Ford extends E-Series into the 2020s

[twintornados]

Originally Posted by Chance

I’m not 100% certain, but think the picture below is of the new E-Series dash and interior. This was from the commercial truck show.

The steering wheel is very different, as is the dash. Unfortunately, the engine doghouse doesn’t look much different in size than before.

.

Previous dash style...similar layout, but new steering wheel, gauge package and infotainment for sure.

[Chance]

Here’s a picture from similar angle than the one of new dash. Although Ford made a big deal of the 7.3L V8 being much narrower than V10, it doesn’t look to me like it affected the doghouse. That may be due to the wider 6.2L SOHC V8 still being in the E-Series lineup. Either way it’s hard to tell dimensions/clearances from pictures. Greater footspace would be great though.

Also, van at show may have new dash for display/marketing reasons and not the final engine since that’s not even ready yet. As I recall the exterior of van looked the same as before. I expect a little update for new engine and dash.


P.S. — Note 5,000 vs 6,000 max on tack.

[Bob Denman]

If they didn't change the doghouse: could it be that they set the new engine further back in the chassis?
(Better weight distribution and handling! )

[JamieGeek]

Or perhaps they just didn't see the need to re-engineer the doghouse simply because the engine is narrower and not spend the $ re-tooling (if it isn't broke).

[Chance]

Any E-Series owner will likely say legroom is “broke”, or at least can be made better.

My understanding is that Ford will continue to offer the 6.2L V8 which is wider than new 7.3L V8, so they may not be able to change doghouse anyway. I haven’t seen a single motorhome yet with 6.2L V8 (all had V10), but seen quite a few commercial vans listed with 6.2L.

It will be interesting to see difference in cost and fuel economy between these two engines.

[The_Breeze]

Originally Posted by Chance

Any E-Series owner will likely say legroom is “broke”, or at least can be made better.

My understanding is that Ford will continue to offer the 6.2L V8 which is wider than new 7.3L V8, so they may not be able to change doghouse anyway. I haven’t seen a single motorhome yet with 6.2L V8 (all had V10), but seen quite a few commercial vans listed with 6.2L.

It will be interesting to see difference in cost and fuel economy between these two engines.

If ford can get these numbers out of a V6, I'm pretty sure a V8 or 10 is a walk in the park. I believe it's more a matter of 'Show me the money'.

"The Ford GT is powered by a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The domestic mid-engine supercar is rated 647 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque and has a top speed of 216 mph" (re:
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/gt/2018/)

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Chance

Any E-Series owner will likely say legroom is “broke”, or at least can be made better.

My understanding is that Ford will continue to offer the 6.2L V8 which is wider than new 7.3L V8, so they may not be able to change doghouse anyway. I haven’t seen a single motorhome yet with 6.2L V8 (all had V10), but seen quite a few commercial vans listed with 6.2L.

It will be interesting to see difference in cost and fuel economy between these two engines.

Looking at it from the wrong perspective: Ford engineers looking at the bottom line, not customers--two very different points of view (and one has more sway in the minds of the bean counters at Ford than the other).

[Bob Denman]

Which is exactly where the biggest problems lie...

[Chance]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Looking at it from the wrong perspective: Ford engineers looking at the bottom line, not customers--two very different points of view (and one has more sway in the minds of the bean counters at Ford than the other).

I agree 100% that keeping costs low is extremely important, but if that were the only goal then very few upgrades would be made beyond those required by government standards, regulations, and the like.

I don’t see much difference between upgrading legroom (if it were possible) and installing a new dash with new controls on steering wheel. Both cost money and provide greater comfort. Personally, if given a choice, I’d take more leg room. That’s one of the worst design feature of an E-Series.

I still hope Ford make minor revision in this area because the E-Series is far behind newer vans (Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster) in this area.

[vegasruv24.1]

is the E getting a 10 speed

[Chance]

Originally Posted by vegasruv24.1

is the E getting a 10 speed

I haven’t seen where Ford has made that clear either way. For the Super Duty pickup they stated it would definetely get the 10-speed on most models. They also stated the F-650 and F-750 will keep the 6-speed. And while they stated that both the E-Series and F-53 will get the new 7.3L V8, I don’t recall them saying which transmission will be used with these two vehicles/chassis.

Latest information I’ve seen from Ford is below:

https://media.ford.com/content/fordm...le-lineup.html

[vegasruv24.1]

Originally Posted by Chance

I haven’t seen where Ford has made that clear either way. For the Super Duty pickup they stated it would definetely get the 10-speed on most models. They also stated the F-650 and F-750 will keep the 6-speed. And while they stated that both the E-Series and F-53 will get the new 7.3L V8, I don’t recall them saying which transmission will be used with these two vehicles/chassis.

Latest information I’ve seen from Ford is below:

https://media.ford.com/content/fordm...le-lineup.html

thanks buddy....

[jabrabu]

The interior in my 2017 E450 looks like it's from the 80s, and the twin I-beam suspension is basically the same as the one my dad's old 1965 Ford pickup had. Ford obviously hasn't invested in much new design and engineering for the E-series for a long time. The new cockpit changes look like they are adapting an F-series steering wheel and some dash displays to the old cockpit design, and it updates the design from the 80's to the 90's.


It's a solid reliable platform with a pretty bulletproof drivetrain, and parts are available and fairly inexpensive, so that's great. But it would be nice if they addressed some of the common complaints, such as:
- Lots of engine and road noise
- Poor legroom for driver and especially for passenger
- Lack of refinement
- Vague, sloppy steering, often requiring installation of aftermarket steering controllers.

[Chance]

A picture of the E-Series cab area from the side suggests (or confirms) that the engine doghouse looks pretty much the same size as before, so unfortunately it doesn’t look like it’s going to offer more leg room.

A smaller engine that provides more leg room and improved fuel economy would have been a nice option for lighter rigs.

[Pete'sMH]

I wonder what he price would do if they need to recoup engineering and development costs associated with a new engine, transmission and suspension. Especially for a vehicle with such a small market. I’d wait a year or two on brand new technology just to get some of the bigs out. But that’s just me.