A few days ago we told you about the curious sports version of the Opel Vivaro that was presented in 2007. The Vivaro VPC Concept was still a sporty-looking finish for a cargo van, which otherwise remained standard. However, in 2004, a group of engineers based at Ford’s test center in Lommel, Belgium, created the fantastic Ford Transit Connect X-Press. A sports van, which we could define as a first-generation Ford Focus RS dressed as a commercial vehicle.
This project was carried out to promote the brand image of the Ford Transit Connect, then recently launched. On an aesthetic level, the only clue that this van was much more special than other Transit Connects were its 18 inch wheels. Derived from the first-generation Ford Focus RS, they were shod with low-profile 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The side vinyl where you could read “X-Press” could well have referred to an express parcel company.
We could say that the Transit Connect X-Press is a cousin of the legendary Ford SuperVan saga.
But the Transit Connect X-Press was not just a cosmetic package. Under its hood we could find the Duratec RS engine from the Focus, a 2.0 turbo with 215 hp and 310 Nm of maximum torquewhich transmitted its power to the front axle through a five-speed manual transmission, closely linked to a Quaife original self-locking differential – these ingredients were also present in the Focus. From the Focus it also inherited the braking equipment, with 325 mm ventilated front discs and 285 mm rear discs.
The van’s suspension remained standard on its technical schematic: The front axle uses a McPherson system while the rear axle used a pulled axle and leaf springs. Ford engineers didn’t alter the schematic but fitted Sachs racing dampers, firmer springs, thicker stabilizers and modified geometry. Stiffer leaf springs and a 22mm stabilizer were mounted at the rear. The exhaust, supplied by Bosal, was custom adapted from the Ford Transit Connect.
The clutch is an AP Racing, specially designed for demanding use. Ideal for urgent parcels.
To achieve the greatest structural rigidity, a two-door Transit Connect hatchback was chosen, without sliding doors. Inside, some Sparco buckets, a unique steering wheel and a velvet-lined dashboard – a very racing detail – joined the instrumentation of the Ford Focus RS creating a very exclusive set. Cosmetically, the Transit Connect X-Press was based on both the “pre” Transit Connect and its facelift: in 2007 it was cosmetically slightly updated to reflect changes to its production siblings.
Of course, the Ford Transit Connect X-Press was a one-off, and such a vehicle was never intended to go into series production. But we can assure you that we love that projects like this exist.
