Ford Ranger debuts
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18th October, 2010
- Bold, powerful and confident, the taut and toned all-new Ranger will be the new face of Built
Ford Tough for compact utility truck customers in 180 markets around the world – the result of a new
global compact utility truck platform
- Ranger comprehensively transforms the compact utility truck ownership experience with more
capability, more power and more features than ever before
- Ranger introduces three new engines – including two Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engines with up to
470 Nm of torque – and new six-speed transmissions engineered for uncompromised capability
- Exceptional towing capability and a payload capacity of up to 1,500 kilogrammes on selected
models clearly signal how the all-new model extends the Ford Ranger heritage of strength
- With more features and smart technologies than ever before seen on a Ford Ranger, including
Adaptive Load Control, Trailer Sway Control, Rear Park Assist and the segment's first Rearview
Camera system, the next-generation model is amongst the most high-tech vehicles in the compact
utility segment Ranger offers new safety innovations, along with a comfortable, quiet, more refined
ride. The new Ford pickup is executed with outstanding levels of craftsmanship and quality
The all-new Ford Ranger – the latest in a wave of global vehicles – has made its worldwide debut.
The all-new Ranger has a powerful presence and promises to give utility owners more can-do
capability and a transformed truck ownership experience.
From impressive gains in power and safety to exceptional towing capability, the next-generation
Ford Ranger emerges as a potential segment leader. It not only builds on the tremendous Ranger
heritage of light truck capability, but it also gives utility owners a spacious, comfortable,
feature-filled interior and sophisticated driving experience they may not expect to find in a ute.
Amongst the most high-tech in its segment, Ranger is the impressive result of an all-new global
compact utility truck platform from Ford – the latest to emerge under the company’s One Ford
initiative – and Mazda. It replaces two previous-generation compact truck platforms currently in
production to present a new face of Built Ford Tough to customers around the world.
Built on innovation, it boasts a list of technologies and features to lead the segment –
including a new Rearview Camera System, Rear Park Assist, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load
Control. Ford plans to reveal even more new Ranger technologies in the coming months.
Destined for sale across five continents and more than 180 markets, Ranger will be offered as a
complete range of compact trucks – with three different cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains,
two ride heights and up to five series choices, depending on the market.
“We know trucks, so we leveraged our best expertise from around the globe to create the
all-new Ford Ranger,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development.
“Focusing our global resources on a single new compact pick-up truck platform meant we could
deliver significant improvements, technologies and features that owners will value, along with
impressive fuel economy that alone will be a reason to buy.”
The all-new Ranger reflects Ford’s insight into ute buyers around the world and their evolving
wants.
“Compact pick-ups are hugely important to customers in many regions of the world,” said
Jim Farley, group vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. “For many, it’s the only
vehicle in a household headed by a hard-working person others depend on. These people need a
truck that can get the job done – and they’ll be amazed how Ranger’s smart new technologies make
the job easier. And increasingly, they’re also looking for the kinds of features, technologies,
spaciousness and refinement you’d expect in a car, and Ranger is just as innovative here.”
All-new model builds on strong heritage
For nearly 20 years, Ranger has been one of Ford’s most popular utilities across the globe. It
has provided millions of buyers with Ford Tough Truck capabilities – hauling heavy payloads,
pulling trailers and absorbing punishment on the roughest roads. The all-new Ford Ranger now has
even more capability but has been transformed into a taut, toned and 'muscular' contemporary shape
exuding 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 three new,
fuel-efficient powertrains, including two state-of-the-art common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels
and new fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions. Add in more chassis and safety technologies, and
the story of Ranger utility truck leadership becomes as vivid as its powerful, purposeful stance.
Ranger has the flexibility to handle many chores, at home or on the job.
Its transformation is perhaps most vivid in the all-new interior, which brings new levels of
spaciousness to the ute ownership experience. The all-new Ford Ranger offers a comfortable and
quiet ride, along with a level of features and technologies that make it second-to-none.
The flagship of the new range is the Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab model unveiled in lustrous
Aurora Blue, showcasing a fuel-efficient new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi 110 kW (150 PS) diesel
engine with an impressive 375 Nm of available torque.
“This new Ranger we’re revealing to the world today is compelling evidence of what we can
achieve by harnessing the power of One Ford,” said Gary Boes (vehicle line director for
Ford’s new compact truck platform) on Friday.
