“The hydro-formed construction is a kind of spaceframe structure, completely changes how you actually execute the engine bay, where all the components are fitted,” said Ian Foston, chief engineer for T6. Hydro-forming allows for more complex shapes and greater strength and helped the engineers install the new V6 powertrain. It’s a modular chassis to accommodate use under Ranger, Everest and Bronco vehicles, and the front section of it is hydro-formed, which is a technology Ford has employed on F-Trucks for many years now. The new Ranger platform is still called the T6 platform, but it is the third generation of T6. The V6 engine, automatic transmission and dual-range transfer case combo will make the Ranger unique in the class. Expect this transfer case to be reserved for the V6 in upper specification models. ![]() Most Rangers will retain the traditional part-time, dual-range 4x4 system, but the car will also debut a new full-time 4x4 system that also offers 2WD mode and locked 4x4. The MT-88 manual gearbox will be available in both five- and six-speed variants, but Ford would not confirm what engines will come with a manual option. It has been improved with a new torque converter and closer gears to make it more refined and durable. It will also be the transmission to back-up the V6 diesel in the Ranger. Transmission choices will include the 10-speed automatic, which is familiar from the current model when powered by the bi-turbo diesel and in the Mustang V8. The electric F-150 Lightning has been creating a buzz in the US and we imagine that the brand is keen to carry that over to the mid-size segment as well. ![]() The new Ranger has been engineered with electrification in mind and Ford says it will be happening, but stopped short of confirming when or in what form it will take. It was interesting to note that large dual exhausts exiting the back of a left-hand drive Ranger prototype snapped in some recent images from the Victorian High Country – a US-model Ranger Raptor perhaps? ELECTRIFIED? There have also been rumours that the V6 EcoBoost petrol engine will be fitted in some markets such as the US, but so far there is no confirmation of that from Ford. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol four-cylinder engine will also be available in some markets, but it is not expected for Australia. The old 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine has been relegated to history. The TDV6 engine will be joined by the familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in both bi-turbo and single-turbo variants, with two tunes for the single-turbo engine. In 3.0-litre capacity with single- and twin-turbo arrangements it appeared in Land Rover and Range Rover models, where it produced up to 225kW and 700Nm as the SDV6. “I think one of the key differentiators that was actually brought to this vehicle is the level of human centred design thinking, and really understanding the customer usage and how we integrated the vehicle in to the customer’s life,” said Rob DeFilippo, chief marketer at Global Trucks. ![]() As part of this quest it carried out an extensive customer research programme. CUSTOMER RESEARCHįord looked at many other vehicles when considering the next generation of Ranger, but also at the hugely successful current model and how it could improve on that. Moving the wheels outwards has also allowed the designers to fit a wider cargo tub that will accommodate a full-size shipping pallet – something that has always being an Amarok bragging point. It’s no secret the new Ranger's platform will be shared with the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok, and while the design and engineering has been led by the Blue Oval's team, it seems the Ford crew have learned a few lessons from VW and the ageing Amarok – as it remains one of the best driving one-tonne utes on the market.Ĭhassis changes, such as widening the wheel track by 50 millimetres and moving the rear shock absorbers further outwards to widen the ute’s footprint and thus improving dynamics and increasing wheel articulation, are features that could have been taken from the current generation VW. Of course, the US will also be receiving this new Ranger in 2022, along with some 180 other countries around the globe – but as with Rangers in the past, most of the design and engineering work was done in Australia. Most obvious is the striking front-end design, which incorporates the signature C-shaped headlamp clusters from Ford trucks in the US.
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