FORD Australia has introduced full technical particulars of the subsequent iteration of its top-selling Ranger ute, which might be accessible to order from subsequent month. The highest-spec turbo-diesel engine – a 3.0-litre V6 – will produce peak outputs of 184kW and 600Nm.
Revealed late final 12 months, the next-gen Ranger – designed and developed in Australia – is provided with up to date engines and transmissions, a larger number of drive modes, two four-wheel drive methods and varied applied sciences that enhance its capability to tow trailers.
Ford Australia says that when it comes to powertrains, the spotlight of the vary is the brand new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, which can energy top-end variants of the Ranger and Everest giant SUV.
“Whether or not a buyer’s precedence is gas economic system, refinement, towing or hauling, the next-gen Ranger’s powertrains present prospects with compelling efficiency and functionality,” mentioned Ranger and Everest program supervisor Pritika Maharaj.
“We’re providing (the three.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel) particularly as a result of some prospects instructed us they needed extra energy and torque for towing and excessive off-roading,” mentioned Ms Maharaj.
The V6 engine’s block is claimed to be made compacted graphite iron, which “round 75 per cent stronger and 75 per cent stiffer” than the iron utilized in conventional diesel motors. The V6 develops 184 kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm from 1750-2250 rpm in each Ranger and Everest.
“We did plenty of software calibration and validation work in each the US and Australia to ensure it might meet the wants of Ranger and Everest prospects,” she mentioned.
“The three.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel delivers. Once you drive a Ranger with the V6 turbo-diesel, it seems like a a lot larger truck. And it feels sturdy within the sense that it is obtained loads of energy and torque, which is precisely what our prospects instructed us they needed.”
Along with the three.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, the next-gen Ranger will provide the selection of the single-turbo 2.0-litre and the bi-turbo 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder diesels. The only-turbo diesel will provide 125 kW at 3500rpm and 405Nm from 1750-2500 rpm and the bi-turbo will produce 154kW at 3750rpm and 500Nm from 1750-2000 rpm.
Transmissions embrace the 10-speed auto, which can function on the three.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel and a couple of.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engines, whereas the six-speed auto might be paired with the two.0-litre single-turbo diesel motor.
“Our prospects instructed us that one of many causes they love Ranger is as a result of it’s top-of-the-line automobiles on the highway for trip consolation and car-like efficiency. So, retaining that and balancing it with off-road efficiency has been key all through the event of next- gen Ranger,” mentioned the Ranger’s dynamic experiences supervisor, Rob Hugo.
By widening the monitor (by 50mm) and lengthening the wheelbase, Ford had improved the ute’s automobile stability on- and off-road, plus its unladen method and departure angles.
What’s extra, “the outboard dampers have allowed us to tune a extra managed trip whether or not the automobile is carrying a heavy load or not and clear up a grievance of pickups with inboard mounted dampers that they will bounce or skip when unladen,” he mentioned.
When it comes to four-wheel-drive configurations, the Ranger’s base 4WD is a “part-time” system with a two-speed digital shift-on-the-fly switch case providing 2H, 4H and 4L modes.
Greater-end variants have an on- demand 4WD system (2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L) that enables the ute to be pushed in four-wheel drive on high-traction surfaces by way of its 4A (automated) mode. If wanted, the digital rear differential lock may be activated by way of the infotainment display.
“This implies a Ranger driver can simply depart the truck in four-wheel drive (4A) and head off down the freeway, down a rustic highway, over a snowy mountain or throughout a sand dune with out having to do the rest,” mentioned Mr Hugo.
What’s extra, a devoted off-road display on the SYNC4 touchscreen infotainment system exhibits driveline and diff lock settings, steering angle, automobile pitch and roll angles.
Selectable drive modes was once unique to the flagship Raptor, however variants of the brand new Ranger will provide as much as six of them, together with Regular, Eco, Tow/Haul (auto solely), Slippery (for on-road), and Mud/Ruts and Sand (for off-road). These modes regulate the settings of the throttle response, transmission shift sample, traction and stability controls, ABS and extra.
“These selectable drive modes are a quite simple method of getting superior traction to the wheels the way in which it must be delivered with out having to be an skilled,” he mentioned.
The Tow/Haul drive mode (on XLS variants and above – excluding Raptor) was designed for customers who tow with, or transport heavy cargo in, their Rangers. Ford says the brand new mode optimises the gear shift timing to keep up energy while you’re climbing up a hill or ship the correct quantity of engine braking when ascending a hill.
The utmost braked towing capability stays 3500kg with a 350kg tow-ball obtain restrict. Ford claims suspension upgrades and commonplace rear disc brakes (on XLT and above) endow the ute with higher trip management and luxury while towing or hauling heavy masses.
Relying on the variant, the brand new ute additionally options an built-in trailer brake controller, -connection guidelines and -light examine within the SYNC4 infotainment system to simplify the method of hooking up trailers; due to the innovation, drivers now not need to depend on one other particular person to behave as a spotter, or for the driving force to need to get out of the automobile.
For added peace of thoughts, Ranger’s BLIS2 driver-assistance know-how will permit drivers to programme the scale of their trailer for added protection of their blind spots.
To make towing heavy masses simpler and safer, Ford’s manufacturing unit match tow pack now consists of an built-in trailer brake controller. The built-in trailer brake controller ensures easy and efficient trailer braking by powering the trailer’s electrical brakes with a proportional output based mostly on the towing automobile’s brake strain.
The controller adapts its output based mostly on the standing of the ABS. When the ABS module senses the towing automobile’s brakes are approaching lockup, the controller’s braking technique adjustments to compensate for traction circumstances, lowering the chance of trailer brake lockup. The system additionally gives immediate visible/audible warning in case of unintentional trailer disconnect.
BLIS2 with Cross-Visitors Alert and Trailer Protection is a primary for Ranger and affords blind-spot Info System protection for the Ranger and the trailer it’s towing. Utilizing sensors constructed into the taillights, BLIS2 can alert the driving force when a automobile in an adjoining lane is detected within the blind spot, which helps keep away from collisions when switching lanes.
In automobiles fitted with Ford’s manufacturing unit Tow Pack, the Trailer Protection system may be set to the size of the trailer, supporting trailers as much as 2.4 metres huge and 10 metres lengthy. The system additionally permits you to retailer your trailer’s dimensions for fast setup. As soon as set, it re-adjusts to account for the trailer, choosing up automobiles within the buyer’s blind spot sooner.
GoAuto expects new automobile pricing for the brand new Ford Ranger to be revealed quickly.
