2011 Ford Ranger: Not US-Bound Edition
Ford has unveiled the 2011 Ranger at the Australian International Auto Show. Larger than ever before, the truck features a three-bar grille, a distinctive front bumper, numerous chrome accents (on high-end models), and massive taillights.
Inside, the cabin is basic but everything is durable and ergonomically designed. As Debbie Pascoe, Ford’s color and trim manager, explains “The typical pickup driver needs space and we designed an interior that is comfortable, easy to slide in and out of, with controls that are larger to accommodate work gloves, for example. When you design a truck interior, special considerations have to be taken to ensure the cabin will be just as durable as the rest of the vehicle.”
Under the hood, three new engines are available. The 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi I4 produces 148 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. If that isn’t powerful enough, you can order the 3.2-liter Duratorq TDCi I5 which churns out 197 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, customers choose a 164 hp 2.5-liter Duratec I4 petrol which can be configured for E100 flex-fuel capability as well as CNG and LPG.
Transmission choices include the 6R80 six-speed automatic (with Sport and Normal modes), the MT82 six-speed manual, and the MT75 five-speed manual.
Four-wheel drive models have an electronically controlled transfer case that allows drivers to shift from 4×2 to 4×4 as needed. Furthermore, an electric locking differential / limited slip differential is optional.
Production for the global compact truck will begin next summer (Northern Hemisphere) in Rayong, Thailand, for the Asia Pacific region while Ford prepares plants in Argentina and South Africa to serve other key regions. Eventually the new Ranger will be sold in 180 countries, not including United States and Canada.
Source: WCF
Dec 9th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
[...] decision to cancel Ranger in America (but keep the vehicle going overseas) stems from poor sales of small trucks across the board, at their company as well as other [...]