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Ford has revealed its new Ford Ranger MS-RT pick-up truck based on the styling of the M-Sport rally team.
Designed to be the ultimate street truck, the newest in a long line of Rangers that include the Ford Ranger Raptor, Platinum, Wildtrak X, Wildtrak and Ford Ranger Tremor, the new MS-RT Ranger gets the powerful 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing 237hp and 600Nm of torque.
Apparently inspired by extreme Ranger racing trucks that compete in Asia, the Ranger MS-RT gets a honeycomb grille and integrated splitter.
The visual appearance of the truck is lowered by the sculpted side skirts, while at the rear there is a distinctive bumper with an integrated diffuser.
The tailgate has MS-RT graphics and gets an exclusive ducktail spoiler that no other regular model in the line-up has. There’s also an additional cab spoiler which is to assist with overall aerodynamic balance and high-speed stability of the pick-up.
It gets diamond cut 21-inch wheels – the largest size of wheels ever to have been offered on a Ford Ranger – that have been wrapped in low-profile 275/45 R21 tyres.
The wheel arches have been flared to extend the overall width by 82mm at the front and the rear. Ford has also increased the track by 40mm at each side to help improve the grip of the truck.
The suspension has been reconfigured with new, firmer dampers at the front, a retuned rear suspension set-up and an overall 40mm height reduction.
Perhaps most importantly, for businesses wanting to reclaim the VAT, the Ranger MS-RT has a 1-tonne load-carrying capacity making it a proper commercial vehicle.
On the inside the double-cab seats are now more supportive and the seat backs on the front seats have been made to look sportier. Like the new Transit Custom MS-RT which has also been revealed, the interior uses non-animal Eco-Leather and suede with distinctive MS-RT pattern and blue stitching. There are plenty of MS-RT badges across the seats, dash and floor mats.
The Ranger MS-RT will come in a range of colours that include Conquer Grey, with Agate Black painted mirror caps and door handles.
The Ford Ranger MS-RT price at launch will be £49,300 ex VAT, making it the joint most expensive model in the Ranger line-up alongside the Ford Ranger Raptor. In comparison the Ford Ranger Platinum is nearly £3k less at £46,450 ex VAT.
UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) surged by 21.0% in 2023, reaching 341,455 units, as per the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Each month, more businesses invested in fleet renewal compared to the previous year, resulting in a record influx of zero-emission vans onto Britain’s roads.
In 2023, an additional 59,316 LCVs of various types and sizes were registered compared to 2022, following a £2 billion increase in spending by companies fulfilling essential roles in the economy, spanning from local trades to online delivery services. December notably experienced a 36.1% surge in demand, marking the strongest month since 2015. As a result of increased vehicle investment throughout the year, 2023 witnessed the highest demand for new vans since the sector’s post-pandemic recovery in 2021, with the market just -6.6% below 2019 levels.
Demand for the largest vans (weighing more than 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes) continued to rise by 9.4%, representing 66.9% of all new van registrations, driven by operators opting for payload efficiencies. Medium-sized vans (above two tonnes to 2.5 tonnes) saw the largest growth, surging by 78.4% to 57,992 units, catering to urban operators' requirements for heavy load carrying capacity and smaller vehicle sizes.
New battery electric vans (BEVs) witnessed a positive trend, reaching record volumes with a 21.0% increase to 20,253 units, constituting 5.9% of the market. December saw a remarkable 73.8% surge in BEV uptake, with the greenest vehicles representing 10.0% of registrations, marking the second-highest monthly BEV share.
The Ford Transit Custom was the best-selling model of the year, followed by its larger sibling the Ford Transit dimensions. Third place in the rankings went to the Vauxhall Vivaro dimensions and the first and only pick-up truck in the top ten was the Ford Ranger.
Despite these advancements, the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, mandating 10% of every van manufacturer’s sales to be BEVs this year, poses challenges. Flatlined BEV market share in 2023 compared to 2022 highlights the need to align LCV demand with supply, necessitating immediate action to address barriers to BEV uptake, particularly the shortage of van-suitable public chargers. A sustained commitment to the Plug-in Van Grant is essential for facilitating a seamless transition across all sectors and regions of the country.
Ford Performance has announced its entry into the Dakar Rally, one of the toughest off-road races in the world, with a Dakar Rally Ranger Raptor. The company plans to compete in the 2024 Dakar Rally and beyond with extreme racing versions of the Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor.
Ford will collaborate with longtime partners M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) for vehicle development, servicing, and event management. The first step in their multi-year plan is to finish and learn from the race with the Ranger T1+ and the expertise of their partners.
The 2024 Dakar Rally will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 5 to January 19. Ford will field a purpose-built, high-performance Ford Ranger in the Rally Raid T1+ category. The vehicle will be based on the previous generation global Ranger and will feature a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine.
