercial vehicles is all about - a range of clean and efficient engines, a choice of front or rear drive wheel drive, dozens of body configurations, a heavy duty front axle option, and passenger car comfort.

 

 

 

The Transit's AWD system is available with the 2.4-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with 103 kW (140PS) and a six-speed manual transmission.

This is how the system works: Encapsulated layshaft transmission housings transfer the drive off the transmission main shaft via a helical gear set towards the front axle.

 

A short straight axle under the transmission clutch housing carries one mechanical multiplate clutch on each end with the hydraulic freewheel mechanism with all valves incorporated into each of the clutch housings.

The AWD system is purely mechanical and self-activated, which means the driver is not distracted by having to engage the system and can therefore fully concentrate on driving. Furthermore, the system dramatically increases traction capabilities and positively affects the vehicle's road performance as a safety plus.

"The Transit AWD system gives the driver a lot of extra confidence when driving over slippery road surfaces", says David Gregory, Chief Programme Engineer. "Also, the system's smart design helps to reduce friction and mechanical losses compared to other AWD technology."

Ford Transit's key attributes are not sacrificed. Because of the smooth and intelligently controlled torque flow to the front wheels via intelligent freewheeling hydraulic control, the Transit's well proven driving dynamics are fully maintained under all conditions. Also, standard ground clearance is fully retained as a bulky differential housing architecture at the front axle simply is not needed for this compact and lightweight AWD system.

Compared to standard rear wheel drive Transit, the additional front axle weight due to the integrated helical Z-drive of the AWD system is only approximately 50 kilos - the rear axle weight does not change.

The Ford Transit AWD will be offered with rear wheel drive, single rear wheel vehicles across a broad range of cab-styles including single and double chassis cab, M2 Bus, Kombi and Kombi Van, and the standard Transit van range including double cab in van. Low, medium or high roof derivatives will be available and short, medium or long wheel base. Europe-wide sales will start in early 2007.

Key customers for the new model are those frequently encountering low friction surfaces and bad weather conditions. Transit AWD has outstanding off road capability but does not include raised ground clearance, therefore retaining standard load heights. As such, the Transit AWD will be an ideal shuttle vehicle for ski resorts and hotels in mountainous areas where drivers encounter snow and icy conditions which lead to reduced grip.

(September 20, 2006)

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