“The new Ranger responds to what pick-up truck owners all around the world want in a vehicle
and it was designed and engineered by a team with unrivalled truck expertise. It’s being tested in
the most demanding conditions in the most gruelling testing environments on five continents to
prove its world-class credentials. Ranger respects truck owners and it will earn their respect day
in and day out,” Boes said.
‘21st Century Tough’ styling inside and out
The all-new Ford Ranger provides a bold and purposeful presence, with a fresh, contemporary
exterior design that exudes the famous Built Ford Tough personality. Designers call the look ‘21st
Century Tough’.
Taut, toned 'muscularity' and a bold, confident stance instantly signal the strength and
capability of an ultra-modern pickup truck. Yet it also communicates a transformed, more
sophisticated and refined style that appeals to a new generation of truck 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.”
Metros said extensive research among truck customers around the world revealed surprising
similarities in taste and design expectations.
While needs and expectations may differ in the 180 markets where it will be sold, the new Ranger
Tough Truck design resonates around the world.
“Good design is long lasting and transcends all markets,” said Metros. “Cute gimmicks
don’t cut it with this group. It’s a robust truck that gets the job done, first and foremost.”
According to Metros, Ranger looks very tough but not in the more chiselled style of Ford’s
larger North American F-Series trucks. The contemporary design will be just as at home on city
streets outside trendy restaurants in Cologne or Melbourne as it is in the outback or on a luxury
property development site.
Reflecting the diverse uses of utes around the world, the all-new Ford Ranger product range will
offer everything from basic work trucks with hose-out interiors to high-series models, such as the
Ranger Limited and Ranger Wildtrak, both yet to be revealed.
The best of Ford’s design language also have been applied to the interior. Borrowing cues from
ergonomically-designed power tools like DEWALT®1, and encasing instruments in a protective shell
like a G-Shock®2 watch, designers were inspired to blend form and function while ensuring the
instruments are clearly visible for the driver.
Inside, trim panels are designed to be easily substituted. A single basic instrument panel is
assembled off-line and simply installed in the vehicle. While the trim styles vary, all parts are
designed to be interchangeable.
“Look closely and you’ll see that regardless of the model, we didn’t stray from the basic
layout and design,” Metros explained. “All the exterior and interior shapes and panels are
identical.”
Small details received careful attention to ensure quality and craftsmanship in every model.
From graining on interior panels to tonal colour choices, the execution exudes a premium feel
throughout the interior.
On the instrument panel, designs were used that would easily accept modular parts – such as
radios, and heating and ventilation controls – to ensure build quality was maintained to eliminate
any unsightly gaps.
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According to Debbie Pascoe, Ford’s colour and trim design manager, the materials used throughout
the cabin have to be especially durable. Seats have to be comfortable but also able to withstand
commercial customer usage.
“The typical pick-up driver needs space and we designed an interior that is comfortable, easy
to slide in and out of, with controls that are larger to accommodate work gloves, for example. When
you design a truck interior, special considerations have to be taken to ensure the cabin will be
just as durable as the rest of the vehicle. But tough doesn’t have to mean rough,” she said.
Interior materials are subjected to constant abuse and have to withstand punishing rigours not
seen in a passenger car. Seating materials must be able to take a beating from tools that are flung
into the cabin or forgotten in a back pocket. Door panels can’t be easily scuffed or scratched by
dirty boots. And truck customers increasingly want an interior that’s stylish and comfortable for
personal use.
“We haven’t forgotten that many of these vehicles are not only used for work but are also
primary transportation in many areas of the world as the family vehicle,” Pascoe said.
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 the seat. That means getting
in and out of the new Ford Ranger has never been easier for rear-seat passengers.
Ample storage is provided throughout the interior cabin with up to 20 storage locations. Double
Cab pockets in all four doors can easily fit water bottles and, on selected models, a deep centre
console keeps beverages cool. The glove box is large enough to accommodate a laptop computer.
Storage for mobile phones and other small items can be found in the console.
Underneath the rear seats, a convenient hidden storage area for electronic items and small
packages is provided, while on selected Ranger Double Cab models, an armrest in the centre rear
seatback fold includes two cup holders.
To help reduce Ranger’s ownership costs, especially at the fuel pump, a wide range of design
features were optimised to improve fuel efficiency. Using the same leading-edge simulation technology
as Formula One teams, aerodynamicists performed more than 1,000 full-vehicle aerodynamic simulations
to perfect the shape of the vehicle.
Using this technology, engineers demonstrated that with a hard line at the mudguard top, wind flow
was divided and resistance lowered. The backlight was positioned more vertically, A-pillars optimised
and a small spoiler was added to the top of the tailgate. A front airdam plays a significant role in
controlling the airflow underneath the vehicle, leading to a significant reduction in the drag
coefficient.
