Transit Ride & Drive in Kansas City

Ford is bringing this 53-foot long mobile (and air conditioned) conference room along on its "Truth About Transit" tour.

Ford set up its Transit ride and drive course on one of the parking lots surrounding Kansas City's Kemper arena.

A mix of Transit models were made available to journalists to test drive both on a closed course and on pubic roads -- low, medium, and high roof models as well as ones equipped with gasoline and diesel engines.

Before entering the test drive course, all drivers were checked to ensure they'd fastened their seat belts.

Some of the Transit vans on the course were loaded with cargo; others ran empty.

The course allowed journalists to test the Transit's acceleration, handling in a slalom course, turning radius, and other drivability characteristics.

Hairpin turns allowed journalists to gauge vehicle braking and maneuverability.

Turning radius is a key metric especially for fleets that operate vans in tighter urban areas.

A view of the ride and drive's "home base," nestled under a highway overpass.