Smoother Ti on the way
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• Mercedes-Benz is developing a more aerodynamic body shell for its T1 range of panel vans which is expected to break cover by the end of 1994.
Little is known about the latest body design, apart from the fact that it has similar styling to the current Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter panel van families.
PCV versions of the long wheelbase body have been spotted on Daimler-Benz's test track in Stuttgart.
The existing Ti body shape was first seen in the late seventies. It was last given a facelift in time for the 1989 Brussels Show when it was also repowered with the current fourcylinder petrol and four and fivecylinder diesel engines.
The existing drivelines are expected to be retained, at least initially, in the new body shell. The new Ti, however, is expected to follow the example of the latest Ford Transit by having independent front suspension throughout the range.
The current semi-elliptic steel sprung live rear axle is also likely to be used with the new body shell — but new options, including air, could be on the cards.
The new Ti body shell is
expected to have a longer front overhang and revised interior. Like Ford, Mercedes-Benz will probably adopt single rear wheels across the entire T1 range, dropping the twin rear wheel set-up used on the heavier 410/410D long-wheelbase highroof vans.