2014 Transit full-size van. Click to enlarge.

Like the larger 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 offered in Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, the fuel system has been tailored and calibrated for combustion efficiency. The 3.2-liter turbo diesel features piezoelectric fuel injectors fed through a common rail fuel system with maximum fuel pressure of 1,800 bar (26,100 psi).

Torque and power map for the European market version of the 3.2L 5-cylinder diesel. Click to enlarge.

Precise injection timing and calibration also ensures a smooth combustion process to reduce hard diesel combustion clatter, resulting in lower noise levels that are more like a gasoline engine. Each injector nozzle has eight spray holes and can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle. A pilot injection controls noise levels and a main injection is used for power generation.

Features of the new Power Stroke 3.2-liter include:

• Quick-start glow plugs that enable smooth startups at temperatures down to 25 °F (-4 °C);
• Durable, rigid sand-cast gray iron cylinder block;
• Aluminum cylinder heads with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder;
• Advanced common rail piezoelectric fuel injectors that deliver multiple injections per stroke to improve performance and reduce NVH;
• Variable nozzle turbocharger with electronic actuation; maximum impeller speed of 197,800 rpm;
• First application of selective catalytic reduction for reduced nitrogen oxide emissions in a Ford van;
• Integrated diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter to save space;
• Expected to be B20 biodiesel compatible.

Additionally, the engine features cast-aluminum, low-friction coated pistons with piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. Also included is a water-cooled high-performance electric-controlled exhaust gas recirculation valve that is better able to withstand coolant pressure drops.

The 3.2-liter Power Stroke is one of several engines that will be available for Transit in North America, including the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine. All engines are mated to a Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission.

The Power Stroke 3.2-liter is manufactured in Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It will be exported to Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo., which received a $1.1 billion investment for the Transit.