Ford Transit MS-RT Inspired By World Rally Team's Fiesta WRC Car
Rally racing enjoys quite the rabid fan base, many of whom prefer to drive something that at least resembles the cars they watch closely on race day. But what is a rally fan to do when they’re forced to drive a van like the Ford Transit? Well, Ford has developed a couple of sporty solutions recently, but for those that want a van that’s actually inspired by the Ford Fiesta WRC car, the Transit MS-RT is clearly the way to go.
Luckily, those in France, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and the U.K. won’t have to go far to score their very own Transit Custom or Transit Connect MS-RT, because they’ll be able to purchase one directly from Ford dealers beginning this September.
They’ll be getting a vehicle with the same radical sports styling inspired by the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s Fiesta WRC car, while retaining the popular commercial vehicles’ practicality, durability, and a full Ford warranty.
That styling includes a host of unique updates for the Transit MS-RT duo, starting with a restyled grille and a redesigned front fascia that incorporates more aggressive air intakes, integrated fog lights, and a motorsports-inspired diffuser.
Wide wheel well extensions make room for 18 inch OZ Racing anthracite alloy wheels. They’re complemented by a set of side skirts, leading back to an integrated rear diffuser and roof spoiler The MS-RT Transit Custom receives a dual-pipe sports exhaust, while the MS-RT Transit Connect comes equipped with a distinctive quad-exit system with optional Ceramic Black exhaust tips.
On the inside, the MS-RT duo sports custom Nappa leather and suede seats, MS-RT sports steering wheels with carbon fiber inlays, and MS-RT branded instrumentation and floor mats. Standard features include Ford’s SYNC 3 voice-activated connectivity system and FordPass Connect modem, navigation, a rear-view camera, and bi-xenon headlights.
In addition to the standard range of color options, the MS-RT Transit Custom can also be finished in any color from Ford’s extensive SVO range. Optional decal kits are also available for customers that really want to go all out and create their own proper racing livery.
Unfortunately, neither Transit MS-RT comes equipped with an actual rally engine. Rather, the MS-RT Transit Custom features Ford’s 2.0L EcoBlue diesel, which delivers 185 PS (182 hp) and 415 Nm of torque (306 pound-feet) with a choice of FoMoCo’s six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
The MS-RT Transit Connect is equipped with Ford’s 1.5L EcoBlue diesel, which delivers 120 PS (118 hp) and 270 Nm of torque (199 pound-feet) through The Blue Oval’s six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox.
SOURCE: FORD AUTHORITY