Ford unveils Transit Skyliner concept

Transit Skyliner Concept.

Image: www.quickpic.co.za

Last week, Ford unveiled the Transit Skyliner Concept luxury van, illustrating the unlimited flexibility, versatility and capability of the all-new Transit.

The Transit Skyliner embodies the spirit of luxury motor coaches and builds on the heritage of custom vans, showing how the Ford Transit can be transformed to fit the needs of limousine and high-end transportation services as well as commercial fleets, shuttle providers and small-business owners.

Inside, the Transit Skyliner can transform into four dramatic modes - theatre, business, reception and travel - with movable, custom-designed "throne" seats that reposition automatically, controlled by a smartphone or tablet:

• Theatre: Seats face the 52-inch retractable Stewart movie screen and recline for optimal cinematic viewing
  
• Business: Motorised table unfolds and leather-trimmed seats are gathered around it for face-to-face conversation
  
• Reception: Sliding door opens 1.2 metres wide and seats are arranged for easy entertaining while parked at an event
  
• Travel: Passengers can adjust their reclining seats and retractable footrests for ultimate comfort and solitude

The entire interior - from seats to LED mood lighting - is integrated into a Crestron automation system controlled through a smartphone or tablet. The entertainment system also features Focal Utopia 7.2 surround sound with speakers handmade in France specifically for the Transit Skyliner, a KVH DIRECTV satellite for HD TV and a Kaleidescape media server with storage space equivalent to more than 300 Blu-ray movies or more than 1,000 DVDs.

An experience unlike any other

Refreshments can be served from the Transit Skyliner's built-in bar. Matching custom luggage complements the vehicle's one-of-a-kind leather-trimmed seats.

"Traveling in a Transit Skyliner is an experience unlike any other," says Tim Stoehr, Ford manager for commercial truck marketing. "You step into the vehicle and are immediately immersed in the custom interior and high-tech audio-visual environment. The next thing you know, you are arriving at your destination."

The exterior of the Transit Skyliner features a custom silver metallic paint scheme accented by contrasting lower trim, chrome highlights and custom Forgiato wheels. The dynamic design reflects Transit's modern, European look.

"The Transit Skyliner is the ultimate expression of a custom Transit," Stoehr says. "We created the vehicle to highlight the potential of the Ford Transit platform for the limousine market and to showcase Transit as the next generation of modern, cool, fuel-efficient vans."

What to expect

The Transit Skyliner features the 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine seen in Ford models abroad, including the US-market Ford F150*.

With 13,790 litres of cargo volume and an interior height of 207cm in the long wheelbase/extended body high-roof model, Transit can be personalised to create a private jet for the road. Its unique custom limo design proves the capabilities of Ford Transit go beyond the needs of shuttles, commercial fleets and contractors

"It's exciting to see what can be done with the Transit platform," said Gavin Golightly, marketing manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. "The new, bigger Transit will join the 1 tonne Transit Custom later this year, expanding options for fleets and individuals who want more space and versatility."

The exterior design for the Transit Skyliner originated out of Ford of Europe's Design Studio in Dunton, England, and its execution was led by Melvin Betancourt, a Ford design manager, and Galpin Auto Sports President Beau Boeckmann.

Galpin Ford is the world's largest Ford dealership and has a history of customising vehicles that spans more than 60 years. Ford approached Galpin for this project because the group was at the forefront of the customised van trend of the late 1960s and 1970s and was among the pioneers in launching the conversion van industry. Galpin remains a longtime leader in conversion vans.

"We are sincerely excited to work with Ford in creating the future of luxury travel," said Galpin Auto Sports' Boeckmann. "Tapping our history of creating the conversion van segment in the 1960s and '70s, as well as our recent high-tech work, together with Ford we have brought the modern ultra-premium van to life.

"Galpin is especially excited about the launch of the Transit, which builds on Ford's commercial van leadership with a new design, making it the perfect platform from which to modify," Boeckmann added.

The Transit Skyliner made its auto show debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 16 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre.

*The 3.5l EcoBoost engine is not available in South Africa.