The upcoming Transit full-size van will be offered with a new 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel, Ford Commercial Truck says.

The inline five-cylinder diesel joins a 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline V-6 already announced for the vehicle, which will go on sale in 2014. All engines will be mated to a Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission.


The new diesel, Ford's second in North America, was introduced last year in Europe and is used in a revised Ranger pickup truck sold in world markets, but not here. The engine has established a record for reliability, durability and refinement, said Joe Bakaj, vice president of powertrain engineering.

"Commercial van drivers spend most of their working hours behind the wheel," he said. "We know they want a fuel-efficient diesel engine with smooth, responsive performance and low operating costs. The 3.2-liter Power Stroke engine has been developed and proven globally to deliver a combination of power, fuel economy and refinement."

While power has not been certified for North America, the new diesel engine is rated in Europe at 197 horsepower and 347 pounds-feet of torque. Like the larger 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 offered in Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, the fuel system has been tailored and calibrated for combustion efficiency, Bakaj said.

The 3.2-liter turbo diesel features piezoelectric fuel injectors fed through a high-pressure common rail fuel system with maximum pressure of 26,100 psi, and advanced emissions technologies.

Precise injection timing and calibration also ensures a smooth combustion process to reduce hard diesel combustion clatter, resulting in lower noise levels that are more like a gasoline engine.

Each injector nozzle has eight spray holes and can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle. A pilot injection controls noise levels and a main injection is used for power generation.

Other technical features of the engine include:

- Quick-start glow plugs that enable smooth and fast startups at temperatures down to 25 degrees F
- Durable, rigid sand-cast gray iron cylinder block
Aluminum cylinder heads with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder
- Variable nozzle turbocharger with electronic actuation; maximum impellor speed of 197,800 rpm
- Integrated diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter to save space
- Expected B20 biodiesel compatibility

Additionally, the engine features cast-aluminum, low-friction coated pistons with piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. Also included is a water-cooled high-performance electric-controlled exhaust gas recirculation valve that is better able to withstand coolant pressure drops.

With a flat torque plateau - 90% of its peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 3,500 rpm, providing better engine flexibility - Transit will be able to easily haul full loads in town and on the highway.

"The Power Stroke name is synonymous with power, work and long-term durability," said Bakaj. "We're confident our commercial van customers will be extremely pleased with the 3.2-liter's fuel economy, performance and running costs."

The Power Stroke 3.2-liter is manufactured in Ford's Struandale engine plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It will be exported to Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo., which received a $1.1 billion investment for the Transit.