Though the engine does not have much of a history here in the US, my understanding is that it has been in use Globally for several years now, as far as I can find, it has been in production since at least 2006 in the 5 cylinder version. Globally it is known as a Duratorq TDCi (Turbo Diesel Commonrail injection) and in North America it is called a Powerstroke to keep a common name with other unrelated Ford diesels.
tatestIn wrote:
considering the North American version of the Transit, I'm more curious about where Ford got the automatic transmission, than I am about the engines. In the rest of the world, it is a manual transmission truck.
My understanding is that it is a Ford manufactured licensed version of a German ZF automatic. It is unique in that it does not have a 1:1 ratio in it, jumping from underdrive ratios to overdrive ratios. It is also unique in that shifts do not override the previous gear as in many older automatics, it has to "switch shift" disengaging one gear to engage the other, thru the magic of electronics. Same basic 6 speed Ford is now using behind the V-10 in the E-350/450 models.
Charles