To prepare for the Dakar Rally, the Ford Performance team will undergo a series of development phases throughout 2023. They will also participate in test races such as Spain's Baja España Aragón and Morocco's Rally du Maroc in July and October, respectively.
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports, expressed the significance of this endeavor and acknowledged the challenge ahead. The team aims to not only race to win but also to gather valuable insights that can be used to improve Ford's products for customers.
Overall, Ford's entry into the Dakar Rally represents an exciting expansion of its motorsports endeavors into the global off-road racing scene, and the company is looking forward to the learning adventure that awaits them.
In preparation for the 2025 Dakar Rally, Ford Performance and M-Sport are collaborating to develop a new, custom-built Ford Ranger Raptor. This vehicle will be designed and constructed according to the T1+ class regulations of the Dakar Rally.
Malcolm Wilson, the managing director of M-Sport, expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete in the Dakar Rally with the Ranger Raptor. M-Sport has a successful track record in rally racing, particularly in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), where they have partnered with Ford. They are eager to bring the same level of focus, energy, and effort to the Dakar Rally with the Ford Ranger.
M-Sport has gained recognition as a leading developer and campaigner of the M-Sport Ford Puma HybridRally1 in the WRC. They are also engine builders for the Mustang GT3 program. Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) has been an essential part of the Rally-Raid Ranger's development since its early stages. They have built and developed units at their facility in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, specifically designed to compete in full Dakar T1+ regulations in the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) and other international events.
Hennessey Performance Engineering has announced a new upgrade package for the Ford Ranger Raptor pick-up truck. The VelociRaptor 500 package includes a number of performance and cosmetic enhancements, including a 500hp engine upgrade, custom bumpers, LED off-road lights, and 35-inch off-road tires.
The VelociRaptor 500 package is priced at $24,950 and can be carried out on the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor.
John Hennessey, CEO, said: "The VelociRaptor 500 Ranger is an excellent choice for the pickup enthusiast who doesn't need the capacity of our full-size VelociRaptor 600 F-150. The midsize pickup is incredibly capable and very agile… it's actually lighter than the Bronco SUV! In addition, our 500hp upgrade will noticeably improve low-end torque, and it's got a lot more power for those who like to really push their trucks in mud, sand, or on the open road."
The VelociRaptor 500 package is the latest in a line of performance upgrades from Hennessey Performance Engineering. The company has also offered performance packages for the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger.
The VelociRaptor 500 package includes a high-flow air induction system that increases air intake by 50%, a larger front-mounted intercooler that cools the air intake for improved performance and an engine management software upgrade that optimises the engine for increased power and torque.
Cosmetic changes to the VelociRaptor 500 include:
The VelociRaptor 500 package is a significant upgrade for the Ford Ranger Raptor. The increased power and torque will make the truck more capable off-road, while the cosmetic enhancements will give it a more aggressive appearance.
The package is priced at $24,950, which is a significant investment, but it is worth it for those who want the ultimate in performance and capability from their Ranger Raptor.
VelociRaptor 500 package includes:
The VelociRaptor 500 package is a significant upgrade for those who want more power, torque, and off-road capability from their truck.
Ford has revealed details of two new Ranger pick-up truck models that will be added to the new Ford Ranger line-up. The range will expand with a new Ford Ranger Wildtrak X and Ford Ranger Tremor variants.
Both Wildtrak X and Tremor pick-ups will get a new reworked chassis and revised suspension with Bilstein dampers as standard. They will also have off-road focused driver assistance systems and individual styling changes to reflect their new off-road potential.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X adds to the abilities of the Wildtrak model with a 26mm increase in ride height and a 30mm wider track width.
Bilstein high-performance position‑sensitive dampers provide the right amount of damping force throughout their travel to enhance off-road ability. There’s also and uprated heavy-duty power steering system and protective steel bash plate. deliver even more confidence off-road.
Trail Control, first seen on the new Ford Ranger Raptor, will also be a standard new off-road feature, and Trail Turn Assist which is a brake-based torque vectoring system to reduce turning radius by up to 25% is also fitted.
Power comes from the Ranger’s standard 2-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel engine. All Ford Ranger Wildtrak X models will get the top power 203hp engine with 500Nm of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard along with a full-time four-wheel drive system.
Ranger Wildtrak X gets a wider stance than regular Rangers and increased ground clearance. An Asphalt Black grille surround and bumper H-bar differentiate the Wildtrak X along with the wheel arch trim and rear bumper. Matrix LED headlamps with auxiliary lamps in the grille will be an option and there’s matching black 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain white-lettered tyres.
On the inside there are unique Miko suede-trimmed seats with Wildtrak X stitching.
The new Ford Ranger Tremor is a new name to the Range line-up in the UK and is based on the Ranger XLT. However, it shares the chassis and new all-wheel drive system from Wildtrak X.