“Decreasing wind resistance was a start. Small incremental gains in fuel efficiency quickly add
up and help meet fuel economy targets,” Metros said.
More muscle under the bonnet – three new engines
With a body that is lean and taut, the muscle lies beneath the bonnet. The all-new Ranger
powertrains have been engineered to give customers an uncompromised combination of power and torque.
Ranger introduces three new engines to Ford’s compact ute range globally:
- A new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine with peak torque output of 375 Nm and power
output of 110 kW (150 PS).
- A highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine with a powerful
470 Nm of torque and power rated at 147 kW (200 PS).
- A 2.5-litre Ford Duratec I4 petrol engine with more power at 122 kW (166 PS). It can be configured
for E100 flexible fuel capability or aftermarket upfitted to run on CNG or LPG.
“This all-new engine 'family' demonstrates our commitment to making Ranger the best option for
today’s pickup truck customer,” said John Tatge, Ranger chief programme engineer. “We’re
bringing the best engine technology from the Ford powertrain range to make Ranger the clear choice for
capability and fuel economy, particularly with our world-class Duratorq diesels. Their torque makes
Ranger the truck to own.”
Developed in Australia and tested and validated around the world, Ranger powerplants are designed to
run on a variety of locally blended fuels with different octane ratings.
Selected Ranger powertrains benefit from the advantages of lower engine rpm and reduced wear and
tear, with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions available across selected models. Increased fuel
economy, coupled with other advances to facilitate maintenance and serviceability, help reduce annual
ownership cost.
“The all-new Ford Ranger is a driver’s pick-up truck,” said Rob Sharples, powertrain programme
team leader. “It’s inviting to drive, and all of its driver inputs and vehicle controls work together
in harmony.”
Transmissions and final drive ratios have been carefully matched to deliver exceptional acceleration,
excellent fuel efficiency and a quiet ride.
The new Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been extensively tuned to deliver smooth,
quick shifts almost imperceptibly to the driver, reinforcing the car-like refinement of the new Ranger.
In Normal mode, the calibration focuses on comfort and fuel economy. For sportier driving, a quick flick
of the shifter changes the transmission into Sport mode. This provides later shift points and the driver
can manually select gears through a forward (downshift) or rearward (upshift) movement.
It also features another smart Ford technology – Grade Control Logic. It automatically downshifts on
a downhill grade when sufficient brake pressure is sensed, adding to the all-new Ranger’s towing and
hauling capabilities.
The 6R80 automatic transmission has been designed for both 4x2 and 4x4 versions. It is lightweight
and includes strengthened internals that have been designed and tested to Ford’s global commercial
vehicle standards.
Ranger can also be fitted with Ford MT82 six-speed manual transmission with its short, car-like
shifter – well-positioned ergonomically for the driver – that provides crisp, precise shifting matched
perfectly to the generous torque output of the new diesels. An upshift indicator in the instrument panel
helps coach drivers on the best gearing for fuel economy.
The 2.5-litre petrol engine is offered standard with the proven Ford MT75 five-speed manual
transmission.
The all-new Ford Ranger four-wheel drive models are equipped with a well-proven electronically
controlled transfer case that allow drivers to shift from 4x2 to 4x4 anytime via an electronic switch
conveniently located on the console. If extra torque or additional downhill braking is needed, low-range
gearing also can be enabled.
Select four-wheel-drive Rangers also can be equipped with either an electric locking differential or
a limited slip differential in a wide array of final drive ratios.
While fuel economy certification will take place closer to the start of production, Ford is
forecasting that the new Ranger powertrain range will contribute to significant savings at the pump.
New levels of ride quality and chassis control
The same level of detail that makes Ford Ranger stand out in a crowd will set it apart from the
competition with an entirely new chassis that 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 232 millimetres
and driveline components that have been strategically mounted above the frame rail and out of harm’s way.
Despite an increased 3,220-millimetre wheelbase – and wider track for the 4x4 model of 1,560 millimetres
and 4x2 model of 1,590 millimetres at the front and rear – 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.
Up front, the entire suspension is brand new. A new coil-over-strut suspension 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.
At the rear, an entirely new suspension system provides a smooth, firm 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.
The rear suspension also provides Ranger with a firmly planted ride for high-speed driving on dirt
roads, common in South America, with reduced sway and less vehicle ‘skate’ on corrugated or rough
surfaces.
