US Ranger reveales, one engine 2.3 EB and 10-speed auto

Ford just revealed the pickup truck we've all been waiting for

Matthew DeBord

http://www.businessinsider.com/new-2...8-1/?r=AU&IR=T

The compact segment is really a mid-size segment, as the new generation of smaller pickups aren't as downsized as their predecessors, such as the Ranger and Mazda B-Series vehicles that Ford and former partner Mazda discontinued in the US but continued to sell in other markets.

The new Ranger will be powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine (horsepower wasn't shared when the vehicle was revealed) and come with a ten-speed automatic transmission, a combination that ought to delivery appealing oomph along with good fuel economy.


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The frame, according to Ford, is steel (and the all-new platform will also undergird the Bronco). Given that the carmaker has made a big switch to aluminum for its bestselling full-size F-150 and larger Super Duty pickups, there was plenty of speculation that the Ranger would be similarly engineered. We'll have to wait until we actually get to Detroit and can ask around about what metals the Ranger is made of.

Trim levels will consist of an "entry-level XL, mid-level XLT and high-level Lariat trim series with available Chrome and Sport appearance and FX Off-Road packages, and in SuperCab or SuperCrew cab configurations," Ford said.

The FX package is particularly interesting: Ford based the offroad system on its bonkers F-150 Raptor high-performance pickup. (The pickup-truck world is already wondering if the Ranger will get the Ford Performance treatment and join the Raptor in the family as its little brother.)

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In keeping with a trend, the Ranger won't skip on premium features or technology.

"Ranger incorporates smart driver-assist, passenger convenience and connectivity technologies," Ford said.

"Advanced driver-assist technologies include standard Automatic Emergency Braking, while Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, a Reverse Sensing System and class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage are standard on XLT and Lariat trim levels."

Lariat trim trucks will "include Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control," and the Ranger will be available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the Sync 3 infotainment system, which will also provide Amazon Alexa integration and a 4G LTE wifi hotspot supporting up to ten devices. Audiophile truckers can also opt for a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The design of the Ranger is styling and aggressive: a big-looking pickup in smaller package. Coolest element? The "Ranger" names stamped in large letters on the tailgate.

The year ahead will be a big one for pickups as a true truck war breaks out. The new Chevy Silverado will take in the mighty Ford F-150, and now the Colorado will have its hands full with the new Ranger.

Has Ford just tipped its hand on the Raptor engine?

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Originally Posted by jpd80

Has Ford just tipped its hand on the Raptor engine?

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I hope so. In fact I hope they offer the EB petrol engine here across the range. I'd tick that box.

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Originally Posted by Elks

I hope so. In fact I hope they offer the EB petrol engine here across the range. I'd tick that box.

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It will tick a few boxes with many here, but in the USA...that will be interesting. Even here, I was under the impression that the sentiment of Ute buyers is desiel is better? The V6 VW isn't desiel is it? Being a 4 cycliner I'm less concerned with but I will miss the sound of that rortly 5 cylinder 3.2.

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Originally Posted by WASP

It will tick a few boxes with many here, but in the USA...that will be interesting. Even here, I was under the impression that the sentiment of Ute buyers is desiel is better? The V6 VW isn't desiel is it? Being a 4 cycliner I'm less concerned with but I will miss the sound of that rortly 5 cylinder 3.2.

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The V6 VW is a diesel - same engine as in Touareg.

Ripper of a Ute - saw one pull a 22 foot boat out of the water just near me like it wasn't on the back.

In Australia of all places, the mindset for Diesel is "there is no replacement for displacement". You can have as many turbos as you like, but a proper sized Diesel will always win the day. Ford has the highest displacement diesel in the Ute (VW have more cylinders).

For Ranger, I would hesitate at buying a 2.2 Litre diesel if I was towing or hauling loads (which these things are built for, if not always used for) then a less stressed engine will always be the pick.

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Originally Posted by Paxton

The V6 VW is a diesel - same engine as in Touareg.

Ripper of a Ute - saw one pull a 22 foot boat out of the water just near me like it wasn't on the back.

In Australia of all places, the mindset for Diesel is "there is no replacement for displacement". You can have as many turbos as you like, but a proper sized Diesel will always win the day. Ford has the highest displacement diesel in the Ute (VW have more cylinders).

For Ranger, I would hesitate at buying a 2.2 Litre diesel if I was towing or hauling loads (which these things are built for, if not always used for) then a less stressed engine will always be the pick.

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The Run-a-mock seems to be the pick from performance perspective.

I'm yet to tow anything with a Ranger but unloaded they're anything by agile, the Hipox is worse.

Maybe i'm too used to Falcon type performance, but my AU ute would hose one of these twin cabs.

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Originally Posted by Paxton

The V6 VW is a diesel - same engine as in Touareg.

Ripper of a Ute - saw one pull a 22 foot boat out of the water just near me like it wasn't on the back.

In Australia of all places, the mindset for Diesel is "there is no replacement for displacement". You can have as many turbos as you like, but a proper sized Diesel will always win the day. Ford has the highest displacement diesel in the Ute (VW have more cylinders).

For Ranger, I would hesitate at buying a 2.2 Litre diesel if I was towing or hauling loads (which these things are built for, if not always used for) then a less stressed engine will always be the pick.

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Ok then, with that all been taken into account this path is going to either make, or break Ranger's current success here anyway. In the States things are different. They havent had the current generation Rnager models and have seemlingly adapted well to the 3.5/2.7 Ecoboost powerplants featured in the F-Series.

We wont get the 2.3 here.... Even though it would drive a lot better than the 3.2.

Wonder if we will get the aluminum bonnet / tail gate on our update.

Seems very odd to put a vehicle into a new market when its underpinnings are 7 + years old. I am very surprised they didn't wait for the all new model.

I wonder how many Australians will be importing the steel front bumper... :argh:

I'm betting Ford NA wanted done as cheap as possible, I-4 T gasoline engine to avoid changing
engine bay basic crash protection cell, stronger HT frame with new engine mounts.......

2.3 EB is getting steel crank and rods, two complete engines are at the Cleveland plant,
I'm betting all 2.3 EBs get the upgrade.

Lot of yanks concerned on NA V6 option, mixed feeling about Ecoboost engine,
Majority of US Colorado and Tacoma sales are V6 so Ford really poking the bear.

I'm a little surprised that there isn't a manual version at all.

The Manual V6 Ranger was a fairly steady seller in its day, and there would be a few owners stateside that see our manual diesels here with a little envy.