It gets a distinctive long-leg tubular sports bar is fitted as standard with cast aluminium side steps and exposed twin front tow hooks. Similar to the Ford Ranger Wolftrak, the Ford Ranger Tremor will get unique Boulder Grey details and a darkened grille.
The Ford Ranger Tremor’s seats and floor also have water-resistant, easily-cleaned vinyl trim. The pre-wired overhead switch pack found in the Ranger Raptor with up to six inputs and suitable for equipment such as winches and LED light bars will also be an option.
Both Ranger Wildtrak X and Tremor can also be specified with Ford’s new Flexible Rack System.The folding roof rack with adjustable sliding rear load hoop allow long items to be carried above the roof rather than wedged between the tailgate and cab. The Flexible Rack System will also be available as an option for Ranger Limited and Wildtrak models from March 2023.
Ford Pro has notched up an impressive eighth successive year as market leader in Europe.
Ford recorded its highest-ever overall market share of 15% beating Renault into second position with a 14.4% market share. Ford also increased its share year-over-year in a total of eleven countries. These included Britain - where the Ford Transit Custom van was also the most popular of all vehicles - Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and Turkey.
“Setting a new record of eight consecutive years of European market leadership demonstrates how much our commercial customers rely on Ford’s vans and pickups to deliver for their business. As we roll out our unique platform of software, charging and services across Europe, we are determined to ensure Ford Pro remains our customers’ trusted partner for productivity,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.
The growth comes as Ford looks to revitalise its line-up as it prepares for electrification. The large electric Ford E-Transit is now available in all markets after its launch earlier in 2022, while details of the upcoming Ford E-Transit Custom and new Transit Custom PHEV were revealed at the Hannover IAA trade show.
Ford Pro also unveiled its integrated platform of software, charging, servicing and financing, purpose-built to accelerate the productivity and sustainability of businesses of all sizes across Europe.
Rounding off the year, Ford also unveiled the new Ford Ranger and Ford Ranger Raptor pick-up trucks. The pick-up truck platform will also be used by Volkswagen for their re-entry in the pick-up truck market with the new Volkswagen Amarok. Unsurprisingly, the Ford Ranger also marked an eighth successive years as Europe’s most popular pickup truck.
Ford Pro was Europe's commercial vehicle sales leader in 2022, marking an eighth successive year of market leadership for Ford and a new record in the industry.
The Ford Transit Custom was the best-selling one-tonne van in Europe and the best selling vehicle in the UK in 2022.
Ford's market leadership in Britain is currently 57 consecutive years.
The all-electric successor of the Transit Custom van is the E-Transit Custom, which is arriving in late 2023.
Ford Pro's new product launched in spring 2022 was the all-electric E-Transit van, which has led European monthly sales of the two-tonne EV van segment since June last year and attracted over 1,750 UK orders. They also announced a new Ford Ranger pick-up and a successor to the Ford Transit Custom PHEV.
Ford Pro is the name for the commercial vehicle division of Ford and it unveiled its integrated platform of software, charging, servicing, and financing, purpose-built to accelerate the productivity and sustainability of businesses of all sizes across Europe.
These are the very first pictures of the next generation Ford Ranger 2022 pick-up truck due to be released next year.
Pick-up truck owners are well-aware of the Ranger’s abilities but the new pictures and accompanying video show the fourth generation Ranger to be an all-conquering master of every terrain.
The minute and a half long teaser video shows a prototype Ranger power sliding over various surfaces while apparently testing in Australia and New Zealand and is overlaid with some eye-catching captions.
Mud - Make sure everything works when it’s full of mud
Grit - Punishing the powertrain in the desert
Rock – Torture testing when the going gets tough
Snow – testing the slip and grip in the freezing cold
Off-road – a self-reliant adventure where the journey is the goal
There’s no word yet on the 2022 Ford Ranger price or if it will be available with petrol or electric powertrains. Earlier this year Ford revealed its Ford F-150 Lightening electric pick-up truck. While the Ranger will also be heading to the United States, there has been no indication yet as to whether the new Ranger pick-up will get an electric powertrain at any point during its life-cycle.
Instead, the Ranger will be built for all global markets from production facilities in Thailand and South Africa. The 2022 Ford Ranger was designed by a Ford team in Australia, and will also be the same platform adopted by Volkswagen for their next generation of Volkswagen Amarok.
The Volkswagen Amarok with its powerful V6 engine went off sale in the UK in 2020 because of emissions regulations. The range-topping Ford Ranger Raptor will also be replaced with a V6 petrol engine.
The Ford Ranger has become the stand-out best selling pick-up truck in the UK market, redefining the market for premium segment trucks when the third generation model was launched in 2011.
Read our third generation Ford Ranger (2011-2015) review
Despite a number of manufacturers withdrawing their pick-up truck models from sale, which include the Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 and Volkswagen Amarok, sales in the sector remains buoyant. The current models on sale in the UK pick-up segment are limited to the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, recently revamped SsangYong Musso and the Isuzu D-Max.
