FORD has revealed {that a} beefed-up Ranger mannequin will put on the Tremendous Responsibility nameplate from 2026 – the primary time the hardcore specification can be utilized to a Blue Oval mannequin that isn’t an F-Sequence truck – packing towing, gross car mass and gross mixture mass scores to rival bigger 1500-class pickups.
The Australian arm of the US car-maker claims the Ranger Tremendous Responsibility will ship next-level, work-ready functionality to serve prospects wanting a more durable choice, born out of collaboration with fleet prospects, with improvement for international markets led by a 1500-strong group of designers, engineers and specialists based mostly Down Below.
Whereas restricted particulars have been revealed, Ford Australia has confirmed the Tremendous Responsibility will nonetheless be a mid-size ute however with credentials that put it nearer to a light-duty truck.
The announcement outlines a gross car mass (GVM) of 4500kg (proper on the restrict for the standard automotive licence), most braked towing capability of 4500kg, and a gross mixture mass (GCM) of 8000kg.
To place these numbers into perspective, and whereas Ford is but to verify payload, the present Ranger (and nearly each dual-cab ute in the marketplace) presents a towing capability of 3500kg, a GVM of between 3000-3350kg, and GCM tops out at 6400kg.
A kerb weight of between 2000kg to 2400kg leaves most dual-cab utes with a payload of round a tonne – lots for the common weekend warrior however brief on what a severe adventurer or fleet operator would possibly want.
Whereas the assorted 1500-class pickups in the marketplace – such because the Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado – do supply a 4500kg towing capability, their payload hovers round 700kg.
The GVM of a 1500-class ute is round 3500kg and the GCM round 7500kg, which additionally places them behind the figures Ford has revealed for its heavy-hitting Ranger.
It seems then, that Ford is probably going going after the intense finish of city – prospects that need business ranges of productiveness with out having to purchase a fully-fledged truck. No less than that’s GoAuto’s take, and it makes quite a lot of sense.
Ford Australia says the Ranger Tremendous Responsibility has been engineered and designed to ship the upper GVM, GCM and towing capability, in addition to enhanced off-road functionality, for industries like emergency providers, mining, utilities, forestry and extra.
“Ranger Tremendous Responsibility blends the good options and superior security of our award-winning Ranger with heavy-duty functionality and delivers what our patrons advised us they wanted however couldn’t get anyplace else,” stated Ford Motor Firm basic supervisor, international truck, Sondra Sutton Phung.
“This work-ready car will give house owners the pliability they should get the massive jobs performed, with the boldness of a factory-backed guarantee.”
This new mannequin is being developed by Ford’s Worldwide Markets Group product improvement workforce, however can be led by a 1500-strong group of designers, engineers and specialists based mostly in Australia.
In response to the announcement, the brand new mannequin can be manufactured in Thailand and can go on sale in numerous markets.
“Ranger Tremendous Responsibility additional strengthens our business car portfolio, with an providing for every kind of labor,” stated Ford Australia and New Zealand president and chief govt, Andrew Birkic.
“As we transfer nearer to launch, we’ll proceed to work carefully with fleets and car modifiers throughout Australia to ensure that Ranger Tremendous Responsibility does every thing they anticipate it to, and a lot extra.”
Whereas little is understood about specs of the Ranger Tremendous Responsibility, the numbers trace at it being Ford’s heaviest hitter for the fleet, commerce and journey markets.