CHICAGO - A revised Ford E-Series Super Duty Ambulance package for 2010 - featuring a 6.8L gasoline engine, a comprehensive array of heavy-duty components, and a lower base model costs was unveiled at the recent National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) trade show.

"The E-Series Super Duty has been the historical market leader in the ambulance segment," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. "Listening to our private fleet and municipal customers, we're seeing demand for a rugged, powerful ambulance - running on comparatively less expensive gasoline - at a lower initial acquisition cost."

Powerful and Responsive
The 2010 E-Series Super Duty gas Ambulance Prep Package features a powerful, responsive, and fuel efficient 6.8L Triton V-10 engine, delivering 305 hp and 420 ft.-lbs. of torque for responsive acceleration in critical emergency run situations.

This engine is mated to a 5R110W 5-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Several rear axle ratios are available to meet diverse regional needs, such as higher altitudes. Large diameter 13.58-in. disc brakes and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) behind all four wheels will bring the E-Series to a smooth stop, according to Ford.

Built Ford Tough
The 2010 E-Series Super Duty Ambulance Prep Package features an array of heavy-duty components specifically developed to meet service needs of ambulance use, including:

• Auxiliary heater and air conditioning connector package.

• Available limited slip rear axle.

• Super heavy-duty (225 amp) alternator.

• Transmission cooler.

• The lower weight of the gasoline engine provides almost 600 pounds of additional payload capacity.

Safe and Clean
The Ford E-Series features standard air bags for both driver and passenger. The 2010 E-Series Super Duty gasoline Ambulance Prep Package also meets all applicable 2012 emission standards.

Cost-Consciousness
While final pricing has yet to be announced, two key elements position the E-Series Super Duty gasoline Ambulance Prep Package as the value-conscious entry in this segment.

Lower initial acquisition cost with the gasoline engine, as opposed to the incremental cost of a diesel powertrain, will make the gasoline-powered E-Series accessible to a wider audience of municipalities and private ambulance fleets.

The second element is the comparative cost of widely available unleaded regular fuel, as opposed to diesel fuel, also can represent a significant operational cost savings.