The all-new Ford Ranger makes its worldwide debut today at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney as the latest addition to a wave of global vehicles being introduced by Ford.
Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: “The new Ranger is an exciting and dynamic vehicle that will undoubtedly raise the bar in the pickup market. The scope of its capability and technology are further evidence of how powerful the One Ford initiative is in helping us globally to develop a whole range of all-new class-leading vehicles. We look forward to bringing new Ranger to European customers by 2012 and I am confident it will exceed their expectations.”
From impressive gains in power and safety to exceptional towing capability, the all-new Ford Ranger emerges as a clear leader. It not only builds on the Ranger heritage of pickup capability, but will also give owners a spacious, comfortable and feature-filled interior, with a sophisticated driving experience.
Built on innovation, it boasts a list of technologies and features including a new rear-view camera system, Voice Control, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control. The new Ranger will be available in three different cab body styles, 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, two ride heights and four series choices.
The all-new Ford Ranger offers even more capability, but has also been transformed with a taut and muscular contemporary design that exudes strength and toughness. With an all-new chassis frame, front and rear suspension and steering system, Ranger delivers more payload and outstanding towing capability. It is powered by a choice of two new fuel-efficient state-of-the-art common rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. Add in more chassis and safety technologies, and the story of Ranger pickup leadership becomes as vivid as its powerful, purposeful stance.
The all-new Ford Ranger creates a bold and purposeful presence, with a fresh, contemporary exterior design that exudes Ford’s famous pickup personality. Designers call its new look “21st Century Tough”. Taut, toned muscularity and a bold, confident stance instantly signal the strength and capability of an ultra-modern pickup. Yet it also communicates a transformed, more sophisticated and refined style that appeals to a new generation of pickup owners. In many areas of the world, the role of Ranger has changed,” said Craig Metros, chief designer. It still has to be a work vehicle, with a durable interior and the ability to carry a heavy payload, but it also serves a dual role with refinement, comfort and more consumer-friendly features topping the list for many buyers.”
Three passengers can easily fit into the second row of the new Ranger Double Cab. It offers ample knee clearance and better foot clearance between the B-pillar and seat. That means getting in and out of the new Ranger has never been easier for rear-seat passengers.
To help reduce ownership costs with Ranger, especially at the fuel pump, a wide range of design features were optimised to improve fuel efficiency. Using the same leading-edge simulation technology employed by Formula One teams, aerodynamicists performed more than 1,000 full-vehicle aerodynamic simulations to perfect the shape of the vehicle. Engineers were able to demonstrate, for instance, that a hard line at the top of the bumper divided wind flow and lowered resistance. Similarly, this technology indicated that the backlight should be positioned more vertically, A-pillars optimised and a small spoiler be added to the top of the tailgate. The front air dam plays a major role in controlling airflow underneath the vehicle, which leads to a significant reduction in drag coefficient.
Ranger introduces new diesel engines:
Increased fuel economy, coupled with other advances to facilitate maintenance and serviceability, help reduce annual ownership cost. Transmissions and final drive ratios have been carefully matched to deliver exceptional acceleration, excellent fuel efficiency, towing and a quiet ride.
The all-new Ranger four-wheel drive models are equipped with a well-proven electronically controlled transfer case that allows drivers to shift from 4×2 to 4×4 anytime via an electronic switch conveniently located on the console. If extra torque or additional downhill braking is needed, low range gearing can also be enabled.
With an entirely new chassis, new Ranger provides even more capability along with car-like comfort, reduced steering effort, more precise handling and better on-road stability.
Off-road performance has been improved with a stiffer frame, ground clearance of up to 232mm and driveline components that have been strategically mounted above the frame rail. Despite an increased 3,220mm wheelbase and wider track 1,560mm for the 4×4 model, and 1,590mm (front and rear) for the 4×2 model – the all-new Ranger’s turning circle makes it easily manoeuvrable in parking and on narrow city streets. Its rack-and-pinion steering system has been thoroughly designed to provide robust performance while delivering more precise steering.
An entirely new front suspension, with coil-over-strut layout, allows for better tuning of the upper and lower wishbone design. The suspension set-up, while similar for two- and four-wheel drive models, has unique capabilities and has been tuned with specific damper valving and spring rates on all models to compensate for weight, centre of gravity, engine torque and drive distribution.
The rear also benefits from an entirely new suspension system, which provides a smooth, firm but comfortable ride, with a rear leaf suspension design that has been carefully tuned for a variety of road conditions while still delivering outstanding payload capacity. This also gives Ranger a firmly planted ride for high-speed driving on dirt roads with reduced sway and less vehicle “skate” on corrugated or rough surfaces.
The brake system has been developed to have excellent fade resistance particularly with maximum payload. While competitive systems start to fade and stopping distances increase, the Ranger is engineered to keep performing. For superior braking performance, Ranger will have as standard Ford’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system that includes four-wheel traction control, yaw control and roll-over mitigation.
Exceptional towing capacity and sure-footed grip and stability is ensured with the available Trailer Sway Mitigation and Adaptive Load Control. If a trailer begins to sway, brakes are selectively applied to slow down the vehicle-and-trailer combination. To ensure that Ranger maintains a stable ride when carrying full loads of cargo, Adaptive Load Control determines the payload and applies the necessary measures to maintain a straight and level ride.
The all-new Ford Ranger offers new passive safety technologies, including the availability of side curtain airbags on all cab styles for the first time. Other new Ranger technologies include Rear Park Assist and new Rearview Camera system.
The cargo box of the new Double Cab is more than 100mm wider than before – 1,549mm long by 511mm high and with a maximum cargo width of 1,560mm. Volume is an impressive 1.21 cubic metres.
Width between the wheel arches is 1,139mm on all models and special provisions are provided in the cargo box to place struts of lumber in pockets that are located above the wheel arch. This allows plywood or sheet rock to be stacked flat. Width at the rear tailgate opening, at the top of the box, is 1,330mm.
New Ranger will be manufactured at three sites with production ramp-up scheduled to begin next summer, firstly in Rayong, Thailand. Ford is also transforming plants in Argentina and South Africa for additional capacity. The new manufacturing strategy for the single global compact pickup platform will drive new levels of product commonality for the Ford Ranger all around the globe.
© Motorworld Media 2023
Registered Office: 4 Capricorn Centre, Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, Essex. SS14 3JJ
Company Number: 8818356
Website designed by Steve Dawson
