Ford previews 2014 Transit and redesigned Transit Connect

Ford introduced its family of Transit vans on Friday. The full-size, futuristic Transit will join the smaller Transit Connect to fulfill all your hauling needs.

The Transit will arrive with a choice of three body lengths, two wheelbases and three roof heights. In its maximum passenger-carrying specification, the Transit will carry 15 people. It will be offered in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway versions.

Engine choices will include Ford's 3.7-liter V6, the EcoBoost V6 and a new 3.2-liter Power Stroke diesel. The 3.7-liter V6 will also be offered with a natural gas/liquid propane kit, to assist customers in making the conversion. The same engine is also optimized for E85. All engines work with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The interior of the Transit can be decked out with racks, bins, shelving and other storage spaces, while the driver and passenger are treated to Ford's SYNC system, navigation and MyFordTouch.

The full-size Transit will go on sale in the fall of 2014.

The revamped Transit Connect, which now sports the nose from the Ford Escape, will offer two four-cylinder engines, a 2.5-liter and a 1.6-liter EcoBoost option. The 2.5 can also accept the natural gas prep package. Again, six-speed automatic transmissions are standard.

The Ford Transit Connect is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in XL and XLT trims, with a 1,600-pound payload and 130 cubic feet of cargo space. A second row of seats is optional.

The Connect comes standard with MyKey, which allows owners or fleet administrators to limit maximum speed and radio volume, while Ford Work Solutions Crew Chief package is optional. That system enables bosses to monitor the vans in real time, including location, speed and excess idle time.

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect will go on sale at the end of next year.

By Jake Lingeman