Considering customers in areas of the world where monsoons cause frequent flooding, Ranger’s key
electrical components and air inlets are strategically placed high in the engine compartment. This
contributes to impressive water-wading capability.
Offering the biggest brakes in class, stopping power for Ford Ranger is excellent.
All Ranger models are equipped with larger front rotors measuring 302-by-32 millimetres and
twin-piston callipers. The brake calliper features a pair of phenolic pistons which reduce weight and
improve thermal performance.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles use a 270-by-55-millimetre rear drum, whilst the Hi-Rider and 4x4 vehicles
use a 295-by-55-millimetre rear drum.
The brake system has been subjected to extreme environmental conditions and customer driving
requirements – at minus 30 degrees Celsius in Sweden, in the intense heat in California’s Death Valley,
the congestion of city traffic, the German Autobahn and the unforgiving roads of the Australian outback.
The largest brake system in segment provides 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 is available with Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme
(ESP) system that includes four-wheel traction control, yaw control and roll-over mitigation.
Invisible to the driver, the ESP system includes sensors located at all four wheels that
independently monitor wheel speed and detect wheel slip during acceleration or braking. If a slip is
detected or the vehicle is swerving (yaw), brakes are individually applied to ensure the vehicle
stays on its intended path.
Under extreme conditions, the Traction Control System reduces engine torque by managing spark and
fuel delivery.
The top level brake system includes Emergency Brake Assist to provide maximum boost for the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and is automatically triggered during panic stop situations. Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution accurately maintains brake pressure in rear brake lines to help provide
decreased stopping distances. Flashing hazard lights automatically alert following vehicles when an
ABS stop is triggered.
Among segment leaders with an exceptional towing capacity, 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 truck-and-trailer
combination. To ensure that Ford 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.
Like all contemporary Ford products, the all-new Ranger is engineered to provide comprehensive
safety protection, starting with a highly protective body structure utilising high-strength steel
throughout to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Engineers used sophisticated computer modelling to hone the crashworthiness of the all-new Ranger.
This included more than 9,000 full-vehicle crash simulations before the first prototype vehicle was
subjected to a physical crash test.
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 – including Rear Park Assist and new Rearview Camera system – not
only aid utility drivers in everyday use, but also help them avoid potential contact with
pedestrians.
Payload capabilities
Carrying a crew of five? Headed to the job site with large appliances, building supplies, sand
or gravel? Loaded with produce for sale at the local farmer’s market? Whatever the payload, all are
easily stored within the cargo box of the new Ford Ranger double cab – even with a full passenger
load.
Measuring 1,549 millimetres long, 511 millimetres high and with a maximum cargo width of 1,560
millimetres, the cargo box of the double cab is more than 100 millimetres wider. Volume is an
impressive 1.21 cubic metres.
Width between the wheel arches is 1,139 millimetres 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 1,330 millimetres.
New from the ground up – more to come
It’s not often that engineers and designers have the opportunity to build a new ute from the
ground up, and the all-new Ranger is evidence of how Ford seized that opportunity.
When Ranger begins production in less than a year, it will set new benchmarks in many categories
including a stand-out design, road manners that are smooth and refined, a chassis that is off-road
capable and powertrains that are fuel efficient, clean and live up to the global Built Ford Tough
promise.
The new Ranger will be manufactured around the world in three volume production sites geared for
regional reach, especially in growth regions.
A progressive production ramp-up is slated to begin next summer (Northern Hemisphere) in Rayong,
Thailand, for the Asia Pacific region. Ford is transforming plants in Argentina and South Africa
for additional capacity to eventually serve other key regions as the launch cadence progresses. The
new manufacturing strategy for the single global compact truck platform will drive new levels of
product commonality for the Ford Ranger all around the globe.
Although not planned for introduction in the United States or Canada, the all-new Ranger will
eventually be marketed in 180 countries, making it one of Ford’s farthest reaching products. This
reflects the importance of utes to consumers in many parts of the world and the significance of the
Ranger in Ford’s global product portfolio.
Ranger also symbolises how Ford is leveraging its global product resources more efficiently. Its
product development team was headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The full-range product
development facilities at Ford’s Melbourne-based Broadmeadows Complex and nearby proving ground
facilities in Geelong became an ideal base for the global Ranger team.
“One Ford brought all of our strengths together to create the all-new Ranger,” Kuzak said.
“When you look at how important compact trucks are around the world, it was the ideal candidate
to be our next global product.”
Ford will progressively reveal additional versions of the Ranger line-up in coming months.
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