Ford has announced that Ford Transit Custom and Transit Connect vans developed by vehicle design specialist MS‑RT will be available to order direct from Ford Transit Centres from September.
The MS-RT Transit Custom and Transit Connect have sports styling inspired by the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s Fiesta WRC car, and will be available in a range of distinctive colours to complement the body kit.
MS-RT is the on-road vehicle production division of long-term Ford partners M-Sport, who have competed in the World Rally Championship, Global Rallycross and GT3 racing.
The MS-RT Transit Custom and Transit Connect has a restyled grille and a radically redesigned front fascia that incorporates more aggressive air intakes, integrated fog lights and a motorsports-inspired diffuser element.
In addition, the body has wide wheel arch extensions with bespoke 18-inch OZ Racing anthracite alloy wheels that reduce unsprung weight for more responsive, complemented by sporty side skirts that create a lower profile. At the rear, an integrated diffuser element and roof spoiler emphasise the rally-bred character.
MS-RT Transit Custom has a twin-pipe sports exhaust, with MS-RT Transit Connect coming with a quad-exit system. Additionally, customers can specify optional Ceramic Black exhaust tips.
For additional racing style, optional decal kits let customers apply a distinctive livery to their van.
The interior has been similar customised with handcrafted MS-RT Nappa leather and suede seats, MS-RT sports steering wheels with carbon fibre inlays, and MS-RT branded instrument clocks and floor mats.
Both vans come with the standard features of the Ford Transit Custom and Transit Connect such as Ford’s SYNC 3 voice-activated connectivity system with a colour touchscreen and a FordPass Connect modem delivering Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 10 devices. Sat-nav, rear-view camera and bi-xenon headlights are also fitted as standard.
Under the bonnet, the MS-RT Transit Custom features Ford’s 185PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, delivering a 415Nm of torque with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. MS-RT Transit Connect’s 120PS 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine delivers 270Nm of torque through a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Panel van and double-cab-in-van variants of Transit Custom and Transit Connect are available; all featuring dual side loading doors and LED loadspace lighting as standard, with load volumes and payloads unchanged from the standard vans.
“With stunning, authentic motorsport design and – for Transit Custom – the option to personalise with a huge range of head-turning colours, the MS-RT Transits are like no other vans on the road,” said Brendan Lyne, director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.
“MS-RT conversions mean our motorsport-loving customers can mix business with pleasure, safe in the knowledge that their modified vehicle is fully supported by Ford.”
The MS-RT series is available through the Ford Transit One-Stop Shop, joining the existing range of Transit conversions including tipper trucks and box vans.
Prices for the MS-RT Transit Custom and Transit Connect will be confirmed soon.
