Ford has teased the all-new Ranger ahead of its global unveiling on November 24, with a “rugged look” and “host of new features” promised for the popular pick-up.
The Ranger is nearing the end of an intensive test programme that has seen it cover well over one million miles in the hands of Blue Oval engineers.
The workhorse has completed 6,216 miles of desert driving, 388,357 miles of off-road durability testing, and 776,714 miles in situations designed to replicate everyday scenarios during its development cycle.
The brand claims that those working on the project have not “pulled any punches” and exerted the vehicle’s chassis, engines and transmissions to a variety of challenges with a maximum load capacity.
On top of real-world driving, engineers have also resorted to virtual testing to ensure the new Ranger is the “toughest, smartest, most versatile and most capable” when it goes on sale in over 180 markets in 2022.
With some of the processes deemed too extreme for humans, such as the ‘squeak and rattle’ exercise where the suspension and body are subjected to test cycles 24/7, computer simulations and robotics have been used.
Before prototypes entered the field, Ford Ranger Chief Program Engineer John Willems said his team used computers and real-world simulations that explored everything from aerodynamic properties to the structural qualities of key components.
“Every part of the next-generation Ranger was tested to the same standards that we demand of every Ford vehicle,” explained Willems.
“The next-generation Ford Ranger is being put through its paces across some of the toughest terrain around the world to, not only ensure it’s capable and customer ready, but that it also meets Ford’s stringent world-class quality, reliability and durability standards.
“It’s important that our customers are able to rely on Ranger to deliver years of dependable service, so, we’ve gone to great lengths to subject next-gen Ranger to extreme tests – stressing it much more than a typical consumer would – to help ensure it is ready to face everything life throws at it.
“Whether it’s tackling muddy bush tracks, coping with the rigours of extreme tropical weather, towing over alpine passes, or enduring temperatures of more than 50° Celsius, Ranger has to do it all,” added Willems.
Based on a platform co-developed with Volkswagen, it now appears the front of the MY2023 Ranger will adopt a look similar to its American F150 sibling after Ford released an official video. LED tail-lights and a built-in step for the rear bumper are also set to feature on it.
Designed and engineered in Australia, and built at the Blue Oval’s expanded Silverton factory in South Africa, UK examples of the Ranger are rumoured to be getting a four-cylinder turbo diesel and a 2.3-litre version of the company’s EcoBoost turbo petrol, with the latter benefitting from electrical assistance.
