Ford Rolls Out Super Duty-Inspired 2008 E-Series Vans

INDIANAPOLIS — You're bound to look twice when you see the 2008 Ford E-Series commercial van in your rearview mirror. The Dearborn automaker has grafted on a new front end derived from the 2008 F-Series Super Duty pickups that gives the commercial workhorse an aggressive new look.

Ford says the makeover includes new sheet metal from the A-pillars forward, including hood, fenders, radiator support, grille and bumpers. "We enlarged the front end of the E-Series with a bigger, bolder grille to showcase its strength and reliability," said Pat Schiavone, Ford truck design director.

However, the automaker was careful not to go overboard in the redesign. It noted that door structures and floor structure measurements are unchanged and that seat attachments are in the same location as those on the previous model. It seems that many customers design their tooling to fit the vehicle's dimensions and don't want their equipment to be outdated if they purchase the '08 model.

For 2008, the E-Series vans get improved braking, suspension and steering systems. The new braking system features larger front and rear rotors and calipers. Chassis and suspension improvements have resulted in an increase in the maximum gross vehicle weight rating from 14,050 pounds to what Ford says is a class-leading 14,500 pounds.

The E-Series comes with a standard V8. The E-150 and E-250 are equipped with a 4.6-liter V8. New for the 2008 model is a standard 5.4-liter V8 on the E-450. The E-350 can be ordered with the optional 305-horsepower 6.8-liter V10. Transmission choices include a four-speed automatic mated to the 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter engines. The 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter engines are mated to the five-speed automatic transmission. Standard AdvanceTrac with roll stability control comes on E-350 wagons with the 5.4-liter V8.

© Source: article on insideline
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