By Harry Kapsalis
I remember two distinct things about driving the last Ford Transit Connect that came through CG Auto headquarters. It was tall and slow. I understand that a light-duty commercial vehicle isn’t required to have stellar performance, but the lack of pep from the 136-horsepower, 2.0-liter Duratec engine made me wonder how well it would do in real-world conditions when loaded down and on the job.
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Custom Ford Transit Connect
As I began to think about a Transit Connect with more power, my imagination got the best of me, and my thoughts evolved into what it would be like if Ford offered a full-on, high-performance version of the wacky little box van. The formula would be simple: Adapt the drivetrain and some of the styling cues from the 2013 Ford Focus ST. The 247-horsepower Ecoboost 2.0 would definitely add some oomph, and a 6-speed manual would be a pretty fun way to transfer that power to the road. In the handling and esthetics department, the theoretical Transit Connect ST would benefit from a healthy dose of lowering over the 18-inch alloy Y-spoke wheels, which would also be pinched from the high-perf Focus. Optional Recaro seats and a sporty instrument panel could spice up the utilitarian interior.
Is there enough demand to justify producing a vehicle like the Transit Connect ST?
Probably not. But isn’t that what daydreams are for?
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Custom Ford Transit Connect
